The Press – Friday January 17 2020

ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley

Friday January 17, 2020

No. 928

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Memorial plan for pit disaster

‘Victimised’ due to his condition?

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HELP FIND PARKING FACE-OFF COUPLE

VICTIM: Stephen Brook was left bloodied after the confrontation over parking in Dewsbury

Appeal after man stabbed with screwdriver in town centre row A MAN was stabbed twice in the face with a screwdriver following a parking dispute in Dewsbury town centre.

Stephen Brook, of Cornmill Drive in Liversedge, said his attacker screamed “I’m not a ****ing fighter, I’m a ****ing murderer” during the terrifying assault.

The incident began at 11.30am on Saturday morning after Mr Brook had parked his partner’s car in an alleyway off Foundry Street, close to

Dewsbury Market.

The 27-year-old told The Press that his partner received a number of abusive phone calls demanding that she move her vehicle, which has her number written on the rear window.

“When I got back inside the car a woman came and stood behind it so I couldn’t move,” he said.

“Her husband then came up to the side of the vehicle and started shouting at me.

“I got out and he came right up to

By Connor Teale News Reporter connor@thepressnews.co.uk

my face, so I pushed him back.

“At this point he threw hot coffee on me. It then erupted into a fight which eventually got split up.”

Mr Brook, who works as an HGV driver, said that the woman then reached for his keys and threw them into an alleyway.

He added: “I went into the alleyway to look for my keys and the male came back with a screwdriver. He lunged for my stomach but luckily it didn’t pierce my clothing.

“He stabbed me twice in the face before my friend jumped in and pulled him off me. We (Mr Brook and his partner) got in my car and escaped the scene.”

Mr Brook was treated in hospital for ‘superficial’ injuries and said he feels lucky to have escaped further

damage. “One of the wounds is just above my right eye so I feel very lucky – if I’d have lost my eye I would have lost my job,” he added.

Mr Brook is appealing for anybody who might have witnessed the incident, or has footage of the altercation, to contact police.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed enquiries remain ongoing and urged anyone with information to call 101, quoting crime reference number 13200017981.

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ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Family notices in The Press Although we carry some abridged funeral notices, we cannot guarantee inclusion. However you can ensure information about your loved ones, whether that be a death/funeral notice, an acknowledgement or a birthday memory, reaches by far the most readers in North Kirklees. What’s more, Family Notices in The Press are significantly more affordable than other newspapers. For personal service, from a local business, call us on 01924 470296. Notices can be taken until 1.30pm on Thursdays.

Deaths

CROSSLEY (Nee Page) Patricia Constance

ALLSOP Peter

MITCHELL Barry Mrs Pauline Mitchell, Joanne, Jonathan and Sarah are saddened to announce the passing of Barry on Sunday, January 5th, aged 77.

On 9th January 2020, suddenly but peacefully, in hospital, of Batley, aged 93 years, Pat, beloved wife of the late Jim, dearly loved mum of Peter, David and Paul, very dear mother-in-law of Stephanie, Pam and Maria, a much-loved grandma and great grandma. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday 27th January 2020 at 10am. Friends please accept this intimation and meet at the crematorium. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu may be placed in the collection box provided or sent to George Brooke Ltd, Funeral Directors, for the benefit of the British Legion and the British Heart Foundation.

1945 - 2020 Suddenly on Sunday 5th January 2020 and of Ouzelwell Terrace, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury, aged 74, Peter, dearly loved husband of Christine, much loved dad of Phillip, Anne-Marie and Ian, dear father-inlaw, loving granddad and great granddad.

Peter will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

A service of celebration for Peter’s life will take place on Friday 24th January 2020 at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium at 1.15pm, followed by refreshments at Morton House Club, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury.

Will friends please accept this intimation.

Family flowers only please, but donations in lieu, if so desired for the benefit of British Heart Foundation may be left in the collection box provided at the funeral service or made online at www.rfearnley-funerals.co.uk - Memory Giving - Donations.

Enquiries to Richard Fearnley Independent Funeral Directors - Tel: 01924 494435.

DACRE Barbara On January 3, wife of Everett Harry Dacre.

Funeral will be at St James’s Parish Church, Heckmondwike on Thursday January 23 at 11.30am

HIRST John

Telephone 01924 472178

BOLLANDS (BIRSTALL)

Passed away at home 1st January 2020.

Beloved husband of Pat - much loved dad of Kate & Moira & loving grandad Funeral will be held Friday 24th January 11.00am at St Mary’s Church, Batley Family flowers only

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Peacefully yet suddenly at his home in Dewsbury surrounded by his loving family.

A Celebration of Barry’s life will be held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday, January 23rd at 11.15am.

Floral tributes welcome or if desired donations in lieu for Teenage Cancer Trust may be made on leaving the crematorium.

HOFLER (Nee Fryer) Patricia Passed away peacefully after a long illness aged 81yrs on 9th January 2020 in Melbourne, Australia.

Beloved wife of the late Carl, dear mother of the late Howard, loved mum of Andrew, mother in law to Sally, Grandma of Nicholas, sister and aunt.

RIP

JOHNSON Ian On January 9, aged 69 years, of Mirfield, husband of June.

Service will be held at St Mary’s Parish Church, Mirfield on Monday January 27 at 11.30am

Enquiries: Eric F. Box Funeral Directors Tel: 01924 465402

On January 1st, peacefully in hospital, aged 89 years. Wife of the late Brian. Loving mum of Karen, Aileen & Simon, mum in law of David, nanna of Luke.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit RC Church, Heckmondwike 29th January at 11am, followed by a private family cremation. All enquiries to Eric F. Box Funeral Directors, Dewsbury. Tel: 01924 465402

On January 5, aged 60. Funeral will take place at Butterfield House Private Chapel of Rest, Bradford Rd, Cleckheaton, BD19 5LT on Friday January 24 at 1.15pm.

A Family Business providing a complete and caring service for over 65 years Golden Charter Pre-Payment Plans 24 Hour Service Head Office - 14 Sharp Street, Dewsbury Chapel Of Rest - 9 Battye Street, Dewsbury Room Of Repose - 14a St Paul’s Road, Mirfield

PEEL Jacqueline On January 10, aged 77, nee Hirst & Smithson, mum of Debra, Mandy, Nigel, Darren and Donna.

Funeral is on Jan 29 at 10.30am at Huddersfield Crematorium.

ThePress Friday January 17, 2020 Issue No: 928

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On January 13th at home in Mirfield.

Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Wednesday January 22 at 9.30am.

Family flowers only please by request, donations in lieu if so desired for the Rosewood Centre, Dewsbury Hospital for which a plate will be available.

Enquiries to Co-op Funeralcare, Joseph Sheard Funeral Home, tel. 01924 492219. Will friends please meet at the Crematorium.

SOWERBY Colin 6th January, peacefully in his sleep.

Postmaster at Birstall Post Office for 39 years.

Sadly missed by all his family and friends.

MOONEY Monica “Mona”

NEWTON Gary

ROWLEY (Nee Taylor) Irene

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 Reporters: Zoë Shackleton & Connor Teale Sports Reporter: Stephen Ibbetson Photography: Mike Clark & YappApp Graphic Designer: Craig Moore Sales Manager: Lucy Tissiman Key Account Manager: Jo Gilbert Senior Sales Executive: Janet Black Classified Sales Executive: Rachael Hall Office Manager: Angela Hall

TAYLOR (nee Robinson) Maureen On January 12, of Birstall, aged 79, Maureen, wife of the late David and partner of Bryan, mum of David, Richard and Caroline. Funeral is at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday January 31 at 12.30pm.

Burglary suspect stole jewellery POLICE have released an e-fit image of a man they are looking to identify in connection with a burglary in Mirfield.

The offence took place between 6.30pm and 7.20pm on November 27 2019 at a house on Crowlees Road.

Suspects broke into the property and stole items of jewellery from a bedroom while the owners were out.

The occupants saw a man leaving the property when they returned, and he fled in the direction of Pinfold Lane when they shouted out.

Police are appealing for The Press abides by the anyone who recognises the principles of the Independent man (pictured), or who has Press Standards Organisation any information about the and at all times attempts to offence, to contact Kirklees report fairly and accurately CID on 101, quoting crime and correct mistakes or reference number errors as soon as possible.

13190609697.

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

If you notice a factual inaccuracy, please email news@thepressnews.co.uk.

You can also write to The Press, 31 Branch Road, Batley, WF17 5SB We adhere to the Editors’ Code of Practice as enforced

by IPSO, who are contactable for advice at: IPSO, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street, London, EC4M 7LG Website: www.ipso.co.uk Email: advice@ipso.co.uk Telephone: 0300 123 2220

Argos set to move

DEWSBURY: The town’s Argos store is to be relocated from the Princess of Wales shopping centre.

Staff at the store have been offered the chance to redeploy to its new home inside the Sainsbury’s supermarket on Railway Street.

It comes as part of a national overhaul of the group which will see around 80 Argos stores moved into Sainsbury’s supermarkets, while 70 will be permanently closed.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Permanent tribute to pit disaster victims

By Alison Bellamy A PERMANENT memorial is to be built in memory of 139 men and boys who lost their lives in one of the UK’s worst coal mining disasters.

The £40,000 monument in central Dewsbury will commemorate those killed in an underground explosion at the Combs Colliery in Thornhill in 1893. Only seven men survived.

A mass burial took place with all the victims buried in unmarked graves in Thornhill Parish Church yard and other nearby locations.

Now, 127 years later, their memory will be marked with a mining wheel monument to commemorate the tragedy, as well as a roll of honour for those who died.

Paul Ellis, president of the Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, who has been working on the project for more than two decades, said: “Out of the 139 dead, 46 of them were under 16. And seven of the 46 were only 12.

“The victims have never been officially remembered and a lasting memorial is needed. This has been a project of more than 20 years in the planning and it is something which still runs deep for relatives of the dead men and people in our town, which was once home to this mining community.

“It was an unprecedented disaster at the time, on such a huge scale, leaving the community in a state of shock.”

A huge mining wheel, rescued from Denaby Main Colliery in South Yorkshire, is to be installed in Dewsbury town centre later this year on Longcauseway, opposite the United Reformed Church.

A funding bid has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to finance the project, which is expected to cost up to £40,000.

The names of everyone killed will also be listed on a roll of honour to be unveiled at Dewsbury Town Hall.

Mr Ellis has been working on the project alongside Dewsbury East councillor Eric Firth, with support from local businessman Andrew Hutchinson – who salvaged the mining wheel.

Sir Keir Starmer set for Batley visit A FAVOURITE in the Labour leadership race will be in Batley today (Friday).

Sir Keir Starmer – who is tipped to take over from Jeremy Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party in April – is visiting the Batley & Spen constituency on the invitation of MP Tracy Brabin.

Mr Starmer will begin his visit at Foundations Nursery on Cambridge Street before heading to Batley Food Bank to meet volunteers.

He will then speak to constituents at Batley Community Centre, where he will outline his vision for the Labour party and host a Q&A. Sir Keir is one of five candidates in the fight for the party leadership. The others are Lisa Nandy, Jess Phillips, Emily Thornberry and Rebecca Long-Bailey.

Ms Brabin, who is backing Mr Starmer in the leadership race, said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming Keir to Batley & Spen.

“I’m backing him to be the next Labour leader because I’ve seen first-hand how he can rebuild the party after our devastating election result.

“He’s extremely experienced after a distinguished legal career and his years in Parliament. His meticulous eye for detail is the best way to hold the Prime Minister to account.

“We need a strong, united Labour party to regain the trust of voters who have turned away from our policies.”

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News In Brief Colin inquest opened DEWSBURY: An inquest has opened into the death of Shaw Cross pensioner Colin Vasey.

Mr Vasey, 81, went missing from his home on November 17, 2019.

His body was found close to a builder’s yard on the River Calder exactly one month later (December 17).

Bradford Corner’s Court heard Mr Vasey had been struggling to cope with the death of his wife prior to his own passing.

Coroner’s official Bernard Tate said: “These are very sad circumstances indeed. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.

The cause of death was drowning.”

The inquest was adjourned until later this year.

Pay what you can What happened at Combs Colliery?

Coun Eric Firth, (Lab, Dewsbury East) Marilyn Shaw of Dewsbury Forward and Paul Ellis, president of the Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, look at plans for the mining monument Photo: Mark Bickerdike The project has backing from Kirklees Council and members of Dewsbury Forward.

Coun Firth said: “This has been a long time coming and it will honour those who died and the families affected.

“We have the full list of all names and ages with some local surnames we recognise.

Descendants will have had great grandfathers and relatives lost in the explosion.”

The monument was initially supposed to be built in Thornhill, but it wasn’t practical or safe to locate it near the church or former colliery which closed in 1971.

One half of the wheel will be used in a semi-circular design on top of a Yorkshire stone plinth. Plans could see a new pavement area around it and benches installed.

The wheel has been in storage for more than 20 years after being rescued by Mr Hutchinson, a salvage and demolition expert from Dewsbury. It is currently being painted and restored.

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• Twelve was the age deemed suitable for youngsters to go down the pit to earn a living. The smaller boys could crawl into smaller spaces into seams of coal.

• Of those who died, 110 were buried in Thornhill churchyard, 16 at Whitley, three at the Baptist Chapel churchyard in Thornhill, one at Dewsbury, one at Flockton, one at Middlestown and one at Outwood.

• Most of the men died not as a result of the explosion but as a result of inhaling the dreadful ‘afterdamp’ gas, which every miner feared.

• As news of the disaster spread, a crowd of around 20,000 gathered on the Combs in Thornhill as the bodies were brought up from underground, one by one, until 139 were laid out on the hillside.

• They were all buried in the village churchyard on the same day in unmarked graves. The pit owner arranged for them to have coffins but no name marking their existence.

• An inquiry later revealed the explosion was caused by a naked light igniting a small amount of gas which accumulated at the bottom of the pit shaft.

• A trust fund was set up nationally and around £30,000 was collected – equivalent to almost £4million today.

DEWSBURY: Longcauseway Church is hosting its first ‘pay what you can’ community lunch later this month in a bid to combat loneliness.

On Sunday January 26 (12pm-2pm) the church will put on a hot meal for anyone who wants one – and you only have to pay what you can afford.

The lunch will then take place on the last Sunday of each month and everyone is welcome.

Good causes rewarded NORTH KIRKLEES: More than £12,000 has been donated to local projects across the district, courtesy of Locala.

The not-for-profit company, which provides NHS community healthcare services, picked eight groups from North Kirklees to benefit from a cash pot of nearly £27,000 for good causes.

The chosen eight were Mirfield’s Safe Anchor Trust (£2,500), Young at Heart in Batley (£1,500), Streetbikes (£1,500), Birstall Knit and Natter (£1,000), Emotional Support for Children and Young People in Gomersal (£1,500), Sky Positive Minds in Batley (£1,500) and Dewsbury’s Take Ten mental health support group (£,1500).

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News In Brief Special carers event CLECKHEATON: The owner of Ribbon Tree Communitea Room has announced the cafe will host fortnightly ‘carers coffee mornings’.

The sessions, run in partnership with Nova Care Yorkshire Ltd, will aim to provide a deserved break for anyone currently caring for family members or friends.

Sarah, owner of the cafe on Westgate, said: “Caring for someone can be socially isolating and exhausting and can impact on mental wellbeing. Myself and the girls at Nova Care are keen to alleviate this.”

The first event will take place on Wednesday January 22, from 10am to 11.45am. Free refills of tea and coffee will be available.

Plan group meeting MIRFIELD: The town’s Neighbourhood Plan team will meet at Trinity Methodist Church tomorrow (Sat). The group, set up in 2015 by Mirfield Town Council, allows the community to come together and produce a policy for the future development, regeneration and conservation of the area. Tomorrow’s meeting, at the church on Trinity Street, will run from 1.30pm to 5pm and is open to the public.

Refreshments will also be available.

Market stall appeal OSSETT: A charity is appealing for urgent donations of unwanted toys, toiletries, gifts, bric-a-brac, jewellery and empty bottles.

The Samantha Sykes Foundation Trust, which supports looked-after children in Kirklees and its surrounding areas when they leave care, has a stall at Ossett Market selling various goods from craft and hand-knitted items to second-hand toys and light bottles.

All the money raised goes to the charity and donations can be dropped off at the stall on market days in Ossett Town Hall every Tuesday and Friday.

Friday January 17, 2020

‘Victimised because of his disability’

By Zoe Shackleton A COUPLE from Batley have criticised the treatment their disabled son received at Pinderfields Hospital.

Joanne and John Skeffington, of Heaton Road, hit out after son Jonathan, who has cerebral palsy, was forced to spend a month over Christmas and New Year in hospital with a problem they claim could have been alleviated as soon as they arrived.

The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Pinderfields, are currently investigating their case.

The pair took 27-year-old Jonathan to the Wakefield hospital back in September because he was bleeding from a tube that feeds him through his stomach.

They claim that doctors told them his bowel was blocked and they couldn’t do anything further to help him, sending him back home.

Three months later Jonathan, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of five, was still bleeding and had to be taken by ambulance again to Pinderfields on December 9.

And that’s where the problems started, according to Joanne and John.

John, 55 and his son’s full-time carer, said: “We spent 13 hours in A&E to get a doctor to see him but nobody would come and see him.

“A chest doctor finally came to give him an x-ray and said he’s got an infection, which he didn’t – he didn’t have a temperature. Ten minutes later she came back to say he hadn’t

ORDEAL: Joanne Skeffington with son Jonathan

got an infection but that they couldn’t look after him.

“We went from one doctor to another and nobody would take control of him.”

Eventually John said they were transferred to an intensive care unit bed because there was nowhere else available.

Jonathan reportedly remained there for 11 days whilst doctors decided what treatment they could or couldn’t give him – claiming it was “too risky” to replace his feeding tube in a procedure known as a jejunostomy or insert a camera to investigate the problem.

His parents said after he was finally given a PICC line (a catheter tube) to provide him with the nutrition he needed, he was then moved to gate 34 – where they claim he wasn’t given enough food or water to survive.

Mum Joanne, 45 and also his full-time carer, said: “From the moment he moved from ICU to the new ward he saw no doctor whatsoever, nobody came near that bed apart from the nutrition team.

“We got no water which we questioned, and they said there was enough going through but there wasn’t. There was only 1,200ml going through (his PICC line) in 24 hours and his stomach was still bleeding.”

Joanne said it got to a point where “he was at death’s door” because he was so dehydrated – and she said it was only then when doctors decided to perform the jejunostomy they’d wanted back in September.

John said: “We feel he’s been discriminated against because of his disability. If it had been

me or you, they’d have seen to us straight away without hesitation.

“He hasn’t got anything that’s incurable.

There’s nothing wrong with his body, there wouldn’t be anything risky about any of the procedures.

“We are disgusted, he’s been victimised because of his disability. They didn’t see him as a proper person, they didn’t give him a chance to have any tests.

“When it (the jejunostomy) finally got done, it was wrong what they said in the first place.

We said there was no bowel blockage and they still dismissed it. They just fobbed him off.”

The couple have made a formal complaint to the Mid Yorkshire Trust.

David Melia, director of nursing and quality at Mid Yorkshire, said: “We aim to provide the best care and treatment for our patients and we always take this very seriously when families raise concerns with us.

“Whilst the trust is not in a position to comment on individual cases due to confidentiality, we are carrying out a full investigation into the family’s concerns, and will be speaking directly with the family following this as soon as possible.

“Every single member of the trust comes to work each day to provide the best possible care for all our patients and the team on gate 34 are no exception.

“The team is committed to making improvements. We hope this helps to further improve the level of care we all provide.”

Rental charges to increase

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter COUNCIL property rents and service charges in Kirklees will go up this year.

In 2020/2021 tenants with homes within the Kirklees Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) can expect to pay an average weekly rent of £70.16 – an increase of 2.7 per cent.

Charges for extra care services will also go up: by 2.7 per cent for night care service and by two per cent for intensive housing management.

Garage rents will also increase by 2.7 per cent.

The changes will come into force on April 6 and apply for

five years.

The increase follows the introduction in 2016 of a rent cap by the Government, which required social landlords like Kirklees to reduce their rents by one per cent each year for four years.

The cumulative impact in lost revenue to Kirklees Council was £24.3m.

The council says it is unlikely to fully recoup that money despite being “prudent as an administration” over the last four years.

New tenants will continue to be charged a target rent based on size, value, location and local earnings levels.

Coun Cathy Scott, the council’s Cabinet member for Housing, said: “The HRA is ring-fenced money. It has to

be specifically spent so it’s about areas where it can be spent on.

“It’s to maintain all our stock levels to decent standard over a 30-year period.

“It’s about high-quality housing management and housing repair services, and it’s about exploring the opportunities that are on the horizon for a strategic investment in new build.”

Council leader Shabir Pandor added that the aftermath of the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster and the highlighting of shortfalls by the Hackitt review meant local authorities such as Kirklees had had to do more to comply with fire safety regulations.

He added: “We are still committed to doing that.”

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Appeal after Heckmondwike armed robbery POLICE are appealing for information following an armed robbery in Heckmondwike last week.

The incident happened on Friday January 10 at the offices of the Hamond Group, on Albion Street, at around 12.30pm.

Two men armed with an axe and baseball bat entered the premises and threatened staff before taking off with £9,000 in cash, a silver Rolex watch and a black and gold Mont Blanc pen.

Police are now appealing for anyone who might recognise the two males (pictured left), or anyone who saw a navy blue Nissan Primera (right) in the area at the time, to come forward.

Both men are described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall and they spoke with a local accent.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting crime reference number 13200016219.

OAP blasts blue badge scheme

By Zoe Shackleton A PENSIONER from Cleckheaton has hit out at Kirklees’ ‘ridiculous’ blue badge disabled parking scheme.

Terry Windle’s wife Brenda, who suffers with severe arthritis, is still waiting to receive a blue badge after applying for one back in November.

And the 72-year-old won’t be given one until she has completed a physiotherapist test to determine if she fits the right criteria.

The couple, who live on Carlton Close, will have to travel to Deighton in Huddersfield to see a specialist next month, despite filling out the original application in Dewsbury.

Terry, 78 and a former HGV driver, is worried they could be waiting at least another three months before Brenda gets a blue badge.

He said: “Kirklees are advertising this scheme that’s so simple that people don’t have to look disabled to get a badge, but then they make it nearly impossible for you to get one.

Terry Windle is concerned that his wife will be left immobile because of the scheme “Why don’t they simplify the scheme by us doing the tests at the same place in Dewsbury? Why do we have to travel up to seven miles to see someone? And if we don’t turn up it’s a £20 penalty. What do they need?

Do we have to be on our knees?”

Man claims cosh WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER was bought to DUE TO THE REFURBISHMENT ARCADE, ‘protect himself’ OF CENTRAL CLECKHEATON A MIRFIELD man caught with an extendable baton in his car told police he had bought it to protect himself, a court heard.

Officers found the cosh in Daniel Harrison’s Ford Fiesta when they stopped the vehicle in Mirfield.

Kirklees magistrates heard that he’d bought the weapon from eBay after being the victim of a serious assault.

Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said that on the evening of November 18, 2019, police were carrying out routine checks of vehicles on Water Royd Avenue.

He said: “(Harrison’s) car pulled up and two males left, heading in different directions.

“Mr Harrison was the driver and there was another passenger inside the car.

“Officers conducted a search and found an extendable baton close to the front passenger seat.”

Mr Bozman added that Harrison, of Bradford Road, Liversedge, had bought the cosh as he’d been subjected to violence and felt he needed to defend himself and his family as a result.

Police also found two bags of cannabis which Harrison admitted were for his own personal use.

Harrison pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in public and possessing a controlled drug of Class B. The 24-year-old was fined £1,066 and ordered to pay a £106 victim surcharge plus £85 costs.

The cosh and cannabis were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.

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Kirklees launched a new scheme in September, in line with criteria laid out by the government, that people who have a nonvisible disability can apply for a blue badge.

They said applicants that need to be assessed must have their difficulties confirmed by an expert assessor, meaning that not all applicants will be successful.

Terry said: “It should be easily accessible to your own area if you’re to have this examination. They should do it in the first place when you do your application.

“We’re three months in now, we applied on November 1 so by the time of the appointment it’ll be four and by the team we get the badge it’ll be five or six months.

“That’s five months of her having to suffer when it’s such a simple problem to sort out – it just needed a bit of forethought.”

Kirklees has been approached for a comment.

5

News In Brief Generosity after fire MIRFIELD: A pensioner narrowly escaped from his own home as it went up in flames on Christmas Day. Norman Redfearn, 88, managed to flee from the back door of the property, on Crossley Lane, as the blaze spread from his living room.

The father-of-two, who has mobility issues, lost all his possessions and even had his car written off as a result of the fire.

But Morrisons in Heckmondwike has stepped in to donate several household items to Mr Redfearn, including a microwave, toaster and a kettle.

The pensioner’s daughter, Ann Parker, said her dad was “overwhelmed” by the gesture.

Peace procession DEWSBURY: Over 3,000 people paraded through the town’s streets for the 25th annual celebration of Eid-Malad.

The peace procession, led by local imams and senior scholars, saw congregations walk from the Ghausia Jamia Mosque, on Warren Street, to the Gulzar-E-Madina Jamia Mosque, on High Street, in celebration of the prophet Mohammad’s birthday.

A prayer service for world peace was also held before a community meal brought the celebrations to a close.

BBG work complete BIRKENSHAW: Building work has been completed on a £2.5million extension to BBG Academy.

New facilities at the secondary school on Bradford Road include 12 classrooms, an extended dining area, changing facilities and additional external areas.

The build, managed by construction consultants MAC, was made possible thanks to funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

ThePress

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No ‘happy ever after’ in Megxit T GIVES me no pleasure whatsoever to say that I gave Harry and Meghan “five years at best” from pretty much the moment they met, a rash (and hopefully still to be proven wrong) judgement which was cemented when we all copped a view of her awful father.

You must remember him – the drunken bankrupt living over the border in Mexico, who flogged fantastical stories to the gullible British press? And now he’s offering to give evidence against her in a libel trial? Lovely.

Mix that with the heraldic whimsies of a Monarchy with its own share of fruitcakes, and the odds on a happy-everafter were never great.

Bless ‘em, they’ve always seemed away-with-the-fairies – or to put it rather more col-

I

loquially, stuck so far up their own backsides they could taste yesterday’s breakfast. Meghan, the Hollywood princess who fancied being the real thing, and laddo Harry the simple, amiable chap who was smitten by her celebrity. Not to make too fine a point of it, I’ll bet she has a Catwoman costume and whip...

But still, where did it all go wrong?

So many of my American and Canadian friends have asked: “So what do you Brits make of Meghan…?” They really want us to love her.

My reply? “A bit on the skinny side for my liking, but the lass seems okay. They seem to be the darlings of the media.”

My, how that has changed.

Aussie bushfires, Indonesian

W25hthatJa’snuaorny !

‘Simon Walker’

29th February ‘9Lives’ 28th March ‘Little Britain’

Happy families?

We don’t need to share your ‘journey’ guys...

volcanoes and shot-down airliners? Heck, Trump and Iranian despot Ali Khamenei having a shoot-out at the OK Corral couldn’t knock those two oout of the headlines.

Do people actually care? I can’t say I do, other than to wish them health and happi-

ness like any young couple.

I started switching off the Sussexes when her US friends started feeding insinuations that Meghan’s colour was an “issue”. Really? I wasn’t even aware she was of mixed heritage until someone pointed it out.

But good grief, this is 2020.

Is there anyone who hasn’t got some form of mixed race in their wider family?

But to read the New York Times is to know they’re fixated with it – those racist (Brexit) Brits and a ‘woman of colour’ being resented by the establishment. Dearie me.

Then came their cringeing ‘African journey’ which wasn’t quite Prince Andrew’s nuclear self-destruct button, but it triggered a sequence of pathetically self-pitying tosh that climaxed with the current very public spat.

Anti-monarchists aside, I

think we Brits have always had a soft spot for William and Harry, given what they endured as children. You can’t overstate the psychological impact of what those boys went through.

And while it is clearly very 21st century to go public as a “man with mental health concerns” (trumped only by “transgender man with mental health concerns”), I suspect all their public breastbeating and sympathy-seeking had the senior Royals rolling their eyes and muttering “oh for crying out loud, grow a pair…”

But you can’t say that, these days. Not even to a soldier who has been on the front line of a war zone – probably especially to him.

You’re being something-ist, because everyone who isn’t whimperingly acquiescent is a something-ist. Racist, sexist, mentalist (can I copyright that?) fascist, blah-de-blahist.

What ended any sympathy I had, was last week’s fanfare of trumpets announcing Harry and Meghan were retiring from public life and

the hateful media. Okay, I get that. So quietly disappear off and go live your ordinary lives. Have a quiet word with Queenie, sort the finances and don’t make a fuss.

Except what this really seems to be all about is exactly that – making a big a fuss as possible. I suspect Meghan is carefully diarising this daily drama at her desk.

Heck, her manuscript of the book/film is probably already being touted round.

At least she could play herself in the film. And if you’re on social media you’ve probably seen footage of Harry embarrassingly accosting the head of Disney Studios on The Lion King red carpet, touting the missus to do some movie voice-overs.

You wouldn’t, would you?

But young Harry seems to possess all of uncle Andy’s shamelessness hustle in that regard.

It’s difficult to see a happy ending, sadly, and the more the pair clamour to tell ‘their side’ the worse I suspect they’ll make things for themselves.

I DON’T know why the latest appalling report into Muslim sex gangs, this time in Manchester, stops short of calling it what it actually is: State-sponsored rape. The police and local authority knew about it and ignored it; by any other name they were overseeing it, legalising it. Will a social services executive or chief inspector ever see the inside of a cell? Not a prayer, although they are every bit as guilty as the rapists. I would happily donate to any victims willing to bring a civil action against officials involved. Kirklees Council and police should be next, once the litany of grooming trials finally draws to a close, although with the volume of accused that could take years.

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OTS of rubbish is spoken about the NHS, generally in regard to it being pared down to the bare bones by Conservative ‘austerity’, a brazen untruth that barely goes unchallenged these days.

Left to its own devices, the NHS wasted – completely wasted – more than £10billion on its failed central patients records system. I wouldn’t try to blame the profligate economic vandal Gordon Brown for that, even though it was on Labour’s watch, because when it comes to waste and management incompetence few global organisations could compare with our NHS. £10bn is a lot of hip replacements and a good few brand new hospitals, folks.

Yes, yes, I know we love our saintly nurses, praise our doctors and health workers etc to the heavens – especially when we live to tell the tale, which is far from always – but if you were building a public health system from the ground up, it would look nothing like today’s NHS. I recently read an NHS staffer’s observation that it frequently takes 17 minutes to access bogstandard info on her hospital PC. Multiply that by the 1.8 million or so staff trying to make the damn organisation work, and put a price on the wasted time and money that amounts to.

But criticise the NHS? Racist, fascist, healthist far-right b*****d!

It would be fun to ridicule Labour’s boringly repetitive ‘defence’ of our health service, if it wasn’t for them blindly ignoring the fact that its biggest problem is treating the millions of people Blair/Brown and friends opened the floodgates to. Cat got your tongue,Unison shop stewards…?

This weekend came news that one million GP appointments a month are missed, which costs Lord-knows how many quidzillions. But come on, even someone with Prince Harry’s meagre intellect could dream up a solution to this, if he’d just break off momentarily from being whipped by Puss in Boots.

The obvious one is that if you miss a GP appointment, you pay £10 for your next one. No excuses, no ticking the benefits box, the don’tspeak-English box, the OAP box. Miss another?

Double it. Miss a hospital appointment? How about we make it a basic 20 sovs, rising to £40?

Simples. But seemingly far too simples for anyone in the NHS or Government to think of it.

IT’S Tuesday morning and by lunchtime the global population will have risen by three million people in 14 days. Lunch break? Better go plant a tree...

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Series of events to Mirfield tots mark the Holocaust get busy

News In Brief Jo’s biography added

baking buns

BATLEY: Former Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox has been added to the new edition of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

The latest edition was published last week and adds the biographies of 228 men and women who made a significant impact on the UK and died in the year 2016.

Mrs Cox was murdered during the Brexit referendum campaign that year, but is remembered for her work in bringing people together and combatting loneliness, amongst other achievements.

MIRFIELD LIBRARY will host events starting next week to commemorate the Holocaust.

On Friday January 24 (10am-11am) Auschwitz survivor Susan Pollack MBE will recount her experiences via webcast.

And on Monday January 27 (11am), there will be a short talk on the Yugoslavian conflict from Mirfield resident Major David Pinder and the ex head of police reform in the former Yugoslavia, Philip Tolson.

Holocaust Memorial Week will take place from January 23 to 29, with this year marking 75 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. All are welcome to attend the free events, and an exhibition will be available to view during library opening hours.

For more details or to confirm your attendance, contact Alan Burton on 07860 995008 or email burtonalan@tiscali.co.uk.

YOUNGSTERS at a Mirfield nursery have been getting creative in the kitchen by learning how to make buns.

Children at Stepping Stones, on Towngate, started by looking through cookbooks and exploring different ingredients.

They then got the chance to bake chocolate buns together for the rest of the nursery to eat after dinner.

Northorpe ‘madness’

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter PEOPLE living on the outskirts of Mirfield say their compact village will more than double in size if a contentious housing estate goes ahead.

Developers want to build 48 houses on a parcel of farmland off Northorpe Lane.

To do so they must demolish a detached home to create access to the land-locked site.

But residents say the size of the development will “swamp” their hamlet.

And they claim the entire com-

munity is against the scheme.

At a meeting of the council’s Heavy Woollen Planning SubCommittee held at Dewsbury Town Hall councillors agreed to defer the proposal.

It followed concerns about the use of a nearby grass verge – described by locals as a “land grab” of the remnants of a former village green – that is required to create a lay-by to aid traffic movement on the narrow road and ensure highway safety.

Residents who spoke after the meeting said Northorpe Lane is already heavily used by motorists and fear that congestion will only increase if the

housing estate is built.

They said traffic operated as “a tidal flow” at 30-minute intervals outside the 17th century Northorpe Hall which, combined with the single lane and on-street parking on both sides, was a constant problem frequently leading to gridlock.

But they reserved their anger for the loss of the grass verge, which they said was being sacrificed “to facilitate that development, which is not appropriate to this area”.

Speaking collectively members of campaign group Save Northorpe said they have not been kept properly informed and

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accused the council of attempting to create the vital lay-by in order to hit its housing targets.

“Overall it’s a shocking carryon. It honestly feels like this is a done deal. They are just going through the motions.

“The village is going to be swamped by houses. It will be twice the size. It’s utter madness.”

They added that the land designated for housing had recently been “obliterated” in what one villager called “slash and burn”.

Kirklees’ Local Plan, which will see tens of thousands of new homes built in the borough, was adopted in February.

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ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Kirklees bin policy needs rethinking I read with interest Kirklees Council moaning about the amount of recycling WE do.

Apparently our figures are down – perhaps they should look at their own management.

I have a list from the council of what you can and cannot put in your green bin.

There are 17 items listed, of those, there’s only four that you can recycle. I was led to believe if it had a ‘recyclable’ marking on it

Restoration of pride to the UK From: Harry Teale, by email Due to a successful operation on December 12 2019, the UK can look forward with 20-20 vision to a bright and clear future!

There will be stormy seas ahead but with the stability of the new Government, the UK should weather them.

Letter of the Week:

November, 2019, and re-commence at the end of February.

Which bright spark decided this?

At this time of year, the leaves start falling, summer bedding needs lifting, shrubs need cutting back.

A garden doesn’t become neglected once the sun stops shining! Other councils continue this service all year.

I often wonder what we get back from paying our council.

Marie Ibberson, Mirfield then it could go in the green bin.

But not with Kirklees – they only accept certain items. Why do other councils accept everything?

Also, on the subject of bins,

From 23.00 hours on January 31, 2020, the UK will leave the European Union. In accordance with Article 50, the treaties will no longer apply to the leaving member.

Most companies (I am led to believe) have taken the precaution of trading under WTO rules alongside EU trading rules and so are able to operate as a ‘third country’ until new trade agreements are reached.

I hope that the politicians can now act in the interests,

what about the brown garden bin? I paid £30 and received my bin at the end of last April. I then received an email informing me that the service would finish in

needs and rights of the UK’s citizens and restore some pride and glory to the United Kingdom.

Memories of that night From: LR Hirst, Mirfield I must say I disagree with my good friend Douglas Hird’s letter in the January 10 edition. I’m a little older than

him and worked in the area that he mentions (Dewsbury) for a good number of years.

I walked on Chidswell Lane for seven years on my way to work until I was called up to do my National Service.

If my memory serves me correctly, the Germans bombed the field on Chidswell Lane because it had been prepared to look like an airfield with landing lights around the boundaries.

My employer even watched

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H Dalal, extensions, raising of roof to form second floor and exterior alterations, 14 Greenwood Street, Savile Town.

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Euro Garages Ltd, drive-thru coffee shop, Asda, Mill Street West, Dewsbury.

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Kirklees Council, Economy & Infrastructure, Listed Building Consent for installation of external boiler flue, Cleckheaton Library, Whitcliffe Road, Cleckheaton.

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Fieldrose Ltd, external refurbishment including new wall cladding and illuminated and non-illuminated signs, KFC,

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Mr Baird, single-storey side extension, 13 Tetley Drive, Birkenshaw.

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two Spitfires attempting to land on the field.

I don’t believe the Germans would bomb the water tower as they used it as a direction marker.

We watched them getting their bearings on more than one occasion.

Perhaps they were looking for Huddersfield or Roberts & Company Wagon Works in Wakefield, where they built tanks during the war.

Douglas is correct in stating the Germans bombed the Wakefield Road Cutting, but I’m not sure about a lady losing her life as a result.

Also, the guns at Caulms Wood, which Douglas mentioned, broke windows on Bennett Lane, Eastborough and Leeds Road the night they bombed Dewsbury.

Once again, if my memory serves me correctly it was mentioned the Germans bombed Wakefield Road as a mistake – their intended target was the power station.

Douglas, I apologise for contradicting you but this is how I remember events. Best regards to you from myself.

Grateful for your honesty From: Anne Margetts, Gomersal I would like to thank the very kind and honest person who handed in my handbag at Tesco on Christmas Eve after I had left it hanging on the shopping trolley.

I remain deeply grateful.

Population is a major issue From: RG Smith, by email I particularly liked last week’s Ed Lines and your comments about over-population in the world today.

I only wish every other person in the media would

promote the same view.

However I would like to mention one thing in your article, that being Sir David Attenborough.

He is in fact the most prominent patron of the organisation ‘Population Matters’ which also campaigns for the same policy on population.

They can be reached at w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / PopulationMatters.

Dan would have been my man From: RM Shaw, byemail The Labour Party’s new leader will be announced on April 4 – not April 1 (April Fools’ Day) which I think would be more appropriate.

Why, you ask?

Sir Keir Starmer – tried his heart out to delay Brexit with a second referendum which the vast majority of the UK do not want.

Emily Thornberry – disliked by much of Labour because of her arrogance.

She’s even trying to take a fellow MP to court over a trivial matter. The dispute is said to be worth £3million!

Some socialist!

Rebecca Long-Bailey – strong supporter of Corbyn’s policies which were unanimously rejected by voters.

She’s also known as the ‘speaking clock’.

Jess Phillips – wants to rejoin the crumbling EU. Ridiculous!

Lisa Nandy – she held up the democratic principles of her constituency voters, who wanted to leave the EU, but my view is that she is too pleasant to be in the thick of political in-fighting.

Only two of the above are NOT ex-lawyers. I can’t decide if this is a good or a bad thing.

I believe ex-Army officer Dan Jarvis would have been a good leader had he decided to stand.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Dealer stole A strong voice in Westminster mum’s jewels Old-school MPs are taken aback

9

by Mark Eastwood, Conservative MP for Dewsbury and Mirfield

By Staff Reporters

A DRUG dealer pawned sentimental items of jewellery belonging to his mother, a court heard.

Michael Battye swiped hundreds of pounds’ worth of items belonging to the victim – including her wedding ring.

He was caught just two months after being prosecuted for an identical offence.

The 32-year-old, serving a lengthy prison sentence for dealing Class A and B drugs, appeared at Kirklees

Magistrates’ Court via video link.

The court heard that the victim had allowed Battye to stay at her home after he was made homeless in June 2018.

But he repaid his mother by stealing £500 worth of items, including a gold necklace, a bracelet, wedding ring and two gold rings.

Battye then asked a female friend to pawn the items at Brown and Gold on Commercial Street in Batley.

Alex Bozman, prosecuting, said: “She used the jewellery

as collateral for a loan. He told her the items weren’t stolen and she has been accepted as an innocent party.”

Battye pleaded guilty to charges of theft and fraud by false representation and was sentenced to 18 weeks in custody.

This will run concurrently with his current sentence, meaning his release date in August next year will not be affected.

He was also ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Council cash for crowdfunders KIRKLEES Council is pledging £50,000 to help residents and organisations who want to make local places in the district even better.

The new ‘Growing Great Places’ scheme has been set up to support people who have ideas for projects that will help improve their local area.

Kirklees is hosting a free workshop at Dewsbury Town Hall on Tuesday February 4 (5.30pm-7.30pm) for individuals and groups to learn about the programme and how to get involved.

Alongside the workshops and tailored project support, there is a fund of £50,000 available to help get ideas off the ground.

Attendees can hear about the funding available and the application process; learn about what makes a great crowdfunding project and get tips and advice on running a successful campaign.

Successful projects can potentially receive a pledge of up to £5,000 from the council to support their campaign.

Coun Cathy Scott, cabinet member for democracy, said: “The Growing Great Places programme offers citizens and local organisations a fantastic opportunity to get support for projects that can make a real difference in their communities. It’s all part of our work to give more people a steak in their local places and to grow a stronger local democracy in Kirklees, from the ground up.”

T HAS been a huge honour to have been elected as MP by the people of Dewsbury, Mirfield, Kirkburton and Denby Dale. Thank you to all those who voted for me on December 12.

Prior to polling day, I was employed as a regional sales manager for a healthcare furniture company and still live in Earlsheaton with my wife and two children.

I am passionate about our area and intend to build on the work I have already been doing, working with and supporting community groups throughout the constituency to help solve problems and celebrate successes.

My first few weeks in Parliament have been an amazing, if a little surreal, experience.

Luckily, there are 50 other MPs within the new intake, who have similar backgrounds to me and we have built up a real camaraderie.

It’s fair to say that the longserving MPs, from all parties, appear to have been taken aback by the invasion of

I

Westminster by northern working-class Tories. This is not a bad thing in my opinion and has brought a new and exciting energy to Parliament.

Since being elected, there have been so many great moments, including the Queen’s Speech and state opening of Parliament, but my proudest and most emotional moment has to be my swearing-in ceremony as an MP in the Commons Chamber, watched by my family from the public gallery.

After gaining an 80-seat majority at the election, the Conservatives have been given a huge mandate by the people of Britain.

During the first few weeks of Parliament, the main priority for the Government was making sure we get Brexit done before January 31 and I was delighted to be able vote through the Prime Minister’s Withdrawal Agreement at all stages in my first week as MP and against the opposition’s blocking amendments last week.

At a constituency level, working alongside my recently

appointed office manager, Adam Gregg, we have managed to secure an office in Dewsbury town centre, which should be occupied by the end of January and where we will be holding regular surgeries.

In the meantime, we will be hosting our first surgery in Dewsbury, which will be held on Friday January 24 at a venue to be announced in due course.

I am already looking forward to getting out across the constituency and meeting you all at some point.

In the meantime, if you need help with any local or national issues, please contact me via email mark. eastwood.mp@parliament.uk.

Thanks again for putting your faith in me and I look forward to being a strong voice in Westminster for Dewsbury and Mirfield throughout this parliamentary term.

Mark

10

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

News In Brief Successful SATs DEWSBURY: A primary school recorded the best SATs results in Kirklees, figures have revealed.

The Department for Education (DfE) has released a league table showing results of primary schools' performances during 2019's Key Stage Two assessments.

Carlton Junior and Infant School, on Upper Road, Batley Carr, saw 94 per cent of pupils reach expected levels in reading, writing and maths.

Around 38 per cent of youngsters achieved a high score in reading and maths and were found to be working at greater depth in writing – amounting to the best performance of any primary school in Kirklees.

Mirfield's Hopton Primary School was a close second, with 87 per cent reaching expected grades and 20 per cent performing at a higher standard.

Across Kirklees, 62 per cent of pupils met expected standards while just nine per cent received a particularly high score.

History talk PROBUS: The next meeting of the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club takes place on Tuesday (January 21, 10.30am) at Batley Community Centre. Alan Pugh will give a talk about the history of Leeds. Everyone is welcome.

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Officials preparing for impact of Brexit

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter BREXIT preparations are progressing apace in Kirklees – even though no-one yet knows what the fine detail will be around how the UK leaves the EU. Meanwhile there are concerns for the future of businesses, jobs and workers, including migrants.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the UK’s Brexit deadline will be January 31.

That means local authorities across the nation are tasked with preparing for life outside the European Union, with a focus on how that will affect their specific areas.

But one senior Kirklees councillor has cautioned that whilst preparations are on-going there is a “fog” around the detail of Brexit that will only clear in the months ahead.

Kirklees Council set up a Brexit Tactical Group “to fulfil its role of ensuring an appropriate level of preparedness for the withdrawal, encompassing likely scenarios following the UK’s exit from the EU with a particular focus on supporting vulnerable people.”

The team has authored a report that anticipates the vari-

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Coun Graham Turner outlines preparations for Brexit at a recent meeting ous possible impacts of Brexit on the Kirklees economy.

However it warns that “there is no way to judge the true

impact on any given sector” as the extent of regulatory changes or levels of agreed tariffs are yet to be determined.

The report shows approximately 13,000 EU workers in Kirklees as of December 2019, with around a third having applied for settled status.

Many workers are in lowskilled jobs, with 47 per cent in elementary process plant occupations such as packing.

It identified 79 companies in Kirklees that are subsidiaries of EU-based parent companies with five groups accounting for more than 3,000 employees and a turnover of £475m.

In Kirklees there are 19 businesses that have EU-based subsidiaries, all of which are subsidiaries of larger parent companies, of which four are also EUbased.

The report said: “This latter group presents a particular risk of suffering restructuring for logistical or tax reasons, which could place jobs at risk.”

Up to 10 per cent of social care workers in Kirklees are EU citizens.

Concern has been expressed that earnings post-Brexit will be “far below” the potential minimum threshold.

Coun Graham Turner, the council’s political lead on Brexit, said officers would be working on the authority’s plan throughout the coming year.

‘Fiasco’ as Kirklees Active Leisure members struggle to book sessions NEW YEAR resolutions to get fit may have to be paused in Kirklees as the borough’s gyms struggle to cope with a rise in online bookings.

Such was the seasonal demand last year for exercise classes at centres managed by Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) that a server froze at peak booking times.

Consequently many KAL members had difficulty booking advertised classes.

Issues have continued into 2020 with one critic claiming it’s getting worse.

Kirklees resident Mike Wood, 64, who goes to studio cycling sessions, described the ongoing glitch as “a fiasco”.

He added: “Kirklees Active Leisure are still encouraging new members to join at prices in excess of £300 per annum but I witnessed a new member this morning in tears of frustration as she couldn’t get on any of the classes she took out membership to attend.

“They are taking more and more memberships but they’re not able to deliver both in terms of class sizes and on their system.”

ERROR: The message greeting members of Kirklees Active Leisure when they try to book at peak times

When he visited his local gym Mr Wood found staff “fed-up to the teeth” with problems and customer complaints.

“They are on the front line so they are taking the stick.”

He said emails and Facebook messages to KAL “are largely ignored or not responded to”.

He added that staff were

offering apologies to irate customers but that they couldn’t fix the problem.

“On balance I do get on most of the classes most of the year, but for two months in the year your membership is almost null and void because you can’t get on any of the classes.”

Mr Wood received a response apologising for the booking breakdown and

a promise that someone would call him “but no-one ever did”.

A Kirklees Council spokesperson said: “KAL’s app is used by many customers on a regular basis with largely positive feedback.

“Occasionally, during busy periods when lots of customers try to book the same class at the same time and especially at this busy time of year, when customers are trying to be more active, this does cause technical issues.

“KAL work with our ICT partners to try to resolve any issues that arise as quickly as possible, as our priority is always customer satisfaction.

“A small number of our very popular classes may reach capacity shortly after becoming available to book, such is the demand from customers... “... KAL would like to apologise to any customer who has been affected by technical issues relating to trying to book onto a fitness class and will continue to work to address these as soon as we become aware of an issue.”

Friday January 17, 2020

ThePress

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ThePress

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Friday January 17, 2020

News In Brief Learn to spot signs BATLEY: The Batley Sporting Charitable Trust is launching a new course to help mothers spot the signs of online grooming and radicalisation.

The four-week workshop, run in partnership with Empowering Minds and Kirklees Prevent, was scheduled to begin this week but has been pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances.

Weekly sessions, beginning on Wednesday January 22 and running until February 12 (10am-12pm), will explore practical techniques of understanding the internet and online safeguarding.

Booking is essential and anyone interested should email clare@batleybulldogs.co.uk or call 07475 019009.

WE ARE HOSTING OUR FIRST

School-run car row led to serious brawl

By Staff Reporters A FATHER who followed another parent to his home and sparked a dangerous brawl after picking his children up from school has been sentenced.

Leeds Crown Court heard Dominic Dawson, 43, threatened the victim with a screwdriver and claimed he would burn down the family’s house.

Abdul Shakoor, prosecuting, said the pair first came into contact outside St Patrick’s Catholic

Primary School, on Nova Lane, Birstall, in November 2018.

He said the victim had pulled his car in to the left to allow for oncoming traffic to pass through the busy street.

Dawson, who was travelling in the opposite direction, had to stop his car to allow the victim to create more space for him to pass.

Mr Shakoor told the court that Dawson rolled his window down and shouted at the victim that he thought he was a ‘big man’ and that he would bite his nose off.

The 43-year-old disqualified driver then followed the victim to his home in Birstall and threatened to come back with some of his friends to burn the house down. He returned 20 minutes later after dropping off his children.

The court heard Dawson took out a screwdriver, pushed the victim against a fence and pointed the weapon at his head.

The victim retaliated by hitting Dawson over the back of the head with a brick, knocking him to the ground.

But he got back to his feet and punched the victim, who then went back inside his home.

Police were called to the incident and discovered a screwdriver in Dawson’s boot.

He was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

Dawson, who has 12 previous convictions for 17 offences, was also disqualified from driving for two years and given a five-year restraining order relating to the Birstall family.

Million-pound boost will see more charge points for electric vehicles across district

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KIRKLEES could soon be home to one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the country as part of the council’s ambitious plan to make the borough completely carbon neutral by 2038.

If approved by cabinet on January 20, a £1million investment would see five new rapid charge points and 80-100 new fast charge points installed in public car parks and on-street to support residents and visitors to move towards electric vehicles.

It will add to Kirklees’ current network of three rapid chargers and 22 slow-to-fast chargers in the public domain, with a further 17 rapid chargers being installed by October next year.

Parking will be made free for hybrid and electric vehicles across Kirklees in a bid to encourage more people to drive them.

The council also plans to invest a further £1million to add 50 new electric vehicles to its fleet. Kirklees officials say they want to boost local woodland, establish a Kirklees Climate Commission and Kirklees Green Charter and improve recycling rates.

The proposals form phase one of the council’s climate emergency action plan, with phase two – setting out how the district will

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become carbon neutral by 2038 – released next year.

Coun Naheed Mather, cabinet member for Greener Kirklees, said: “Climate change is already happening and action to address it is now an emergency.

“However it’s not too late to prevent some

Progress made as Kirklees cash helps tourism body

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of the very worst effects of climate change and we must act now. The council’s new longterm objective is to make Kirklees a carbonneutral district by at least 2038.

“This will not solve the climate emergency alone, it is one of the many ways we’re looking to make a real difference.”

PLANS to revamp regional tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire (WtY) have made “significant progress”, according to a report set to go before councillors.

The North and West Yorkshire business rates committee proposed a range of sweeping changes to the company – which is part-funded by money from local councils – back in October 2019.

A report set to go back before the committee next week claims progress has been made as a new chief executive, as well as new board members, have since been appointed.

It also claimed the publishing of its accounts dated to March 2019 was delayed due to the audit process being “put on hold” while investigations into the company’s finances continued.

The report was authored by

Kirklees Council chief executive Jacqui Gedman, who was tasked with offering strategic support to the company.

It states: “There has been significant progress on each of the conditions that were set by the North and West Yorkshire Business Rates Joint Committee in October 2019.

“Work to implement the recommendations and actions from the two independent reports that are contained within the Improvement Plan continues at pace, and a detailed report will be completed at the end of the financial year. An update report will come back to this meeting in April.

“The new chief executive and WtY Board now require time to focus on working with stakeholders to establish the strategic direction for the forthcoming period.

“It is anticipated that one of the topics that Yorkshire leaders will collaborate on in the coming year is tourism and the visitor economy; WtY

has a vital role to play in that.”

The document added: “The publishing of the accounts, year ended March 31, 2019, was delayed due to the audit process being put on hold last year whilst independent investigations were carried out into the organisation’s expenses, governance, culture and management.”

At a meeting in October 2019, the business rates panel agreed to make £1m of public funding available to Welcome to Yorkshire, after it was suggested the organisation was “reliant” on receiving the money.

Councillors agreed to make the funding available in three parts – for October 2019, December 2019 and February 2020 – provided the organisation could prove it was following the committee’s recommendations.

These included recruitment of a brand new board with a public sector appointee as chair, and for a new chief executive to be appointed as soon as possible.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

NEW GROUP NEW CONSULTANT Starts 20th January Scholes Cricket & Athletic Club 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Lily 07507 204210

Dewsbury Town Hall 9.30am 11.30am Tel Amber 07471 826774

Cleckheaton St Pauls Church Cleckheaton 9.00am & 11.00am Tel Tracey 07970 722726

FRIDAY Thornhill Social Club Edge Top Road 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Sarah 07539 452622

The Trinity Centre Batley Carr 9.00am Tel Hameedah 07983 445501

Hunsworth Scout Headquarters Cleckheaton 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Paul 07848 958798

Earlsheaton, Dewsbury District Sea Cadets (behind Earlsheaton WMC) 9.00am 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Amber 07471 826774

Roberttown Community Centre 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636

Staincliffe Cricket Club Halifax Road 5.30pm Tel Diane 07961 631257

Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351

Tingley Methodist Church Westerton Road 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Lyn 07792 032170

THURSDAY

Mirfield Zion Baptist Church Mirfield 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Claire 07768 311351

Batley Town Hall 9.00am 11.00am Tel Lynne 07988 662052

TUESDAY Heckmondwike Comrades Club 9.00am 11.00am 5.00pm 7.00pm Tel Sue 07790 590763

Battyeford Christ The King Church 5.00pm 7.00pm Tel Mandy 07793 732268

Batley Town Hall 5.00pm 7.00pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052

Gomersal Public Hall Gomersal 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Sharon 07904 650476

Westborough Ratepayers Club Dewsbury Moor 5.00pm 7.00pm Tel Lucy 07730 264938

Shaw Cross Boys Club Leeds Road 3.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm Tel Lynne 07988 662052

Millbridge Sports Bar Liversedge 5.00pm 7.00pm Tel Kathryn 07906 118636

Thornhill Social Club Edge Top Road Friday 9.30am Tel Sarah 07539 452622 Battyeford Christ The King Church 9.00am Tel Mandy 07793 732268

SATURDAY Liversedge St Andrews Methodist Church 7.30am 9.30am Tel Emma 07786 513072 St. Pauls Church Hall Hanging Heaton 8.30am 10.30am Tel Lyn 07792 032170 Heckmondwike Comrades Club 9.00am Tel Sue 07790 590763 Cleckheaton Howard Park Community School 8.00am 10.00am 12noon Tel Paul 07848 958798 Mirfield Trinity Methodist Church Hall 8.30am 10.30am Tel Jo 07553 747875

13

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ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Turn your space into a real haven O, HOW will you be spending your weekend? While the temp-

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tation may be to relax after a hard week in the rat race, the truth is that many of us are likely to be up a ladder with a paintbrush or crouched on the bathroom floor with a tile cutter.

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suite. And if your home feels like it’s bursting at the seams, it might be time to think about adding an extra room.

Not only will it give you the space you need, it will also add long-term value to your house.

Every pound counts!

So now that we’re finally treating our houses as homes, the time has come to get rid of all that bland décor that was created to entice potential buyers and start thinking about how we want to live rather than how we have invested.

People have finally stopped painting their

home estate-agent beige and are being much braver and more individual with their DIY choices.

If you’ve always wanted that funky wallpaper, now is the time to do it.

Not all home decorating ideas require a heavy investment of time and money.

If you’re looking for a few affordable home interior decorating ideas to freshen up a room over a weekend, try these easy tips:

1 Re-arrange furniture

from the walls – or try positioning it at intriguing angles. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a narrow living room will make the room look wider.

2 Paint a wall Paint one wall your favorite colour and make it the focal point. Hang interesting art on that wall and move a nice piece of furniture there. (Note: Make sure that the colour is one that is shared with several other objects and fabrics in the room.)

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Pull your furniture away

3 Bring in plants Greenery always adds a

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

15

Some top tips to brighten up your property this weekend breath of fresh air to a room.

If you don’t have green fingers, try silk plants and trees.

The quality has become so good that it’s hard to distinguish them from the real thing.

4 Lay an area rug An area rug is a wonderful way of defining a conversation area. Try one that complements the room. Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table.

5 Hang pictures or a mirror Hang pictures that reflect your personality. Try frames that are more ornate. When

hanging a mirror, try and position it so that it reflects a nice view or an interesting architectural element.

changed to jazz up a sofa or chair before your room is ready for a major makeover.

8 Replace lamps 6 Group figurines Pull out your favourite collectibles and show off your personality.

Find a display area and group related objects together, in sets of three or five. Try and vary the shapes.

7 Add decorative cushions The good news about decorative cushions is that they are an easy way to add textures and patterns to a room.

Better still, they can be

Lamps are probably the one thing in your home that will give others a clue that your room is out-dated.

Seek out new and fresh lamps that make a statement.

9 Eliminate clutter Clutter has a way of eliminating the desired mood and effect of any room. Find storage spaces for papers, toys, and other items that take from the personality of a room.

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ThePress

16

Friday January 17, 2020

Over the next 12 months we will be following on from our series on life between the wars to take a look at wartime and post-war life in both the Heavy Woollen District and Britain at large, writes MIKE POPPLEWELL. We are entering an era that I can personally recall and, as always, comments and memories from readers are welcomed.

This year’s theme is ‘2020 vision’, where we will look at historical events from today’s viewpoint and, as ‘the person with hindsight has 20-20 vision’, we will be taking an ‘if only we had known’ look at events...

Riots in Dewsbury Market... when food wasn’t much fun ALKING through Dewsbury Market last week I was surprised at the limited number of stalls in operation.

W

Admittedly the recent weather has not lent itself to open air shopping, but we do seem to be in a society of very different habits from even a generation ago.

In any event, the scene was vastly different from that described by Kathleen Hey in her ‘View from the Corner Shop’ book as, on Sunday July 20 1941, Kathleen wrote of riots in the market with stalls overturned and police intervention.

This was wartime in Dewsbury.

Shortages of foodstuffs in the towns and cities were commonplace, with ‘rations’ scarcely enough to keep some people in a healthy state. The consequences were food fights as hunger and frustration took hold.

But there was also light relief for every home with a radio, and the gathering of families around it in the evenings became the norm.

The radio had a huge part to play in helping the nation to survive the food shortages.

Lord Woolton, the government minister responsible for these matters, actually

enrolled a couple of comedians to help get the message across and even had them produce what must be the first celebrity cook book.

It was the mid-50s before television really began to supercede radio as a form of home entertainment, so the 1940s and early 50s were considered the ‘golden age’ of radio.

Comedy was always a key element of a day’s programming, and one of the most popular acts was ‘Gert and Daisy’.

Gert and Daisy were two fictional sisters in an act that certainly matched ‘Wood and Walters’ or ‘French and Saunders’ for popularity.

They were just two housewives who would natter together about their husbands, Bert and Wally, as well as voicing their slant on everyday affairs.

It was these two that Lord Woolton turned to as they were known to millions and Woolton knew they would be listened to when they started gossiping about the best way to ‘make do’ in the kitchen.

They were also stalwarts of the lunchtime ‘Workers Playtime’ programme and their overall contribution to, often informative, wartime entertainment was acknowledged with the award of OBEs in 1946 by King

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George Vl. In real life ‘Gert and Daisy’ were real sisters named Elsie and Doris Waters and though they were 46 and 35 years old respectively when war was declared, their career continued long after it finished and they were actually on Roy Plomley’s Desert Island Discs programme as late as 1958.

The Waters sisters created their act in 1930, having been part of a family band and it was

to prove a very famous family for their brother, Horace John Waters, who was to be renamed as Jack Warner and known to millions of TV viewers in three decades as Dixon of Dock Green.

For fans of the long-running ‘Dixon’, 21 years in fact, it is hard to believe his sisters were very much higher up the celebrity list, but perhaps more difficult to believe is that Jack Warner was already 60 when he took on the role of George Dixon – a character he had played five years earlier in the film ‘The Blue Lamp’.

As well as radio and the theatres, and Royal Variety Performances, Gert and Daisy featured in three wartime films when the people of Dewsbury and district would have had the opportunity to put faces to the voices.

In the wider world, 1941 was to prove significant since it was the year the Japanese attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbour, an attack that led to the USA joining the war, other events were the sinking of the Bismark, the German invasion of Russia, the destruction of the House of Commons in a night raid and the release of ‘The Maltese Falcon’.

The latter was a film, not a bird of prey, and it was to become a cinema classic with Humphrey Bogart starring as the private investigator Sam Spade.

Burglary gang are jailed THREE prolific burglars who stole over £4,000’s worth of horse saddles from Mirfield have been jailed.

Patrick Connors, of no fixed abode, Thomas Stainsby and Joseph Howard, both of Bradford, were found to be responsible for burglaries carried out across West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Leeds Crown Court heard that in October 2017 the men broke into an outhouse at

Holly House Farm, in Mirfield, and took four horse saddles from a metal locker.

The goods were later found in a Ford Focus stolen as part of a separate burglary.

After being detained Brown claimed that he had bought the saddles ‘with one of his horses’.

The three men were also involved in a burglary on Milton Road, Liversedge, where it is believed they targeted the home owner’s Audi

A3 and forced entry into his kitchen.

They were given combined prison sentences of more than 10 years after being found guilty of carrying out numerous other burglaries in which they targeted high-value cars.

Two other men, Thomas Connors and Leon Brown, were handed suspended prison sentences after pleading guilty to handling stolen goods that had been taken during the conspiracy.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

‘Peer challenge’ boost

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter HUNDREDS of workers were interviewed by experts in local government as part of a “peer challenge” to help Kirklees Council improve itself.

The experts held more than 50 meetings, toured key sites in the borough and gathered information during a four-day visit to obtain a view of the council’s direction.

The team of senior managers and councillors from across the public sector examined the council’s improvement journey so far and looked at how well it is equipped for future challenges and opportunities.

The council’s aim is to make Kirklees “an extraordinary place”.

The results of the corporate peer challenge, which was organised by the Local Government Association (LGA), form the basis of a 12-page feedback report to be discussed at full council this week.

Among its findings was that the council is “ambitious for the future and at an exciting point in its improvement journey”.

Council Leader Shabir Pandor welcomed the peer challenge and said it gave the authority “a completely independent view of our services, our support for local communities and our focus for the future”.

It comes as the council is moving ahead with the first stages of its visionary £250m Huddersfield Blueprint, which the report describes as “a long-term and bold vision” that “shows ambition” and will allow the council to start

“punching at its weight”.

There was further praise for the council acting as a “catalyst for regeneration, development and investment” with a dedicated and committed staff and a “highly regarded” leadership that is “ready to lead change”.

A particular focus of the improvement challenge was the council’s place-based working project, which intends “working with people, not doing to them” as part of its vision for people, partners and place.

The Labour-led authority was also said to have a “very strong” voice that was being heard at national and regional levels, helping to define the borough’s “bespoke offer” and to create jobs.

And it was complimented on managing to improve the town centres in Huddersfield and Dewsbury whilst finding savings within its budget.

The authority has already reacted to some of the report’s recommendations.

It is looking to take back control of its housing stock from arms-length management organisation Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) and may reverse a decision, taken in 2013, to split the borough’s healthcare in two by creating Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).

Coun Pandor said: “We welcomed the peer challenge because it gave us a completely independent view of our services, our support for local communities and our focus for the future.

“We are delighted with

the outcome. It shows that we are giving strong leadership to the area and being bold in transforming the way we work.

“We are ambitious for our residents and, whilst there is still a lot of work ahead, there is a powerful desire to continue transforming the district.

“This council is delivering its ambitions for people, place and partners, including huge projects such as the Huddersfield Blueprint and the new £15m leisure facilities in North Kirklees.

“We can’t achieve our goals without energy, aspiration and strong relationships.

“We will use the findings to further shape our work in creating an inclusive economy and society which benefit all local people.”

Council chief executive Jacqui Gedman said the peer challenge had been “incredibly valuable” in providing advice and guidance on how it could develop as an organisation.

She added: “It has confirmed our view that we have the confidence to get things done and to meet major challenges, but it has also given food for thought about how we can do this in the future.

“It’s fantastic that the feedback on our staff is so positive.

“I’m proud of the people who work here and proud of the difference they make to local people every single day.

“We want to celebrate all the things that make Kirklees special whilst achieving our goal of serving local communities and being the best organisation we can be.”

17

Volunteers get planting in Jo Cox Community Wood The volunteers hard at work in the community woodland

AROUND 150 trees have been planted at the new Jo Cox Community Wood as the next stage of the project takes shape.

The community woodland, dedicated to former Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox, is being built on disused land off Quaker Lane in Liversedge.

The site behind Liversedge Football Club and adjacent to the Spen Valley Greenway has already had new fences, paths and gates, picnic tables and benches installed.

Volunteers started planting trees over the weekend, including 40 which have been sponsored under the Spen Valley Civic Society’s ‘Trees for Life’ scheme.

Civic society secretary Erica

Amende, one of the driving forces behind the project, said: “It was lovely to see families who have sponsored a tree to come and plant it. It means the wood will be even more special to local people.

“Trees have been dedicated to celebrate births, marriages, anniversaries and lives of Spen Valley residents. We still have a few trees available to sponsor, thanks to the popularity of the scheme.

“We are continuing with planting sessions this weekend (January 1819) and hope to finish planting next weekend.

“A big thank you to all the volunteers who are working so hard on the project.”

Pals brave elements for ‘Birky’ A GROUP of hardy golfers braved the foul elements on Tuesday to play a round at Cleckheaton Golf Club, in memory of an old friend.

It marked 20 years to the day since Gary Birkenshaw collapsed and died while out on the course. The popular local businessman, a director at Oakland Glass in Thornhill Lees, was just 40, and left his wife Tina and children Victoria and James.

Friends, colleagues and former football teammates have staged an annual golf tournament ever since, raising thousands of pounds for charity and funding a defibrillator for the Cleckheaton club.

The first event featured two teams of Leeds Utd footballers and the longest drive was won by Lee Bowyer. It concluded with a marquee banquet.

More recently, the events have been staged at Hanging Heaton Golf Club.

On Tuesday, some of Gary’s

An oldie but goodie

Cheers Birky! Some of Gary’s friends toast his memory friends visited his grave in Batley cemetery before heading out to face the worst that Storm Brendan could throw at them.

Organiser Peter Forster said: “We couldn’t have picked a worse day for it, but

it was nice to remember one of life’s great guys. I’m sure Gary was smiling as he watched us struggle round.

So many people have given so much in his memory over the years, so it was nice to mark their efforts too.”

Former bank to be flipped for pizzas A FORMER bank building in Cleckheaton will soon be turned into a pizza takeaway and coffee lounge after plans were given the go-ahead.

The site has been empty since NatWest closed its branch on Bradford Road in May last year.

The two-storey corner property was bought for £166,000 at auction in June, and Leedsbased Willow Properties have been drafted in to develop the building.

The approval means that local traders Tarantino Pizza, currently based on nearby

Albion Street, can expand into the premises.

Planning documents state that the new business will offer hot food including pizza, pasta and burgers for takeaway and delivery.

It will also include a coffee lounge in the area fronting the main street, which would only open in the daytime. The takeaway will open from 11am to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The ground floor will receive a full refurbishment whilst the upper floor will be used for offices.

ON HIS first day at work a trainee zoo attendant accidentally killed a tank of tropical fish, six chimpanzees and then drove over a beehive.

When his supervisor heard about it, he was angry and told the junior to sweep everything up and feed it to the lions.

The following day a new lion arrived at the zoo and asked one of the resident lions what the food was like.

“Oh it’s really good,” said the veteran. “Yesterday we had fish, chimps and mushy bees!”

Brassed off A YORKSHIRE hill farmer got in his 4x4 and drove to his neighbour’s farm and knocked at the door.

A young boy aged about nine years old opened the door. “Is thee dad at ‘ome?” the farmer asked.

“Nah, he ain’t,” the boy replied. “He’s gone into tahn.”

“Reet,” said the farmer, “is thee mam at ‘ome?”

“Nah, she ain’t here nei-

ther. She’s gone into tahn wi’ me dad.”

“How about your Howard?

Is he ‘ere?”

“Nah, he went wi’ me mam and dad.”

The farmer stood there for a minute, shifting from one foot to t’other and mumbling to himself. “Is there owt ah can do fer thee?” the boy asked. “Ah knows where all’t tools are, if tha wants one. Or ah could tek a message fer me dad.”

“Well,” said the farmer uncomfortably, “Ah really wanted to talk to thee dad about your Howard getting me daughter Polly pregnant.”

The boy stood and thought for a moment.

“You’ll aff to talk to me dad about that,” he finally said.

“Buht, if it helps thee any, I knoaw me dad charges £100 for t’bull and £50 for t’boar, but ah haven’t a clue how much he gets fer our Howard.”

Quickies...

A GROUP of ocelots is called an awfelot.

THE REASON fish comes wrapped in newspaper is because the easiest way to

catch them is to sneak up on them when they’re reading.

IF you sneeze with your eyes open it takes a screenshot of real life.

YOU should never go to bed on an argument.

Argue first thing in the morning, when your partner’s not quite sure what’s going on.

Me: Any historical figure?

Genie: That’s right. [later at dinner] Beethoven: You seem disappointed.

Me: *hiding dog treats* No, it’s fine..

NEVER trust the first two people in a conga line.

One made it happen. The other allowed it to happen.

WIFE: Who was that on the phone?

Husband: Wrong number.

Some bloke thought this was the Met Office.

Wife: What did he say?

Husband: He asked if the coast was clear...

THERE are only two types of people in the world: Those who can extrapolate from incomplete data;

18

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2019

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

SATURDAY JANUARY 18 ROUND N ABOUT Starts at 10.30am at Oakwell Hall bottom car park (BD19 4LL, SE211267) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Eddie and Andrea 01924 470091

SATURDAY JANUARY 25 YORKSHIRE SCULPTURE PARK Starts at 10.30am at Church Street car park, Emley (near cross) (HD8 9RE, SE244130) 8 miles – moderate Contact: David Parkinson 07704 813715 david.parky@tiscali.co.uk

Dance the night away

Sporting chance AN ONLINE radio station is looking for new commentators as it extends its rugby league coverage.

HWD Hospital Radio has been entertaining local hospital patients and staff for more than 65 years, and their programmes include live broadcasts of Dewsbury Rams’ home games.

Now that Bradford Bulls will be playing their home fixtures at the Tetley’s Stadium when the seasons starts in February, the station will broadcast their games too – meaning there’s a chance for budding commentators to get in on the action.

HWD’s Martin Sharpe said: “I’ve been commentating on rugby league matches for almost 40 years and it will be a pleasure to bring all the on-the-pitch moments from both Rams and Bulls home games. As we’re expanding our commentary our team also needs to grow.

“We’re looking for a presenter who can join us on commentary and talk passionately about the games and rugby league in general.”

Visit www.hwdhospitalradio.com to get in touch with the station.

SOCIALISE and make new friends at Millbridge Sports Bar next Tuesday night, with music from Eddie Martell and the Ronnie Bottomley Quartet.

You can listen and dance to songs from the swing era and the Great American Songbook at the hugely popular event.

The music at the sports bar, on Bennett Street in Liversedge, starts at 8.15pm and admission is £4 on the door.

Call 01924 402696 for more details.

Razzle dazzle

RAMBLERS: The Dewsbury and District Rambling Club have a walk planned at Ardsley Reservoir and Gawthorpe tomorrow (Saturday). Meet at Link Road at 9.30am.

Sisters say so much SIX giant ‘Weeping Sisters’ will parade through Dewsbury town centre as part of an event to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The 12-foot figures, made by local people, will form part of the ‘We Stand Together’ event hosted by arts charity 6 Million+, in partnership with Creative Scene, on Tuesday January 28.

The event will begin outside Dewsbury Town Hall (6.30pm) with a performance from the Weeping Sisters, alongside music.

A commemoration event inside the Town Hall will follow at 7pm, with contributions from Holocaust survivor Leisel Carter and a performance of ‘Messages from Home’ by refugees and children from Flockton School.

Songs from the Makaton Choir of Ravenshall School and a screening of the educational film ‘Out of the Shadows’ will follow.

Since December 2019, 6 Million+ have been working with migrant communities across Kirklees to create a Weeping Sister figure.

The latest instalment depicts a German mother from the 1930s mourning the death of her disabled child and will join the five others made in previous years at this month’s memorial event.

Kim Strickson, who runs 6 Million+, said: “The creative process we have been through with our participants has proved once again how the arts bring people together.

“We hope local people attending the event will not only have an opportunity to remember the victims of the Holocaust and other genocides, but will be inspired by what they see and hear to form partnerships and friendships within and outside of their communities.”

Collegians in panto action DEWSBURY Collegians have begun performing their latest pantomime, Dick Whittington, at the Town Hall.

The show began last night (Thurs) and

runs until Sunday.

There are performances at 7.15pm tonight (Fri) and Saturday, with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Sunday’s matinee is sold out.

There will also be a

signed performance on Saturday evening.

Ticket prices are balcony £10, stalls £9 (£7 concessions) and can be obtained on 01484 225755, or online at tickets.kirklees. gov.uk.

SPEN Valley Historical Society’s next meeting is on Wednesday February 12 when David Bland will give a talk titled ‘The Life Story of Edward Wadsworth – Razzle Dazzle Artist of Cleckheaton’.

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@thecoopers online.org.uk.

Singalong DEWSBURY Concert Society is on the lookout for new members.

The friendly group of singers meets on Wednesday evenings at Longcauseway Church Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm to rehearse a varied programme of songs for concerts throughout the year.

New members are always welcome for all singing parts, but especially tenors and contralto singers.

No audition is required and all are welcome.

For details contact Keith on 01924 443196.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

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In front of Fuzzy Lemon Self Storage

19

20

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Marketplace Turn your unwanted items

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

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

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

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

NEW Three-seater leather settee. Good condition, £45. Tel 07533 2090.

(2539) Beko fridge freezer.

Good condition, £50.

Tel 07533 209056.

(2539) Electric cooker. Good condition, £45. Tel 07533 209056. (2539) Auto XS electric car polisher, model no WWCP/12. Brand-new in box. Never used, £15. Tel 0113 2520490.

(2540) Cannon 57” two-piece snooker cue. Complete with original case.

Hardly used, £40. Tel 07508 162369. (2540) Phoenix 3ft single adjustable electric bed base (no mattress).

Good condition. Buyer to collect, £100. Tel 07740 717701. (2541) BEAUTY Light box for drying gel nail polish. Only used once. In excellent condition, £10. Tel 01924 450919. (2514) CLOTHING Two traditional cowboy hats as new. One black, one fawn. Suit lady or gent, £10 for both. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) Six casual men s shirts various sizes and colours.

Quality brands. Some worn once or new. £1 each. Tel 01924 519750.

(2509) ELECTRICAL Six outdoor post lights, Georgian style, white (mains only), very good condition, £24. Tel 07943 114801. (2534) 40-inch Bush flat screen TV with remote control and manual, £40. Tel 07933 422024. (2526) Glass TV stand to match above Bush TV, £10. Tel 07933 422024. (2526) Toshiba 28 wide screen television with stand and remote control. Excellent condition, can deliver locally, £50. Tel 01924 471758. (2524) 3 x Winter warm oil-filled radiators, 1600 watt. £25 each. Tel 01924 469537.

(2521) FURNITURE Small corner settee, black

and grey. Good condition.

Buyer to collect, £30. Tel 07426 575196. (2537) Two x three-seater settees with beige dralon velvet seat cushions. One sofa has 5 large orange/ gold scatter cushions.

The other sofa has two beige back cushions plus four orange/ gold scatter cushions. Plus brown leather-effect foot stool. £250 ono, buyer to collect. Tel 01924 430088.

(2536) Attractive Italian leather 4-piece suite comprising of 3-seater, 2-seater, chair and storage pouffe. Black with red trim (bought from DFS), £550. Buyer to collect. Tel 07876 411694.

(2535) Dropleaf oval dining table with four chairs. Medium wood colour. Buyer to collect. £100 ono. Tel 01924 401280 (Heckmondwike). (2533) Black glass TV stand with two shelves. Suitable for 43 TV. Good condition £20 Tel 07876 536335.

(2529) 6 x French hardwood dining chairs with white legs and ladder backs.

Complete with seat cushions. £25 each or will sell in pairs. Tel 01924 408171. (2522) 2 x Canterbury office chairs, black, unassembled in box £40 each. Tel 01924 469537. (2521) GARDEN Two garden strimmers, £5 each. Bosch cordless hedge cutter and charger, £25.

Bosch electric scarifier lawn rake with catching box, £20. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) Standard holly tree in pot, £10. Standard bay tree in pot, £15. Tel 07415 238960. (2513) HOBBIES Small collection of unworked tapestries with wools plus other embroidery articles, from £5 each. Tel 0113 253 4632.

(2532) HOUSEHOLD Focus HE slimline gas fire. Good condition.

Serviced £100 Tel 01924 474062. (2528) Central heating control, Salus RT510TX with instructions. Only 12 months old, £25. Tel 07939 599381. (2527)

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus Adey Magnaclean filter (for central heating), £35.

Tel 07939 599381. (2527) 12 ltr expansion vessel (for central heating), £20.

Tel 07939 599381. (2527) Green/pink/peach lined full length curtains (fits floor to ceiling). Each curtain measures 10ft 6ins W x 7ft D. Includes matching pelmets, tracks, fixtures & fittings plus brass holdbacks. Very good clean condition, £75 ono. Tel 07475 109308. (2525) Love heart mirror 650mm W (25.5 ) x 720mm H (28.5 ) £45. Tel 01924 408171. (2522) Royal Albert Old Country Roses coffee set, eight cups and saucers, coffee pot, sugar bowl & cream jug. As new, never used, £40. Delonghi coffee machine Caffe Corso.

ESAM 2600 bean to cup.

In black, cost £179, sell £40. Tel 07928 233213.

(2516) KITCHEN/ DINING Kenwood Chef Gourmet shredder FP596. Never been used, £60. Tel 01924 490266. (2538) Glass punch bowl set for 12 people.

Complete. No chips or damage. Boxed. Ideal for parties, £25. Tel 07773 875472. (2517) MISCELLANEOUS Gaming equipment. Black Jack shoe, 400 casino chips, gaming board etc. £20 ono. Tel 01274 876814. (2523) Dixon Atlantic universal projector screen, 40 x 40 on tripod legs. Made in USA. Excellent condition in original box. £12 buyer to collect. Tel 01924 519750. (2509)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

MOTORING New Ultimate Speed bottle jack. Lifts 3.000kg £12 Tel 01274 876814. (2523) MUSICAL Very nice Reynolds Bb tenor trombone In its original hard case showing Reynolds USA logo.

The gold lacquer is about 90% full & nice inner legs of the slide. Ideal for a beginner to professional player, £145 ono. Tel 01924 477016 (cash only).

(2531) Technics Electronic Organ. 2 Keyboards, floor standing. Complete with stool. Excellent condition £60. Tel 01924 490266.

(2520) OUTDOOR Five traditional walking sticks, various sizes, £10 for all. Two pairs of Nordic walking sticks, adjustable. Suit lady or gent. £15 for both pairs.

Two director chairs in carrying bags. Good condition, £10 for both. Three folding tripod stools with carrying handle. Good condition, £10 for all. Tel 07988 955976. (2515) SPORT/ EXERCISE Confidence vibration plate, power plus. Cost £179, sell £50. Total crunch body revolution system. Cost £95, sell £30, Tel 07928 233213.

(2516) Set of golf clubs, suit beginner. Includes 3 woods, 7 irons, putter, umbrella, balls, tees etc.

In green canvas bag, £20 Tel 07988 955976. (2515) TOYS/ CHILDREN’S GOODS Thomas the Tank Engine item. Various engines, track, towers and pirate ship. £120 for the lot or will split if required. Tel 01274 600402 (2518)

Friday January 17, 2020

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

Classified Want to advertise in our Classified section? Call 01924 470296 or 0113 457 2900 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk

BUILDING & LANDSCAPE SERVICES

PROSPECT BUILDERS & LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

21

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COMPUTING

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ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

RUGBY UNION

Cleck move up to second place after battling victory North One East

HUDDERSFIELD YMCA CLECKHEATON RUFC

15 27

CLECKHEATON battled hard to secure maximum points away at bottom side Huddersfield YMCA at a windswept Laund Hill.

The win, a fifth in a row in the league, took the Moorenders above Driffield and into second place in the table, their highest placing in five years.

While they were not at their best, with a number of missed tackles which against better-quality opposition would have caused problems, they defied three yellow cards to earn victory.

Cleckheaton made one change from the dominant 47-14 win over Percy Park the previous week, as Brad Marsden returned at lock with Ben Etchells dropping to the bench.

YMCA played with a gusting wind in the first half and took a shock lead after just four minutes when good ball retention drove Cleckheaton back and, from a driving maul, they crossed for a try.

This stirred the visitors into urgent action against a YM team that hadn’t recorded a win all season. On 12 minutes, Dale Breakwell floated a fine kick towards the left wing, Mikey Hayward offloaded the

FIVE IN A ROW: Jack Seddon scores the first try in Cleckheaton’s win at Huddersfield YMCA (above); Jack Marshall races down the wing (right) PHOTOS: Gerald Christian ball to Jack Seddon and he romped over for his sixth try of the season.

At the halfway point of the first half, Olly Depledge and James Wilson combined and Hayward cut back inside to record his 13th try of the campaign, with the conversion making it 12-5.

YM cut the lead with a 20-metre goal awarded for offside on 30 minutes, but Hayward crossed for his second try of the game shortly after, thanks to good work from Tom Lillycrop and Seddon.

Four minutes before half-time, Cleckheaton were reduced to 14 men when Ben Thrower was yel-

Sport In Brief Kestrels earn points RUGBY UNION: Cleckheaton’s second team recorded a 24-15 win at Leodiensians to do the double over their opponents.

Tries from Gus Milbourne and Ben Dearing, with Dearing also adding a conversion, saw the Kestrels hold a 12-10 at half-time.

They scored further tries in the second half from Harry Sutcliffe and Matthew Wood, while Dearing added another conversion. Elliott Whetham picked up the man of the match award.

Tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm), Cleck are on the road again to meet Skipton for the first time this season.

Narrow Ossett win RUGBY UNION: Ossett recorded a 17-13 win at home to Sheffield Medicals last weekend in the Yorkshire Third Division.

Dale Burnley and Oli Lightfoot scored tries for Ossett, who are eighth in the league table, while James Wood converted both tries and also kicked a penalty to secure the narrow win.

Ossett’s second team were beaten 40-12 away at Sandal in a friendly, with skipper Tom Sprott and Mark Buckborough their try scorers.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the first team are away at Knottingley while the seconds return to league action in the Yorkshire Merit League’s Northern and Western League, which they are seven points clear at the top of, with the visit of Yarnbury.

Thornhill LTA award TENNIS: Thornhill Tennis Club was recognised for its work in encouraging participation in the sport in Dewsbury with the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association’s Community and Parks award.

The small club got the most nominations from tennis members, schools and other clubs in the county for their work in 2019.

That included offering free tennis open days for the community and reaching over 800 children in local schools.

low-carded for failing to clear the ruck. Archie Rika-Rayne came on and Joey Carley was sacrificed for this period either side of half-time.

Early in the second half YM mounted a concerted attack to batter the Cleckheaton line. After a couple of infringements near the line, Jack Marshall tried to intercept and was deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball on. Worse was to follow as he was dispatched to the sin bin and the referee awarded the penalty try to narrow the score to 17-15.

Marsden was securing plenty of lineout ball in the difficult condi-

BOWLS Young guns shine

tions and carried the ball well, making some surging runs alongside flanker Lillycrop. Cleck prop Andy Piper was then pulled out for a high tackle and became the third player to spend time in the bin on 62 minutes.

YMCA hooker Hill was playing well but he was the next to incur the wrath of the referee four minutes later and he was dispatched to the bin too. Cleckheaton finally got back on track after being on the back foot for much of the second period when Tom Breakwell crossed for the bonus-point try after a maul had rumbled some 20 metres

downfield.

Two minutes later and, with Marshall restored to the field, he showed terrific pace to blast outside his opposite number before passing to Seddon to record his seventh try of the season and round off the win.

Tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm), Cleck return to Moorend looking to extend their winning run to six games with a clash against Moortown.

The Leeds outfit are in the promotion hunt themselves, and the two sides couldn’t be separated when they met back in September for a 22-22 draw.

RACING PREVIEW WITH MIKE SMITH

Rising star and veteran collide HE MATCHBOOK Clarence House Chase at Ascot brings rising star DEFI DU SEUIL and the veteran UN DE SCEAUX together again this weekend in what is set to be a mouth-watering clash.

This effectively became a new race when upgraded to a Grade 1 contest in 2008 and three successive winners from 2013 to 2015 went on to win the Champion Chase. Few would dispute the fact that UN DE SCEAUX, winner of the following three editions, also belongs with the greats, but can the old warrior take his fourth Clarence House?

Patrick Mullins thinks the horse has improved from his second-placed effort to Saturday’s (tomorrow) rival in the Tingle Creek at Sandown last month.

He said he felt that his father Willie’s horses have been improving for their first run of the season this time round and that this legendary 12-year-old should strip fitter for his Sandown outing. He went on to say that the same could not be said for DEFI as he was already having his second outing of this campaign.

UN DE SCEAUX retains all of his enthusiasm for the game despite his advancing years. He loves it round Ascot and the heavy rain dumped by Storm Brendan also works in his favour as he relishes testing conditions.

Yorkshire raider WHOSHOTTHESHERRIFF has not won since moving into

T WINNER: Joe Cranston (left) with Peter Ellis THE YOUNGSTERS came to the fore in week 11 of the Spen Victoria winter sweep, with Joe Cranston edging the final against Thomas Scorah.

At just 15 years of age it was a fantastic achievement for Thomas to reach the final, dispatching veterans Simpson, Hynes, Wike and Mordue along the way.

Meanwhile Joe, himself only 22, beat Holt, Regan, Tattersley and Smith to make the final an all-youth affair, with the old-timers standing on the sidelines to watch.

Cranston had previous experience in finals and early doors it showed as he flew out of the traps to take a 12-3 lead, with his opponent possibly suffering from a few nerves.

However, Thomas showed a maturity beyond his tender years to begin a fightback.

He won six of the next seven ends, but crucially only scored singles when his opponent tended to score his points in pairs.

The next eight points were shared but then Thomas had another run of six to actually go into the lead at 17-16, and it was game on.

Joe bowled two crackers to score a pair, but Thomas hit back with a pair of his own. At 1918, Thomas then had the opportunity to lead for the game but a single the other way tied the scores up again, and another nail-biting final was unfolding nicely.

Joe led two good woods but Thomas bowled to save to give him another chance. Two bowls from Joe with a yard left the teenager a little bit of room to get in, but finally the pressure told and he fizzed one through to leave Joe the winner, 21-19.

handicap company but can land Ascot’s valuable handicap hurdle at 2.25. Philip Kirby’s six-year-old gelding is back over a more comfortable distance and will be 7lbs better off since finishing fifth here last time out despite racing wide all the way round.

In what looks such an open year for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, can this weekend’s Haydock trial throw up a contender?

The most likely Festival winner could be the Nicky Henderson-trained PENTLAND HILLS, who is incredibly slick over his hurdles, a quality needed to reach the top in this division, and he deserves to be 6/4 favourite for tomorrow’s (Saturday) race.

But there has to be a question mark over the ground which is likely to be heavy given the weather this past week and that could play right into the hands of CORNERSTONE LAD. Micky Hammond’s six-yearold has to shoulder a penalty for winning the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, where he beat

Buveur D’Air, and his price of 5/1 with Carrigill’s appeals more given the conditions.

The big betting race of the day at Haydock is the Peter Marsh Chase and it will be interesting to see who turns up as there are plenty of horses who don’t act at the track when the going gets bad.

GERONIMO has improved over the last year and could still be ahead of the handicapper but CALLIPSO COLLONGES will relish the slog over more than three miles. He has had five wins and a second from 10 starts on soft or heavy ground and looks well treated off a mark of 127.

TORO DORADO was Ed Dunlop’s first winner of 2020 over 1m at Lingfield and can follow up over the same course and distance tomorrow (Saturday) at 1.35. He’s only gone up 1lb from that win where Luke Morris came from off the pace to get up a win by a neck from Holiday Magic.

Staying on the all-weather, a drop down to a class 4 looks to be right up the street of ULTIMATE AVENUE who can score for local connections in Chelmsford’s 1m handicap at 7.15 tomorrow (Saturday).

CARRIGILL’S NAP: (money back as a free bet if finishes outside top four. Write Augur on your slip to qualify): HAPPY DIVA, Ascot, Saturday, 3.00.

AUGUR’S BEST BET: ULTIMATE AVENUE (e/w), Chelmsford, Saturday, 7.15.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

25

FOOTBALL

Basement side end United’s run Northern Premier N/West Division

PICKERING TOWN OSSETT UNITED

3 2

Daniel Johnson at Mill Lane IN GLOOMY North Yorkshire it was bottom-of-the-table Pickering Town who gained all three points despite a late fightback from an inform Ossett United.

United were looking to continue their impressive run of three consecutive wins, but a brace from Flynn McNaughton and a confidently-dispatched penalty by Iwan Heeley turned out to be too much for the travelling side.

Both Aaron Haswell’s wonderstrike and a perfectly-struck Tom Greaves penalty settled as consolations as United’s run came to an end.

It was very much a Jekyll and Hyde performance from the side from West Yorkshire. The first half was at times shambolically slow.

It was Pickering Town who set the tone with a high press from the outset and this proved difficult to deal with for Ossett.

It took just 11 minutes for the

United rearguard to fall.

McNaughton latched onto a ball into the area, keeper Brett Souter did well to save the initial shot, but as the ball looped up into the air there was only one outcome, and McNaughton headed home.

Pickering, despite their goal advantage, were beginning to look shaky at the back, and efforts from Luke Porritt and Dylan Cogill could have levelled the tie.

But instead it was the Pikes who scored the next goal. A stonewall penalty was given, though a dubious decision to wave away a foul on Marko Basic in the build-up left United fans and players incensed.

Heeley felt no pressure; his penalty left United keeper Souter standing as it trickled into the corner.

It took until the second half and two substitutions to really kickstart Ossett into action. Haswell, who came on for Brodie Litchfield, was a bright spark for United throughout the second half. His mazy run infield from the right-hand side opened up enough room for him to whip a fierce strike into the top corner and draw the away side back into the contest.

For all Wayne Benn’s side’s pres-

sure and tenacity, it was McNaughton who hit the next blow.

His endeavours forward caused problems throughout for Ossett, and a long ball over the top was taken well by the attacker and he made no mistake, leading to Pickering having their two-goal cushion reinstated.

A 75th-minute penalty from redhot striker Greaves meant it was an extremely nervy end to the fixture for the home side, but the Pikes held out for a vital three points. An incredible start to 2020 is now overshadowed following the disappointing defeat for Benn’s men.

Ossett have the chance to bounce back against Widnes tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) at Ingfield.

Widnes sit in 17th place, just one spot above United, but have two games in hand.

United are back at home three days later in the second round of the West Riding County Cup, welcoming NCEL Premier Division side Garforth Town (January 21, kick-off 7.45pm).

Meanwhile, the club last week announced the departure of experienced midfield general Andy Monkhouse.

ON THE ATTACK: Luke Porritt breaks forward in Ossett’s defeat

Liversedge close in on promotion places NCEL Premier Division

LIVERSEDGE GARFORTH TOWN

4 1

LIVERSEDGE moved level on points with third-place Staveley thanks to a third win on the bounce – and scored four goals for the third time in a row.

After victories away at Bottesford Town and Barton Town either side of the New Year had lifted them back up the table, they closed in on the top three with a superb win over Garforth, in their first match at Clayborn since mid-November.

Oliver Fearon and Paul Walker put Sedge 2-0 in front at half-time, with Alfie Raw adding a third from the spot in the second half and Joe Walton rounding off another impressive result.

It was a scrappy start to the game in blustery conditions, with Raw putting the first effort of the game wide.

The first shot on target led to the first goal after 23 minutes. A long throw was allowed to run straight through bodies and find Fearon,

and the striker flicked it into the bottom corner for his 11th goal of the season.

Another long throw caused problems as Walton, making his return from a threematch suspension, headed wide of the post.

But just a minute later, Walton helped to hand the dangerous Walker a tap-in to make it 2-0 going into the break.

Garforth came out with more threat at the start of the second half, smashing the Liversedge crossbar with a Sam Denton freekick from the edge of the box.

And just three minutes later the ball was in the opposite net. From a corner, a couple of shots were blocked before skipper Tom Jackson was fouled in the scramble. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Raw stepped up to convert for a sixth goal in the last four matches.

Fearon could have made things even worse for Garforth shortly after the restart but he misfired a good chance at the back post.

The fourth goal came in the 69th minute as yet another throw-in gave the defence nightmares. This time it was sliced by a visiting player into the path of Walton, who wasn’t going to miss the target with his header.

Garforth hit back a couple of minutes later as a well-worked passing move was finished off neatly by Charlie Marshall.

Walton had a header tipped over the bar by opposition goalkeeper Toby Wells before chances came and went for both sides to add to the game’s five goals in the closing minutes.

Alex Lill produced a good save at fullstretch to punch clear a fine 30-yard effort from Joe Colley, before Sedge substitute Jake Thompson rattled the bar with his own ambitious strike.

Liversedge were denied the opportunity to keep their momentum going in midweek as Storm Brendan forced the postponement of their showdown with fellow promotion contenders Yorkshire Amateur.

Instead, they will return to action tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) with a trip to Knaresborough Town, who are fourth-frombottom and have won only once at home all season.

That fixture could see Mark Simpson make his debut for Sedge after the striker signed last week from Garforth, where he was the club’s record goalscorer.

Littletown run riot while Spen regain top spot LITTLETOWN’S impressive form in the Yorkshire Amateur League Supreme Division continued last weekend with an 11-0 demolition of Drighlington.

The second-placed side beat the same opponents 8-0 the week before and were even more ruthless this time, with Scott Lightowler’s four goals leading the way.

Thomas Ramsden scored twice while Matthew Bolton, Reiss Brook, Timothy Clarke, Adam Williams and Macauley Parkinson also netted in the rout.

Lower Hopton remain bottom of the league as they lost 4-1 at Leeds Medics and Dentists despite Michael Rounding’s goal.

Dewsbury Rangers lost 3-1 to the Medics and Dentists’ reserve side in the Championship, while

Norristhorpe kept hold of top spot in Division Two as a Daniel Mountain double, along with Jason Collinson, Matthew Taylor and Andy Taft strikes, earned a 5-1 win at Horsforth St Margarets.

Littletown’s reserves remain well clear at the top of Division Three after a 3-0 win over Savile United, and Norristhorpe Reserves routed Shire Academics 3rd 10-0.

Old Batelians drew 1-1 with North Leeds Reserves in Division Four while, in Division Five, West End Park won 2-1 at Huddersfield Amateur 4th and Dewsbury Rangers Under-23s drew 4-4 with Old Centrelians Academics.

In Calder Valley Division One, Ravenswharfe moved up to third with a 3-2 win over Cock of the North, with Duane Fasicone, Sam Hewitt and Ben Smith scoring.

Spen FC regained top spot in Division Two thanks to a 5-1 home trouncing of Barum Top, while James Proctor and Ethan Walshaw goals helped Sands Lane win 2-0 at Battyeford Sporting Club Juniors and bottom side Inter Batley lost 6-2 at Clifton Rangers Athletic.

Mohammed Sadiq (2) and Josh Stacey both netted off the bench to see Horbury Town through in the second round of the West Yorkshire League Cup, beating Hall Green United 3-2.

Howden Clough also progressed in the competition, winning 5-3 on penalties against Huddersfield YM after a 2-2 draw in which Andrew Griffiths netted twice.

In West Yorkshire Division One, Hartshead were 4-0 winners at Featherstone Colliery, with Andrew

Wood scoring twice along with Nathan Foster and Stuart McCallum goals.

Thornhill United came out on top in a local derby in the Wakefield Division Two League Cup, beating Overthorpe Sports Club 3-0.

Ryan Laffey starred with a brace while Luke Teece got the other goal.

Hanging Heaton were knocked out of the Premier Division League Cup, however, with a 5-3 defeat by Fieldhead Hospital, despite two goals from Matthew Armstrong and one from Craig Bentley.

Howden Clough were beaten 1-0

by West End Terriers in the Jim Callaghan Cup while James Askew’s goal couldn’t prevent Ossett Dynamoes from a 3-1 Wakefield Division One loss to Great Preston.

PHOTO: John Hirst

Sport In Brief Mally tops charts CRICKET: The Bradford League have revealed the past decade’s top-performing players, with Cleckheaton’s Mally Nicholson the leading wicketkeeper of the 2010s.

Nicholson was an ever-present in the most successful decade of the club’s history, which included Bradford League titles in 2013 and 2014, and he racked up 285 victims, including 232 catches and 53 stumpings.

Iain Wardlaw was also key in those teams and went on to help Hartshead Moor to a Championship Two and Jack Hampshire Cup double in 2017. He was fourth in the bowling charts with 400 wickets, at an average of 15.76, with Woodlands’ Chris Brice top.

Ahsan Butt, who had spells with Hanging Heaton and Hartshead Moor among others, was the second most prolific batsman of the decade with 6,414 runs, behind only Pudsey St Lawrence’s Mark Robertshaw.

Tim Jackson, who was also a key figure in Cleckheaton’s success, was fourth on that list with 6,346 runs.

Cross country races ATHLETICS: Spenborough’s athletes ran in the Yorkshire Cross Country Championships at Lightwater Valley last Saturday, with Joe Sagar recovering from an early fall to work his way up to 17th place in the men’s race.

Tom Dart and Simon Bolland were almost inseparable as they finished 53rd and 56th respectively. Other Spen runners were Gerard Skippins (220th) and Dave Butler (259th).

Sara Wallace (73rd) led Spen’s senior women in their race with Natasha Geere (85th) and Angela Hall (86th) also finishing.

The under-13 girls got the day of racing underway and Poppy Henson ran a tremendous race to place 19th. Sophia Foulger also ran in this race and placed 59th.

Washout for Ladies FOOTBALL: Both of Ossett United’s Ladies sides saw their games postponed last week.

Ingfield and Dimple Wells were both waterlogged on Sunday, meaning that the first team’s tie against Redcar Town and the reserves’ clash with Leeds United Development had to be called off.

26

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

RUGBY LEAGUE

Perfect Trojans start for Ratcliffe in cup Coral Challenge Cup

THORNHILL TROJANS 22 THATTO HEATH CRUSADERS 16 THORNHILL Trojans gave Danny Ratcliffe a winning start to life as head coach of the club as they knocked last season’s NCL Premier runners-up Thatto Heath out of the Challenge Cup. The visitors arrived with big cup pedigree having reached the fifth round last season, but they would go no further than the first round this time as Thornhill came out on top.

The Trojans were relegated from the top flight last season, with the help of Thatto Heath’s league double over them, so the victory was one to savour when the full-time whistle sounded.

Man of the match for Thornhill was loose-forward Casey Johnson, although there were also great performances from Nick Mitchell, Liam Morley and Will Gledhill.

The game was played in very blustery conditions, which made kicking at times something of a lottery.

The first try of the game was created by a piece of Morley magic, stepping away just inside Thornhill’s half of the field and using his pace to break clear before sending out a pass which found the supporting Rye Ward. The young-

ster took the ball and sprinted clear to score a try in the corner.

After creating this try Morley left the field to go in the blood bin to have a head wound attended to, and Jordan Lowther came on in his place.

The fast-paced opening continued and Thatto Heath responded to Thornhill’s initial score with a try of their own. Quick hands saw the ball travel to the bottom side of the field and Nathan Taylor took the final pass to go over for an unconverted try in the corner.

Thornhill hit back in this end-toend game. Matthew Tebb picked up the ball from the acting-half position, sold a dummy and nipped over between the posts for a try which Johnson converted.

Thatto then had a try disallowed when the referee spotted a knock-on over the try line. Sean Leicester threw the ball away in frustration and was shown the yellow card by the referee.

Tempers momentarily boiled over in the run-up to half-time following a high tackle. The Crusaders were awarded the resultant penalty and attacked the Thornhill line, with the defence giving Jack Jones too much space as he reached out to plant the ball down between the posts. Sean Quinn converted to level the scores at 10-all at the interval.

Thornhill scored two quick tries after the restart which put them in

a commanding position for the rest of the game.

Thatto Heath lost possession from the kick-off and Will Gledhill took the ball forward. It was worked out to Sam Ratcliffe who scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Nick Mitchell then made a superb break for Thornhill and sent out a bewildering pass which somehow picked out Ross Roebuck on the wing. Roebuck sprinted away to score a try which Johnson converted, giving Thornhill a 10-point cushion. Thatto now knew they had a battle on their hands if they were to remain in the cup.

Thatto Heath upped the tempo and Leicester took the ball out on the wing, beating a defender to score a try in the corner which Quinn converted.

In the run-up to full-time the away side were penalised for a high tackle and then spoke out of turn to the referee. They were marched back 10 metres, putting Thornhill into a position from which Johnson could convert the penalty.

After what seemed a very lengthy period of stoppage time, the referee blew for full-time to allow Thornhill to celebrate.

Tuesday night’s second-round draw saw them receive another home tie, this time against NCL Division Two side Normanton Knights. The West Yorkshire derby will be played over the weekend of January 25-26.

Pats knock out Maroons TOUGH GOING: Moor carry the ball forward against Wigan St Pats PHOTO: Brian King

Coral Challenge Cup

WIGAN ST PATRICKS DEWSBURY MOOR

30 14

DEWSBURY MOOR had three players sin-binned as their Challenge Cup campaign ended in the first round at the hands of Wigan St Patricks.

The Maroons were relegated from NCL Division One last season and began 2020 against a side who they had lost twice to in that campaign.

They competed well, with Finley Bruce opening the scoring after just three minutes and Bradley Foster adding the conversion.

Ryan Braddock responded for the Wigan side midway through the first half and Craig Thomas goaled, before nudging his side ahead just before

half-time with a penalty.

The second half started well for Moor and Joe Haywood put them in front with the first of two tries, but it was short-lived.

Three Pats tries in 10 minutes were decisive as Taylor Hyland, Jonny Brown and Sam Arrowsmith crossed as the hosts surged into a 26-10 lead.

Thomas crowned a satisfying afternoon’s work with a try of his own with six minutes left before Haywood scored his second of the game a couple of minutes from the end.

This proved mere consolation for the visitors, who had Aiden Ineson (striking), Tobias Richardson (crusher tackle) and Foster (flopping) sinbinned at various points.

It was a busy afternoon for the referee who also sin-binned Danny Ryding (striking) for Wigan.

Sharks progress as Stags unbeaten streak finally ends SHAW CROSS Sharks are the only Heavy Woollen side left in the Pennine League cup competitions after the first round last weekend.

Andrew Tillotson’s Sharks, who have won six games out of six in Division Two this season, romped to a 40-4 win away at Crigglestone All Blacks in the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy.

There was a shock defeat in the President’s Cup as Mirfield Stags, Division One leaders and BARLA

Yorkshire Cup winners, were knocked out by Illingworth.

Mirfield had gone unbeaten in all competitions this season up until Saturday, when they travelled to their Calderdale opponents for the third time this season after comfortable wins in pre-season and league fixtures.

It wasn’t so easy this time around though, as Illingworth produced an outstanding performance to dump the Stags out of the cup with a 26-16 win.

The visitors were bolstered by the addition of experienced half-back Scott Dyson and the return of prop forward Ben Mather for a second Stags spell, but head coach Richard Silverwood saw his plans disrupted by the withdrawal of co-captain Wayne Jowett, due to illness, late into preparations.

Mirfield were able to post scores through Dom Flanagan, Brad Delaney and Lewis Holliday, while Delaney added two goals, but

Illingworth were worthy winners and progressed to the final four of the competition.

Hanging Heaton were unable to make the semifinals either, as they were defeated 26-18 at Drighlington.

They gave themselves too much to do when they went 22-0 down in the first half, and although they made a spirited fightback after the break it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Mirfield and Hanging

Heaton will look to bounce back from their cup exits when they go head-to-head in a Division One derby tomorrow (Saturday).

The Stags will look to keep their winning league streak intact and go four points clear at the top, while a win on the road for their opponents would take them to within two points of secondplaced Upton.

The other local outfit in knockout action last week was Thornhill Trojans but

they were unable to emulate Shaw Cross in the first round of the Andrew Bennett Memorial Trophy, losing 20-16 at home to Eastmoor Dragons.

Thornhill aren’t in action this weekend but the Sharks are, welcoming Division Two leaders Fryston Warriors to Dewsbury. A win will take them level on points with their opponents, with a winning margin of 22 or greater required to leapfrog them at the summit.

HOCKEY

Mixed results for Slazenger firsts THE SLAZENGER men’s first team had not one match but two last weekend, drawing 2-2 with Hull on Saturday before a 3-0 reverse against Wakefield 2nd the following day.

Against league leaders Hull, Slaz battled in a hard-fought, physical encounter. Richard Tuddenham (left, in green) netted a short corner and a defensive error allowed Ben Jackson to score a second, but two well-taken opportunities saw their opponents take a share of the points.

Sunday saw a rearranged fixture

against Wakefield and Slazenger got off to a poor start as two defensive errors gifted early goals.

Tuddenham was denied a goal by the umpire before a third goal put the game out of their reach in the second half.

Slaz’s second team enjoyed a 6-1 win over Chapeltown Seconds last week, with Damo Greig, Alex Stacey and Asad Baig all netting twice each. The men’s thirds were beaten 7-0 by Barnsley, while their sixth side lost 2-1 to Airedale 3rds despite a Luke Minchella goal.

The ladies’ first team continued

their unbeaten home run with a 6-0 victory over Halifax.

Slaz started strong, were solid defensively and led 2-0 at half-time thanks to two stunning short corner routines, before adding four more goals in the second half.

The thirds and fourths were both successful against Halifax teams as well. The thirds won 4-1 against Halifax Fourths thanks to goals from Linda Stacey, Helen Ramshaw and Caro Schofield (two), while the fourths faced Halifax Fifths and won 2-1 with Josie Hughes and Julie Bailey netting.

ThePress

Friday January 17, 2020

27

RUGBY LEAGUE

Hunslet steal win from Batley Pre-season friendly

HUNSLET BATLEY BULLDOGS

16 12

at South Leeds Stadium A TRY from Ben Markland in the final moments stole victory for Hunslet against a Batley side who were victims of their own ill-discipline.

The Bulldogs edged a tight first half, despite defending for large periods, and appeared to have done enough to hold on for victory before Markland chased down Dom Brambani’s grubber to snatch the spoils.

Both sides completed well during the early stages and enjoyed opportunities to attack.

Dave Scott produced the game’s first error when he failed to gather Brambani’s bomb, but the Parksiders were unable to capitalise.

Instead the Bulldogs took the lead when George Senior crashed onto Alistair Leak’s flat ball from dummy half.

Morton added the conversion to make it 6-0, but Hunslet regrouped and found their structure in the minutes that followed.

The hosts showed enterprise with the ball in hand and moved their attacking play at pace, but the Bulldogs were equal to the challenge and held on to their lead.

The Parksiders had their break-

MATCH STATS KEIGHLEY COUGARS: Louis Sheriff Alfie Seeley Jake Webster Matt Welham Mo Agoro Benn Hardcastle Ben Stead Jack Coventry Kyle Kesik Matthew Bailey Lewis Wray Josh Lynam Aaron Levy Subs: Taylor Prell James Feather Dalton Desmond-Walker Jason Muranka Jack Miller Kieran Moran Spencer Darley Tries: Webster (34), Prell (36), Sheriff (46), Agoro (79), Muranka (80).

Goals: Miller 3/5.

DEWSBURY RAMS: Joe Martin Davey Dixon Adam Ryder Matty Fleming Will Oakes Paul Sykes Liam Finn Connor Scott Dom Speakman Luke Nelmes Sonny Esslemont Liam Johnson Frazer Morris Subs: Andy Gabriel Chris Annakin Sam Day Morgan Punchard Tommy Brierley James Thornton Rhys Davies Sam Moorhouse Tries: Speakman (9, 74), Ryder (25), Johnson (29).

Goals: Sykes 4/4.

Referee: J. Stearne Half-time: 10-18 Penalties: 6-8 Man of the Match: Jack Miller (Keighley) Attendance: 449

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

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

FRIENDLY DEFEAT: Hunslet claim possession in the air (left); Liam Copland squeezes past a Batley defender for a try through in the 27th minute, when Liam Copland squeezed over following a blind-side move from dummy half on the last tackle.

Danny Rowse’s conversion attempt came back off the posts but the hosts remained on the front foot, aided significantly by Batley’s indiscipline during the latter stages of the first half.

Hunslet continued to build pressure during the early stages of the second period and Rowse’s grubber kick forced a repeat set 10 metres from the visitors’ line.

But a poor kick on the last let the Bulldogs off the hook and instead

Batley went further in front when Tyler Dickinson spun over from short range.

Morton’s goal from in front of the posts made it 12-4 with just over half an hour to play, but Hunslet continued to threaten and Copland was denied his second try only by the ball’s bounce moments later after Brambani, who starred against his old side, had chipped wide.

It was a much simpler play that unlocked the Bulldogs’ defence for Hunslet’s second score. With Batley’s ruck defence sleeping, Kiedan Hartley reached out to plant the ball down and Rowse’s goal made it a two-point game

PHOTOS: Ryan Jackson

with 20 minutes still to play.

Luke Hooley’s restart was allowed to bounce into touch, stifling the hosts’ momentum, but a superb interception

by Josh Tonks relieved the pressure on their line.

Copland again went close after being released by Tom Ashton, but with no support, his desperate pass inside went into Batley hands.

Dickinson’s charge and offload almost laid on a try for Leak as Batley sought to seal matters, before Markland chased and then dived on Brambani’s grubber, two minutes from full-time, to steal victory for Hunslet.

Late double sees toothless Rams beaten Pre-season friendly

KEIGHLEY COUGARS DEWSBURY RAMS

26 24

Stephen Ibbetson at Cougar Park KEIGHLEY Cougars began their preseason with the impressive scalp of Championship side Dewsbury Rams, thanks to a dramatic last-minute try from Jason Muranka.

After a slow start which saw the Rams go 18-0 up inside the opening 35 minutes, the Cougars recovered to make a game of it but still trailed by eight points going into the final two minutes.

Mo Agoro took advantage of a Dewsbury fumble to touch down on debut before a breakaway try from former Ram Muranka saw them implausibly win the tie.

The kick-off was delayed by half an hour due to the late arrival of the match doctor, and the game eventually got underway on a very muddy Cougar Park surface.

Keighley had five new signings on show and the most high-profile of those, Jake Webster, was involved early on to make a crucial interception, getting to a Paul Sykes kick ahead of Luke Nelmes to prevent a try.

Dewsbury were the dominant side in the early stages though and they got the first try from the resulting drop-out as Dom Speakman dived straight over from dummy-half, with Sykes adding the conversion.

A Speakman kick and good Rams chase forced another drop-out, from which Sonny Esslemont went close to a try and Will Oakes then should have gone over but was held up after going inside to try and force his way over.

An Oakes knock-on gave Keighley

their first attack but Lewis Wray was held up after a Kyle Kesik offload, and instead the second try went to the Rams.

A big Liam Johnson hit forced a knock-on and, after a penalty, the ball was swiftly played to the right for Adam Ryder to score against his former side.

Things got even better for the Championship side four minutes later as Johnson slid over himself on the left, with further Sykes kicks making it 18-0. Then the fightback began, led by Jack Miller off the interchange bench.

Keighley’s first try came from Wray’s break and then Miller’s kick, which Webster was quickest to chase and touch down.

The hosts knocked-on from the kickoff but Taylor Prell then intercepted a pass and brilliantly raced away 80 metres, with Miller converting for an 18-10 half-time deficit.

Their momentum wasn’t halted by the interval, with James Feather having a try ruled out for obstruction before a Miller cut-out pass sent exRam Louis Sheriff over the line.

Agogo was also frustrated by the referee’s whistle when he dived into the corner, denied a try by a forward assisting pass by Matt Welham.

Oakes almost squeezed in at the other end but had his foot taken into touch by a defender, and from then the second half became increasingly scrappy as both sides struggled to retain any fluency.

Some good defence was required by Dewsbury to hold onto their four-point lead before the win looked to be secured with six minutes left on the clock.

Oakes was the architect with a brilliant run inside which left the Cougars backline in disarray, leaving Speakman with space to spin over for his second try.

But Keighley rallied for a remarkable comeback at the death. First Agoro took advantage of Davey Dixon’s inability to claim a kick in the in-goal, allowing the former Newcastle man a simple score which Miller converted.

Then came the winner with the final action of the game as sloppy, tired defence allowed the Cougars to break twice, finishing with Muranka’s lastgasp dash for the line.

Greenwood: Players have point to prove DEWSBURY boss Lee Greenwood will give his new recruits another chance to prove themselves this weekend when they face Bradford Bulls in their final preseason fixture.

In what is officially a home match on Sunday (kick-off 3pm) against Bradford, who they will share the Tetley’s Stadium with in 2020, Dewsbury will again field an experimental side.

Greenwood (right) says that many of the players in his squad, which includes 13 new signings, have a point to prove after disappointing in last weekend’s defeat at Keighley.

“Some lads may not have done themselves a lot of favours (last week), but there’s only one way to find out if they’re up to it or not and that’s just by playing them,” he said.

“Some of those lads will be more dis-

MATCH STATS HUNSLET: Jimmy Watson Ben Markland Ben Heaton Tom Ashton Liam Copland Danny Rowse Dom Brambani Zack Braham Jack Lee Harry Kidd Josh Tonks Duane Straugheir Vila Halifihi Subs: Jack Aldous Jordan Andrade Nathan Conroy Harvey Hallas Jack Ray Kiedan Hartley Arron Williams Tries: Copland (27), Hartley (60), Markland (78).

Goals: Rowse 2/3.

6 6 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

BATLEY BULLDOGS: Dave Scott 6 Niall Walker 6 Dale Morton 6 George Senior 6 Johnny Campbell 6 Luke Hooley 5 Danny Yates 5 Michael Ward 6 Shaun Lunt 6 Joe Taira 6 Shaun Pick 6 Nyle Flynn 6 Jack Blagbrough 6 Subs: Alistair Leak 7 James Brown 7 Keenen Tomlinson 6 Tyler Dickinson 7 Anthony Bowman 6 Dom Horn 6 Sam Bowring 6 Danny Bravo 6 Tries: Senior (11), Dickinson (46). Goals: Morton 2/2.

Referee: S. Race Half-time: 4-6 Penalties: 11-5 Man of the match: Dom Brambani (Hunslet) Attendance: 365

appointed than the fans watching.

They’ve got another chance next week to play against Bradford and they’ll want to play well.

“I know they’re good lads but qualitywise you’re asking them to step up from reserves rugby, (Under-)19s or League One, and I’m learning now if they can do that. “(At Keighley) they arguably didn’t look like League One-capable players, some of them. It’s the harsh reality. As disappointed as I am with the performance, it’s a bit of a confidence blow to some of the lads because they’ve come and trained hard, and it’s a reality check to them.

“I’d be amazed if they’re not looking forward to playing on Sunday against Bradford, and hoping to put a good performance in to get that one out of their system, and prove to themselves and to me that they can play in the Championship.”

After seeing his side let an 18-0 lead slip at the Cougars, Greenwood stressed that it was the performance that was most concerning for him, rather than the outcome which was swung in the final seconds.

“The result didn’t matter, if we’d have won by two I’d still know how poor that last 50 minutes was,” he said.

“I thought for 30 minutes it was very dominant. We probably should have been a couple more scores up and that would have been a fair reflection.

“But for a short patch before half-time and in the second half, it was very poor and worrying. We’ll have learned a lot today, about individuals and about squad strength, and it gives us food for thought and plenty to work on.”

BULLDOGS FACE HULL TEST

By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY BULLDOGS coach Craig Lingard says his players have a big opportunity to test themselves this weekend when Hull FC visit the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium.

Hull are the first of two Super League sides to visit in consecutive weeks, with a clash against Huddersfield Giants also to come as the Bulldogs finish their pre-season preparations.

Ahead of the meeting with the Black and Whites (Sunday, kick-off 2pm), with whom a proposed dualregistration deal fell through last week, Lingard hopes his squad will grasp the chance to show their abilities against top-quality opposition.

“It’s a great opportunity for these players to test themselves against some of the best in Super League,” he said.

“I think Hull will be challenging for the title so it’ll be a really good test and if they can perform against Hull then they can do it against anyone in our division.

“By all accounts, they’re going to come with a full-strength team. It’s going to be a tough game but the thing that has pleased me most so far (in pre-season) is their attitude to defence.”

But he warned: “If they haven’t got a good attitude this week they could have 60 or 70 points put past them.”

There was plenty for Lingard to consider following Batley’s second pre-season fixture last weekend, as they went down to a 16-12 defeat at League One outfit Hunslet.

“I thought we started off fairly strong in the first 15-20 minutes of the game,” said the coach. “I thought we controlled the game and our completion rate was better than it was against Dewsbury (a draw on Boxing Day).

“Then I think we just lost a bit of focus and dropped off our intensity.

Hunslet are a really good League One side who will be challenging for the top four this season, they put out their strongest side and it showed that if you lose concentration against anybody, you’re going to get punished.

“I’m slightly disappointed with losing a bit of focus but this is what these pre-season friendlies are about; learning about individuals, learning about your different units within the team and seeing where you need to improve. I wouldn’t

expect us to be hitting our straps at this stage of the season, only the second friendly in, but there are a lot of areas to work on.”

As such, the Bulldogs will continue to field experimental sides in their final two friendlies as they continue to search for the right formula ahead of the campaign.

Lingard said: “We’ll continue to look at different combinations because we’re still not 100 per cent sure what our starting 13 or even our 17 will be. We’ll continue to look at different people and different combinations and see what we

think will be the best combination for us going against Featherstone.

“It might disappoint fans that we’re not winning by 20 or 30 points every week but they are friendlies and hopefully they will benefit the team in the long term.”

Trialists Dom Horn and Sam Bowring both made their Bulldogs debuts last week, as did Shaun Lunt and new signing Anthony Bowman, while Joe Taira made his first appearance of pre-season following illness. Lewis Galbraith (ankle) is not expected to be back in contention until the Huddersfield tie.

Lingard excited by Bowman...

DONE DEAL: Bowman and Lingard

THERE is plenty more to come from Batley Bulldogs’ versatile new signing Anthony Bowman, according to boss Craig Lingard.

Bowman’s signature was finally confirmed last week after the former Halifax and Oldham man completed work commitments that allowed him to guarantee his place in the squad for the upcoming season.

Lingard hopes to take advantage of the 27-year-old’s utility value while allowing him to feature in his favoured position of loose forward.

The Bulldogs boss said: “He’s primarily a loose forward but he gives us cover at half-back and he can play on the edge, at centre or at

back-row, so he’s really got a utility value.

“But Anthony wants to play as a loose forward and we’ll give him that opportunity.”

Bowman was given the chance to display his abilities off the bench in last weekend’s pre-season defeat to Hunslet, and Lingard said: “He did really well to be honest.

“It’s always difficult when it’s your first game for a new club and he’s only had two sessions with the lads, so he doesn’t know all of the systems and structures.

“He’ll get better the longer he trains with us but for a first game for us I thought he stood out.”

Evergreen Sykes has plenty left to give hometown Rams PAUL SYKES believes he still has plenty to give to Dewsbury Rams as he looks ahead to his 22nd season of professional rugby.

The evergreen half-back is still going strong at the age of 38, continuing at his hometown club a stellar career which has taken in Bradford, London, Wakefield and Featherstone, along with England and Great Britain caps.

The 2020 season will be his fifth at the Rams, although the veteran skipper admitted that he wasn’t always so sure that a career which began in 1999 would stretch into a fourth decade.

“When you get to my age there are always doubts in your mind, is it going to be time or whatever,”

said Sykes.

“But with the way that I played last year, I thought I played well enough to carry on another year, so I think that’s what will happen this year (as well). If I’m playing well and I’m enjoying my rugby, why not carry on another year?”

Sykes added that he believes it is his “passion for the game” that has kept him going for so long: “It’s something that I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid and I’ve always said that as long as I feel good I’ll carry on playing. My body is in decent shape at the moment and I’m really looking forward to this year.”

This campaign sees him take on a new coaching role at the club alongside Lee Greenwood and

assistant boss Jack Howieson.

He said: “At the moment in the off-season I’ve just been focusing on getting fit, and I’ve been doing little bits like skills sessions with the lads and all the lads have been great, they’ve taken everything on board.

“I hope they see me as a senior player as well as a coach but I’m looking forward to a different role as well, delving into that coaching side, because maybe I’ll choose that path when I finish playing.”

As club captain and the most experienced man in the Dewsbury dressing room he has been a leader in the group for some time, and will continue to do so both on and off the field alongside half-back

partner Liam Finn.

“We’ve trained all off-season in the halves and we just need to try and guide the team as best we can,” said Sykes. “We’re both quite experienced and there’s a mixture of youth and experience in the team, so it should put us in good stead for the season.”

The pair will also look to help young half Morgan Punchard develop his game after making the move from Featherstone. Sykes said of the 20-year-old: “He’s done well in training. He’s only young and he’s a bit quiet so it’s up to me and Finny to bring that out of him. He’ll be a good player.”

LEADER: Rams skipper Paul Sykes

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