Health chiefs in part of North Yorkshire say they will need to evaluate every service they commission to plug a growing shortfall in its budget amid “unprecedented” demand.
Harrogate and Rural District Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) say although its NHS funding has not been cut, the rise in demand for health services and increasing costs is “outstripping” the money available for services.
The pressures of a growing and ageing population has caused a “significant increase” in demand for all types of local health services against a fixed NHS budget, the CCG said.
Plans are already in place to plug the £8.4m shortfall for the next financial year, 2016/17, but with costs continuing to rise, it is preparing further ways in which it can bridge the budget gap, including proposals to stop providing ‘over the counter’ medicines like paracetamol, which last year cost the NHS locally £260,000 to prescribe. Paracetamol and other painkillers are widely available in supermarkets and at local chemists and cost around 1p per tablet, compared to 3p per tablet on the NHS, the CCG said.
Governing body member at the CCG, Rick Sweeney, said: “As an organisation we have a number of difficult choices to make about what is affordable for the whole of our local population against an ever increasing demand for access to health services.
“We are reviewing all areas of spend including the services we purchase, the medicines prescribed, outpatient appointments and operations.
“Getting medicine on prescription costs much more than buying over the counter due to the time doctors and local pharmacists take when dealing with appointments, handling prescriptions and dispensing medication. Last year, over 3m items were prescribed to patients across Harrogate and the rural district at a cost of over £25m.”
Examples of increased demand on health services across Harrogate include a 2.7 per cent increase in the number of people attending A&E in the same three month period of April to June from 2015 to 2016 - equating to an additional £125,000 cost not planned for.
The same comparative period also saw a 14 per cent increase in the number of knee procedures at an additional cost of £160,000.
Chief officer at the CCG, Amanda Bloor, appealed directly to residents of the Harrogate district to “play their part” in addressing the challenge.
She said: “Like many neighbouring CCGs across North Yorkshire, we are facing unprecedented challenges as demand from an ageing and growing population increases.
“It is important that everyone using the NHS appreciates the pressures it faces through growing demand and cost and takes responsibility for using it most effectively so we can help secure high quality local health services.
“The CCG is working to identify as many efficiency savings as it can. This will mean a renewed focus on self-care and healthy lifestyle choices by individuals and may include reduction or withdrawal of certain services that do not improve outcomes.
“Everyone is aware that public services and specifically the NHS are under significant pressure, and I would encourage local people to help the CCG ensure we can continue to deliver the services needed for local people within the budget we are given from Government.
“We will be working closely with our partners including Healthwatch North Yorkshire to determine how we can secure services within the funding available.”
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Unprecedented demand on health services prompts ‘difficult choices’


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Leeds Festival checklist: 10 things you MUST pack


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It keeps thousands of people in jobs, ensures Yorkshire’s moorland stays diverse with wildlife and contributes more than £2bn to the national economy.
But as gamekeepers across the region mark the Glorious 12th and the start of the grouse season today, a new group set up to fight for the survival of shooting on the moors of North Yorkshire has urged people to recognise the multitude of benefits it brings.
Gun dog handler Fiona Kirk with her English Setter, Zeus and Anthony Dowson 28, Moorland Beat Keeper for the Thimbleby estate, stalking game on the moor.
The North Yorkshire Moors Moorland Organisation (NYMMO) brings together keepers from 12 North Yorkshire estates, including Danby, Rosedale and Westerdale, Sleights and Goathland and Thimbleby, who felt their livelihoods - and way of life - were being threatened, both by misinformation and the possibility of a ban in future.
They are now working to promote the benefits that managed moorlands bring, not only to the moors and wildlife, but also to communities and the rural economy that is helped by the shooting parties. It is a picture replicated across the country, from Scotland to the Peak District.
NYMMO coordinator Tina Brough said: “There seems to be more and more bad publicity about shooting, and following the hunting ban, people were thinking ‘will we be next?’. We want to promote the good side of moorland management before it gets to that point.”
Shooting, and preparing for a shoot, is just a small proportion of a keeper’s role. Trapping predators such as stoats and foxes allows ground nesting birds such are the red-status lapwing, curlew and merlin, to thrive, and the NYMMO plans to survey wildlife on the moors in an attempt to show that once-threatened species are benefitting from moorland management.
Anthony Dowson 28, Moorland Beat Keeper for the Thimbleby estate, near Northallerton. Picture: James Hardisty.
“People have the misconception that we kill everything just to keep grouse but that’s not true,” Miss Brough said. “If game keepers weren’t there the moors would not be sustainable.”
At Thimbleby Estate, near Northallerton, heather burning is key to moorland management.
In May, 200 acres of heather moorland in the Peak District were destroyed after an accidental fire spread. Moorland management, which includes creating firebreaks, was not in use.
Thimbleby head keeper David Dickinson said: “If we didn’t burn, a summer fire would run for miles and miles. It would be a disaster. People seem to think moorland management is all about wealthy people shooting, but it’s so much more than that.
Grouse on moorland.
“It’s about creating a healthy moor that can be the best it can be - and also an environment where a wide range of people can get enjoyment from it. On shoot days we have ladies beating, students helping us when they’re off college - it’s a big part of the community.”
Meanwhile, a row between Sir Ian Botham and Chris Packham over whether grouse shooting should be banned saw the former England cricketer label the BBC wildlife presenter an “extremist”.
More than 80,000 people have signed a petition calling for shooting to be outlawed.
Sir Ian, wholives in North Yorkshire, is a supporter of the shoot while Mr Packham has backed the petition, and the pair engaged in an angry clash over the issue on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Mr Packham said the shoots damage bird of prey populations while Sir Ian suggested the presenter should not be allowed to publicly take sides because of his status as a BBC employee.
At the same time, a report by government conservation agency Natural England has concluded that England’s uplands could support more than 200 breeding pairs of hen harriers, but the bird of prey’s numbers are being kept down by illegal persecution.
The RSPB recently pulled out of the Government’s hen harrier action plan because it felt the plan was not delivering the “urgent action and change in behaviour” needed to bring the bird of prey back from the brink of extinction in England.
The wildlife charity also raised concerns about the “environmental damage” caused by practices it says are used by grouse moor managers, such as draining and burning habitat and killing mountain hares to reduce disease in grouse.
It has called for the licensing of the industry, which it argues would drive up standards and ensure grouse moors complied with the law or risk losing their right to hold shoots.
The renewed debate comes as early hopes for a relatively good grouse shooting season, with better chick survival than the “calamitous conditions” last year, were undermined by adverse late weather during the nesting period.
The Moorland Association, whose members own and manage 860,000 acres of heather moorland in England and Wales for red grouse, said there could be pockets of poor grouse numbers on some moors and shoot days being cancelled.
But chairman Robert Benson said that there were still “positive outcomes” on land managed for grouse shooting, with 18,000 acres of peatland habitat restored across northern England.

Glorious Twelfth: Ian Botham, Chris Packham and the fight for North Yorkshire’s moors


Yorkshire moved to within five points of County Championship leaders Middlesex after wrapping up a resounding 305-run victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.
Knowing a victory was needed to keep pace at the top of the table in what was their game in hand on their main title rivals, the White Rose county backed up Gary Ballance’s decision not to follow-on on Wednesday by securing the win early in the afternoon session.
Tim Bresnan celebrates the wicket of Nottinghamshire's Jake Libby at Scarborough on day three. Picture: Dave Williams
They needed just 34.3 overs to claim the final seven wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 146 chasing 452 to win and leave their own hopes of survival in Division One hanging in the balance.
They remain rooted bottom to the bottom of the table with three matches to play while Yorkshire stay second and well in the hunt for a third successive Championship title.
Despite heavy rain for much of the evening on the east coast, play got under way on time thanks in no part to the decision to transport the club’s ‘Blotter’ from Headingley to North Marine Road in the early hours of the morning.
The machine spent two hours drying the outfield, and Tim Bresnan was soon reaping the rewards as he had Tom Moores (41) caught by Adam Lyth at second slip from just the fourth ball of the morning.
Having taken two wickets in an over on the previous day, Bresnan continued his fine form with the ball, with Samit Patel the next to succumb to the England all-rounder as he feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd.
Notts captain Chris Read fared little better as Bresnan picked up his fifth wicket, Jake Lehman the catcher at fourth slip, but Brendan Taylor and Brett Hutton were able to forge a partnership to see Notts through to lunch.
The pair added 47 for the seventh wicket, but just three balls after the interval they were parted as Ryan Sidebottom found Hutton’s outside edge and Hodd took the simplest of catches.
That sparked a lower order collapse, as Brendan Taylor (38) pushed a wide ball from Jack Brooks to Alex Lees at cover and Luke Fletcher was bowled from the very next ball to leave Notts on the brink of defeat.
Imran Tahir was able to survive the hat-trick delivery, but he faced just three more deliveries before fending Brooks off to Lees at short-leg as the final four wickets fell in just three-and-a-half overs after lunch.
Bresnan finished with career best figures of 5-36 and his best in any first-class match across the two innings of eight for 51.

Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire (day four): Tim Bresnan’s career-best return in White Rose victory


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Yorkshire take on Surrey in the semi-final of the Royal London One Day Cup at Headingley.
Follow our live updates here ....
Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan (second left) is congratulated by Jack Brooks (second right) and Jonny Bairstow (right) after taking the wicket of Surrey's Kumar Sangakkara. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
44 overs: Yorkshire 202-6 - Bresnan 47 no; Rhodes 21 no - 54 needed off 36 balls
43 overs: Yorkshire 193-6 - Bresnan 44 no; Rhodes 15 no - 63 off 41 needed
42 overs: Yorkshire 188-6 - Bresnan 42 no; Rhodes 12 no- 68 needed off 48 balls
41 overs: Yorkshire 179-6 - Bresnan 37 no; Rhodes 10 no - 77 needed
40 overs: Yorkshire 173-6 - Bresnan 36 no; Rhodes 4no - 83 runs needed
37.1 overs: Waite out for an 38 off 60 balls - caught by Gareth Batty off the bowling of Sam Curran. Yorkshire up against it now.
THE loss of three quick wickets saw Yorkshire up against it as they took on Surrey at Headingley in the semi-final of the Royal London One Day Cup.
After restricting the visitors to 255-7 from their 50 overs – Matthew Waite leading the way with 3-48 – Yorkshire found themselves in a decent position at 75-2.
But, in the 19th over, Jonny Bairstow - cleared to play in the game by England - was caught by Dominic Sibley for 13 off the bowling of Stuart Meaker.
Just ten balls later, Bairstow’s England colleague, Gary Ballance, followed him back to the pavillion when he was caught behind by Ben Foakes for 32, handing Meaker his second victim.
Four balls later, the hosts were reeling when Jack Leaning chopped onto his stumps having scored just three.
Tim Bresnan was then joined by 20-year-old Waite with the score at 81.
The pair then batted sensibly to take their team’s score to 150-5 with 15 overs remaining.
Earlier, Steven Davies was the star of the show for the visitors, scoring a well-paced 104 off 143 balls with 10 fours and a six before becoming one of Waites’s three victims when he was caught by Will Rhodes.
Most of the damage was done in a fourth-wicket partnership between Davies and Foakes (90), the par putting on 130 before Davies exited in the 38th over.
Kumar Sangakkara, often seen as Surrey’s biggest threat, was sent on his way for just 4 when Azeem Rafiq took a catch off the bowling of Bresnan.
At the start of Yorkshire’s reply, Adam Lyth was dismissed at the start of the third overwhen caught by Sibley off the bowling of J\ake Dernbach.
Alex Lees put on 44 with Gary Ballance before shouldering arms to one off former Yorkshire player Gareth Batty that clean bowled him for 26.

LIVE - Royal London Cup: Yorkshire v Surrey - Middle order collapse leaves Yorkshire facing uphill battle in bid for Lord’s final


The triangular route encompasses three charming villages in the Harrogate area. The walk also has the added charm of passing several pubs en route, a bonus for the thirsty and unhurried.
The starting point is Spofforth Castle. Home of the Percy family in the middle ages, it was shelled by Parliamentarian troops in the Civil war and has lay in ruins ever since. Notwithstanding, the turret at the Northwestern corner still stands proud and is reputedly home to the ghost of a lady who jumped from the top of the tower.
From the castle, leave the grounds along Manor Garth and follow the path underneath an old stone rail bridge.
Progressing up a slight hill after the railway bridge the path bisects Spofforth Golf Course for several hundred metres before reaching open pastures.
Continue over a small footbridge with Lodge Wood on the right hand side. At the end of the wood there are several curiosities, including a hidden pond and huge spider-like tree stump.
Pressing on due west on a track through farmland, a clear day affords excellent panoramas of the surrounding countryside,
Follow the track in a westerly direction to Sunrise farm before turning more southerly to the village of Kirkby Overblow. The village was featured in the Domesday book, and is so-named due to its Iron-smelting past.
Following the main road SE through the village, the cross-country path resumes to the left amongst the last of the houses.
The route now heads in an easterly direction, alongside hedgerows and skirting a small wood.
At the end of the wood, turn hard right over the wall onto the ‘Keeper’s walk’, keeping the fence on your immediate right.
Across several fields, meeting several sedentary bullocks, the route again changes direction.
This time, a wall and hedgerow have to be crossed onto Marsh Lane, a small track.
Further farmland and open meadows surround the track from here, before a slight incline with Addlethorpe Wood on the left hand side.
From here, turn right down Addlethorpe Lane to meet the main road into Sicklinghall village, which is reached after a brief half-mile walk on the roadside verge.
There are several paths from this village across open countryside. This path lies at the far end of the village, passing the Scotts Arms and village pond.
Take a left onto Stockeld Lane immediately after the pond. Follow Stockeld Lane for around 100 metres. Keep a close look out for the style onto the fields on the left, which can become very overgrown in summer.
From here, walking due north, there are several open fields to cross and styles to negotiate, with the grounds of Stockeld Park visible on the far right hand side.
Continue due north and meet Park lane on the outskirts of Spofforth, crossing the road onto the path on the far side. With the cricket ground over to the left, the end is near when again a stone rail bridge comes into view.
Once under the bridge, continue straight ahead to the wooden gate which is marked as a right of way.
At the end of the path turn left to process through the village to the starting point at Spofforth Castle.
Three villages and, hopefully, a great day out.
l Send us your favourite walk routes around the Harrogate District. Email news@harrogateadvertiser.co.uk
This week’s walk is courtesy of the Walking Englishman and Martyn Lee

Walk: Triangular route around three villages is a great day out


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BY LISTENING to her cakes and dancing constantly while cooking, Conisbrough’s Val Stones made it through the first episode of Bake Off - but tonight the pressure is on again.
It’s biscuit week and Val and her ten fellow remaining contestants will have to bake impressive signature dishes, technical challenges and showstoppers to stay in the competition.
The 66-year-old retired headteacher lives in Yeovil with husband Ian, but she is originally from Conisbrough, Doncaster, so we’ve claimed her as our own.
She delighted viewers with her odd baking tactics on BBC One last Wednesday.
Val exercises at the same time as cooking, lifting alternate feet off the ground as she’s mixing cake batter, or using the baking tray as a weight by lifting it above her head as it cools.
She also listens to her cakes, as she explained to the cameras during the first challenge of the contest, the signature bake.
Holding her precious sponge to her ear, she paused for a moment before saying: “And they’re not ready.
“They sing. And they say ‘I’m not ready, I’m not ready!’”
It’s not all singing and dancing though.
Although we know from last week that she makes a great mirror glaze chocolate genoise sponge, what if biscuits speak a different language to cakes so she can’t hear when they’re ready?
Or maybe her over-enthusiastic dancing will lead to a disaster - last week she dropped a whole rack of delicate decorative petals on the floor of the Bake Off tent.
I’m nervous for her. After all, biscuit week was full of surprises in 2015.
The star baker from week one, Marie Campbell, was sent home from the competition after forgetting to turn the oven on in the technical challenge.
(Iced) fingers crossed this won’t happen to our Val.

Great British Bake Off: Will Yorkshire lass Val crumble on biscuit week?


A mum who went into hospital for a routine procedure after miscarrying her twins has been awarded a six-figure pay out after ending up with a dislocated jaw and a long legal battle.
Amanda Walker has received an apology from Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust –half a decade on.
Amanda Walker. Image: RPY
The consequences of a mask being forcefully put on her face prior to the operation and causing the injury contributed to the break down of her marriage and her being unable to return to her work in PR and advertising.
She endured four corrective operations and had a titanium plated prosthetic jaw inserted which had been made bespoke in America.
Now the case has been resolved, Amanda of Knaresborough, is looking to the future with her 11 year-old son, and plans to open her own tanning business.
She said: “I am smiling again and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. When my solicitor told me I had won I think I was in shock.
“It has been in my life for five years this battle and all of a sudden it is over and you think, ‘what do I do now?’”
In December 2010 Amanda at almost 12 weeks pregnant went for a scan. Within minutes she learned she was expecting twins and the heartbeats of both babies had stopped.
She was booked in for a routine procedure at Harrogate District Hospital to remove the foetuses but when she woke she was in pain and discomfort on the right side of her face and struggled to open her mouth.
She recalled: “I went from elation to sadness. It was not the first miscarriage I’d had so it was a very traumatic time.
“I was in pain emotionally and physically and I was overwhelmed with everything but when I woke up I knew something was wrong.”
The Trust maintained the pain was caused by a condition Amanda had experienced over 10 years ago but medical experts hired by Leeds-based lawyers for Irwin Mitchell proved otherwise. She said: “The Trust put a lot of obstacles in my way and made it quite awkward but I thought I am going to persevere – I had come too far to give up.”
Dr David Scullion, Medical Director, said: “The Trust is pleased an agreement has been reached. We have apologised to Ms Walker for the impact this injury has had on her. We conducted an investigation into Ms Walker’s care with us in 2010 and want to give assurance that we have learned all we can from this incident.”
CATALOGUE OF TREATMENT
* After the operation, Amanda Walker was unable to open her mouth restricting her diet, social life, normal life with Louie and her job.
* She had four corrective operations. Titanium plate and prosthetic jaw inserted leaving her with 80 stitches.
* For 30 minutes a day she exercises to repair damage caused to nerves, tendons and ligaments.
* The prosthetic jaw operation will have to be repeated and replaced in years to come.

NHS Trust agrees to six figure pay-out for Knaresborough mum after miscarriage operation led to dislocated jaw


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Harrogate District cinema times: Friday, August 5 until Thursday, August 11.


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THERE is a fine line between wanting Yorkshire to do well but not wanting them to do so well that it cuts short a visit to Scarborough.
Such concerns must have crossed the minds of the Yorkshire crowd yesterday when the hosts were busy ripping through the Notts’ batting line-up with the ease of piranhas devouring their victims.
But after dismissing Notts for 94 on the stroke of lunch, after they had started day two on 38-2 in reply to their own first-innings 282, Yorkshire chose not to enforce the follow-on despite a lead of 188, thereby ensuring that the game could not be over inside two days, which had seemed eminently plausible.
As owners of local guest houses and hostelries no doubt turned cartwheels of joy, so too did those Yorkshire members who adore it at North Marine Road, with 84 per cent of them having voted in a recent survey conducted by the club to retain two Championship games there from next season.
With Yorkshire having to take one match away from Headingley or Scarborough due to changes to the fixture list, it can be taken as read that the decision will come down in the seaside town’s favour, but that is not to say that many of those Scarborough devotees were not a little baffled as to why Yorkshire – their bowlers fresh and their opponents fragile – opted to increase their lead in glorious sunshine.
It is the modern way, of course, not to enforce, and it is unlikely to make a jot of difference to the result, with Yorkshire set to close the gap to five points on leaders Middlesex with a win here, and Notts looking every inch like relegation material.
Yorkshire followed up with 200-4 in 61 overs in their second innings, Gary Ballance, the captain, scoring an unbeaten 75 to stretch the lead to a lofty 388.
Even with dodgy weather forecast today, Yorkshire’s fourth Championship victory of the season would seem as much of a formality as high and low tide.
Regardless of the question as to whether to enforce, that Yorkshire were even in a position to do so was tribute to a rousing recovery from 51-6 on day one.
Magnificent contributions from Andrew Hodd, Azeem Rafiq and Jack Brooks were mainly responsible for a revival completed by Yorkshire’s four-pronged pace attack of Brooks, Ryan Sidebottom, Tim Bresnan and Steve Patterson, who needed just 25.5 overs on the second morning to winkle out the last eight wickets.
The tone was set – as it so often is – by the venerable Sidebottom, who belied his 38 years with a splendid exhibition of swing bowling from the Peasholm Park end to take 3-5 in 12 balls and reduce Notts to 52-5.
Michael Lumb, the former Yorkshire batsman, was drawn forward and caught behind by one that shaped away; Steven Mullaney was lbw playing across the line; and Samit Patel was caught upper-cutting high to Bresnan at first slip.
Sidebottom would have had a fourth wicket with the score on 59 but Bresnan dropped a low chance at first slip, with Brendan Taylor not then off the mark.
But it was only a temporary setback for a Yorkshire side who made equally light work of the mid-to-lower order.
Chris Read miscued an attempted pull off Brooks to cover; Brett Hutton edged Brooks low to Adam Lyth at second slip; Taylor’s luck finally ran out when he played on an attempted drive off Patterson; Luke Wood flashed in foolhardy fashion at Bresnan and was caught behind, and an innings caked in collective embarrassment ended when Luke Fletcher helped Bresnan to Jack Leaning at third slip.
That Yorkshire would bat again was betrayed by the sight of openers Lyth and Alex Lees sprinting off the ground to strap on their pads, and they safely negotiated the one over that remained before lunch.
After the break, the cricket grew steadily soporific as the 5,000 crowd watched Yorkshire increase their lead in the way of builders systematically adding bricks to a house.
Lees added 30 bricks before he was lbw to Hutton, ending a first-wicket stand of 72, and Lyth followed shortly after for 41, caught and bowled by Wood off a leading edge.
Lehmann and Ballance added 61 in 22 overs before Lehmann slogged Samit Patel straight up in the air to Wood at mid-on.
Ballance, dropped on 20 when he pulled Fletcher to a diving Tom Moores at mid-wicket, advanced to a 113-ball half-century that included eight fours, and Leaning helped him add 57 before being stumped.
Play was halted seven overs early due to bad light with swooping seagulls ready to reclaim the outfield once the cricketers had left for the evening.

Yorkshire v Notts: Seaside air leaves Gary Ballance in mood to play on


NO-ONE is better qualified than David Willey when it comes to the T20 Finals Day experience.
Yorkshire have been there only once, but this will be Willey’s fourth appearance, having made it three times with previous club Northants.
In 2009, Willey was part of the side that lost by seven wickets to Sussex in the semi-final.
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He was just 19 years old and had an unremarkable match; he did not bat as Northants totalled 136-6, and then he bowled two wicketless overs for 16 runs.
In 2013, Willey had the antithesis of an unremarkable match when Northants beat Surrey by 102 runs in the final.
He opened the batting and scored 60 from 27 balls with six fours and four sixes, and then he took 4-9 from 2.3 overs, finishing the match with a hat-trick when he dismissed Zafar Ansari, Jon Lewis and Chris Tremlett.
Willey was on the losing side last year when Lancashire beat Northants in the final by 13 runs.
He took 2-21 from four overs as Lancs scored 166-7, and then he hit 24 from 21 balls as Northants replied with 153-6.
As no other Yorkshire player has been to Finals Day more than once, his experience will be invaluable as Yorkshire seek to win the competition for the first time.
“I guess so,” said Willey, who left Wantage Road for Headingley during the close season.
“My primary role with regards to the move to Yorkshire was to try and help improve the club’s one-day cricket, and, hopefully, we are starting to make improvements.
“There will be expectation on me to perform (at Finals Day), but that’s the case with any one-day game.
“It’s a big day out and a great day out, particularly if you’re part of the team that lifts the trophy.”
Willey, one of four Yorkshire players who appeared in the World T20 final against the West Indies in April, along with Joe Root, Liam Plunkett and Adil Rashid, has made a habit of performing on the big stage.
He did it again when helping Yorkshire book their place at Edgbaston with a 90-run win over Glamorgan in the quarter-final in Cardiff, thumping 79 from 38 balls with seven fours and six sixes.
“I like to perform on the big occasions,” he said.
“Against Glamorgan, I didn’t really have a plan; I just tried to give myself a chance to clear the ropes, and a couple of loose deliveries gave me a platform.
“We’re all looking forward to Finals Day, and fingers-crossed we can win a couple more games and get the trophy.
“We’ve got all our England lads back, which will make it a massive headache for the coaches to pick 11 players.”
The man with the headache is first-team coach Jason Gillespie, who has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.
But you can bet that one of the first names on his team sheet will be Willey, who has a proven record for lighting up Finals Day.
“Dave’s the type of player who can change a game,” said Gillespie, whose side take on Durham in the second semi-final, with the winner playing Northants or Notts in the final.
“We’ve seen what he’s done for Northants in the past, and he can pick up wickets early and swing the ball, score quick runs and he’s always in the game.
“That’s what I really like about him, and he’s brought a lot to our team.
“We’re delighted to have him because he’s such a positive guy, happy to challenge his team-mates – which is really healthy – and very competitive, too.”
Willey’s all-round ability gives Gillespie flexibility.
He is effectively three players in one – good with the bat, ball and in the field.
“To have someone who’s great in the field, who whacks them like he does, and who opens the bowling gives us so many extra options,” said Gillespie.
“It allows us to play an extra batsman as well.
“The start he gives us with the bat is fantastic, and it’s something we probably haven’t had in T20 for a while.
“It showed with his performance at Cardiff, when people could see why we were so keen to secure his services.”
Gillespie encourages all of his players to speak in the dressing room and Willey will address the team prior to Finals Day.
Yorkshire are keen to tap into his knowledge and know-how in an effort to gain an extra edge.
“Some of our lads haven’t been to Finals Day before, and it will be good to get Dave’s thoughts in the team meeting,” said Gillespie.
“His knowledge of it will be important, and something that we can draw on, and Dave’s the type of player who steps up when needed, and hopefully he can show everyone how good he is again.
“We’ve got a lot of match-winners in our side, and it’s going to be fantastic
“There was a lot of drive and ambition from everyone at the club to get this far in the competition after everyone had written us off – that was a really good motivating tool for us – and we’re just pleased as punch to be in with a shout.”
Ben Duckett hopes Northants can sneak under the radar again, having been part of the Steelbacks side which defied the odds to win the tournament in 2013 and fell at the final hurdle against Lancashire 12 months ago.
Northants face Notts Outlaws in the first semi-final today and are the only side involved in Finals Day who have previously won the competition.
Left-hander Duckett says confidence will be high despite their lack of high-profile players.
“We haven’t got any international stars. Finals Day will be interesting to see who is talked about – Yorkshire,” said the 21-year-old Duckett.
“We just keep going under the radar but smost of our guys love the pressure. We just go out and enjoy ourselves.”

T20 Finals Day: David Willey is aiming to give Yorkshire the edge


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Yorkshire's latest Radio 1 stars The Sherlocks had a muddy great time at Leeds Festival - they drew a crowd of more than 6,000 fans then camped out with them.
The Sheffield indie four piece turned down a five star hotel and proved they are a real band of the people.
After packing out the Festival Republic stage they decided to pitched a tent in one of the muddy camp sites.
Frontan Kiaran Crook, aged 20, revealed: "We played our set then decided to camp through the night. We had an option to go into a five star hotel, with a jacuzzi and everything, but we decided to camp.
"We just love it."
He then joked: "We ended up camping next to the Red Hot Chili Peppers- I could hear Anthony snoring.
"But no, seriously, we love it. We love a bit of mud. We just thought, we might as well have the full festival experience."
Melvin Benn, Reading and Leeds Festival boss, said: "I didn't know The Sherlocks went and pitched up in the camp site. It doesn't surprise me. It's what my kids do. They want to be in the public camp site. Anybody who thinks the VIP area is the place to be, I can tell you it's a bit more boring."
Other Yorkshire bands who played at Leeds over the weekend included Sheffield's The Wired, Liberty Ship, Bang Bang Romeo, Leeds band Dusk, Fighting Caravans, York based Faux Pas and many more.
The Sherlocks, also featuring Kiaran's brother, drummer Brandon, 23, guitarist Josh Davidson, 22, and his brother and bassist Andy, 17, recently played the biggest music festival in the world, SXSW in Austin, Texas.
The Sherlocks played to over 6,000 people then camped out with fans in muddy fields at Leeds Festival.
They also played at Reading Festival at the weekend but said Leeds, their Yorkshire homecoming, was the highlight of their year.
Kiaran added: "Leeds Festival is really important to us. It's given us a chance to pick up new fans. We had a blast. The tent was packed. It exceeded what we thought it would be.We're going on tour next month, starting in Brighton and finishing in Stockton, with a sold out gig in Leeds.
"It would be nice to do the NME/Radio 1 stage next year, I think that's where we are heading."
Brandon added: "We are at home when playing Leeds festival. Now we need to get an album out while we've got momentum behind us."
The Sherlocks, who will record their debut album later this year, begin a 16-date UK headline tour later this week, including a sold out show at The Wardrobe in Leeds, on Tuesday, September 20.
The Sherlocks at Leeds Festival
For full dates and tickets visit thesherlocksmusic.co.uk
The Sherlocks on stage at Leeds Festival

VIDEO: Sheffield's The Sherlocks camp in mud with fans after wowing Leeds Festival


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This week’s five-mile walk, courtesy of Helen Barclay, sets off from Harewood Village Hall and takes approximately two hours to complete.
Walk past the main gates of Harewood House and very soon you will see a door in the stone wall indicating the start of a permissive footpath.
Once through this door follow the broad, muddy path into the woods where it continues parallel to the road.
Soon you reach a broad surfaced area enclosed by timber fencing.
Go through the gates and turn right to follow a broad path through the parkland.
There are sheep here so dogs should be in close control and there are lovely views across the parkland towards Harewood House on your right and the rolling countryside of Wharfedale beyond.
The path runs downhill, note the new planting on your left where the estate is working to continue this parkland for future generations.
From the established deciduous woodland also on your left you may be able to hear Jays screeching, but you seldom see them.
At the bottom of the hill go through another timber gate into a wildlife conservation area.
There are lots of Doggy Bins here – well done Harewood Estate, much nicer for all walkers and safer for the sheep.
Go over a pretty stone bridge, called New Bridge (look to your left and you will see waterfalls at the end of the stretch of river which is visible).
Follow the bridleway path to your left along the well marked path.
Pass an area of mown grass on your left and up a slight slope to where the path goes off to the right hand side below the sycamore trees.
The path continues past and old timber waymarker with LCW on it indicating ‘Leeds Countryside Way’ (this is part of that route).
At the cross roads where there are waymarkers on either side of the track, continue straight on and leave the LCW which leads off to the left past an old stone wall.
After a very short distance during which you will enjoy the sound of thrushes and blackbirds singing in the tree canopy above you, take a steep path off to the right hand side.
This is not marked and easy to miss if you are just tootling along.
This path bends back and drops steeply down through the trees to a timber gate beside the end of a stone barn.
Go through the gate and into the parkland. The lake of Harewood House is visible to your right.
Continue along the obvious path between post and rail fencing and soon there is an old walled garden on your right hand side, cross a cattle grid and follow the lane up to where it joins a tarmac road.
Turn left and follow the surfaced road with the low stone wall on your right.
At the neat triangular green head diagonally left and over a little stone bridge.
Continue to a timber gate where you will see a yellow square way-marker.
Go through the gate and into Harwood Yard, the commercial part of the Harwood Estate.
The bridleway is clearly marked between two white line across the tarmac and up the road in front of you.
Follow this to an especially tall metal gate beside an especially broad cattle grid.
This is the deer park.
Look out for deer cunningly concealed among the cattle in the fields beside the road.
At the next junction turn right, continuing along the surfaced road which now leads right back, without turning, to the village hall car park.
Part way along there is a bench for weary walkers at the top of the hill with wonderful rural views, and in the distance the Wharfedale viaduct.


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This walk, courtesy of the Walking Englishman, is a lovely wander around the Pateley Bridge area, and is also a fascinating history lesson.
The walk starts in the town and takes in the lovely Fishpond Wood near Bewerley, then heads west over deep green meadows covered in swathes of buttercup and vetch, eventually arriving at the edge of Coldstones Quarry at Greenhow.
Coldstones is a working quarry with accommodation for a viewing of modern quarrying techniques should you wish to visit. The route goes past the quarry and round Bewerley Moor to visit old lead workings at the disused Cock Hill and Providence Mines. There are lots of information boards at the mines to read about the history of lead mining in the area.
After the history lesson on mining, return to Pateley Bridge via Ashfold Side. It is a walk full of interest throughout and a must for connoisseurs of the area’s industrial heritage.
The route
Begin on the bridge in Pateley Bridge town centre which crosses the River Nidd. Head over the bridge to the starting point of the Bewerley Industrial Heritage Trail.
Set off by climbing steadily up the B6265 for a few yards before turning left and walking through Bewerley village. The designated trail misses the village and takes a path over Sugar Hill to the side of Fishpond Wood.
Don’t do it - instead walk through the village and turn right along the first lane you come to. Follow the lane, due west for about 200 yards until you reach a sign pointing into the wood. This takes you through the wood past Fishpond.
Leave Fishpond Wood and rejoin the trail, heading for the meadow fields. There are colours everywhere set against the deep green background of the grass.
Amble through the wild meadowland and ascend to Moor Houses via Haver Garth and Gillbeck Farm. After Moor Houses leave the colourful path behind and cross a metalled road to join low moorland fields. The colours are sparser now as you approach the edge of Coldstones Quarry.
The trail guide informs that it is possible to visit the quarry and see the working from a visitor gantry.
Cross a quarry road you come across the second information board of the heritage trail. This informs you are now near old medieval mine workings.
Mounds are still evidence of this industrial past which began in the 10th century under the control of the Byland and Fountains monastic houses.
Move on to Tewit Farm and crossed the Greenhow Hill Road into Galloway Pasture, which leads to the highest point of the walk near Greenhow Hill Top. Make your way over the pasture past a host of old mine shafts and cross the B6265 for the second time and make your way onto Cock Hill. This leads down to the disused workings of Cock Hill Lead Mine.
From Cock Hill Mine walk along Brandstone Beck for a short distance, then climb up a bridleway to Near Hardcastle. This takes you to the Nidderdale Way (SE121657) where you turn left and walk a short distance to the final industrial site Providence (or Prosperous) Mine. This mine is set in a wonderful location by Ashfold Side Beck.
After surveying the mining site, move on over the wooden bridge and follow Ashfold Side to Low Wood.
You are now on the return to Pateley Bridge, walking though the largest of caravan parks that nestle by the side of the beck for quite some time until emerging into open land at Corn Close.
Then make your way across fields to the side of the River Nidd and enjoy a short walk back into Pateley Bridge.

Walk: Fascinating history lesson around Pateley Bridge


Apart from doing the fantastic walk around the estate, you can explore the gardens inspired by the noted garden designers Edwin Lascelles and Capability Brown. You can also visit the Bird Gardens that includes a wide range of exotic birds kept in environmentally designed enclosures. The more active can then choose a visit to the adventure playground and also take a boat trip across the lake. Finally you could take a tour of the collections in Harewood House itself. The house has contains a good selection of fine art and period furniture.
This walk provides a suitable and fitting preamble to all the choices of activities on a day out at Harewood House.
The route
The walk around this immaculately managed estate starts at the entrance gates to Harewood Estate near Cote Hill on the A61 Leeds to Harrogate road two miles north of Leeds Grammar School.
At just short of five miles the walk can be enjoyed in two hours but I would recommend you allow yourself three for there are many places to stop and take in the splendour of this illustrious estate.
The first mile is a particular example. It takes you in a westerly direction towards New Bridge and the first encounter with the superb woodland but you won’t want to hurry as this first section provides excellent views of Harewood House itself. The view across from the path is majestic.
After a leisurely amble you eventually reach New Bridge and walk into Piper Wood. More stops immediately occur as you take time out to relax and watch the waters of an estate stream cascade over small falls on their progress to the estate lake. You are looking at the work of Lancelot Capability Brown who designed the grounds of the estate.
After a good viewing, move on through the woods. As you walk you pass the site of the set of the television soap opera Emmerdale Farm. A purpose built village was built on the grounds of the estate in the late 1990s to isolate the popular soap opera from the prying public. Yes, the fictional village of Beckindale is really hidden in the Harewood Estate!
It is well camouflaged from this walk by high walls and discretely planted trees though, so roof-lines are all you’ll see. If you feel disappointed don’t be, for a far more impressive estate village is to come on this walk.
So far you have been walking on the Leeds Country Way designed footpath through the estate, but now leave it to walk due north and out of the woodland at Carr House. You are now on the Ebor Way that eventually leads to York. At Carr House you see the first close sight of the estate lake known as the Fish Pond.
Walk into the estate village of Stank. Despite its unappealing name, the village of Stank is in the most quiet setting. The houses are all stone built and so beautiful.
Move on once more and continue on the Ebor Way alongside The Grove and then take a short detour to visit the church hidden away within the estate. The 15th century church much restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1862-63 is in a magnificent quiet setting. The interior houses a collection of alabaster tombs and effigies depicting the English history of Medieval Armour. The church is open to visits from April to October.
After leaving the church grounds and returning to the walk, head along a walled drive between the church and Harewood village. The final stage of the walk passes the main entrance to Harewood House and then follows the lovely woodland path through Wall Side Plantation back to the starting point.

Walk: A country estate wander with a glimpse of soap stars


Yorkshire moved to within five points of County Championship leaders Middlesex after wrapping up a resounding 305-run victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough.
Knowing a victory was needed to keep pace at the top of the table in what was their game in hand on their main title rivals, the White Rose county backed up Gary Ballance’s decision not to follow-on on Wednesday by securing the win early in the afternoon session.
They needed just 34.3 overs to claim the final seven wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 146 chasing 452 to win and leave their own hopes of survival in Division One hanging in the balance.
They remain rooted bottom to the bottom of the table with three matches to play while Yorkshire stay second and well in the hunt for a third successive Championship title.
Despite heavy rain for much of the evening on the east coast, play got under way on time thanks in no part to the decision to transport the club’s ‘Blotter’ from Headingley to North Marine Road in the early hours of the morning.
The machine spent two hours drying the outfield, and Tim Bresnan was soon reaping the rewards as he had Tom Moores (41) caught by Adam Lyth at second slip from just the fourth ball of the morning.
GOT HIM: Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan celebrates dismissing Nottinghamshire's Chris Read for his fifth wicket of the innings. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
Having taken two wickets in an over on the previous day, Bresnan continued his fine form with the ball, with Samit Patel the next to succumb to the England all-rounder as he feathered an edge through to wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd.
Notts captain Chris Read fared little better as Bresnan picked up his fifth wicket, Jake Lehman the catcher at fourth slip, but Brendan Taylor and Brett Hutton were able to forge a partnership to see Notts through to lunch.
The pair added 47 for the seventh wicket, but just three balls after the interval they were parted as Ryan Sidebottom found Hutton’s outside edge and Hodd took the simplest of catches.
That sparked a lower order collapse, as Brendan Taylor (38) pushed a wide ball from Jack Brooks to Alex Lees at cover and Luke Fletcher was bowled from the very next ball to leave Notts on the brink of defeat.
People had a pop at us for not enforcing the follow-on but it shows the strength of our team and we stick by what we believe gives us the best opportunity to win a game of cricket. Yorkshire head coach, Jason Gillespie.
Imran Tahir was able to survive the hat-trick delivery, but he faced just three more deliveries before fending Brooks off to Lees at short-leg as the final four wickets fell in just three-and-a-half overs after lunch.
Bresnan finished with career best figures of 5-36 and his best in any first-class match across the two innings of 8-51.
Afterwards, Jason Gillespie said the result vindicated the decision not to enforce the follow-on.
“It was the right call,” he said. “People had a pop at us for not enforcing the follow-on but it shows the strength of our team and we stick by what we believe gives us the best opportunity to win a game of cricket. We’ve been vindicated in it.
Yorkshire come out to field against Nottinghamshire on the final day of the match at Scarborough. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
“It’s a very important result against a very good side. Obviously Notts didn’t play their best cricket but we knew they were going to be a good challenge. We’re pleased as punch. To go from 51 for six on the first day to win by 300 runs – this team never ceases to amaze me. It’s important how you respond to the positions we find ourselves in at times, but I couldn’t be any more proud of them. There’s no words to describe it.
“You can point to a number of individual performances this game that were wonderful performances, but with the team collective there was no panic. There was a real calmness in the dressing room even when we found ourselves in a spot of bother. That is a hallmark of a decent side and a side that backs their ability, trusts their game and believes.
“That’s fantastic for us going into these last four games but we know we just have to control what we can and keep level-headed. Hopefully, that will give us a chance to compete and put us somewhere near the top at the end of the season.”
Yorkshire celebrate victory over Nottinghamshire at Scarborough and thank the fans and supporters for their support. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Yorkshire's Tim Bresnan celebrates dismissing Nottinghamshire's Tom Moores at Scarborough. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Nottinghamshire's Brett Hutton narrowly avoids being run out against Yorkshire. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Injured captain Andrew Gale watches on at Scarborough on day four as his team clinch victory against Nottinghamshire. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Yorkshire's Jack Brooks takes the final wicket of Nottinghamshire's Imran Tahir to give them victoryat Scarborough on Friday. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

GALLERY: Yorkshire v Nottinghamshire - Tim Bresnan’s career-best return seals White Rose victory


Punk duo Slaves say they may be unable to live up to the name of their forthcoming album and Take Control of the 'wild' Leeds Festival crowd this weekend.
Drummer vocalist Isaac Holman and band mate Laurie Vincent, on guitar and vocals, play Leeds Festival main stage on Sunday after Reading Festival on Saturday.
And they say northern fans are often more wild than anywhere else in the country.
"I don't know if we can take control of the Leeds crowd but I'll give it a good old go," laughed Isaac, promising fans 'blood, sweat and laughs'.
AUDIO: Listen to Slaves star Isaac Holman's exclusive chat with Graham Walker - CLICK HERE.
"We are a southern band so we did a bit better down south at first. But the northern crowds are even more wild for us now than down south sometimes. I think Leeds is going to go off.
"It's completely what I live for. I love playing live. It's the only time my mind goes quiet and I feel comfortable when I step out on stage. The more people there the merrier."
GET LEEDS AND READING FESTIVAL APP: Daily set times for Reading and Leeds Festivals are now live on the R&L App - iTunes and Android.
Slaves are on the same bill as Red Hot Chili Peppers. Imagine Dragons and Courteeners.
Other superstar bands playing this weekends include Biffy Clyro, Fall Out Boy, Foals, Disclosure, The Vaccines and Chvrches - along with rising local stars, such as South Yorkshire's own Radio 1 hitmakers The Sherlocks. Leeds Festival is set to attract around 80,000 people.
Isaac, who also revealed they still get starstruck, said it will be a highlight of their year which also includes a 15 date UK headline tour in November and the release of next album Take Control on September 30.
Isaac added: "Sometimes you get starstruck. Me and Laurie definitely do fanboy some people we meet. But the more you get into the scene you realise everyone is just a person and it becomes a little bit more normal.
"We've worked our way up through the stages. Being main stage is like another level - Leeds and Reading were the festivals we went to when we were younger and I don't think we ever imagined we would be on the bill let alone on the main stage. It's brilliant."
Slaves, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, will be laying waste to venues across the country as they launch into a full UK tour in November. Yorkshire dates include Leeds O2 Academy on Tuesday, November 15 and Sheffield O2 Academy, on Friday, November 25.
See full tour, ticket details and album download links links below.
Slaves earned a reputation for themselves as one of the UK’s fiercest live acts with their constant touring and festival appearances off the back of last year's debut album, Are you Satisfied?
Their next hit album in waiting was part recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio in Santa Monica, California.
Take Control was produced by one of the legends of early hip hop and New York punk, Mike D who, says Laurie, “Became like another member of our band – we can safely call him our friend, which is just surreal!”
The album finds the young pair sharpening up their skills, both in songwriting and in execution and sounding heavier in places.
Several tracks on the album were recorded on vintage equipment used by the Beastie Boys on their classic records, Including STD’s PhD’s, Angelica and Consume Or Be Consumed.
Recorded back home in London, Steer Clear was a collaboration with another hero, Baxter Dury, who lent his distinctive vocals to a duet with Isaac.
Slaves first emerged in 2012, working their way up through the local toilet-venue circuit to become one of the success stories of 2015.
The band’s debut album Are You Satisfied? smashed in to the UK top 10 and earned the band huge critical acclaim. Thanks to their charismatic mash-up of punky urgency and silly humour, they bagged Kerrang!’s Spirit Of Punk award and NME’s Best Video award (for Cheer Up London), while also securing nominations for the Mercury Music Prize, and for Best New Band at Q and NME.
Along the way, they’ve won the hearts of The Streets’ Mike Skinner, stolen the show on last year’s NME tour, had Skepta join them on stage at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and toured with Jamie T and Wolf Alice – the latter in America in March, after which Wolf Alice’s drummer Joel Amey bunked off to California to play on new track People That You Meet.
Pre-order new the album now to get a free download of Spit It Out, first single from the album, at youareallslaves.com - you can also order at iTunes, Amazon or Google Play.
VIDEO: Check out Spit It Out, the first single off the album - a snapshot of their manic daily lives in Tunbridge Wells and New Cross - CLICK HERE.
Leeds Festival Ticket Information
Weekend tickets are £205 + £8 booking fee = £213 total Day tickets are £59.50 + £7 booking fee Early entry permits - £20 (No booking fee) Campervan permits - £75 (No booking fee) Lockers - £16 (No booking fee)
Slaves 2016 UK Tour dates (All shows 14 +)
Thu 10 Nov 2016 – Bexhill - De La Warr Pavillion - UK
Fri 11 Nov 2016 – Truro - Hall for Cornwall - UK
Sun 13 Nov 2016 – Cardiff - University Great Hall - UK
Mon 14 Nov 2016 – Cambridge - Corn Exchange - UK
Tue 15 Nov 2016 – Leeds – O2 Academy - UK
Thu 17 Nov 2016 – Newcastle – O2 Academy - UK
Fri 18 Nov 2016 - Glasgow – Barrowland - UK
Sat 19 Nov 2016 – Birmingham – O2 Academy - UK
Mon 21 Nov 2016 – Bristol – O2 Academy - UK
Tue 22 Nov 2016 – Leicester - O2 Academy - UK
Wed 23 Nov 2016 – Nottingham - Rock City - UK
Fri 25 Nov 2016 – Sheffield – O2 Academy - UK
Sat 26 Nov 2016 – Manchester - Albert Hall - UK
Tue 29 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
Wed 30 Nov 2016 – London - Shepherds Bush Empire - UK
MORE:
VIDEO & 360 PHOTO: Biffy Clyro intimate gig for lucky Leeds Festival fans
VIDEO: Leeds Festival preview
AUDIO: Take plenty of wet wipes, says 'Mr Leeds Festival' Frank Turner
Leeds Festival 2016: What we know so far about this year’s line-up

AUDIO: 'I don't know if we can Take Control of wild Leeds Festival crowd', jokes punk stars Slaves


Sussex headteachers have shared their concerns about the rising cost of university education.
With a number of universities in England announcing they would be raising their annual fees above the £9,000 limit, there are fears higher education could once again become the playground of the elite.
Michael Ferry, Headteacher at St Wilfrid's, Crawley. Pic Steve Robards SR1520189 SUS-150820-140229001
Michael Ferry, head of St Wilfrid’s School, in Crawley, said the idea of increasing fees was “alarming” and added: “This will only put students off from entering university as they will be saddled with increased amounts of debt.
“Although many schools, including St Wilfrid’s, spend a lot of time demystifying what you pay for and when, it will certainly put people off from applying if fees rise.
“If we are not careful as a society, we will go back in time to an age when only a small minority were able to access a university place and even they were given a grant to do so.”
Peter Woodman, head of The Weald School, in Billingshurst, said he did not think students had been put off by the high fees, but were more selective about their choices.
We should do everything we can to ensure that access to university is fair and that people get in on merit, not because of which school they went to or how much money their parents have. Michael Ferry, headteacher, St Wilfrid’s School
He added: “They want to go to a university where the teaching is good and the support first class. They do not just want a degree.
“They want the right course that is also value for money and provides them with the right educational experience for their next step in life.”
When it came to earning a place at university, Mr Woodman felt the increasingly difficult A-levels would lead to a fall in the numbers making the grade.
He agreed the rising fees could also see students from less well-off backgrounds deciding the cost was too high.
Currently, any student debts not paid back after 30 years are wiped out and there are that, if that safety net was withdrawn, talented youngsters would choose to enter employment or an apprenticeship rather than achieving their full potential at university.
Mr Woodman recognised the difficulties faced by the government when it scrapped free university education.
He pointed out the percentage of students participating in higher education had risen from 10 per cent in the 1980s to more than 40 per cent and added: “This comes at a cost.
“Providing virtually free higher education to 10 per centr of the population was one thing but providing it to over 40 per cent of the population is expensive.”
Summing up his feeling, Mr Ferry said: “Universities are great places for their further development and although not everyone wants to apply, we should do everything we can to ensure that access to university is fair and that people get in on merit, not because of which school they went to or how much money their parents have.”
Mr Woodman agreed, describing a framed extract of a speech made by playwright Alan Bennett, which hangs in his office.
Called Fair Play, it reads: “We all know that to educate, not according to ability but according to the social situation of the parents, is both wrong and a waste.”
He said: “I whole heartedly agree. As such, I worry that increasing university fees yet again will allow the sons and daughters of those who can afford university to go and those who cannot afford it, not to go.
“Unless mechanisms are put in place to encourage and support those students and families this would be both unfair and a tragic waste of potential.”
Make the right choice for you and your child - Visit educationsussex.com for trusted school reviews, videos and so much more.

Heads share concerns over university fees


Sussex headteachers have shared their concerns about the rising cost of university education.


The 2016/17 season has started with gusto here in Sussex and all our featured teams have gotten off to useful starts in their respective leagues.
Brighton and Hove Albion currently second in the Championship thanks to two wonderful home wins which no doubt many of you witnessed first hand at the Amex. Things haven’t been going so well on the road but a couple of draws can not be sneezed at.
Sight seeing at Sizewell Nuclear Plant SUS-160113-154657001
Newly promoted Haywards Heath Town, to the Southern Combination Premier County league, have been scoring goals for fun in their 1st two games and lie in top spot. Things are surely going to get tougher for Shaun Saunders and his Hanbury Park team as stiffer challenges lie in wait. Indeed the club will have to throw off the disappointment of being dumped out the FA Cup on Saturday against Peacehaven.
However, I know that they are looking for Ryman League progression as soon as possible so Blues fans could be in for a very exciting season indeed.
Ian Chapman at Burgess Hill was a little disappointed with his teams 1st two results but pleased with their efforts. At 4.50pm last Saturday afternoon his and the clubs season exploded into life when Dan Thompson smashed home a 90th minute winner - 1-0 - at the Green Elephants Stadium. The Ryman Premier League is a very tough environment to ply your trade and any win is to be celebrated.
By all accounts the game against Enfield Fc was a very tight affair played in difficult windy conditions. Huge congrats to everyone concerned but it’s guaranteed that Ian won’t see it that way if they have lost to Hendon Fc away on Tuesday! Grinding season to come at the Elephants but hopefully 52 points can be racked up as soon as possible.
We end this piece with Crawley Town of the Sky Bet Football League Two.
After 5 stunning years on the rise the club had hit the buffers in the past two seasons losing the last 8 games of 2015/16. The close season saw a new chairman in Ziya Eren and a new manager in the shape of Dermott Drummy.
However that couldn’t stave off critics many of whom had the club as relegation candidates. Those doubters might be reconsidering after 4 league games as CTFC sit proudly in 2nd place. My daughter Rebecca and Nephew George recently took the opportunity of breaking a North Devon family holiday to take in Exeter Fc v the Reds last Tuesday. It was a bit of a drive from Appledore to St James Park but obviously fair play to the 60 or 70 Reds fans who had travelled from Sussex. We took our places on the dodgy open terrace behind the goal. The match itself was pretty captivating, more mid field endeavour than clear cut chances. If I am honest the hosts should have won but Town defended resolutely through out.
Then then with time running out Josh Yorwerth waltzed through a tiring defence to slot the perfect shot into the far corner. In that one moment 70 Crawley fans erupted, old school terrace celebrations. It felt an honour to share that that with them and the reason for going to football all made sense. Lets hope that Crawley can sustain a promotion tilt but you get the feeling that Dermot is going to need a lot of luck to take his side back to League One.
More from me in early September.
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Bowman on the Road: Season has started with gusto


The 2016/17 season has started with gusto here in Sussex and all our featured teams have gotten off to useful starts in their respective leagues.


A new M&S Foodhall - creating 70 new jobs - is to open in Crawley on September 21.
The opening date was announced by Marks & Spencer today following earlier speculation that the store - at the town’s Acorn Retail Park on the industrial estate - would open this week.
The Foodhall will be part of the retail park’s ‘Development and Partner Charter’ - signed in November 2015 - which aims to encourage developers, retailers and council partners to contribute to raising skills and creating employment opportunities for local people.
Adam North, store manager at M&S Foodhall in Crawley, said: “With less than a month to go my team and I are really looking forward to opening our Foodhall and welcoming the first customers.
“At M&S we are committed to working with local residents and we know from the existing M&S town centre store that Crawley has a vibrant community.
“Initiatives such as the Development and Partner Charter will provide great opportunities to support local people, whether that’s offering employment, work placements or charity fundraising.
“Fifty members of my new team live in Crawley so they are already part of this community.
“Our new store will offer the very best of M&S food, from traditional favourites to seasonal creations – perfect for a weekly shop or weekend treat.
“Customers will also be able to relax in our Café, enjoying a light bite or cup of tea and a slice of cake.”
The store will be open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10.30am – 4.30pm on Sundays.
The M&S store will be joined at the Acorn Retail Park in Betts Way by an Aldi store and a Smyths Toys store - due to open later this year.


A new M&S Foodhall - creating 70 new jobs - is to open in Crawley on September 21.


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.
Highways England issued a statement saying that the M20 is closed between junctions one and four, and ‘is likely to remain closed until at least Sunday lunchtime’.
The scene on the M20 between Borough Green and Leybourne in Kent after a lorry hit a foot bridge and it collapsed. Picture: Natasha Najm / SWNS.com
The closure comes after a lorry struck a footbridge in Kent, causing it to collapse. Read more here.
Highways England said that diversions are also in place and it is likely the M26 which links the M25 to the M20 will also remain closed until the incident is cleared.
The diversion for the M20 is via the A2 or M2 using the A229 and A228, and the diversion for the M26, closed at M25 junction five, is to use the M25 junction two and then travel on the A2 or M2.
Highways England south east operations manager Gary Coleman said everything was being done to reopen the motorway again, but safety had to come first both for workers and drivers.
“We are facing a real challenge to lift two HGVs and a motorbike clear of the scene and deal with all of the rubble from the collapsed bridge strewn across both carriageways.
“There is also the issue of the remaining part of the footbridge, which is still in place over the coast-bound side of the motorway. We have crews on scene ready to take action as soon as the police have completed their investigation. We also have cranes en route and lighting so work can continue through the night.
“We are doing everything we can to safely reopen the motorway, but we’d ask drivers to please bear with us as this is a complex operation and it will take time and skill to complete. We’ll keep everyone updated.”
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TRAFFIC UPDATE: Motorway closed until ‘at least’ lunchtime


Sussex motorists who are travelling to Kent are being told the M20 motorway will be shut until at least this afternoon.


A hit-and-run incident is causing major traffic delays on the A23, police have said.
Sussex Police said they were called to the A23 towards Sayers Common at around 12.10pm after reports of a hit-and-run incident.
Police confirmed that a car had been in collision with a motorbike, but that the driver drove off shortly afterwards.
There have also been reports of an oil spill due to the collision, which has contributed to traffic delays.
As a result of the incident, one lane of the A23 has been closed and traffic is queueing on the A23 southbound between Hickstead and Hurstpierpoint.
There is also traffic congestion to Bolney Cross.
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A hit-and-run incident is causing major traffic delays on the A23, police have said.


The final lines, uttered by the Prince of Verona, sum up the desperate nature of this Shakespearean classic: ‘For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’
But those unfamiliar with the star-crossed lovers, would be mistaken in thinking that despite its untimely deaths, this is a doom-laden play where no light shines.
For, in the closing moments, it illuminates its great truth. All enmity carries a great price which ultimately is too great. Peace is always preferable to war.
This is a tale of two wealthy feuding families with Romeo and Juliet a representative of each. Their fledgling love cannot bridge the divide - whereas their ultimate sacrifice does finally deliver peace by showing how futile all disagreements are in the context of their deaths.
GB Theatre are masters of the lighter Shakespearean comedies and ensure despite the sombre tone of Romeo and Juliet that they extract every ounce of humour from the bawdy lines and innuendo.
Joseph Passafaro, in the best traditions of the original stagings, brings a robust energy to every line as Mercutio, and no potential visual joke is overlooked in his hugely engaging performance.
Greg Shewring is Romeo and captures that sense of innocence, impetuousness, and naivety of young sincere love. Mollie Fyfe Taylor matches as Juliet.
It’s often forgotten how young these lovers are. Juliet is only 13. In today’s context, they were mere children and Shakespeare never lost sight of their lack of experience of the world or of their gentleness.
This production remains true to Shakespeare’s bold intent.
Thank goodness for GB Theatre Company. A packed Collector Earl’s Garden - the perfect setting - illustrates how important it is to keep the Bard’s work alive, and that when played honestly, with energy and good humour even the bleakest tale can remain wholly relevant and ultimately uplifting.

REVIEW: Romeo and Juliet, GB Theatre Company at The Collector Earl’s Garden at Arundel Castle as part of the Arundel Festival


The final lines, uttered by the Prince of Verona, sum up the desperate nature of this Shakespearean classic: ‘For never was a story of more woe, than this of Juliet and her Romeo.’


The stand-off between negotiators and an armed man continues, police have said.
A statement from Sussex Police said: “Emergency services remain outside a house in Harbour Road, Pagham this morning (29 August) as trained police negotiators continue communication with a lone 72-year-old man who is still believed to have a gun.
Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
“Police were called to the property at around 4.10pm on Sunday (28 August) to a report of threatening behaviour.
“A woman known to the man was also in the house, but she left shortly after police arrival and is safe and well.
“The 72-year-old man remains in the property alone.
“A police cordon is still in place and the road remains closed.”
Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan
Detective Superintendent Nick Sloan said: “The safety of the local community is our utmost priority.
“Local residents in Harbour Road have been advised to stay inside, but should they wish to or need to leave their properties, we will be able to facilitate this with police support.
“Communication continues with the lone man in the house and we hope to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
A Facebook post shows armed police in Pagham following reports of a man with a gun using threatening behaviour. Picture: Bognor News and Local Events
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Police have cordoned off a house in Harbour Road, Pagham and are negotiating with a man armed with a gun. Picture: Eddie Mitchell
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COUNTY NEWS: Police stand-off with armed man continues


The stand-off between negotiators and an armed man continues, police have said.


Worthing WOW (World of Words) Festival announces Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing as part of BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film.
The season is a UK-wide series of screenings and events celebrating the impact the playwright’s life, work and legacy has had on cinema.
Worthing WOW’s special screening takes place on Thursday, September 15 at the Dome Cinema in Worthing and forms part of national celebrations marking the bard’s 400th anniversary.
Melody Bridges, artistic director of WOW, said: “Kenneth Branagh’s exuberant 1993 adaptation of this classic feel-good comedy stars Mr Branagh himself alongside Emma Thompson, Kate Beckinsale and Hollywood hunks Denzel Washington and Keanu Reeves. WOW have received funding from BFI Film/London to host the event and include Worthing as part of this countrywide celebration. They chose Much Ado for its summery romantic feel – a perfect frolic to end your summer.
“Much Ado is being shown in screen two at the historic Dome Cinema, Worthing for one night only, and is being introduced by Miles Leeson, senior lecturer from the University of Chichester who will be giving a brief pre-screening talk about the potent mix of farce and politics in this, one of the Bards most important comedies.”
Presented by the BFI Film Audience Network (FAN) and led by Film Hub London, BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film will see more than 300 screenings and events taking place across the UK with multiplexes, independent cinemas, film clubs, pop-ups and community venues the length and breadth of the UK.
Melody added: “I'm thrilled to share this uplifting film with Worthing audiences. Worthing WOW has been looking for a really special way to tie in with the celebrations of Shakespeare this year – and this evening is our way of Worthing being a part of these national events. I'm excited to learn beforehand from Dr Miles a bit more about the story and then enjoy a glass of Italian white wine whilst watching one of Shakespeare's finest plays on film. "
Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film London and the British Film Commission, said: “Shakespeare might have been a man of the theatre but his work offers endless possibilities to film-makers. Somehow the power of his stories, characters, his all too human resonant and relevant themes of power, politics, family, romance, tragic conflict and joyous comedy, manages to transcend barriers of time and the English language such that specific cultural settings can be interpreted by filmmaking artists, in all different kinds of locations, contexts and languages.”
Much Ado About Nothing is screening for one night only on September 15, 7.30pm at the Dome Cinema; tickets are £5 adult, £4 concs, £3 students available in advance only from http://www.eventbrite.com/e/much-ado-about-nothing-tickets-26898961518.
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Worthing WOW (World of Words) Festival announces Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing as part of BFI Presents: Shakespeare on Film.


A man suffering from a rare form of dementia has been banned from a string of supermarkets, his local leisure centre and library.
Laurie Butcher, of Lucastes Avenue, Haywards Heath, has frontotemporal dementia which has caused a fundamental personality change.
And this week his wife Jill spoke of the agony of living with the disease. She says it has changed Laurie from a ‘jokey pleasant chap’ to one who is ‘extremely unpleasant.’
“He’s not the man I married,” said Jill, 69. “He’s not like anyone I would choose to marry.”
But she is at pains to point out that it is the illness causing the problems, not Laurie himself. The disease has affected Laurie’s communication, social skills and language.
Now Jill wants to raise awareness of the disease - which often strikes younger people - in a bid to help others. “One of the big problems is lack of understanding by the public, and even by members of the medical profession.”
And she added: “Although he is quite harmless, Laurie is banned from entering various places in Haywards Heath because of his bizarre behaviour.
“For example he was sent home from Sainsbury’s in a police car a couple of weeks ago. Sainsbury’s could not tell me what he did because that would have been a breach of the Data Protection Act. And I’m his wife and carer.”
Laurie, 75, who used to work in advertising, first became ill around 11 years ago. “I think quickly after that we began to find we were losing friends. Our social life began to disintergrate.
“He cracks jokes and considers he is being funny. He’s not,” said Jill. “His behaviour is very bizarre.” She said he sometimes imitated accents and spoke aloud whatever came into his head.
“He’s not dangerous, but he will push children out of the way and he swears a lot. None of this is his fault. It’s the disease.
“I have to admit he is exremely unpleasant. I have to admit that. I don’t blame people for the way they react.”
Jill, who now runs a carers’ support group, said the disease - which can be difficult to diagnose - was progressive and terminal. “The brain is fundamentally shrinking.”
Cutting edge research into the disease is currently being carried out at University College London.
An FTD (frontotemporal dementia) Awareness Week is being held from September 24 - October 1.

Man suffering from dementia ‘banned from supermarkets’


A man suffering from a rare form of dementia has been banned from a string of supermarkets, his local leisure centre and library.