International charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is warning students they must get a vital meningitis vaccine before they head off to university and ensure they know the signs and symptoms, as some kinds of meningitis can’t be prevented. Meningitis and septicaemia can kill in hours and leave many survivors with serious disability.

MRF is sending thousands of new posters entitled ‘Protect Yourself Against Meningitis’ to universities and colleges throughout the UK and has symptoms information available in print and online.

Currently all children in the UK are vaccinated against Meningococcal C (MenC) infection. Since the MenC vaccine was introduced in the UK in 1999, an estimated 150 lives have been saved each year and cases are now very rare. But we now know that protection offered by the vaccine does not last as long as expected, so the UK Government has launched a booster campaign for students entering university for the first time.

Christopher Head, Chief Executive of Meningitis Research Foundation said: “Vaccine research to ensure effective protection against this deadly disease has long been a top funding priority for MRF, and we welcome the Government’s new MenC booster campaign. New students are at increased risk of encountering the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease because they are often living in busy halls of residence and in close contact with other new students during fresher’s week.

The MenC booster is available to any student entering university who was born after September 1995 and has only received Men C vaccine under the age of ten years or any student of any age entering or being at university who is unvaccinated against Men C disease. Students should get immunised at least two weeks before they go away to study.

Those who start the term without the booster should arrange to get it as soon as possible either through their university or college health centre or with their new GP. The vaccine is also important for students coming to study from abroad who are unable to get the vaccine at home. Again they should obtain it as soon as possible.

MenB vaccine was recommended for infants in the UK in March 2014 but the timetable for implementation is yet to be confirmed . The vaccine is available privately but not everyone can afford it, and some other kinds of meningitis can’t be prevented. This is why MRF encourages everyone to learn the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and be prepared to act fast if they or their friends become ill.”

Dr. Shamez Ladhani, an expert on meningococcal disease for Public Health England said:

“The addition of the adolescent Men C immunisation programme will contribute to the highly successful vaccination programme we have in the UK. Although Men C disease is now rare, it can be life threatening. Because the protection offered by the infant Men C immunisation programme wanes over time, a booster is recommended for students before they begin university, even if they’ve had the Men C vaccine as a young child.”

Next week the PALS team from Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) alongside other local PALS teams in Bedfordshire will be hosting a number of events throughout the county to help raise awareness of PALS.

Advisors will be on hand to help answer your questions about local health services at Leighton Buzzard market from 9am – 3pm on Tuesday 15 July. There will also be a number of events from NHS providers in Bedfordshire including:

· The PALS team at Bedford Hospital will have a stand outside the Swannery restaurant on site during the week.

· The PALS team at Luton and Dunstable Hospital will be in the hospital’s main reception from Monday to Friday.

South Essex Partnership Trust (SEPT) will be hosting a number of events across the week, including:

· Monday 14 July - 10-12 am – Crombie house

· Tuesday 15 July - 10-12 am – The Lawns (adult clinic)

· Wednesday 16 July - 1.30-2.30 pm - London Road Health Centre

· Thursday 17 July - 10-12 am - Charter House reception and Weller Wing reception 1-3pm

· Friday 18 July - 1-3 pm -The Lawns (OPMH Clinic)

To finish of the awareness week BCCG PALS team will be at the Bedford River Festival on the 19 and 20 July. Members of the team will be on hand at the Your Health in Bedfordshire marquee, to help raise awareness of the helpful service they provide to the community.

PALS works closely with staff within Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) and other local NHS organisations to resolve concerns quickly and efficiently, provide information on NHS services and enable patients and the public to get involved in shaping local NHS services. They also offer information about local and national support agencies.

Peter Howard, BCCG’s Head of PALS, Complaints and FOI, said:

“Our PALS team are here to help. We offer free, confidential advice and support to relatives, carers and patients about their local healthcare system. We resolve concerns quickly and efficiently, provide important information on NHS services and ultimately enable people to get involved in shaping their local NHS.”

To contact BCCG PALS:

Phone: 01525 864405 (8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday).

(A voicemail system operates at busy times and out of normal office hours; and PALS will try to return your call by the next working day).

Boyhood is something unique. A film that takes the everyday experiences of growing up and tracks one young man over 12 years, shooting scenes from each of his years from age six to 18.

It’s an incredible feat of cinematography that will resonate with every parent on the planet and invoke memories of their childhood for every male.

Director Richard Linklater uses four core actors led by the titular ‘boy’ Mason (Ellar Coltrane), Mason’s Mom (Patricia Arquette), Mason’s estranged Dad (Ethan Hawke) and Mason’s sister Samantha (Lorelei Linklater, the director’s daughter).

It’s a long film at almost three hours, but instead of dulling your senses like the overblown Transformers: Age of Extinction, Boyhood feels like an inside peek into a life worth investing some time in to see how it turns out.

Covering some harsh realities of life for many – including an abusive stepdad, a father who simply isn’t able to commit to his family, another stepdad that never quite bonds with Mason – be prepared for a heart-rending experience.

The way each of the father figures in Mason’s young life lets him down in one way or another is painful to watch – and leaves you intensely rooting for the young man.

Mason’s school life is caught in condensed snapshots – dealing with the widely experienced clichés of homework, crushes on female classmates, run-ins with bullies etc – but somehow they don’t feel overly contrived.

As the teenage years kick in we get ringside seats as Mason experiments with drugs, struggles with peer pressure and dabbles in first love as well as finding a passion for photography. There are often hints of danger and threat as Mason’s young naivety makes parents watching cringe, but the plot never gets too dark to bear.

There are some interesting interactions with religious step-grandparents (who buy Mason a shotgun and a bible for his 15th birthday) although this feels a bit tacked on.

Arquette and Hawke are consistently excellent and Coltrane gives a memorable lead performance. There is just so much to Boyhood – laughs, pain, romance and grief which you’ll get to empathise with and probably leave reminiscing over.

A family are holding a fundraising event to raise money to send their two-year-old to a specialised pre-school.

Katie and Matt Gray, of Gemini close, are holding a fishing world record attempt at Alders Farm Fishery and a family fun day in Brickhill, on Saturday, September 13.

PACE is a family-centred charity which provides an education for children with sensory motor disorders.

The pre-school is based in Aylesbury and the family believe it is important their son, who has cerebral palsy, goes there.

Katie, 31, said: “We wanted to hold an event to raise money to send Freddie to their pre-school, they do a lot of good things for the children. The centre specialises in the care that Freddie needs and it will help him.”

Kristel Flitton, a family friend, said: “PACE offer an environment for Freddie and his parents where they can meet new people and he can make friends. Since he has been going to groups, he has tried new activities and he is learning how to walk as well.”

The parents, who also have 12 week old twins, will be hosting the fun day at Great Brickhill Cricket Club.

Mrs Gray added: “We did not expect the event to be as big as it is, people have been so generous and everyone wants to help, we are so grateful.”

Leighton Buzzard Town bravely fought to rescue a draw against local rivals Cublington to remain top of Cherwell League Division 2.

A last wicket stand by Tim O’Leary and Alan Priestley frustrated the home side, salvaging a vital seven points for Leighton Buzzard, avoiding a second defeat in a week.

In glorious sunshine Leighton won the toss and decided to field first.

Cublington made a bright start with Sear making his intentions clear with a series of early boundaries.

The score had moved to 45 in the 15th over when Alan Priestley trapped Burton (16) leg before wicket for the visitors first success.

Sear was the dominant partner in the 2nd wicket stand of 44 but Jenkins (12) was caught by Phillip Whatmore fielding at midwicket off the bowling of Tom Light. Two balls later Sear (52) was caught at mid off by David Roberts to give Antony Francis his first wicket of the season and leave the score on 89-3.

Home skipper Webb was eager to move the score on rapidly and he crashed a quick 29 which included 4 fours and a six before being caught on the boundary by Adam Culley with Light the bowler. Gordon-Stuart(12) nicked one to Keeper Tim O’Leary of the bowling of Jack Kempster and half the side were gone for 134.

Coote (0) was then bowled by Kempster who then took a good catch to remove Orchard (11) from Light’s bowling.

Talbot (49) caused Leighton some problems with his aggressive batting, striking 6 fours and a six.

However he was eventually out to a smart catch by Kempster running in from the boundary off the bowling of Whatmore.

After a few lusty blows Lane (21) wandered off down the wicket against Light and was stumped by O’Leary and Kempster returned to clean bowl Waugh (0) leaving Fairhurst not out on 2.

The final score for the home side was 220 all out in the final over of their allocation. For the visitors Light bowled 17 overs and took 4-82.

The other successful bowlers were Kempster 3-40 with one each for Priestley, Francis and Whatmore.

Town now had 47 overs in which to respond. Tom Light (8) and Antony Francis opened and the former was soon back in the pavilion caught behind the wicket off the bowling of Fairhurst.

Culley joined Francis and neither looked in trouble as the score advanced to 50 from 16 overs. However Culley (18) was bowled by Orchard.

Whatmore (14) soon made his presence felt as he crashed 2 fours to the midwicket boundary off Orchard but then nicked one to the keeper.

Francis (21) then tried to play a shot you probably find in a tennis coaching manual-an overhead smash- and was snapped up by the keeper.

The scoreboard now showed 76-4.

Dan Scott and Roberts then began to haul Town back into the game with the latter playing some excellent boundary shots.

When he had reached 26 he smashed a shot at midwicket and unfortunately for Town the fielder held on to end Leighton’s best partnership worth 46 runs. Some poor shot selection then saw 3 quick wickets fall with Brazier(2) , Ben Smith (0) and Kempster (1) hardly troubling the scorers. Although he was carrying an injury Dan Scott (30) batted well but slapped a full toss straight to midwicket.

Leighton had now slumped from 122-4 to 136-9 with 11 overs still to play.

Perhaps England’s last wicket stand at Trent Bridge on the Saturday morning inspired Leighton’s numbers 10 and 11 O’Leary and Priestley but they very stoically defended their wickets and gave no chances to the fielders who were clustered around their bats.

As the overs ticked away the home players became more exasperated whilst the visitors became more surprised and then excited that defeat might be avoided.

Runs were not the priority just defence and eventually the job was done at 145-9. O’Leary (5 not out) faced 35 balls whilst Priestley (0 not out) faced 30 balls.

The latter later admitted that it was the longest inning he had ever played and one of the umpires commented that it was just like being “at the Alamo”. Between them their tenacity had saved Town from a second successive defeat.

For the home side Sear took 4-13, Orchard 2-40 with one each for Fairhurst, Lane and Jenkins.

Leighton get 7 points but will have to improve their batting performance for next week’s tussle against Long Marston.

Division 1

Great Brickhill suffered their second successive league defeat by four wickets at the hands of Cumnor.

After electing to bat, Brickhill’s batsmen struggled to make starts with only Anton De Beer (40) and Julian Blackwell (21*) making the only significant contributions as young Max Mannering (4-15) bowled an excellent spell of off-spin to help reduce the home side to 124 all out in 34 overs.

In reply, the Brickhill bowlers applied good early pressure through Lee Morgan and Julian Blackwell taking two wickets each, helped by an outstanding one handed diving catch by George Butler, to leave Cumnor struggling at 48-4 but on a decent wicket with plenty of overs left, Cumnor batted patiently to reach 125-6 off 41 overs, only 40 points now separate second and bottom place.

Division 4

Leighton 2nds’ dismal season continued on Saturday at Bell Close when they slumped to a six wicket defeat to Kimble.

The visitors won the toss and put Town in to bat first.

Wickets fell on a regular basis and by the 12th over they were 20-6. No-one seemed to be able to cope with the visiting bowlers except for the last pair.

It was Sam Roberts (31 not out) which included 5 fours and Greg Cooper (19) including 4 fours who gave a modicum of respectability with a last wicket stand of 44 runs.

But Town’s poor effort concluded with the score on 107 all out. Semmens was the most successful of the visitors bowlers taking 6-33 with two wickets each for Agace and Rose.

The visitors now had 59 overs in which to reach their modest target.

It was probably no surprise but opening bat Mooney (8) was caught Cooper bowled Roberts.

Home skipper Andy Smith switched his bowlers around trying to pick up wickets using seven bowlers in total.

Town did manage to take 4 wickets with one each for Roberts, Krynauw, Mistry and Smith but a final score of 111-4 was reached with plenty of overs to spare.

So Town take five points which keeps them firmly at the bottom of the Division. The team has to overcome the dearth of runs if they wish to escape relegation.

Great Brickhill 2nds played out a losing draw away to Bledlow Ridge.

Brickhill were asked to field and Bledlow made a good start on a decent wicket, the introduction of Drew Burrows saw two quick wickets fall before a partnership of 150 left Bledlow in a strong position but Ahad Khan (2-69) & Greg MacDonald (2-35) only conceded 40 runs between them in the last 10 overs to help limit Bledlow to 242-7 off 53 overs.

In reply, Brickill lost three early wickets before John Cook and Ahad Khan began to rebuild the innings but with only 47 overs to bat, the run rate was always a tough ask and when Cook was out for 39, Khan remained resolute to finish on 85 not out and Brickhill on 181-6 off 47 overs.

Division 10

League leaders Cropredy 3rds visited Pages Park for the game with Leighton 3rds but it was the home side which played like league leaders.

The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first.

Opening bat Beacroft carried his bat through the innings for 29 not out but his colleagues came under a withering attack from Andy Roberts, Greg O’Hara and Paul Williams.

Roberts in particular had the visitors in all sorts of trouble playing and missing as he swung the ball around.

He ended with the outstanding figures of 6-28 from 11 overs.

O’Hara 2-26 and Williams 2-19 can also feel pleased with their afternoons work as Cropredy were bowled out for 73 in 22 overs.

Leighton lost their skipper Brad Gates (10) but Harry Ryan (37 not out) including 7 fours and Ben Turley (20not out) with 2 fours and a six saw the home side reach their target in less than 14 overs for a thumping victory.

Leighton get the maximum 25 points for an encouraging win whilst Cropredy have to be content with just a point.

Morrisons staff raised £500 for Sue Ryder with an in-store bike ride on Saturday, July 12.

Staff took part in 30 minute slots of cycling between 10am and 4pm, to help raise money for their charity of the year.

The national charity provide hospice and neurological care to people with life-changing illnesses.

The bikes were loaned to the supermarket by Energie gym, Leighton Buzzard.

Eaton Bray were left frustrated on Saturday as another last wicket stand prevented them from taking victory against Milton Keynes.

A great batting performance put the home side on the front foot, with Paul Harris scoring 64, and Wes Hosking falling just before his half century on 48.

It meant Bray scored an ominous 254-8 from their innings.

MK looked like they were going to make a real go of it too, with the top order getting good starts.

But as more wickets began to tumble, MK fell behind the run rate, and Bray sensed victory.

But the partnership of Julian Newman (1 not out) and Luke Anamourlis (6 not out) put MK over the finishing line on 206-9 to rescue a losing draw. Nick Pearson took 4-36 for Eaton Bray.

Eggington Foresters’ poor season carried on on Saturday as they conceded their match with MK City.

Division 2

A poor batting show by Milton Bryan gifted Division 2 leader Buckland & Aston Clinton victory by 96 runs.

Tom Cooksley took 4-41 for Milton Bryan as Buckland scored 221-7.

But just three batsmen made it to double figures in the Milton Bryan innings - Khurram Mohamed hit an unbeaten 50, Matt Pullan hit 12, and Cooksley, batting at 11, added 14 - as the home side crumbled to just 125.

Division 3

Ivinghoe & Pitstone came agonisingly short of taking victory against Luton Cricketers, losing by one wicket in a low scoring affair.

Ivinghoe’s lower order struggled to deal with the bowling of Imran Younis who took an incredible 5-21 to skittle the visitors for 150.

And it looked like a very achievable score, but like Ivingoe, Luton threw away their wickets cheaply.

It made for a thrilling match though, as both sides sensed victory.

In the end though, despite getting the hosts nine down, Saeed Iqbal and Waqar Ali saw Luton (153-9) over the line.

Egginton Foresters 2nds disappointed with the bat again though, bowled out for just 92 against Studham (93-2) in their eight wicket defeat, leaving them second from bottom.

Division 4

Milton Bryan 2nds made the 10 mile journey to play Wing with Wingrave, but were sent packing with a five wicket defeat.

Wing’s Deepak Sukhani took 4-50 as the visitors were bowled out for 144.

Opener Sam Rose hit 56 in reply before being run out, but it put Wing in perfect position to take victory (147-5) by five wickets.

Stewkley Vicarage batted stubbornly to draw with Wilden.

Josh Price’s 4-38 helped restrict Wilden to 175-7, but Stewkley fell just behind the run rate, coming up shy on 166-6.

Division 5

Great Brickhill had a winning draw against neighbours Eaton Bray 2nd.

Declaring on 236-6, Brickhill’s bowlers limited Eaton Bray to 158-8 in reply but couldn’t take the decisive wickets..

Division 6

Cublington 3rds (146) were 47 run winners over Winslow Town (99), but Wing with Wingrave 2nds conceded against Little Horwood.

Leighton Buzzard put on a show in the sun last week for the Anglia In Bloom judges .

They arrived on Wednesday to assess the town, taking in a two hour tour of the main parts of the town and then to three places of special interest which have particularly added to this year’s In Bloom campaign.

The tour started at the Woodcraft folk area. The Cottage Garden once again impressed the judges and Suzy Hammond from the LB Garden Centre was there to explain their role in this and to commend the inclusion of bee hotels made by the pupils of Leighton Middle School.

The Citizens Advice Bureau garden and Parsons Close were clearly very popular as the beach and splash and play area were being enjoyed in the sunshine.

Victoria Harvey from South Beds Friends of the Earth also showed the importance of Clipstone Brook as it is maintained for many forms of wildlife.

Roger Jordan and other members of the Old Cedarians Freemasons Lodge were at the Flypast Monument to show off their work in maintaining this peaceful area on the edge of the High Street.

Another such area is Tiddenfoot Waterside Park where Dave Ayers and his team explained their vital role in conserving this valuable resource.

Also shown was Cedars Upper School and Mentmore Memorial Garden.

Rowan Hastwell explained the new community garden project at Pages Park and Su Sloman the various community groups which now take part in the “It’s Your Neighbourhood” scheme.

All this work is tirelessly supported by Debbie Marsh and John Connew of the Town Council.

The judges are expected to make a decision about the competition in early September.

So the Leighton-Linslade In Bloom campaign continues to thrive and we will await the judges award decision in early September. It is always hoped that the award shows improvement but it is not really about the colour of the award but more the involvement, commitment and appreciation of so many people in the town who support the campaign.

As one World Cup has drawn to a close with yet another failure from the England team we can now start to all look forward to the Rugby World Cup in 2015 being held in England with games as close as Stadium MK.

In the last 24 years England have played in every World Cup, reaching three finals and winning one in 2003.

Many of today’s England rugby stars started playing rugby at their local club when they were as young as six but some did not start until they were in their teenage years.

Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club has already been represented at England level with George Messum captaining England students last season and ex-Vandyke pupil Henry Peck representing England U16 age group before taking up a rugby scholarship at Millfield School in Somerset, one of the powerhouses of schools rugby.

2015 will be too soon for anyone taking up the game today but it is never too late to start working towards the dream of representing your country. Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club already has one of the strongest mini and junior sections in the East Midlands with more than 300 registered players between the ages of six and 18 but more players are always welcome!

With this in mind the club are holding their annual open day on Sunday, July 27 at the club on Stanbridge Road.

Children from all age groups are invited, free of charge, to come and take part in a ‘rugby Olympics’ with a number of fun events designed for enjoyment for everyone. Each age group winner will be given a prize and there will be a free t-shirt for all new ‘players’.

As well as the Olympic events the club is hoping to have current players from the Aviva Premiership teams of Saracens and champions Northampton Saints at the event. In addition there will be a BBQ , sweet stall and a bar serving refreshments throughout the day.

A club spokesman said: “Why not bring your son or daughter along at 11am to see if they would like to play rugby? Who knows you may have the next Johnny Wilkinson or Maggie Alphonsi in your family.”

New Leighton Town manager Craig Bicknell says he’d be delighted to welcome back players from Leighton Town after none attended the club’s first pre-season training session.

Bicknell took over at Bell Close last month after former boss Craig Wells departed, but is yet to hear from any of Town’s players who were at the club last season.

Arriving at the first training session of the season last week - a session arranged by the club for potential players to prove themselves - Bicknell asked if any of the players were at the club previously.

“No-one put up their hand,” said Bicknell. “It was really disappointing, because we - myself and the staff I’m bringing in - are taking a step up to this level, and we could really do with the experience of players who have been in this league before, know the club and how it operates.”

Feedback on Leighton Town’s Facebook page though appears that a lot of the players who pulled on the red and white last season weren’t informed of the session.

He said: “I hope that’s the case, because I’d love to hear from them.

“I have no intention of coming to Leighton Town and basically bringing my own squad here and kicking out the players from last season.

“My door is open for them. I know a few of them have signed for other clubs in the area.

“I want them to come down, see what I’ve got to offer, and see the direction I want to take Leighton Town. This won’t just be Ampthill Town playing in Leighton Buzzard.”

And Bicknell will need all the players he can get, after the club decided to scrap the reserves and U18s squads.

But with seven pre-season friendlies already arranged, Bicknell is excited about casing his eyes over some new talent before the season starts.

He said: “I can’t wait to get started. I’m excited by what this team could be capable of.”

>> Former players can contact Craig Bicknell on 07930 182857.

By Catherine Wylie (Press Association)

As I look up at the beautiful mosaic ceiling, I sigh indulgently as the masseuse pours silky suds all over my freshly exfoliated skin.

I’m having my first ever Turkish hammam and I like it, a lot.

Afterwards, as I’m given a fluffy bath robe and tucked into a cosy, cushioned alcove, I think to myself: “This is the life.”

In Dubai, where historical landmarks are in short supply, the spa takes centre stage as part of the daytime activities in a girls’ getaway.

I’ve come to the emirate with a group of friends to discover whether or not a long weekend here is worth the six-and-a-half-hour flight.

We arrive feeling remarkably alert after a flight with Royal Brunei; the airline’s Dreamliner service uses a special climate control system which circulates more oxygen - which means less headaches - and LED lighting to help passengers seamlessly adjust to different time zones. Great for a short break when you don’t want to waste time recovering from jet lag.

Almost immediately, I discover the stories I’ve heard about Dubai’s excess and over-the-top luxury are true. Home to the seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel, this is a destination that takes both customer service and grandeur very seriously.

But I also learn that a lot of the preconceptions people have about supposed strict laws in this man-made city aren’t entirely accurate.

In fact, I find the blissfully serene experience at the Talise Ottoman Spa in the gold-encrusted Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on the Palm Island, to be the calm before the hedonistic storm.

On arrival at the hotel - where Hollywood stars including John Travolta and Susan Sarandon have stayed - we are instantly made to feel like VIPs.

My fancy hotel room has a view across the sea, and in the morning, speedboats and yachts float past my balcony as the sun twinkles on the still water.

In the bathroom there’s a marble tub that would easily fit four people and a gold sink epitomises the excessiveness of a city where there are no limits on how far the decadence can go. The ultimate display of tailored luxury is the dressing gown folded up on my bed which has my name sewn on.

Mornings are spent taking a dip in a pool lined with palm trees, followed by a stroll along the private beach in front of the hotel.

As lunchtime draws closer, excitement grows; one of Dubai’s key attractions is undoubtedly the variety and quality of the food - with truffle and foie gras a daily offering.

In pursuit of memorable eats, we book into the famous Friday brunch at the hotel’s Imperium restaurant. It’s a whopping three hours of culinary self-indulgence.

Lebanese dishes, sushi, trays of roast meat, oysters, pies, breads and a whole lot more take pride of place on beautifully decorated tables in a huge dining room lit by chandeliers. With a live band, and people dressed in their best, this feast is quite the event.

As digestion sets in, we struggle across town to get a taste of what it’s like to stay in the city itself, moving into the Jumeirah Emirates Towers.

Here, from my bed, I have the pleasure of looking out at the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, though an enormous floor to ceiling window.

Now we’re in the city, it’s time for some retail therapy. Dubai and consumerism go hand in hand, which is why any girls’ trip is bound to involve some mooching around the mall, or in my case, the souks.

After haggling for a good price, I come away with a cerise pink pashmina and a very cool handbag, bound to score fashion points at home.

For research purposes only, a friend and I venture into the fake designer black market, hidden away in buildings near to the souk. But after being escorted through various doors, up a flight of stairs and into lifts, we decide no designer copy can be worth so much hassle, so we make our excuses and leave.

To get a feel for the more traditional side of Dubai, we go on a Platinum Heritage desert safari and have breakfast with a Bedouin man who claims he doesn’t know what age he is or how many children he has.

We travel in an open-top vintage Land Rover through the Arabian sands, before arriving at a camp where we’re served noodles with oregano-soaked bread.

After a quick puff on the strawberry-flavoured shisha, it’s time for the obligatory camel ride, with all of us in Arab headscarves, taking to the animals two by two, prompting giggles aplenty.

For a totally different daytime activity, and one associated much more with the new Dubai than the days of old, we take to the skies for an afternoon of sightseeing on a helicopter ride. To add to the glamour, our Helidubai pilot tells us he’s currently working on the latest Mission Impossible film with Tom Cruise.

From my bird’s eye view, I can confirm that The Palm really is shaped like a palm tree, and the Burj Khalifa sparkles just as much from above.

So, having furiously haggled for a bargain and shared an aircraft with one of the stars of a Hollywood blockbuster (sort of), it’s time to sample the city’s nightlife. But given our preconceptions about culture and society in Dubai, we’re all stumped about what we should wear.

Demure dresses below the knee, and strictly no cleavage, is the order of the night.

However, when we arrive at the exclusive supperclub restaurant and club, we encounter a wild liberalism which we weren’t expecting. Sparkling wine and cocktails flow like tap water, and women wear tight revealing dresses that show more than just a little thigh.

Outside, lining the street like a trophy cabinet is an array of cars including a Rolls Royce, a Porsche, a Maserati and a Lamborghini.

When the kitchen stops serving food, the venue turns into a playground for party people where anything goes.

If the trip had a theme tune it would be Madonna’s Material Girl, because there is no doubting Dubai’s worship of materialism, money, exclusivity and luxury.

With dreamy spa treatments, excellent food and hedonistic parties, our girlie group returns home happy with a whole new perception of what it means to enjoy Arabian nights.

TRAVEL FACTS

:: Travelbag (www.travelbag.co.uk; 0845 543 6615) offers two nights at the five-star Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on The Palm (half-board) and two nights at the five-star Jumeirah Emirates Towers (half-board) from £779 per person, including direct flights with Royal Brunei from London Heathrow. Book by June 30 for travel in July 2014.

Cedars School Coaching Academy has an association with a wide range of sports and can now boast a link with Triathlon in the form of the local Leighton Buzzard Triathlon Club.

The Coaching Academy is unique in that it aims to bring together in one place a whole range of sporting courses so that people from anywhere in the country can gain nationally recognised qualifications.

The triathlon club is still relatively new and in order to continue to develop, it needs to train and give experience to a number of coaches across the three disciplines.

It should also benefit students at tschool who want to try out yriathlon either as part of their GCSE Physical Education or as an extra curricular activity.

This will be made easier with this association with the academy, as other sports have found out.

The academy for instance now has positive and well developed links with a large number of national governing bodies and recently received prestigious awards, from the Football Association (FA), the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) the Cheerleading Association (UKCA) and Rock-It-Ball Association (RIBA), in recognition of our contribution to coaching.

Hertfordshire travel company Ramblers Worldwide Holidays have been awarded The 50-Plus Show’s silver medal in the Best Adventure Travel Provider category at London’s Olympia.

This year’s three day show (the eighth) was bigger than ever while catering for the growing numbers of active over-50s.

The show features all manner of exhibits from holidays, pastimes, clubs and health matters.

Pictured receiving the award is Ramblers Worldwide Holiday’s Salvatore ‘Tony’ Maniscalco (left).

Craig Bicknell isn’t predicting that Leighton Town will be league conquerors but he hopes his track record will help them climb the table next season.

Bicknell left Ampthill Town at the end of last season after leading them to second place in the Spartan South Midlands Premier Division - though with ground renovations not forthcoming, Ampthill would be forced to remain in the division once more.

Feeling he had taken the club as far as he could, Bicknell resigned from his position as manager, and went about searching for a new job in football.

“I’d been approached by a few clubs,” he said. “But after speaking to the people here, I knew Leighton Town would be a great club to come and work for.”

After two troublesome seasons at Bell Close, Leighton Town found themselves in dire need of rebuilding and rejuvenation ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

Bicknell brings with him much of his successful Ampthill Town squad who, like their manager, want to prove themselves at a higher level.

And with historic FA Cup and FA Vase runs in his time at Ampthill Park, Bicknell wants to transfer that success to Bell Close.

He said: “We had a lot of success, and a lot of promotions. But next season isn’t going to be easy.

“Craig Wells did a great job here last season, with all the problems that Leighton have had. The league table might not show that, but there were some incredible results last season.

“But I’ve not come here with the intention of finishing near the bottom of the table.

“We need to be looking up the league, finishing mid-table at the very least.

“The teams at the top of this league are spending stupid money for this level, but I think we can cause a few upsets along the way and help get Leighton Town back to where they belong.”

Leighton Town’s pre-season campaign got underway with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chesham United Reserves on Saturday.

Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club travelled to Nottingham last week to battle it out for the coveted MacGregor Paddle.

The fourth regatta was different to the rest - an inter club regatta where the club with the most points lifted the paddle at the end of the day.

Around 30 clubs from all over the country including Scotland, Ireland and Wales took part, including LBCC.

Compared to some of the clubs competing, Leighton had quite a small team.

But apart from the usual team of sprinters, Leighton increased the size of the team with members who just come out once a year to make up crew boats and also some new members who have never paddled there before.

The first timers were Adrian Curtis, who paddled in the Masters K4, his daughter Linzi, first time in Lightning B, Peter Reilly who entered junior crew boats and Dan Callow who, having just finished a six week course at the club, was thrown in at the deep end and put into a K4 on the day with no prior warning.

There were a plethora of second places right across all age groups added to by Dan Fitzpatrick in Boys C who took second in his 200m race, second in his 500m and third in his 1,000m event.

But the honours went to Lydia Oxtoby who had a fantastic win in Womens D 200 metres and second in her 500m race.

Mike Martin and Laura Hussey had two strings to their bow, not only paddled their kayaks but later competed in their Canadian, high kneel canoes.

A brilliant win for Mike in the 500 metres and Laura an excellent fouth. Laura also tackled the 200m race and finished a creditable fifth.

A “prank” with a fake gun bought in a pound shop did not amuse a Judge, who said it had terrified two 12-year-old boys when it was pointed at them in a dark alleyway.

Holding the imitation weapon was 22-year-old Gregory Lathwell, Luton Crown Court was told on Friday.

Lathwell, from Johnson Drive, Leighton Buzzard pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear. He was jailed for 22 months.

Claudette Elliott, prosecuting, said the two boys were walking home on October 12 last year along an alleyway near West Side, Leighton.

“The defendant and another man came towards them and they saw him pull a gun out of his bag and point it towards them. They were really scared.

“He said ‘do you want some of this?’ and the boys ran off, but were able to identify Lathwell to police.”

She said they had described it as a ‘cowboy style’ revolver, but it has never been recovered.

Carl Woolf, defending, said Lathwell and a friend had been celebrating a birthday that afternoon and were ‘tipsy’.

“He bought the toy gun in a pound shop and stupidly thought it would be fun to pull it out of his bag when he saw the boys.

“It was a stupid, drunken joke which has massively backfired. He now knows it caused them to be scared.

“He categorically refutes that it was a real firearm, but in a dark alleyway it may have looked realistic.”

Judge Michael Kay QC said: “Those boys had the great misfortune to come across you and what you did was reckless in the extreme.

“You have sought to suggest it was just a plastic imitation but they believed it was a real gun and were extremely frightened. You knew they were only boys.

“To me this is a serious matter which could have caused really deep psychological harm.”

Clerk’s Corner by Leighton town clerk Mark Saccoccio...

The Grand Union Canal, the lifeblood of our industrial heritage is being celebrated on Saturday, July 26 (11am-5pm).

Organised by Leighton-Linslade Town Council, the event is important in showcasing yet another quality asset that the parish has to offer. In the dozen years that the event has been running, it never fails to amaze as to its increasing popularity. Last year for example, we had over 9,000 visitors to the event which is held in Tiddenfoot Waterside Park.

As the organisers, the town council is conscious that the focus should remain around celebrating our industrial heritage and the importance that the canal has played in helping shape the parish. Therefore, many of the attractions have a conservation and heritage slant in the hope that we can promote and maintain skills and crafts that would otherwise be consigned to the annuls of history. For example, visitors will also have the opportunity to see first-hand the diverse skills still practiced by traditional rural crafters such as Bee Skep, Besom Brooms, Love spoons, Lace making and Wool Spinning.

We anticipate welcoming a large collection of working, trade and pleasure narrow boats to the event which will provide a visually stunning attraction as well as contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. Visitors will also have the opportunity to buy anything from cheese, hand craft products, pottery, paintings, rag rugs to wooden sculptures.

A programme of music and entertainment include performances from local musicians Halfmoon Drum Circle and Barn Rat Ceilidh Band. Attractions also include pony rides, climbing wall, crazy golf, face painting and storytelling. If this all becomes a bit too much, then why not take a pleasure boat trip along the canal or enjoy a picturesque walk around the lake.

Pedestrian admission to the festival is free and car parking is available a short walk from the site at £3.50 per vehicle. For a charge of £2 per person per trip, water taxis will be operating from the town centre to the park. Get further details from the council on 01525 631916/631915. Details can also be found on www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

A nationwide crackdown on suspected paedophiles has led to 14 arrests across the county since April.

Officers from Beds Police joined police forces across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in the operation– which has safeguarded more than 400 children.

One man detained by Beds Police has been charged, while 13 others are on police bail with no current charges.

County officers have also seized and are examining the contents of 250 electronic devices.

In total 660 suspected paedophiles were arrested during the siix-month operation involving 45 police forces.

Some of those detained had unsupervised access to children in the course of their work.

They include doctors, teachers, scout leaders, care workers and former police officers.

Of the 660, 39 people were registered sex offenders but the majority of those arrested had not previously come to law enforcement’s attention.

The operation targeted people accessing indecent images of children online.

Operation Notarise remained under wraps until yesterday in order to protect children, identify offenders and secure evidence.

The National Crime Agency and its partners are not revealing the methods they used to track down suspects so that they can use the same tactics again in the future.

Charging decisions are awaited in most cases but so far charges brought range from possessing indecent images of children to serious sexual assault.

Detective inspector Jerry Waite, of Bedfordshire Police Public Protection Unit, said: “We are currently in the process of examining the contents of 250 electronic devices connected with our local cases in Operation Notarise.

“We’re pleased to have been able to help with such a significant and wide-ranging enquiry which has resulted in six joint investigations with Social Services into potential hands-on child abuse offences.

“Of course we are continually taking new cases and will always want to hear from anyone who has abuse, or suspicions of abuse, of any kind to report.”

NCA deputy director Phil Gormley added: “Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation.

“A child is victimised not only when they are abused and an image is taken, they are re-victimised every time that image is viewed by someone.

“Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly. 
“So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended– it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line.”

New signing Paul Connolly confirmed he wouldn’t be making a play for the vacant captain’s armband at Kenilworth Road this season.

With skipper Ronnie Henry leaving, the position is up for grabs, but Connolly who has been captain at Derby County, said: “The place was in a bit of disarray and the gaffer said I was the biggest talker, so gave me the captaincy.

“If you wear the armband its a proud feeling, but I think we’ve got enough experience to sort it if there’s a problem and I’m sure the gaffer has got someone in mind.”

For the full story, see the Luton News/Dunstable Gazette on sale now, while for all the latest Luton Town FC news, visit our {http://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/hatters-microsite|Hatters Microsite|Click here for the Hatters Microsite}.

Opponents to a proposed wind farm in LBO land say they are confident of a favourably outcome to the public inquiry held earlier this month.

The eight-day hearing into the Dorcas Lane turbines planned for Stoke Hammond followed an appeal by Force 9 Energy and EDF against Aylesbury Vale District Council’s refusal of planning permission.

Government inspector, Ms Jessica Graham, will now submit a report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who will announce his decision, expected early in 2015.

Joseph Cresswell, vice chairman of Stop Dorcas Lane Turbines, said : “Completion of this public inquiry will mark the end of a three-year fight to stop this inappropriate development by thousands of local people across the eight settlements blighted by it. SDLT was pleased to challenge the Appeal alongside AVDC and we believe all the competing arguments have been thoroughly examined.”

“Some 50 SDLT members and other public speakers presented powerful evidence of the real harm it would cause. We trust that, as required by the Government, the Inspector will attach significant weight not only to the many valid planning objections but also to the thousands of petition signatures and letters of opposition submitted.”

“We were delighted that our constituency MP, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, also made time to attend the inquiry, where he defended the democratic rights of his constituents in a powerful speech.

“The shadow of this development will hang over us all for several more months. But we remain confident that all those who have united in opposition to it will finally be vindicated.”