Road safety charity the IAM is offering weekly motoring tips from Britain’s top advanced driver, Peter Rodger. This week, he is advising on dealing with vulnerable road users.

Look well ahead so you see joggers, pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists early.

Look for signs of distraction - are they wearing earphones? If so, they may be distracted by the noise.

Give them plenty of room – especially if they are distracted.

Be prepared for them to make unexpected changes of direction without looking first (expect the unexpected!)

Remember they may not hear you (their music may be too loud) so sounding a horn is not necessarily going to alert them to your presence.

In country roads remember there may be runners just round any bend – so drive in a way that allows you to deal with that safely and considerately.

IAM chief examiner Peter Rodger said: “With good weather and longer days, we often find that more people are out and about on the roads. Make sure you give those enjoying the outdoors extra space and consideration.”

Local charity, Keech Hospice Care are appealing for volunteers to sign up as marshals for its upcoming Star Walk. The charity needs to find 145 volunteer marshals to help out at the popular annual event, which is to take place on Saturday 6th September.

As well as finding willing walkers the hospice needs people to help out along the route, making sure the walkers stay safe.

Martina Haugh, Event Fundraiser from Keech said:

“Our Star Walk is one of our most popular events and always draws hundreds of women from across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes who walk through the night to support the hospice. The 10-mile walk is always loads of fun with the ladies dressing in fancy dress outfits and proves to be one of the best girls night out of the year.”

“If walking is not your thing, we still need you! Marshalling is also a lot of fun and is a great way to take part without breaking a sweat! Marshals are very important to the running of the evening and volunteers would be saving us a lot of money by donating their time.”

The Star Walk is one of the largest events for the hospice. Beginning and ending at Barnfield College, New Bedford Road, the walk raises money to fund care and support for those with life-limiting illnesses in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes. Last year the event managed to raise an incredible £60,000 which goes directly to supporting the patients and families in the local area.

Keech Hospice Care is the adult’s hospice for Luton and South Bedfordshire and the children’s hospice for Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

If you would like to sign up to be a volunteer marshal please contact Claire McInally on 01582 497839 or cmcinally@keech.org.uk

A 22-year-old woman was seriously assaulted in Leighton Buzzard town centre in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 9).

The attack happened at around 4.15am as the victim and a friend were walking along Bridge Street.

A man approached the victim and made some suggestive remarks which were declined. He then spat in the victim’s face before punching her to the head which caused her to fall to the floor and lose consciousness. He then fled the area.

Emergency services quickly attended the scene and the victim was taken to the Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment.

PC Carolyn Hoare, who is investigating the incident, is keen to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the assault and may have seen the offender or the incident taking place.

The attacker is described as being a white man, 20 to 30 years old, around 5ft 8ins tall, of average build with short dark hair and he spoke with a Polish accent.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a print on the front and blue jeans.

If you have information, contact PC Hoare, in confidence, on 01582 394210, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

An afternoon at The White Hart Harvester, Hockliffe, turned into ‘something from a disaster movie’ as the restaurant was hit by a strong gust of wind on Sunday, August 10.

The trees that line the pub garden were hit by the wind, one fell on to a parked car and others blocked part of the road.

Leanne Hollowday, of Leighton Buzzard, was dining at the restaurant with her family when the wind hit.

She said: “The trees were hit by a sudden squall, throwing debris, dust, leaves and branches into the air which spiralled around like something from a disaster movie and several parasols over the benches were ripped up and tossed in a heap at the far end of the garden, we were sat wide eyed, wondering what was happening and what might happen next.”

Sam Biddlecombe, Harvester assistant manager, said: “An elderly couple were sitting in the pub area and a big gust of wind knocked a tree over onto their car. The general manager was quick to respond and called someone out to come and remove the tree.

“A member of staff from the kitchen offered to drive the couple home while the tree was removed and the general manager drove their car home to them.”

Mrs Hollowday added: “There was almost a sense of disbelief, it was literally over within seconds, the staff reacted quickly to an unusual event.”

Other parts of the town were also hit by the bad wind on Sunday afternoon.

A man was walking his dog in Leighton Buzzard, when he saw a tree fall in front of him, he said: “It was like a mini hurricane.”

In Stanbridge, there was a lucky escape for staff and customers at The Five Bells, as the willow tree, that stands at the driveway, was ripped down by a strong gust of wind.

Simon Stephens-Young, general manager of The Five Bells, said: “There was a sudden spell of about five to ten minutes of strong wind that knocked down the willow, we are really lucky that no one was hurt and there was no damage, it could have been a lot worse.”

Police today released CCTV images of two people that they would like to speak with following a fraud that took place in a Leighton Buzzard shop.

The incident happened at about 2pm on June 3 in Peacocks, off the High Street, when the duo selected £260 worth of goods and made their way to the tills to pay.

They paid in cash but as the sales assistant checked the notes, the offenders distracted him and were able to remove £120 from the pile of notes.

As the sale was completed, they asked if the goods could be delivered and when the cashier said no, they asked for a refund on the majority of the items.

The cashier completed the refund (£216) and the offenders left the store with £44 of paid for goods, the refund and the stolen £120.

If you recognise the individuals pictured or have any information relating to the incident, contact the Crime Service Team, in confidence, on the non-emergency 101 number quoting crime reference JD/21296/2014.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Leighton Town came from behind to earn their first point of the season against Northwood at Bell Close on Saturday, writes Hannah Sellman.

Danny Watson’s second half strike cancelled out Nick Turner’s opener to earn Town a share of the points in Craig Bicknell’s first Calor League Division One Central game in charge.

But he was dealt a dilemma before the game even started, with two injuries, two suspensions and holidays ruling out five players.

Leighton kicked off the first half and they carved themselves an early opening, though Aaron Morgan couldn’t convert his early chance, firing powerfully at the Northwood keeper.

A playful tug on Danny Watsons’ shirt saw him win a free kick, which was taken by Phil Draycott and was wide of the post, yet another missed opportunity to take an early lead.

It was end-to-end action with Northwood then winning two corners on the trot.

The first hit the post, but the second one found Nick Turner who slotted the ball through Dan Childs’ legs in the eighth minute to put Northwood 1-0 up.

Leighton responded quickly to the goal and had yet another chance to score. Tyrone Taylor played the ball to Mark Bunker who tried to curl the ball into the net, however Berkley Laurencin stretched up high and pushed the ball over the bar for a corner.

With Leighton having most of the possession they kept sending the ball into the box.

Draycott, Chris Crook and Jamie Nicholls were playing some great football in the midfield, but the killer ball to Morgan was too long each time.

Leighton should have levelled the scoring after 22 minutes when Draycott played the ball down the line for Watson, who in turn slid in Morgan who was one-on-one with Laurencin. But although his shot was powerful it failed to make an impact.

Town were really pushing for an equaliser, but couldn’t make the breakthrough.

In fact it was Northwood who almost doubled the lead before half time, when, eight minutes before the break, Dave Lawrence’s free kick sailed over Town’s wall, and needed Childs to be at full stretch to keep it out.

The second half saw Northwood nearly score from the word go, when Alvin Rajaram miss-judged the bounce of the ball and gave Ehui a chance to score but he hit the ball wide.

Both teams seemed to have picked up the pace of the game and were eager to try and win the three points.

Town drew level four minutes into the second half though, when Draycott sailed past two defenders, before pulling the ball back to Watson, who didn’t need a second chance to equalise.

But Northwood could have retaken the lead again when Child spilled the ball from a routine catch, but the Northwood attack weren’t quick enough to react to the loose ball before the keeper pounced.

A free kick on the hour mark taken by Draycott saw him hit the ball on target but Laurencin held the ball firm.

Leighton continued to force the issue and search for the goal to put them in front. Bunker played a lovely ball to Watson but he was offside as other opportunity went awry.

Leighton made their first substitution in the 67th minute bringing on an injured Christian Lester in place of Paul Lyon to try and get that all important second goal.

The 71st minute saw Leighton battle hard to win themselves a corner which saw Lester curve the ball just over the bar.

Play was stopped a few moments later for Rajaram who looked like he was suffering from cramp in his calf.

The last 10 minutes of the game saw Leighton intensify, determined to try and win the first game of the season.

A long kick from Child landed at Watson’s feet and ended up finding its’ way to Draycott, who hit the ball but it was cleared off the line by Laurencin.

Lester was up next for a shot at goal after receiving the ball from Rajaram, he hit the ball low and hard but once again was denied a goal. A second substitution saw an injured Nicholls replaced with Stephan Kemongoa.

Both teams had a last chance at scoring a winning goal in the final minute. Draycott found Watson but the ball got lost in the box between numerous defenders and was eventually cleared to the other end of the pitch, where Child was left one-on-one with Lawrence but managed to stick his foot out at exactly the right moment to stop the ball from going into the net.

In all, a draw was probably hard on Leighton, but they have another chance to get their first win on the board tonight (Tuesday) against Marlow.

Leighton Buzzard Town are nearing a return to Cherwell League’s top flight after picking up their seventh win of the season on Saturday, seeing off Horspath by five wickets.

Leighton are 20 points clear of the chasing pack, now led by Long Marston, with four games remaining.

Horspath had started the day in second place, but got off to a terrible start, as Leighton skipper Alan Priestley won the toss and put the hosts in to bat.

It turned out to be an inspired decision as the top three batsmen fell cheaply.

Finch (5) was the first success, leg before wicket, closely followed by Manger (6) caught in the slips by Lee Selfe. Green (5) was clean bowled and Leighton were flying as the home side stood at 27-3 from 12 overs.

Mohammed (18) was out to an excellent diving catch by Dan Scott off the bowling of Selfe. The same bowler then trapped Earnshaw lbw for just two runs.

Tom Light was now introduced into the bowling attack and he removed Todd (7) in his first over.

Meanwhile left hand bat Harrison Ward had been playing some delightful shots whilst his team mates had been struggling.

He had moved onto 58 which included 11 fours when he tried to pull Light through mid wicket but was caught by Jack Kempster. The score had now reached 121-7 from 37 overs.

Home wicket keeper Roberts began to attack the visitors bowling with a flurry of boundaries. Light however kept Town in the running removing Beer (6) and Holmes (0) and it was 147-9.

There was then a last wicket stand which seemed to be taking the game away from Leighton.

The partnership, worth 68 runs , was dominated by Roberts but with useful support from last man Du Plessis (16no). Off the last ball of the 53rd over however Roberts skied one to Thompson and was comfortably caught.

His 74 included 11 fours and a six. Horspath’s final score was 215 all out.

For Town Light took 5-65, Priestley 3-25 and Selfe 2-38.

Leighton now had 47 overs in which to respond.

They started well with Thompson and Antony Francis putting on 62 runs in the opening stand in 14 overs.

Francis (22) was the first wicket to go down, bowled by Beer. He was replaced by Light who forced opening bowler Du Plessis out of the attack with three consecutive fours in one over.

With the score on 108 Light tried to pull a poor delivery from Ward but was caught at deep square leg just inside the boundary rope by Finch for 28 runs.

Town’s next batsman was captain Phillip Whatmore.

With dark clouds gathering overhead and rain visible in the distance he decided to attack the home bowling. In the following 45 minutes the score advanced by 92 runs as some poor bowling was duly punished. Whatmore reached his half century in 35 minutes from 45 balls and was clean bowled by Beer for 65 which included 9 fours and 3 sixes.

The scoreboard showed 200-3 off 39 overs as he left the wicket.

With rain beginning to fall Dan Scott was caught for a duck as he tried to force the pace and he was replaced by Adam Culley.

Thompson then fell to a wonderful running catch by Todd for 56 runs. This innings was a much needed confidence booster for Thompson who has struggled for runs this season.

But this solid patient performance which included seven fours was an important part of Town’s push for victory.

As the rain increased the umpires decided to bring the players off the field with Leighton on 203-5. Fortunately, the rain stopped before the covers could be put in place on the wicket and play resumed almost immediately.

On the resumption five wides from Beer were well received by Leighton’s players and it was wicket keeper Dave Roberts (5no) who struck the winning runs with an on drive to the boundary with Culley on 0 not out.

The final score was 218-5 with more than 3 overs remaining.

For Horspath, Beer took 3-25 with one wicket each for Holmes and Ward.

This was a much needed win for Leighton and the 25 point maximum keeps them at the top of the division.

Cublington climbed to sixth in the table with a winning draw against Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts.

Skipper Phillip Webb led the way for the visitors, hitting 46, but Ben Orchard’s unbeaten 56 was the highlight of the innings as Cubs were bowled out for 200.

In reply, Cublington got off to a good start, with Ollie Fairhurst taking out Nondies’ openers in quick succession.

They were met with resistance down the order though, despite Greg Jenkins’ 4-47.

While the tight bowling restricted the home side from scoring anywhere near the required rate, the wickets didn’t fall fast enough for Cubs to take the victory, as Nondies made it home on 180-8.

Division 1

Great Brickhill slipped to fifth place in Division 1 after a high-scoring encounter with lowly Tiddington saw them suffer a losing draw at home.

Nick Pykett was the key man for the visitors, hitting 82, but there were also a big score for Tom Rowley (61) as Tiddington ended their knock with a very respectable 263-7.

George Humphries was the pick of the bowlers for Brickhill, taking 3-79.

In reply, Brickhill were guilty of losing their wickets too easily. Doug Aris held up one end with a patient 68, but partners came and went.

Matt Maule, having scored 31 with the bat, took 4-69 for Tiddington, as Brickhill lived on the edge, eventually going nine down before making it across the finish line for 202-9.

Picking up just seven points for their troubles, Brickhill slip back down to fifth in the standings, though are just 19 points off second place. Runaway leaders Buckingham Town though look set to win the division with four games remaining.

Division 4

Leighton 2nds welcomed Bledlow Ridge to Bell Close on Saturday.

After two victories and a draw in their last three, Town were looking to continue their improved run of results which has moved them up to the middle of the table.

The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first. They made a decent start with an opening stand worth 40 runs off 10 overs.

The first wicket was the result of an excellent long throw from the boundary edge by Sam Janes straight into the gloves of wicket keeper David Pope who had the easiest of tasks in running out Hawkins (17).

Alfie Ruston then had Turner (25) caught by Riaan Krynauw.

A threatening partnership between Maunder (13) and Wells (26) ended when the former was caught by Ruston off the bowling of Andy Smith to leave Bledlow on 96-3.

The next six wickets then fell for 20 runs in 12 overs as Smith and Greg Cooper set to work.

Only visiting captain Brooks(11) made it into double figures . Gareth Benger took two catches and Tom Callaghan one as the innings faded to a close on 128 all out from 44 overs.

For Town Smith took 5-20 Cooper 3-15 and Ruston 1-26.

Leighton now had 55 overs in which to reach their target.

They opened with Krynauw (30) and Smith (45). The latter in particular was in aggressive mood and soon had 8 fours in the scorebook before he was caught with the score on 66.

Two wickets then fell off successive balls with the score on 81 as Krynauw was caught and Benger followed first ball also caught.

Leighton needed to consolidate. Callaghan was playing with patience and holding one end. Ruston (9) struck two boundaries before he was caught and Janes (9) struck two more fours before he was lbw.

Callaghan (15) was caught but Pope (11not out) and Yogesh Mistry (3 not out) saw Leighton home to victory with the score closing on 129-6 with 26 overs to spare.

For the visitors Tombs took 4-33 and Murdock 2-55.

A good team effort from Town moves them up to fifth place in the division.

A disappointing batting performance meant the writing was on the wall very early for Great Brickhill 2nds.

Bowled out for just 95 against Horley, the home side (96-3) made it comfortably home inside 25 overs as Brickhill slump to the bottom of the pile.

The Netherlands is known for its delicious cheeses and the Dutch are often affectionately referred to as ‘cheese heads’ as the average citizen eats around 33 pounds of it a year.

Holland’s history of cheese making extends back to the time of Julius Caesar. Indeed, it seems the number of dairy animals in Holland may rival the number of tulip bulbs in the fields.

The Dutch have integrated flowers and various types of cheese into their lives, entwining them with festivals all year round. Cheese making and cheese carrying guilds have had a solid spot in Dutch life and the Dutch economy for centuries.

Most people have at least heard of Gouda and Edam cheeses, if not tasted them. These two hard, mild cheeses are named for the towns in which they were originally made and from which they were sold. But other Dutch cheese types are just as integral to Holland’s healthy cheese export economy, and have some interesting differences in flavor and texture. Some of the other major types of cheeses in Holland include the following:

Maasdammer – this nutty cheese has large holes and a domed shape. Try a Leerdammer or a Maasdam when at the cheese shop.

Boerenkaas – This raw milk cheese is, by law, an artisanal cheese: at least half the milk used needs to come from the farm’s cows, and the rest from no more than two other farms.

Goat’s Cheese – Goat’s cheese in Holland comes in two types: the soft, fresh cheese and a semi-hard, cured version that is much like Gouda. It’s pale with a bit of a tang and a melted texture.

Smoked Cheese – This cheese is made, melted, smoked, and then remolded into a sausage shape. Often sold by the slice.

Frisian Clove Cheese – Low-fat milk, cumin, and cloves give this firm cheese a hard, dry, and tart taste.

When visiting Holland, tourists are encouraged to try the cheese. Stop by the cheese markets in Alkmaar, Gouda, or Edam for a reenactment of a medieval cheese market. Take a tour of the outlying farms, some of which come with a cheese tasting. Or just stop by one of the many cheese shops and try some yourself. When visiting Amsterdam, stop at the award-winning Reypenaer Tasting Room to learn about the many cheeses the Reypenaer company makes and their histories.

Cheese has probably been made in Holland back as far as 200 BC—even Julius Caesar mentions Dutch cheese in his logs. Cheese production took a major role in Dutch life by the middle ages when they began exporting.

Cheese markets grew and towns that were granted weighing rights got special status in the country. The town of Gouda has the Waag weigh house, which is one of the most beautiful in Holland.

There are elaborate weigh houses, where goods were scaled, priced, and traded in every major Dutch city. Holland cheeses are the most exported in the world, and the Dutch dairy industry is worth about seven billion euros a year.

The average Dutch citizen eats about 15 kilos of cheese (that’s about 33 pounds) a year, and Holland cheese varieties are known throughout the world for their balance of sharpness with sweetness. Most cheeses are named for the towns where they are made, such as the well-known Gouda and Edam.

Limburger, Maasdammer, and several varieties of goat’s milk cheese are also popular. Cheese festivals and other attractions dot the countryside; medieval-style cheese markets and auctions are still run in Alkmaar, Hoorn, and Edam for the benefit of the tourists, and modern cheese markets are located in Woerden and Gouda.

Visitors to Amsterdam should definitely stop at Reypenaer’s Tasting Room on the Singel canal (near the floating flower market) and try the artisanal Gouda.

It’s won Supreme Champion at the Nantwich International Cheese show twice. Dutch cheese is a true delicacy of this country that is not to be missed, nor is the opportunity to try it where it is manufactured. When planning a trip to Holland, taste some cheese.

The Gouda cheese market is held during spring and summer in front of the Gouda City Hall and the Cheese weighing building. Gouda is known for its quintessential Dutch cheese.

Gouda cheese represents about 60% of Dutch cheese production. The Gouda cheese market is one of the few true cheese markets left in the country (along with the Edam market).

While it is dressed up for the tourist market, it still fulfills its original purpose: an outlet for local farmers to get their cheese to market.

During the spring and summer, the Gouda cheese market still runs in the traditional manner: cheese is brought in, tested for quality, weighed, priced, and sold. The weighing house offers other fun things to do as well.

Cheese is used for a measure of weight to weigh visitors, there is information (and a quiz) to test your knowledge of cheese, and of course cheese sampling. Tourists can also visit the cheese museum located on the premises. A tour of the building takes about two hours.

The market in Gouda is open from the beginning of April until the end of August, and takes place every Thursday morning. Be sure to visit the local crafts market at the same time when you are visiting the cheese market: traditional crafts as well as delicate cheeses.

Local tours are available throughout Holland and include the cheeses of the regions, and if you are interested in local culture at all, understanding the food is a good start.

A stand of 124 runs at the top of the order instantly put Eggington Foresters on the back foot against Elstow on Saturday, going down by 172 runs.

Greg Turnbull carried the bat for the home side, scoring 110, while fellow opener scored 51 as Eggington were made to work hard in the field.

But the home side declared after 41 overs with the score on 263-3, giving them a huge number of overs to bowl out the bottom club.

And it didn’t take them long, as Eggington slumped to just 91 all out.

Eaton Bray’s recent form has seen them slide to just a point above the relegation zone, with their most recent defeat coming against MK City on Saturday.

Bowled out for 122, City took full advantage by seeing off the total (123-7) in 27 overs.

Division 2

Milton Bryan came up just short against Cranfield University, losing out by 13 runs.

Limiting the home side to 163-7, Milton Bryan got off to a decent start and looked well on their way to victory, but Hirantha Kumarasinghe (4-29) helped skittle the lower order as Milton Bryan came up short on 150.

Division 3

Eggington Foresters 2nds look destined for Division 4 after another defeat, this time at the hands of Ivinghoe & Pitstone.

Eggs were bowled out for just 118 - easy pickings for Ivinghoe, who scored 119-5 in 21 overs.

Division 4

Milton Bryan 2nds did their chances of Division 4 survival a world of good by seeing off bottom side Stewkley Vicarage.

Bowling out Vicarage for 116, Milton Bryan easily reached 122-2 in 23.5 overs.

The gap between them and safety now sits at 18 points.

Elsewhere, Wing with Wingrave came agonisingly close to beating Olney Town, but ultimately had to settle for a losing draw.

Olney scored 178-7 in the innings, but despite Matthew Timmins’ 55 and 41 not out from Deepak Sukhani, Wing ran out of overs, coming in on 171-9.

Division 5

Great Brickhill 3rds slipped out of the promotion spots after a winning draw against Edlesborough.

Arran Aris top scored for the home side with 63 as Brickhill totalled 196-8 at the change.

But a partnership between Chris Kimpton (63) and Andrew Kight (56) helped settle Edlesborough’s nerves.

Holding on to their wickets, Edlesborough ended on 170-6. Westcroft’ 2nds’ victory over Thurleigh means they jump above Great Brickhill into the second promotion spot.

Division 6

Wing with Wingrave 2nds’ miserable season continued with a six wicket defeat against Winslow Town.

Only Rob Crallan could hold his head high with the bat, scoring 42 of Wing’s 99 runs.

And Winslow (103-4) wasted no time in rattling off the score in less than 15 overs.

Cublington 3rds’ hard work with the ball was undone with a poor batting display against league leaders Lidlington.

After restricting the hosts to 154-9, a disappointing show in the middle saw Cubs bowled out for just 116 to lose by 38 runs.

Division 7

Ivinghoe & Pitstone 2nds are still in with a chance of promotion despite a losing draw against Stoke Hammond 2nds.

Stoke Hammond opened with 191, but Ivinghoe found runs harder to come by, and had to settle for a losing draw, coming in 141-9.

The lives of children and cyclists could be in danger, as fears over the safety of the Leighton Buzzard bypass grow.

Keen runner, Mark Kleanthous, 53, is now anxious of attempting to cross to the other side of the A418 and A4146 dual carriageway, as despite sticking to the speed limit, the traffic flow is frequent and fast, making crossing a hairy experience and yielding waiting times up to nine minutes (click on the video to see how long it took Mark to get across on one day last week).

Mark, who also cycles frequently, reports that since the bypass was built in 2007, the danger of crossing has significantly increased due to volume of traffic and because a much desired footbridge, campaigned for before the road officially opened, has never been built.

“I feel the council have neglected their duty to make the road safe. It is about time that at least a pelican crossing is in place so the young and elderly can cross the road with confidence, “ said Mark.

“A car driving at the speed limit can still hit a person after they have started to cross the bypass when there is nothing coming, with it taking four seconds to cross to the central reservation but less than three seconds for a car to appear and drive past. The stopping distance is not sufficient.

Mark can recall eight incidents between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles along the A418 and A4146 and believes that if action is not taken soon, their could be a fatal accident.

He added: “The children go back to school in September, when it will be getting dark.

“If something is not done, then it is only a matter of time before a child gets fed up with the waiting times and takes an unnecessary risk. “However, the cost of a pelican crossing is around 1/50th of the cost of a police inquiry into a tragic death.””

Mark, a performance coach for athletes, who moved to Wing 26 years ago, used to enjoy travelling to Leighton Buzzard before the bypass was built, but now he and his companions are so fed up that he believes a protest may be on the cards – especially as his wife Claire, 51, even feels safer cycling in London!

Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Beds Council, said: “ The introduction of a crossing at this location would need to be considered as part of the council’s Local Transport Plan.

“This is an on going process with the next refresh due for 2015/16 and we are implementing the 14/15 schemes now.

“We will pass the comments and suggestions on to the Local Transport Planning team, but requests need to be considered in the light of all traffic pressures across Central Bedfordshire, with the potential usage by pedestrians, the level of local support and – of course – the costs to introduce such a measure being taken into consideration.

“We are always improving the roads in Central Bedfordshire and are constantly measuring and testing road schemes, so comments like these are a considerable help to us.”

What’s your view on the safety of the road? Email news@lbobserver.co.uk.

A six-strong squad of golfers from Leighton Buzzard’s Plantation Road club have won a coveted trophy for a record breaking 14 times.

Senior golfers from Leighton, Aspley Guise, Stowe and North Oxford compete annually for a trophy donated in 1981 by the family of the late Rhys Richards, who loved playing the four courses.

The honour of hosting the event rotates annually, with Leighton this year staging the stableford fixture for which each club Senior Captain selects six members over the age of 55.

Leighton’s Senior section captain Fred Ritchie led his Dad’s Army team with distinction, his 39 point haul being the best individual score which helped the home team record a trophy winning 199 points. Fellow Scot Denis Leitch finished individual runner-up with 38 points, and team mates Terry Wright, George Darbyshire, Harry Adam and Bill Blackhall all made significant contributions.

Runners-up were 12-times winners Aspley Guise with 196pts with Stowe finishing third with 192pts. Bottom-placed North Oxford will host the event next year.

The Leighton Senior team has been experiencing mixed fortunes in recent inter-club contests, beating South Beds, drawing against Redbourn and losing to a strong Dunstable Downs outfit.

Skipper Ritchie and Terry Lingham, Morley Smith and Andy McDonald, Paul Johnson and Kelvin Young, Denis Leitch and David Newby, Will Sampson and George Darbyshire and Richard Lancaster and Keith Camp won for Leighton in a 6-2 victory over South Beds.

Harry Adam and David Newby, Mike Turnock and Derek Browning, and Keith Camp and Martin Broadley won for Leighton in a 3-3 draw against Redbourn, with Denis Leitch and Mike Turner and Paul Johnson and Danny Nairne halving their games.

Terry Wright and Derek Browning, Mike Turner and Victor Albertella and Denis Leitch and Will Sampson returned winning cards for Leighton against Dunstable Downs who won the other five matches.

Less than a point separated the top three finishers in Leighton’s Ladies/Seniors Texas scramble for the McKinnon Cup. Winners were Derek Browning, Ian Alexander, Elaine Powell and Avril Simpson with a nett 57.2; runners-up Richard Lancaster, Harry Gray, Sandra Carter and Janet Dunn had 57.5 and third placed Fred Ritchie, Terry Wright, Jackie Stimpson and Debbie Pollard Barns finished with 57.9.

Richard Samuels and daughter Rebecca won Leighton’s closed Mixed Foursomes Table Topics trophy with 35 points, beating David and Norma Stevens Hack on countback. Sandra Bellis and Mick Myatt were third with 34 points, pipping Ian and Carol Alexander who had the same score.

Linslade lad Dale Lee will never forget singing his heart out with the London Welsh Male Voice Choir at last week’s official unveiling of the Tower of London’s Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red exhibition.

It completes a hat trick of electrifying performances for the former Cedars Upper School pupil who is one of the celebrated choir’s youngest members.

Dale, 23, of St Mary’s Way, described the event – to be broadcast world-wide by the BBC – as “amazing, impressive, a really memorable experience.

“The Welsh Guards Military Band was also there and we sang a medley of World War One songs and ‘The Man we Never Knew,’ specially written by our musical director, Edward-Rhys Harry.

“We were standing on the steps of the White Tower, in front of the old armoury that houses the Crown Jewels.”
Earlier in the day the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had visited the art installation, created by ceramicist Paul Cummins. It comprises 888,246 poppies – one for each British and Colonial soldier who died during the war.

They will stay in place until November and will then be sold in aid of six combat charities.

Dale – a Connells Lettings administrator – appeared with LWMVC at the closing ceremony of the Olympics in 2012 and sang with them at the Six Nations final at Cardiff Millennium Stadium last year.

He recalled: “It was then I realised that I was part of history. It was such a thrill to join in all the songs echoing round the stadium.

“You could tell that all of Wales were behind their team and really up for the battle.”

The choir’s next big event is the Festival of Male Voice Choirs at the Royal Albert Hall in October.

An air ambulance flew in to help a biker after an incident at a track at Billington Road, Stanbridge at 3.35pm on Sunday.

Doctor Wayne Kark and paramedic Simon Standen landed via the Magpas Helimedix Air Ambulance – after a motocross rider in his 20s had fallen.

The Magpas team gave the man pain relief and sedated him before accompanying him to Luton and Dunstable Hospital. On arrival at the hospital, the man was in a stable condition.

A horse from Leighton Buzzard is being tipped to achieve big things in the world of equestrian and show jumping in the near future.

Valerie Redbart, from Soulbury, has gained a higher first premium with her yearling Red Liberty Belle at the Baileys Horse Feeds/British Breeding/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity held at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe.

The potential showjumper, owned by Valerie, attained a higher first premium of 8.64.

Red Liberty Belle attained the highest score awarded to a potential showjumper at The College.

A higher first premium indicates that the horse has the potential and outlook to perform at national level in the near future.

The BEF Futurity Evaluation series aims to identify British bred young potential sport horses and ponies destined for careers in dressage, eventing, showjumping or endurance.

It may even find the stars of the future who will go on to compete at World Championships or become Olympic Champions.

Red Liberty Belle is the fourth foal Valerie has bred from her mare successful Miss America.

“Miss America was an outstanding jumper,” said Valerie. “She was ridden by Helen Tredwell in her jumping career.

“We bought her from the Brightwells sale and amongst her many wins, she won the Brightwells Challenge, a class for horses that were sold at the Brightwells sales.

“Miss America sadly slipped on the road and injured her knee so she is now a broodmare.”

Red Liberty Belle is by the stallion, Marius Claudius.

Valerie added: “Miss America is back in foal to Marius Claudius for next year.

“Red Liberty Belle is a stunning foal and I can’t fault her, her attitude is also very good.”

Valerie is hoping to sell Red Liberty Belle to a competition home, where she will compete in showjumping to her full potential.

’There’s a bear in the woods!” was the cry that sparked the name behind Leighton Buzzard’s handmade bike company Bear Bikes.

The new firm was founded by Aaron Ward, who has combined years in engineering and a lifetime passion for cycling for his new venture.

It is based at his company Ward Engineering in Acacia Close, and with enquiries already coming in from across Britain and Europe, Aaron hopes to become the latest brand in the biking community.

Aaron said: ‘’I always wanted to make something of my own, a lot of what I make at Ward Engineering goes off and I don’t know what it is for. We essentially just make bits.’’

There are many types of bikes from BMX to mountain bikes and amateur endurance rider Aaron has ridden and fallen off them all.

After careful consideration Aaron decided the urban fixie was the style of bike he could make an impact with.

A fixie is a bike without gears and is great for cycling around town and zipping through traffic. Its lack of complicated components means it is easy to look after and cheap to repair. Urban fixies are often stylishly designed and considered urban chic and Aarons’ trademark zany green and black design is very fitting.

A Bear bike comes with a price tag of around £800 , compared to the thousands you can pay for a custom fixed bike. For more information or to try a fixed gear bike contact Aaron on 01525 851 337 or go online to www.bear-bikes.co.uk.

The fight to prevent a development of up to 1,220 homes on green belt land is not over yet, a Leighton homeowner has urged.

On July 21 two plans for large scale housing developments were approved by Central Beds Council – one for 950 homes on Chamberlains Barn Quarry, Heath Road and another for 270 homes on land known as the The Stearn, Clipstone Lane.

Despite the opposition of Leighton councillors Roy Johnstone, Alan Shadbolt and Brian Spurr, the Chamberlains Barn plan was approved by a vote of seven to four.

One of the Leighton residents to speak against the plans at the heated meeting was Trevor Bromley, 40, whose Cotefield Drive home lies right on the edge of the development site.

Although the plans were approved the decision needs a sign off from local government secretary Eric Pickles, whom Mr Bromley has written to.

He said: “I have sent a letter to Eric Pickles and have got in touch with (South West Beds MP) Andrew Selous as well.

“There was a lot of noise about this ten years ago and then it seemed to go under radar when the decision was actually made.

“I was only given four days notice for the meeting so was unable to get more people there.”

Prior to the decision Mr Bromley drafted a petition opposing the development and 240 Cotefield Drive residents signed it.

A similar petition was put together by neighbours of nearby Chamberlain Gardens.

Mr Bromley said: “This will have a direct impact on my family life, my bedrooms will overlook a children’s adventure playground and the open access area will impose on my property.”

South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous has visited the first brewery to be established in Leighton Buzzard for more than 100 years.

The Leighton Buzzard Brewery Company is now producing high quality craft beers within the town. Andrew Selous visited the firm’s Harmill Industrial Estate base off Grovebury Road, to see how the beer was made and talked to Jon d’Este-Hoare who has set up the new venture.

Mr Selous said: “I am delighted that a new brewery is opening in the town. I was particularly pleased to hear that several local pubs have already agreed to stock Leighton Buzzard Brewery beer and I hope the number willing to do so will increase rapidly.”

Jon added: “The last couple of months has been busy preparing the unit with much help from friends from the town and elsewhere – it is amazing how many friends you have when opening a brewery!

“The guys from Bewdley Brewery came over on July 20 and stayed in the town until the 23rd installing the brewing equipment over three very long hot days with the visit culminating in the first brew.

“The first beer was tested on August 4 and found to be great so has been distributed to six local pubs for the weekend of August 8-9.”

The brewery will be opening for the first time to the public who can go and meet Jon and buy beer on the August 16 (10am – 4pm).

He said “All three beers brewed to date will be available to buy in two and four pint take-out containers or ‘bags-in-a-box’ containing five, 10 or 20 litres. Just in time for the football season!”

The father-of-two, from Leighton, currently works full-time in the renewable energy industry but will be reducing his hours once the brewery is operational with view to being completely full-time when possible.

For more information the micro brewery contact Jon on 07538 903753, email at jon@leightonbuzzardbrewing.co.uk or see www.leightonbuzzardbrewing.co.uk.

> Between the middle of the 19th Century and early 20th Century the former Leighton Buzzard Brewery used to occupy the current Waitrose site and the walk down to the High Street.

Watford-based brewer Benskins were the last owners of the brewery before closing it in the early 20th century.

Tom Hardy’s film portrayal of notorious Luton-born prisoner Charles Bronson was critically acclaimed and many described it as the performance of a lifetime.

But it’s bettered by his extraordinary turn in LOCKE (15: Lionsgate), a milestone movie shot almost completely inside a car on the motorway – with Luton again given a namecheck!

This slice of real-time drama is an unexpectedly thrilling treat, with Hardy playing against type as Ivan Locke, a construction foreman caught in emotional turmoil.

Locke has a heavy Welsh accent, wears a jumper and cares deeply about his wife, children and job.

Driving from work one evening, before he is scheduled to manage the biggest concrete pour in European history, he fields a string of angst-filled phone calls.

Each interaction ratchets up the pressure as Locke is determined to do the right thing in response to a life-changing problem.

Despite the mounting pressure, he’s a beacon of heroic normality who always keeps to the speed limit.

> Techno fable TRANSCENDENCE (12: Entertainment In Video) is a muddled affair, although Johnny Depp still manages to bring charisma to his role.

He plays scientist Will Caster who, left fighting for his life after a violent attack, has his brain connected to a giant super computer that can think and even feel.

As Will’s links to the worldwide web allow him to venture beyond his mortal self, gathering more and more information and controlling global events, his friends and family – including Rebecca Hall as his wife – start to question the wisdom of the project.

The film sets up an intriguing premise , but before long the thrilling sci-fi elements of the plot make way for complicated philosophical navel-gazing about man playing God.

With Depp featuring as a disembodied voice for much of the film, Paul Bettany proves to be its pivotal moral centre as Will’s conflicted colleague.

> Psychological thriller MINDSCAPE (15: Studio Canal) encroaches on Inception territory as it explores the darker recesses of the mind.

Mark Strong is cast as a psychic with the ability to enter people’s memories who is called to help a teenager after she goes on hunger strike.

Sinister secrets from her past come to light during their sessions together.

It’s a tantalising concept, yet there are too many lulls between dramatic scenes. While the dream sequences are skilfully created, any attempt to build atmosphere is let down by the cliche-ridden dialogue and wooden performances.

Strong is particularly guilty as he fails to bring his usual intensity to the role of a troubled hero fighting his own demons.

> If you like your scary stories jumpy and bumpy rather than bloody and gory, then haunting Hammer horror THE QUIET ONES (15: Lionsgate) will be right up your dark alley.

In 1974, a young cameraman joins an Oxford professor (Jared Harris) and his students at a rural mansion to record an experiment to discover what unspeakable force resides within a suicidal teen.

Is it a poltergeist, demonic possession or something else that ails the girl? Some heart-stopping moments compensate for an overfamiliar plot.

A met mast which has been gathering weather data to back up plans for a wind farm at Dorcas Lane, Stoke Hammond has now been taken down.

An eight-day hearing into the four turbines planned for the site took place in July, following an appeal by Force 9 Energy and EDF against Aylesbury Vale District Council’s refusal of planning permission.

The met mast had planning consent until December 2014, but its removal now does not signify a change of heart from developers.

A spokesman for Force 9 Energy said: “The met mast was removed from site yesterday because we have all the data we need from it to understand the nature of wind speeds at the site and through that specify an appropriate wind turbine for the site, should we get planning consent.”

Government inspector, Ms Jessica Graham, who conducted the inquiry will now submit a report and recommendations to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, who will announce his decision “on or before January 27, 2015”.

Opponents to the wind farm say they are confident of a favourably outcome.

Leighton Town picked up their second draw of the season on Tuesday night after drawing 0-0 with Marlow.

The trip to Marlow follows Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Northwood in the Calor League Division One Central curtain raiser.

The first minute saw Marlow’s Devontae Romeo hit just wide of the post after successfully beating Mark Bunker. Nathan Ashton gave Marlow another chance at goal when he passed the ball to Corey King but Town keeper Dan Child had it covered.

With Leighton being awarded a corner five minutes in it was their turn to try and take the lead but Simon Grant easily caught the ball from Tyrone Taylor’s head.

Another shot from Romeo was safely stopped by Child, but he wouldn’t give in and continued to fire the ball at Child at every opportunity.

With Grant out of his goal in the seventh minute Alvin Rajaram took his chances and found front man Danny Watson but Grant somehow managed to stop the ball from crossing the line.

Some good play by Taylor and Watson saw them sneak the ball to Phil Draycott who’s shot at goal was powerful but didn’t trouble Grant.

In the 33rd minute King seemed to be on a mission on his own towards the goal managing to pass Jamie Nicholls and take a shot but Child wasn’t flustered.

Watson earned himself a free kick in the 35th minute, Bunker stepped up to the plate and Lester made a great challenge on the keeper but the referee blew up for a foul.

Some excellent defending by Chris Crook in the 38th minute saw Leighton saved when Child was nowhere to be seen, as Lee Barney struck the ball hard.

Shouts for a penalty were heard from Leighton in the 40th minute when Nicholls was taken down in the box but the referee dismissed the idea.

With one minute to go before half time there was a goal mouth scramble, when Marlow hit the underside of the bar and it bounced out for Crook to clear off the line. This left the score at 0-0 going into half time.

Leighton kicked off the second half biting back after Marlows near miss, Draycott and Watson worked together to build up a shot, but once again Grant couldn’t be faulted.

It seemed that Leighton were starting to lose possession of the ball more easily as the game went on and no matter how hard they worked the referee seemed to be constantly blowing up for fouls against them.

Bunker received a yellow in the 55th minute for a harmless tackle. Leightons first substitution saw Nicholls replaced with Warren Garcia in the 59th minute.

Marlow answered Leightons substitution a few minutes later bringing on Jon Bennett in place of Barney.

Another chance for Leighton came when Morgan had a shot at goal after some superb play by Taylor and Garcia. A 65th minute substitution for Marlow saw Richie Whittingham make way for Phil Cousins.

From the 68th minute the game was packed with action. A good cross from Bunker saw Watson jump for the ball allowing it to hit his head, but once again it went wide of the post.

A very angry Kurtney Brooks was shown a yellow card after mouthing off at the referee for disagreeing with his decision. Leighton’s second substitution saw Taylor replaced with Paul Lyon in the 70th minute.

Two minutes, later a horrendous tackle on Morgan saw him receive treatment and a yellow cars was shown to Chris Ovenden.

With 10 minutes to go Leighton picked up the pace. With the fresh legs of Garcia on the pitch he made a brilliant tackle and passed the ball to Watson, who made his way past two defenders and hit the ball along the ground, hoping to find the net but only managing to find the fence behind the goal.

A still injured Lester came off with a few minutes to go making way for Rory Prendergast. A hand to the ball by Child in the 84th minute stopped Bennett’s shot for Marlow, clearing it for a corner.

A last attempt at goal for Leighton was taken by Garcia but it was a pot shot well wide from long range.

A 90+1 minute free kick just outside the box for Marlow saw the ball fly high into the air missing everyone’s head and the game ending 0-0.

Leighton’s next game is on Saturday 16th August away to Bedford Town FC, kick off 3pm.