An arson attack on a garage block in Leighton Buzzard is the latest in a string of anti-social incidents in the last few months.

Police are seeking witnesses to the fire which took place in the area between Greenlands and Dove Tree Road on Thursday, October 2.

The blaze was reported at 10.35pm when the garage containing sentimental items, including furniture, was set alight.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Det Con Mandy Godfree, is keen to trace anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area in the days leading up to the incident.

Det Con Godfree said: “We know there have been other anti-social behaviour incidents in this area recorded over the last few months including rocks being thrown at residents’ windows and vehicles being damaged so I would urge anyone who has information relating to the fire or any other incidents to contact officers.”

Anyone with information relating to this crime can contact Det Con Godfree, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394443, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can call the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Leighton Town couldn’t repeat their midweek victory with a win on Saturday against Godalming Town, going down 4-1 at Bell Close.

Town picked up their first league win since August 23 on Tuesday with a 4-1 triumph against AFC Hayes on Tuesday, courtesy of a Danny Watson hat-trick and a Michael Lyon header.

And it was a much needed win too, as Town slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone after a promising start under new manager Craig Bicknell.

But their good work was undone on Saturday by high-flying Godalming, hardly helped by selection problems for Bicknell, caused by injury and absence.

Both sides felt each other out in the early exchanges, but neither keeper was really tested - Christian Lester heading over for Town, while Dan Childs easily scooped up Godalming’s first chance.

But on the half hour mark, the visitors took the lead as Steve Brown hit the ball low and hard towards Green who watched the ball tumble into the net.

A Mark Bunker free kick was Leighton’s best chance to even the score before half time.

Robbie Goodman towered over the Godalming defence, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

Godalming could have doubled their advantage when Liam Roberts hit the post just before the break, but they didn’t have to wait long.

Luck wasn’t on Leighton’s side as right on the stroke of half time Dan Hart scored an own goal, putting Godalming 2-0 up.

Godalming kicked off the second half looking strong, but Leighton were determined to score.

Ridgeway put a good cross into Lyon but his legs just weren’t long enough to control the ball.

A great ball by Farmer nearly saw Chris Musgrove score an own goal, which could have lifted Leighton’s spirits.

A good kick by Green found the head of Taylor and the feet of Lester but he rushed his shot and skied the ball over the bar.

The home side were made to pay for their missed opportunities when Graeme Purdy made it 3-0 as he ran rings round Leighton’s defence to slot home.

And it wasn’t long before Godalming made it 4-0. Green was out of his goal and Jack Mazzone took his chances, keeping calm and scoring an easy goal, leaving Leighton staring at another home defeat.

The result leaves Town 19th in Division 1 Central, with 12 points.

There’s a break from league action next Saturday as Leighton take on one of football’s oldest clubs - Corinthian Casuals - in the FA Trophy.

The game, at Bell Close, kicks off at 3pm.

The Cubitt – manufactured in Aylesbury in the 1920s – is one of the rarest cars in the world with just six known to be in existence.

For motoring enthusiast Bob Bull, the last time he’d seen a Cubitt more than 20 years ago when he moved the parts of a ruined vehicle to Derby.

So imagine his surprise when he came across a brilliant blue Cubitt – looking just as it may have done in 1926 – slowly going up the Kob Hill Climb in Princes Risborough last month.

He said: “I was really quite speechless to be honest!”

Owner Mark Kelly, 48, runs a classic car business and won the car at auction in Derbyshire. He said “It’s restored but as close to an original as you can get. There’s only six in the world and two or three in the UK.”

Mr Kelly, of Wing, was born in Aylesbury close to where the Cubitt was built, so owning one is extra special.

However, with the gears on the right-hand side, the large four-seater cars aren’t the easiest things to drive – especially up Kob Hill. Mark said he’d managed three runs up there so far. Mr Kelly’s Cubitt spent some years at Bewley museum after it was restored. There are plans to show it with a 92-year-old Cubitt from Bucks County museum – the first time two cars have been shown together in 50 years.

The Bedford Super-Sprint series came to a close for Leighton’s triathletes with a highly attended event at the Robinson pool.

Over 200 athletes queued to start the 400m swim in the pool, emerged into the transition area for their 24k cycle, before a quick 5k run.

Alex Fry was once again the top athlete for Leighton. He is an excellent swimmer, so was one of the later starters.

His well planned and executed race was capped with a top five finish in a time of 1.04.18.

Rob Harrison finished in 18th place overall with a superb time of 1.12.04.

Chris Leech finished in 25th place in 1.14.12. His cycle of 42.11 after a steady swim put him back into contention in his own race category followed by an excellent run gave him first place in the male 55-59.

Nick Taylor-Komar was taking part in his first ever triathlon. Initially nervous about the swim, he finished relieved, to then storm the bike route and the run to finish in 47th in 1.16.12.

The first Leighton woman back was Carey Vigor in a fine time of 1.33.27 finishing in 186th place. Beth Goodlad was not far behind in 1.35.23 and the clubs veteran international Jo Parker returning from injury in 1.40.22.

Another resident has come forward about unwanted garden visitors, after our stories about Leighton’s badger invasion.

Last month, we reported how residents in Windsor Avenue, Bassett Road, Albany Road and Plantation Road were plagued with badger damage.

And this week Andy Doyle, of Peartree Lane, got in touch with his own badger nightmare which he’s endured for the past three years.

After installing new fencing in his back garden, he thought he’d solved the problem. But two weeks ago, he woke to find the badgers had broken in again and left a mess.

He said: “They have dug a hole from our neighbours garden to ours, both gardens are a state, this is the worst damage we have seen in three years.

“The whole street has had quite a lot of problems. The Alms Houses at the rear of our properties have had surveys done which have concluded that the badgers have done a lot of damage and as a result there are trees at risk of falling, and potential structural damage to one or more properties.”

Nancy Reeds, Bedfordshire Reserves Officer for the Wildlife Trust, said: “Badgers are very determined and strong creatures of habit – they’ve probably set up a regular route into a garden, having found a food source perhaps.

“Once they’ve got that, it will be very hard to put them off.”

Mr Doyle added: “We really are at our wits’ end and don’t know what else we can do to get rid of them. They are a right pain but there is nothing we can do about it.

“I have installed heat and motion sprinklers in the garden which will be on all the time. It has cost a lot of money, but I hope it scares them off.”

A spokesman for Natural England stated that when serious problems with badgers are occurring, people can seek advice from the Wildlife Licensing Unit on 0845 601 4523 who will aim to find a long-term, sustainable solution.

Three members of a notorious family of Irish travellers who kept vulnerable men as their slaves forcing them to work for no wages have been ordered to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds.

If they don’t cough up within six months, the three – Patrick Connors 22, his sister Josie Connors, 33, and her husband James Connors will receive extended prison sentences.

In a hearing at Luton Crown Court last week, Judge Michael Kay made a confiscation order which means the three will have to pay up more than £361,000. The money represents the benefit they made from their crimes.

The three were all part of the family of Tommy Connors, known as Lyncham, who was jailed in 2013. He was convicted of keeping two vulnerable men captive and forcing them to work for no wages.

The 54-year-old-head of the family was said to have driven the workers that he recruited like ‘slaves’ and, in the process, made huge amounts of money.

At the end of a month-long trial, he was jailed for eight years and his son, Patrick Connors, was jailed for five years.

In 2012 James and his wife Josie Connors who was the daughter of Tommy Connors, were convicted of two counts each of keeping people in servitude at the Greenacres travellers site at Little Billington.

The husband received an 11 year jail sentence and his wife was sentenced to four years.

James Connors, known as “Big Jim” was also convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

On Wednesday, Judge Kay, who had presided over the trial, ordered that Patrick Connors must hand over £160,771 to the authorities within the next six months or he will receive a further prison sentence of 30 months.

James Connors was told he must come up with £191,242 or face an extra 30 months behind bars.

Josie Connors was told to hand over £9,099 within the next six months or face a further six month prison term.

During the trial at Luton Crown Court, the jury heard the family had targeted the men who were “homeless or addicted and isolated” and who could be exploited.

Men, often out of work and homeless, even alcoholics, would be recruited at soup kitchens and off the street with the promise of paid work, food and lodgings.

But once in the clutches of the Connors, they were threatened with violence and intimidation if they wanted to leave.

Many had managed to flee once they realised they had been duped by Connors, but a small number had been so degraded and manipulated by Tommy Connors they had not been able to summon the courage to take matters into their own hands and run away.

For Patrick Connors, keeping vulnerable workers and exploiting them had been a way of life he had been born into. He too had dished out assaults when he was in a bad mood or unhappy with workers.

During the trial the jury heard that after going off with the family, recruited workers were held in ‘Spartan’ conditions on the travellers site where married Tommy Connors and his sons and daughter lived with their families in luxury.

The workers were immediately put to work doing back breaking block paving work and laying tarmac and gravel, but weren’t paid and, with the constant threat of violence, not allowed to leave.

Their heads would be shaved and food often consisted of biscuits, pot noodles, cheese, soup, bacon, beans and eggs.

Workers were forced to live in a horsebox, others in shabby and cold caravans and sheds. The only washing facilities were a cold water tap in the yard and a toilet shared between them all.

They would be driven to a service station or leisure centre for a shower once a week.

In September 2011 Bedfordshire Police mounted a carefully co-ordinated raid on the Greenacres site to free 13 ‘workers’ being held against their will.

In the father’s luxury static home on the site, police found £16,000 in cash. Also found was evidence that he had £130,000 in bank deposits.

Leighton Buzzard Art Society will welcome artist Derek Daniels to their meeting on Thursday, October 16 at the Duncombe Drive centre.

This very popular artist will begin his demonstration at 8pm but the doors open at 7.30pm.

The subject of his demonstration is an Estuary Scene which will be executed in pastels.

Non members are very welcome to attend for a small fee of £6 on the night.

All details of membership, demonstrations, workshops and exhibition can be found at www.lbas.org.uk ‘

A motorist was left with a fractured right eye socket following an assault by four men following a road traffic collision.

Beds Police are looking for the quartet of attackers after the incident on the A505 Leighton Buzzard bypass near the A5 junction between 4.15pm and 4.30pm on Tuesday, October 7.

Two blue Vauxhall Corsas were driving west to east along the A505 bypass when one overtook the other and cut back in front of it quickly causing the second driver to break sharply.

When the cars approached the next roundabout by McDonalds the suspect’s car was in the left hand lane, appearing to be turning left towards Leighton Buzzard.

The victim’s car was in the right hand lane to continue straight across the junction.

When they pulled off the suspect’s car continued straight ahead and swiped the victim’s car from the side.

The Corsas then began to overtake each other and when the suspect’s car was in front of the victim’s at the next roundabout, the junction with the A5, it stopped in front of the victim.

Two men got out of the suspect’s car and after an argument between them and the victim (the driver of the second Corsa), one man (the passenger in the first car), attacked the victim, striking him several times to the front and back of the head.

The driver of the suspect car also began to hit the victim.

Another vehicle then appeared from the right hand lane and two more men got out and also attacked the victim. Before all suspects made off.

As well as the fractured right eye socket, the victim with bruising to the body.

Anyone with information relating to the incident can contact Simon Day in confidence, at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

> This story first appeared on our website leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk, where you can keep up to date with the latest news 24/7.

A golfing mum and the boss of an oil recycling company have been named as the new Vice Captains elect of the 575-member Leighton Buzzard golf club.

Former Leighton rugby club packman Adrian ‘Ada’ Stephenson will take up the post when current Vice Steve Leng is installed as Club Captain in January.

Angela Samuels will take over from Debbie Pollard-Barns as Ladies Vice Captain when Debbie succeeds Jackie Stimpson as Captain in early November.

Adrian, 49, and life-long pal Steve both took up golf and joined the Leighton club 11 years ago after a ten-year stint in the engine room of Leighton rugby’s third team. They also played cricket for Leighton Foresters (now called the Eggington Foresters) and run the Olde Foresters Golf Society, organising competitions to raise money for charity.

Managing his own oil recycling business, Adrian is father of daughters Jodie, 22, and Naomi, 19, and sons Edward,12, and George, 8, who he is encouraging to take up the sport at which he now plays off a handicap of 10. He is also an elected member of the Leighton clubs’ Management Committee.

His nomination as Vice Captain Elect will be tabled for ratification of the club’s AGM in January.

Angela has been a member of the Leighton club since 1986, and is a former winner of the Ladies Medal Cup. She also plays regularly with husband Richard, son Gavin and daughter Rebecca in club competitions.

Richard, a bank relationship manager and five-handicap golfer, also plays for the club scratch team, while Rebecca plays off a handicap of 10. Scratch golfer Gavin, a former Bedfordshire County champion, turned professional last year and is currently recovering from a shoulder injury.

A charity golf day organised by Leighton club Captain Derek Lindley, raised more than £1,200 for Willen hospice. The event was won by Shin Bateman, Andy Tones and sons Teddy and Nat, with 130 points, three clear of runners-up Manny Barker, Richard Barrow, Philip Spratt-Callaghan and Jamie Stone. Barry Kent, Steve Boud, Stuart Andrew and Mark Vincent were third with 121 pts. Yellow-ball team winners were Colin Dunlop, Mick Cox and Len Neal with 39pts.

Regular lessons with club professional Maurice Campbell paid off for Mark Vincent when he beat Martin Price in the final of Leighton’s Lucking Cup. It was the first major individual trophy win for the 51-year-old design and development engineer since joining the club 18 months ago.

David Robinson beat Simon Goodall to win the Groves Trophy while Lance Lawes and Peter Burgoyne teamed up to beat David Scott and David Jones and be crowned new winners of the Mens’ Foursomes Challenge for the Dennis Jordan Trophy.

Renhold United remain two points clear at the top of the Bedfordshire League Premier Division supported by Sportsform league table after they made it seven wins from seven with a 4-0 home win over AFC Oakley M&DH.

Aran Hazelwood, Alex Woolston, Mark Reed and Jason Allison netted the goals to do the damage, against previous 100 per cent side Oakley.

Remaining in second spot are Shefford Town & Campton who earlier in the day had attracted a crowd of 189 for the opening game of the Bedfordshire Football League Hop after they netted a 4-2 victory over Pavenham.

It was the visitors, via James Owen who shot into a 14th minute lead but within four minutes the Town were 2-1 ahead thanks to a brace of goals from Ryan Lewis. Owen, with his second strike of the day, was to even matters up three minutes before the break until goals from Michael Jones in the 50th minute and Chris Clark in the 73rd minute sealed the points for the home side.

Now up into third spot are Marston Shelton Rovers who jumped above AFC Oakley M&DH on goal difference following their 2-2 home draw with Caldecote who were gaining their first away point of the season. Jamie Cerminara and Alan Henman scored for the Rovers against a brace in reply from Conor Smith.

The second game of the league hop came at Wilstead where before a crowd of 146 the home side recorded their first home win of the season with a 5-2 victory over Ickwell & Old Warden.

In front as early as the second minute via Adam Budek, they were to double their lead when Colin Marshall struck in the 27th minute and went 3-0 ahead when Budek claimed his second of the day three minutes from the break.

However, the goal of the game was to come from the visitors Andrew Vallom who netted from inside his own half in the 61st minute only to see Paul Jones restore the home sides three goal advantage just three minutes later. Jones then made it 5-1 eight minutes from time before Craig Schurek netted the games final goal in time added on.

Sandy claimed their first three points haul of the season when they won 4-1 at bottom side Lidlington United Sports. Phil Beall and Liam Brophy netted in the opening half before a Jonnie Stratford penalty and a strike from Ryan Gregory added to their tally in the second period against a lone reply from United’s Gary Smith.

Elsewhere, AFC Turvey remain unbeaten on the road this season after sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Eastcotts AFC. Andrew Latimer netting both goals against home replies from Harvey Puddifoot and Tony Milioti.

Also still unbeaten on the road this season are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College who drew 2-2 at Sharnbrook. Tyrone Kelly and Keegan Roberts were on their scoresheet against home replies via Alex Strange and Jordan Baxter.

Wootton Blue Cross v Flitwick Town was called to a halt just 18 minutes into the contest due to a serious injury to a Town player.

Henlow remain five points clear at the head of the Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford league table after a single goal from Keith Milburn was enough for them to retain their season’s 100% record with a 1-0 home victory over Queens Park Crescents.

However now up into second spot are Cranfield United who retained their own unbeaten ways and 100% home record with a 7-0 victory over AFC Harlington. Liam Whitmee-Craig and Joe Sames both netting twice alongside single strikes from Daniel Mclaren, Martin Holland and Peter Hanwell.

Now in third spot are Elstow Abbey who remain 100% on the road this season after winning 4-0 at Bedford SA. Callum Davenport shot them ahead in the 28th minute before strikes from Jason Simons and Andy Kiein in the opening periods closing two minutes saw them lead 3-0 at the break. Davenport made it 4-0 seven minutes into the second period until he failed to bring up the nap hand and claim his hat-trick when missing from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

All of which means Sundon Park Rangers are now down into fourth after they lost their 100% away record and unbeaten ways when beaten 2-1 at Potton Town who were claiming their first home win of the season. James Hearson and James Pyman on the Town scoresheet against a lone reply via Samual Kehinde.

Just goal difference behind them in fifth spot are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves who retained their seasons 100% away record with a 4-1 win at AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves to end the home sides 100% seasons home record. Ryan Smith netting twice alongside goals from Adam Gadinski and Paul Garrett against a lone home reply from Ray Patrickson.

Life gets no better for bottom of the table Brache Sparta who were beaten 24-0 at Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. Sean Duignan bagged four goals, Simon Castle, Tim Andrews and Ross Earl all claimed hat-tricks plus there were braces from Neil Smith, Joe Lewis, Phil Bright and Michael Castle to go with single strikes from Dave Young, Josh Goor and Josh Whetlor in taking Town to their first home win of the season.

For Great Barford it was a 7-2 home win over Riseley Sports to take their unbeaten home ways up to three games and climb into the top half of the league table. Nick Payne, David Mulvhill and Reuben Hukin all claiming braces to go with a single strike from Owen Layton against Sports replies via Carl Walker and James Law.

The final league hop game of the day before a crowd of 141 at Miller Road was to see the visitors Marabese Ceramics claim their first win of the season with a 2-1 win over hosts Meltis Albion. Lewis Littlechild in the 56th minute and Nico Miceli 60 seconds later taking the Tilermen two goals clear before Albion’s Alex Smith reduced the scoreline from the penalty spot seven minutes from time.

We have new leaders at the head of the division two league table in the shape of Elstow Abbey Reserves who retained their 100% home record by coming from 2-0 down to claim a 3-2 victory over Renhold United Reserves. Michael France and Iain Asplin shot United ahead before a brace from Myles Ferraro drew the Abbey level until Dave McCarthy netted the winner four minutes from time.

Abbey take over the top spot on goal difference from Westoning who were beaten for the first time this season when losing 3-1 at home to Kempston Athletic who thus remain unbeaten on the road this season. Gary Whitbread, James Maxwell and Richard Robinson were on the visitors’ scoresheet against a lone home reply from Bryn Reynolds.

Remaining in third just a point adrift are Meltis Albion Reserves who won 4-1 at Wootton Village. Zach Robinson, Padraic Walsh, Josh St Clair Pierre and Kian Marashi were on their scoresheet against a lone Village reply from Tinashe Chibanda. Whilst still in fourth spot are Clapham Sports who made it three wins in a row with a 9-2 victory at Caldecote Reserves. Grant Williams with a hat-trick being supported by braces from Neil Larman and Liam Bolton to go with single goals from Cieran Fraher and Antony Farr against two in reply from Andrew Spiers.

Bedford United are now unbeaten in their last four home starts after claiming a 6-0 win over bottom of the table Kempston Con Club Sports. Guiseppe Lambert and Simon Wade with braces plus goals from Aaron Van Horne and Gary Phillipson doing the damage.

Elsewhere, FC Houghton made it win number four on the bounce and claimed their first away win of the season with a 5-1 victory at Kempston Hammers Sports. Mark Doran with a brace and single goals from Lawrence Taylor, Charlie Nicholson and Shaun Fahy brought up the nap hand against a lone Hammers reply from Michael Farmer.

Stevington retained their unbeaten home record with a 2-1 victory over Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves. Colm Lawlor and Aaron Fletcher netting the goals against a Rovers reply from Andrew Elms.

With league leaders Atletico Europa sitting the afternoon out they now find themselves down into third spot following a win for Clifton and a draw for Cranfield United Reserves. The new table toppers being Clifton who made it five wins on the bounce with a 3-2 home victory over Lea Sports PSG. Tony Norman netting twice and Callum McCoy once against replies from Ryan Dalby and Owen Malcolm. Whilst Cranfield United Reserves take over second spot after retaining their seasons unbeaten ways in a 0-0 draw at fourth place Flitwick Town Reserves who themselves remain unbeaten this season.

FC Serbia are now unbeaten in their last three home starts are netting a 3-1 win over Shefford Town & Campton A. Milan Marusic, Bozo Saso and Demilson Conceicao on their scoresheet against a lone reply from Jordan Robbins. Whilst Dinamo Flitwick lost their seasons unbeaten ways when losing 4-1 at Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves.Frazier Maldment with a brace plus strikes from Ranjit Kaylan and Greoge Bellamy doing the damage against a lone Dinamo reply from Jamie Burton.

Elsewhere, White Eagles remain 100% on the road this season after winning 4-2 at Mid Beds Tigers. Artur Lukowski, Przemyslan Stramski, Damian Susfal and Michal Sikdrski on their scoresheet against a brace in reply from Tigers Steve Monks.

Meantime, Sandy Reserves are still looking for their first home win after being held to a 0-0 draw by bottom of the table Moggerhanger United Reserves who were gaining their first point.

Alas for Westoning U20 their failure to raise a side to travel and face their U20 counterparts at Caldecote means the points will be awarded to the hosts.

A family are appealing for the publics help to find their dog who has been missing from Sandhills since Saturday, September 27.

They have had Jasper, a Whippet, since he was eight weeks old and he had just turned one when he was stolen.

Michael Ford, Jaspers owner, said: “We are desperate to track him down.

“He is blue (grey), un-neutered, with a white blaze on his chest and white streak up his nose. He is the most friendly dog in the world, loves all other dogs and people.”

He went missing near the exit of Astral Park onto Moorhouse Way around 6pm.

Mr Ford added: “We think someone found him wandering and, either maliciously or misguidedly, took him.

“Life has been wretched without Jasper. It’s not an exaggeration to say that we loved him as part of the family, and not knowing where he is, or if he is being properly looked after, weighs constantly on our minds. Our three year old daughter often asks after him, they were very close, but seems to be accepting for the moment that he has gone to live on a farm, where he is happy with all the other animals.

The dog is micro-chipped.

Keech Hospice Care has been shortlisted for The Winifred Tumim Memorial Prize. It is awarded by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). The prize highlights charities which have demonstrated a high standard of governance.

The award recognises volunteer trustee boards who work to a high standard to secure the long term direction of the charity and ensure it is operating in a responsible and effective way.

Keech Hospice Care, which delivers care to children and adults with life-limiting illnesses across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, used NCVO’s Good Governance Code to navigate changes in their board of trustees.

They reviewed the structures for the organisation and created a governance manual to ensure consistent communication for future staff and trustees.

Mike Keel, chief executive of Keech Hospice Care, said: “Good Governance is essential if a charity is to successfully meet the needs of its beneficiaries.

“As Keech Hospice Care has grown and its reputation as a leading provider of palliative and hospice care to adults and children has developed, the trustee board has recognised the need to keep itself up to date and functioning at the highest level.

“We are delighted to have reached the final stages of the Winifred Tumim Memorial Prize and see this as recognition of the hard work and forward thinking people who lead Keech Hospice Care.”

“The standard of entries for the Winifred Tumim Prize this year was, as ever, extremely high, so it’s quite an achievement to be shortlisted.”

It is one of four charities to be shortlisted for the award.

Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, said: “It’s very pleasing to see that charities and trustees are investing in good governance and making an even bigger difference.

The results will be announced at NCVO’s Trustee Conference on 10 November.

The winning charity will be awarded £1000, plus free NCVO membership for a year.

The Drugstore Cowboys take to the stage at the Wheatsheaf in North Street, Leighton on Friday (October 17) with what they describe as ‘high octane roadhouse rockabilly’!

In the 16 years since Nick Whitfield formed the band there have been several changes of personnel.

The current line up is Nick on vocals and guitar, Tom Bull on double bass and Damon Claridge focusing all his energy on the drums. Tom is well known for his face pulling, but also writes songs and composes – and travels to gigs from Leeds! Nick has released a few solo recordings.

Much of the music is originals written by the group, but they also perform quite a few covers such as Ring of Fire, Paint it Black, and Paradise City.

Music is drawn from a range of styles: traditional 50s rock n roll, country, tex mex and blues influences, through to 60s, garage, and surf!

Since formation, the band has played all over the UK and Ireland and have also taken a few forays over to Europe and the USA.

Last year they released their third album, All Tooled Up, on Smokin Records.

Expect the unexpected and a high energy show from these rowdy roots rockers!

On the Saturday it’s a metaphorical party time with a new band from LU7 called Undercover performing at their first public gig.

A night of soul, funk and Motown to dance away the night!

Nikki Brightman on bass and the rest of the band will give you a great selection from the likes of Maroon 5, Muse, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, Marvin Gaye, Queen and much more!

Admission is free and bands usually start at around 9.30pm.

An MP is leading by example after backing an appeal for life-saving volunteers to join Leighton Buzzard Community First Responders.

Andrew Selous, the town’s MP, was so impressed after a visit to Leighton Buzzard Ambulance Station to see the group at work, that he decided to sign up himself!

This week, Mr Selous met with ambulance crews and community first responders (CFR) before going out with an ambulance crew as they responded to 999 calls.

After practising resuscitation with CFR Dominic Thompson and emergency care assistant Diane Conybeare-Jones, Mr Selous was happy to take on CFR training to respond to emergency calls where he lives.

He said: “I have been so impressed by the work of the community first responders that I have decided to join them.

“My first aid knowledge is a little rusty since I was taught as a Territorial soldier but I am looking forward to my training.

“It was great to talk to our local ambulance crews and to see the ambulances now permanently stationed in Leighton Buzzard.”

Senior locality manager, Simon King said: “Andrew’s visit went really well and it was a great opportunity to explain the service and the challenges we face to an MP.

“He discussed issues and exchanged ideas with the staff and volunteers and it great news that he has agreed to be a CFR and to promote this role across the community. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

The station in Leighton Buzzard has recently been refurbished and is home to a full-time rapid response car and ambulance which is supported by a local group of three CFRs.

Volunteers carry equipment such as oxygen and a defibrillator, attending to seriously ill patients within a three mile radius of where they live and work.

To find out more about CFRs visit http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/get-involved/community-first-responders.htm or call 0845 601 3733.

After a spell of dry weather which promised to bring good fast racing for the Cyclocross League at Milton Keynes Bowl, the heavens opened on seven Leighton Buzzard Road Cycling Club riders.

The Veteran Men (50+) were gridded to set off first and the field included the reigning World Champion and LBRCC’s Miles Walker and Carl Keen. Julian Thrasher set of next in the Veteran (40-49).

As Thrasher had raced Senior mens last year he foolishly thought that Veterans would be easy pickings - how wrong he was. Thrasher was gridded well from last years results and made it to the first corner in the top ten.

The pace was high given the conditions and to be fair, the odds were stacked against him staying on the bike, a point proved on the third lap when someone crashed in front of him on a steep grassy turn leaving him nowhere to go but to join him face first in the dirt.

This knocked Thrashers gears out of alignment making it very difficult to shift and dropping him through the field. But he got his head straight and finished the rest of the race without incident.

Thrashers overall placing was 35th out of 50 in the Vets 40-49, with Carl Keen and Miles Walker placing 17th and 18th respectively in the Vets 50+, Chris Wren finished in 32nd place in a hard fought Seniors race despite technical issues with his new bike on the start grid.

Neil Green got LBRCCs only top ten by placing 9th in the Novice with Steve Bland and Ross Andrew Gallagher bagging 12th and 15th places. A great time was had by all and hoping for better placings at the next round in Abingdon.

A Luton charity which has seen demand on its services nearly treble is calling for all organisations with a responsibility for homeless people to work more closely together.

NOAH (New Opportunities And Horizons) Enterprise, which has a welfare centre, stores, a boutique and academy in the town, organised a Let’s Get Together Conference that brought together academics, the church and government in a wide-ranging discussion of deprivation in Bedfordshire.

NOAH’s chief executive, Jim O’Connor, said: “We are of the opinion in NOAH that present approaches do not provide the solutions that are required and I believe that view is held by NHS and the three Bedfordshire Councils among others.

“Given the economies they have to find it is, I feel, incumbent on all of us who have a responsibility to homeless people to work more effectively together.”

“NOAH’s Let’s Get Together Conference had that objective and with the powerful input of excellent addresses and the readiness of everyone to participate in constructive discussion, that aim was achieved. What’s now important is taking that forward into action which everyone who attended seems committed to do.”

Demand for services from Bedfordshire homelessness charity NOAH Enterprise has increased almost threefold since the year 2000. Then the number of people accessing its welfare services was some 500. Today it is 1,200. Influences on the figures are, according to NOAH, legislation – benefits sanctions, housing benefit changes for under 35’s, and some consequences of EU immigration.

The conference, held on Thursday, October 9 at the University of Bedfordshire’s Putteridgebury Campus, heard from high profile speakers including Helen Nellis, HM Lord-Lieutenant for Bedfordshire, Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor University of Bedfordshire, Julian Corner chief executive LankellyChase Foundation, Government’s Tim Gray and Rt Revd Richard Atkinson Bishop of Bedford.

According to Indices of Multiple Deprivation published by Department for Communities and Local Government, Bedfordshire is home to some of the most deprived areas in the UK.

Although official statistics state that an average of 22 people sleep rough in Luton at any one time, with 26 in Bedford and 13 in Central Bedfordshire, NOAH has engaged with 384 rough sleepers in 18 months.

It is estimated that homelessness costs more than £20,000 per person per year, with demand on hospital Accident and Emergency Services from homeless people being eight times greater than that of the general population.

For more information on NOAH www.noahenterprise.org/

A meeting of Edlesborough Parish Council this evening will discuss controversial plans to build 50 new homes in a field between Kings Mead and Chiltern Avenue.

Already, a campaign has been started by local residents angry at the development plans by McCann Homes Ltd.In the past, several attempts by other people to buy the land have failed.

Alan Williams, Chair of Edlesborough Parish Council said: “There are two issues which are of concern to local people. One is about the new development, the other is about the old development at Manor Farm, where allegedly they’ve been digging and burying the spoil in the field.

“It seems to be development open season everywhere because of the failure of Aylesbury Vale District Council to produce a plan approved by the government.

“They all seem to trot out the same thing about the facilities in the village, but our GP’s surgery is already overstretched and the prospect of 50 houses will put so much pressure on our health services. We also have a drainage problem in Edlesborough.”

Edlesborough Parish Council recently opposed plans to build 30 news homes in a field off Cow Lane, close to the doctors’ surgery - which was given outlying permission by Aylesbury Vale District Council last month.

A representative from McCann Homes will be at the Parish Council Meeting, held this evening at Northall Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Three charity golf events at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club have raised well over £7,000 for worthy causes in the space of a few weeks.

In the latest, the Olde Foresters Golf Society organised by club vice captain Steve Leng and his vice-elect Adrian Stephenson raised £2,800 for Willen Hospice, adding to the £1,200 captain Derek Lindley collected for the same cause at his charity day earlier in the month.

A further £3,300 was raised by the Plum Duffs Golf Society organised by former Leighton turf accountant Geoff Dimmock, with the money donated to Addenbrookes hospital, Cambridge.

Life-long pals Steve and Adrian are former rugby team-mates, packing down together with Leighton third team for ten years as well as playing cricket for Eggington before switching to golf. Their Foresters charity events in recent years have raised around £12,000, all donated to local organisations helping the young, elderly and people in need. The event at Leighton’s Plantation Road club this year attracted 80 golfers, with water company field engineer Shane Kimber topping the scoring charts with 42 points. Shane, 30, who plays off a handicap of 28 after playing golf for just 18 months, beat former Leighton captain John Preston by two points, with Chris O’Mahoney taking third place with 39 points.

Lynn Oliver was top lady scorer with 32 points, beating fellow former Ladies Captain Rosie Hartnell on countback.

The hidden team prize was won by Richard Samuels, Adam Benson, Jayne Tizzard and Phil Whitecross; there were nearest-the-pin prizes fpr Phil Coumbe, Richard Rowles, John Preston and Shane Kimber, and longest drives won by Sue Lambert and Jamie Stone, whose monster hit went 56 yards further than the next best.

Author and HEART UK ambassador Tony Drury will be at the Leighton Buzzard branch of Tesco, Vimy Road, on Friday (October 17) from 10am.

There will be charity booklets for sale, information about cholesterol and a display of heart healthy food with opportunities to have a taste too!

Tony has already got well into the swing of National Cholesterol Month, having raised over £300 so far, with another event lined up next week at the Axe and Compass in Heath and Reach; a pub quiz on Wednesday, October 22 where the owners are donating to the charity.

The pub is also supporting HEART UK by selling some of the charity booklets on their premises.

An Audi and a BMW have been stolen from the driveway of a village home.

Thieves broke into the home in High Street North, Stewkley between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday evening.

Items including jewellery were also stolen.

Police are appealing for information and are urging anyone who saw or heard anything out of the ordinary around that time to call them on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.