Hugless Douglas is a huggable, lovable young brown bear who wakes up one morning in need of a hug.

He tries to find the perfect one, but none of them seem quite right. After all – there are so many different hugs to choose from.

But Douglas soon discovers that there’s only one hug that will do – a big bear hug from his mum!

Packed full of family fun and happy hugging, Blunderbus Theatre Company will be showcasing their brand-new show, Hugless Douglas, at Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre on Friday, October 31, with performances at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Little cubs aged three to seven will love this heartwarming tale, but grown-up bears will have lots of fun too.

So join Douglas in his happy new show, full of laughter, sing-along songs and plenty of chances for audience participation too.

To tie in with the show, Leighton Buzzard Library will be running some Hugless Douglas-themed storytimes.

There’s one today (Tuesday) from 2.45pm to 3.15pm, and if that doesn’t suit then how about Wednesday from 9.45am to 10.15am?

Why not bring your favourite teddy bear along to the Lake Street venue for some special hugs?

Established in 1998, the magical minds at Blunderbus have been creating enchanting theatrical experiences and providing lasting memories for children and their families all around the world.

They perform to more 200,000 children each year, touring theatres, arts centres, schools and festivals across the UK, as well as Malaysia, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore, with critically acclaimed shows such as How To Catch A Star, The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark and Giraffes Can’t Dance.

The talented team behind Blunderbus lovingly design and handcraft every single puppet, prop and piece of scenery on site at their company base in the heart of Sherwood Forest, in Nottinghamshire.

Their dedication and love for their craft ensures that each show brings children’s imagination to life.

Tickets for Hugless Douglas at Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre cost £7.50 for adults and £6 for concessions, with all tickets subject to a £1 booking fee, and are available from the box office by calling 0300 300 8125 or visiting www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk

> Following its phenomenal run in 2012, the record breaking sensation Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage will once again set pulses racing when it returns to Milton Keynes Theatre from today (Tuesday) until November 8

Gareth Bailey will star as Johnny Castle, one of the most iconic roles in popular culture. Gareth started his Dirty Dancing journey in the first UK tour where he played Robbie. He then went on to play Johnny Castle in South Africa as part of the international tour of Dirty Dancing

Tickets from the box office 0844 871 7652.

The new headteacher at Gilbert Inglefield Academy has revealed she is a firm believer in the three-tier school system operating in Leighton Buzzard.

After six weeks in the job, Rachel Swaffield says she is enjoying being part of the Leighton Buzzard community following many years as headteacher of Berkhamsted a middle school.

Having spent a year back in a secondary school following the re-organisation of Berkhamsted’s schools, she says she is thrilled to be back in a middle school.

She said: “ I have always believed that the three-tier system works best in terms of child development. It allows children to progress through their schooling in gradual steps rather than one huge leap from primary to secondary.

“Gilbert Inglefield is a great example of why middle schools work so well. It is small enough to get to know every child but large enough to offer lots of specialist teaching and facilities and loads of extra-curricular opportunities. I am delighted to be here!”

Leighton Buzzard ladies are signing up to a local boutique owner’s Real Women Campaign and a fashion show on Friday, October 24.

Rosa Cristini owns soyou boutique, at the First Floor, The Green House, in Market Square. She is organising a fashion show with a difference as part of her mission to help women get the correct fashion for their own body type.

“I’m fed up with the way women’s fashion is dominated by size zero models when not all women have that body shape,” said Rosa. “Shock, horror, women have babies and have all kinds of body shapes but that isn’t represented in the fashion media.”

Rosa has invited customers and members of the community to take part in a fashion show on Friday, October 24 at The Green House tea rooms and wine bar.

She said: “The women of Leighton Buzzard, all ages and shapes and sizes want to be a part of the campaign,” said Rosa. “The fashion show is going to be a joyous celebration of the beautiful women of Leighton Buzzard and maybe, just maybe, the start of something really important in the Real Women Campaign!”

Doors open for the fashion show at 7.30pm. There will be live music and the event will rase money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Proceeds from the £20 tickets will go to the charity.

Following the fashion show, soyou boutique will be open from 9-10pm for customers to look at the Christmas range and make purchases or orders.

For tickets the public should contact soyou on 07721 038823, by email shop@soyouboutique.co.uk or visit www.soyouboutique.co.uk.

Renhold United remain two points clear of the Bedfordshire League Premier Division supported by Sportsform after chalking up win number eight on the bounce - 6-0 at Flitwick Town on Saturday.

Mark Reed and Tommy Foyle both netted twice alongside single goals for Jonny Richens and Jason Allison to end Flitwick’s unbeaten home record.

Second place Shefford Town & Campton retained their unbeaten ways by winning 3-2 at AFC Turvey. Andrew Hayday with a brace and a single goal from Jake Renney were only replied to by strikes from Andrew Latimer and David Hitchin to leave the hosts still looking for their first home win.

Now up into third are AFC Oakley M&DH after they retained their unbeaten home ways with a thumping 10-1 win over bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports. Alex Liburd led the way with a hat-trick, Rob Heaney netting a brace alongside single goals for Ali Smith, Oli Plested, Mitchell Crook, Carl Warner and Aidan McLean against a lone reply via Ben Marwood.

However, just goal difference behind them in fourth spot are Marston Shelton Rovers who are unbeaten on the road, winning 1-0 at AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College thanks to a goal from Jack Weedon.

Now up into sixth are Sharnbrook who took their unbeaten ways up to three games by winning 2-0 at second from bottom of the table Pavenham. Jordan Baxter and Shaun Barnett netting the goals to do the damage.

Also winning on the road were Wootton Blue Cross and Eastcotts AFC. The Blue Cross collected their first away points of the season by winning 4-1 at Ickwell & Old Warden for whom Lee Threadgold netted the lone goal. Likewise for Eastcotts AFC it was their first points on the road this season when a goal from Glen Tumulty took them to a 1-0 victory at Sandy.

Elsewhere, Caldecote twice needed to come from two goals behind to share the points in a 4-4 home draw with Wilstead. Tom Wallace and Conor Smith both netting braces against a brace from Colin Marshall and strikes from Paul Jones and Kieran Brasier in reply for Wilstead.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford

Henlow’s lead at the head of the Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford league table is now down to four points after their 100% record were ended in having to share the spoils in a 1-1 draw at fourth place Sundon Park Rangers who thus remain unbeaten on home turf this season. Keith Milburn was on the scoresheet for the league leaders against a home reply from Matthew Conway.

Closing the gap in second place are Elstow Abbey who won 2-1 at home over Cranfield United to end the visitor’s unbeaten run. Callum Davenport shot the Abbey in front in the seventh minute before Dom Parrella doubled the scoreline 11 minutes from the break. United’s lone reply came via Martin Holland just two minutes into the new period.

For fifth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves it was an extension of their unbeaten run up to five games when they shared the spoils in a 2-2 home draw against Potton Town. Anas Bechkoum netted both goals against replies via Tom Grinstead and James Pyman.

Whilst sixth place Meltis Albion collected their first away point of the season in drawing 1-1 at Riseley Sports, Mark Darlow netting for the home side and Alex Smith for the Albion.

Also gaining their first away points were Great Barford who won 5-3 at AFC Harlington to leave the hosts still looking for their first win of the season. Gary Canzano and Ben Stock both scored twice and Elijah Hukin once to bring up the nap hand against home replies from Josh Johnson twice and Matt Barnes.

Life gets no better for bottom of the table Brache Sparta who were beaten 12-1 at home by AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Antony Eastwood bagged six goals, Ray Patrickson four and they were supported by single strikes from Jason Angol and Alex Skeel. The lone home reply, Brache’s first goal of the season came from Ricky Fearon.

After four consecutive defeats Queens Park Crescents returned to winning ways with a 3-1 home victory over Bedford SA, Dante Barlie netting twice and Shazad Sattar once against a lone reply via James Munns.

Whilst Marabese Ceramics collected their first home point of the season by drawing 1-1 with Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. Lewis Littlechild on the home scoresheet and Tim Andrews netting for the Town.

Division Two

Westoning are now back onto the top of the division two league table on goal difference from Elstow Abbey Reserves after they ended Meltis Albion Reserves’ 100% home record with a 7-3 victory. James Lovett scored a hat-trick supported by single goals from Sean Cooksley, Cody O’Neill, Taylor Clayton and Thomas Cooksley against Albion replies via Josh St Clair Pierre twice and Craig Damon.

For Elstow Abbey Reserves it was win number six on the bounce and the retention of their seasons unbeaten ways when winning 3-2 at Kempston Athletic. Myles Ferraro netting twice and Toni Veglio once against Athletic replies from Richie Andrews and Nicholas Ememe.

Now in third are FC Houghton who claimed win number five on the bounce with an 8-0 home victory over Moggerhanger United, Lawrence Taylor with four goals being supported by single strikes from Nathan Prime, Sam Martin, Mark Doran and Charlie Nicholson.

Also winning 8-0 were Stevington at bottom of the table Kempston Con Club Sports. Kieran Souter hit the mark four times alongside single strikes from Dan Bridgeman, Tristan Clark, Aaron Fletcher and Ben Walsh. Whilst Renhold United Reserves claimed their first home win of the season in beating Bedford United 5-2. Michael France with a hat-trick plus goals from Josh Cowley and Iain Asplin bringing up the nap hand against replies via Simon Wade and Jamaal Dixon.

However, still awaiting their first home win are Wilstead Reserves after they were defeated 3-2 by Wootton Village. The scoring was opened from distance by Village goalkeeper Partick O’Hara and added to by Jay Rogers and Sahil Hamza against home replies from Matt Johnson and Robert Booth.

Elsewhere, Clapham Sports took their unbeaten ways up to five games by sharing the spoils in a 2-2 home draw with Kempston Hammers Sports. Mario Esposito netting twice for the home side against Hammers replies from Dan Sherwood and Chris Greene. Whilst Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves ran out 5-2 home winners over Caldecote Reserves. Antony Henham with a hat-trick being supported by goals from Jamie Watson and Gary Russon against replies via Nick Albone and Simon Ashton.

Division Three

Cranfield United Reserves are the new leaders of the division three league table after they retained their unbeaten ways with a 5-2 home win over Mid Beds Tigers, Adam Kerr netting twice alongside Jordan Appleton, Philip Kempsell and Mark Dring to bring up the nap hand against Tigers replies via Daniel Whitten and Steve Monks.

Now in second spot, albeit only on goal difference, are Atletico Europa who were making it four wins on the bounce with a 3-1 home victory over the previous unbeaten tFlitwick Town Reserves. Cameron Browne scored twice and Kane Alexander once against a Town reply from Kevin Higby.

All of which means Clifton are now down into third spot but also on the same number of points as the top two after they were defeated for the first time on the road this season when losing 3-1 at Shefford Town & Campton A, Jordan Robbens netting all three goals against a lone Clifton reply via Tony Norman.

For fourth place Dinamo Flitwick they kept their ubeaten home record intact with a 3-2 victory over Caldecote U20 thanks to goals from Joseph Kwarciaski, Barrie-Lee Hannam and Dale Goldie against replies from Chris Richardson and Paul Rannow.

Whilst now sixth place Lea Sports PSG were 4-1 home winners over Sandy Reserves, Joe Hennem netting twice alongside Ryan Durrant and Will Tyler against a lone reply from Carl Mercer.

In eighth spot now are FC Serbia who claimed their first away win of the season when winning 1-0 at Westoning U20 thanks to a goal from Marko Djordjic and in ninth spot are White Eagles who collected their first home points of the season with a 4-0 victory over Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves. Prxchyslaw Stramski with a brace plus single goals from Mateusz Serkewski and Marcia Ptak doing the damage.

Police, councils and housing associations are to take advantage of new powers aimed at helping them to fight anti-social behaviour.

The powers came into effect on Monday, October 20, following the government’s new Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Police Act 2014.

Community Protection Notices will allow police and local authorities to tackle environmentally anti-social behaviour and issue fixed penalty tickets to those who breach them.

Local authorities will be able to impose new Public Space Protection Orders to prohibit drinking and nuisance gatherings, police and PCSOs will then be able to issue tickets to anyone who breaches them.

Any victim who is unhappy with the response to an on-going problem can apply to pull a Community Trigger, this requires partners to meet, review their response and consider what more can be done. The Community Remedy document gives victims the chance to work with police and PCSOs.

They will also have a say on what low-level offenders should do instead of being taken to court. They will be able to choose from a list of pre-defined actions.

A number of meetings between police, Luton Borough council, Central Bedfordshire council, Bedford Borough council, Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, Bedford Pilgrims Housing Association, Aragon Housing Association, Jephson Housing Association and Aldwyck Housing, took place.

The partners agreed the key benefit of the legislation is that it helps ‘put victims first’ by making partnership working more effective and enforcement measures easier to implement.

A statement released by police and partners said: “We have given this legislation a great deal of consideration and concluded it will enable us as partners to build on much of the good work we are already doing to combat anti-social behaviour.

“That is great news for residents, great news for us and bad news for the small minority of individuals and groups who blight our communities with their selfish ways.”

Leighton Town will play Leiston in the next round of the FA Trophy after beating Corinthian Casuals 3-1 in the first round replay, writes Hannah Sellman.

Having drawn 3-3 at Bell Close on Saturday, the replay was a much easier affair, with goals from Phil Draycott and a Danny Watson brace after slipping behind.

Traffic on the M25 threatened to cause havoc to Town’s plans just before kick off, as only 10 men were on hand to play. However, by the time the whistle blew, they were back to a full compliment.

Despite edging proceedings in the opening 15 minutes, Town fell behind when Reece Placid’s shot deflected off Gary Ridgway to put the home side in front.

Christian Lester nearly drew Leighton level on the half hour mark, but his strike scraped just over the top.

They wouldn’t have to wait much longer before equalising though, with Draycott finishing off Michael Lyon’s fabulous pass five minutes before half time/

Town were in front after eight minutes of the second half as Draycott slid in Watson who coolly slotted the ball home to put Leighton 2-1 up.

And with 17 minutes remaining, Watson scored his second, and Leighton’s third, to make things comfortable.

Keeper Dan Green made a fine save with 10 minutes to go to ensure Leighton’s two-goal cushion remained in tact, and their safe passage into the second round was complete.

The next round will be played on Saturday November 1, but before then, Town face a trip to Potters Bar on Saturday.

After drawing 3-3 at home in the FA Trophy on Saturday, Leighton made the awkward trip to King George’s Field to face their Corinthian Casuals again, writes Hannah Selman.

With only 15 minutes before kick off Leighton only had a 10 man squad, as many of them had got caught in the horrendous M25 traffic, but thankfully when the time came to kick off they’d arrived.

The Casuals kicked off and immediately Mahrez Bettache took a punt at goal but was well off target. An early free kick for Leighton saw Danny Watson test the Casuals defence but they cleared their lines well.

Phil Draycott took a shot from 40 yards out to see how Danny Brackens’ reacted but he remained composed and gathered the ball.

12 minutes gone and Dave Hodges made an almighty run from one end of the pitch to the other, eventually crossing the ball into the box, the ball bobbled straight across the goal to Bettache who missed.

Leighton were certainly not afraid to shoot, this time it was Michael Lyon who tested the water with a shot from the halfway line that sent Bracken high into the air as he pushed the ball out for a corner.

With Leighton looking like they had the upper hand, it was a surprise when a good kick by Bracken, in the 15th minute found Reece Placid, who launched the ball towards the goal and it deflected in off Gary Ridgway, sending the Casuals into a 1-0 lead.

A chance from Christian Lester to draw level came in the 30th minute when a good ball by Tyrone Taylor found his feet and he just scraped over the bar.

A dodgy kick by Bracken saw Draycott take his chances and have a go at goal, but Bracken was quick to recover and managed to block the shot with his foot.

With 40 minutes gone Leighton were still looking for that all important equaliser and it wasn’t long before Lyon played a fabulous ball in for Draycott, he skirted round the Casuals’ defence and curved the ball just under the bar, taking the half-time score to 1-1.

No changes at half-time were made for either side and the Casuals came out looking for an early second half goal. Some good play by Steve Goddard and Hodges saw Dan Green have to make his first real save of the game.

53 minutes played and Bracken made yet another mistake with his kick. Draycott was there to reach the ball and passed it to Watson who, went one-on-one with Bracken and beat him, slotting the ball into the net, sending Leighton into a 2-1 lead.

Leighton made their first substitution in the 62nd minute bringing off Robbie Goodman for Dave Murphy.

With a free kick for Leighton, Murphys’ first touch of the ball nearly put Leighton 3-1 up, but Bracken was there to catch it. A slightly injured Ridgway made way for Ash Farmer in the 71st minute.

Farmers’ first touch was a brilliant one, he composed himself and pounded the ball at Bracken, the ball bounced back to the feet of Watson and he certainly delivered, earning himself a brace and a scoreline of 3-1 to Leighton.

An excellent save by Green in the 80th minute denied Jamie Byatt of a goal for the Casuals.

A silly foul committed by Lester earned the Casuals a free kick but thankfully Byatt could only send the ball flying over the bar, summing up the night for the opposition.

To make matters worse Byatt then received a yellow card when he collided with Green and Chris Crook in the box.

The final whistle blew and Leighton won 3-1, sending them into the next round of the FA Trophy, which is away to Leiston FC on Saturday, November 1, kick off 3pm.

Leightons’ next game is away to Potters Bar Town FC on Saturday, October 25, kick-off 3pm.

Corinthian Casuals FC: Bracken, Bowra, Welch-Turner, Hall, Hicks, Turley, Placid, Bettache, Byatt, Goddard, Hodges. Subs- Wilson-Denis, Bamoussa, Defoe, Vidal

Leighton Town FC: Green, Rajaram, Ridgway, Bunker, Crook, Goodman, Lyon, Lester, Taylor, Watson, Draycott. Subs- Farmer, Murphy, Halai.

Fifteen Leighton Buzzard Trinity Scouts and Cubs and their three leaders volunteered to help litter pick on Saturday, October 18, as part of the two day canal clean up.

The clean up covered nine miles of the Grand Union canal from Fenny Stratford to Grove Lock, south of Leighton Buzzard.

It was organised by the Milton Keynes branch of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), sponsored by the Wyvern Shipping company and supported by the Canal and River Trust.

The Trust used work boats as grappling bases for holding the gathered rubbish.

The IWA is appreciative of the scout and cub contribution as youngster involvement and enthusiasm boding well for the future of the canals: each scout and cub will be issued with a certificate attesting to their contribution.

13 tons of rubbish were collected by grappling from the canal and litter-picking from the towpath and canal banks.

A meeting of Edlesborough Parish Council was held on Thursday to discuss plans by McCann Homes for two major developments in the village.

A campaign had been started by villagers against the plans to build 50 new homes in a field between Kingsmead and Chiltern Avenue.

Local people were also concerned about McCann Homes’ ongoing development at Manor Farm, where spoil from clearance of the site had apparently been buried in a field.

Edlesborough Parish Council chairman Alan Williams said: “The meeting went very well. The developers came along and outlined their very preliminary thoughts about the new development.

“I think the people who presented it have done their homework on the needs expressed by the residents.”

Andrew Inchbald, director at McCann Homes, who attended the meeting, said: “The village wants some affordable homes and we are abiding with the quota for affordable housing.

“We were planning to put some bungalows in and we’ve also had a request from parishioners to build some smaller houses so that young people in the village don’t have to move away.”

Spoil from the other site near Manor Farm, which had been buried in a field instead of being transported to a landfill, was being “unburied”, according to Mr Inchbald.

He added: “The process has started this morning. Somebody on site decided to save a bit of money by burying it, but it’s something that we can’t do.”

In spite of the smooth nature of the meeting, Cllr Williams said local people were far from giving a positive affirmationto the new project, which has not yet reached planning permission.

He said: “We’ve kept it non-confrontational, we just listened to what was being said.My concern is that whenever we develop a new site, there are natural habitats and potential archaelogical artefacts being disturbed.”

The development near Kingsmead is between two ancient monuments, the tithe barn and the old moat of the former monastery. The site at Manor Farm involves converting two old barns and building three new homes on site.

Mr Inchbald said: “We’re conscious of respecting the ancient monuments and archaeological potential on site.”

Edlesborough Parish Council recently opposed plans to build 30 new homes in a field off Cow Lane, which was given outline permission by Aylesbury Vale District Council last month.

In the year that marks 100 years since the birth of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance and hope, the Royal British Legion is encouraging people across Bedfordshire to support the Poppy Appeal for the memory of the fallen and the future of the living.

Stan and Theresa Keeves from Leighton Buzzard RBL attended the launch of Legion’s Poppy Appeal for 2014 at Bedford Blues Rugby Club last Monday.

The Royal British Legion Bedfordshire county chairman, Eric Robinson MBE, said: “As we mark the centenary of the First World War, it’s as important as ever to wear a poppy and remember the sacrifices and commitment made by our armed forces both then and now.

“The message behind this year’s Poppy Appeal is Live On – to the memory of the fallen and future of the living, which captures perfectly why it’s so important to donate to the appeal and wear a poppy.

“Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”

Mr Robinson added: “The Poppy Appeal 2014 embraces the dual role of the Royal British Legion as the custodians of Remembrance and provider of welfare support to the armed forces community.

“The poppy is a powerful symbol which is worn to commemorate all those who have fought and died in our armed forces and show support for those still serving today and their loved ones.

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise a national target of £40 million, so we can continue providing our vital support to individuals whether they’re still serving, transitioning back to civilian life or have left the services, and importantly their families too.”

For more information, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk.

Leighton Town FC manager Craig Bicknell has been cleared of a Class A drugs charge and is waiting to hear if another charge will be dropped, the LBO can reveal.

Mr Bicknell, along with his brother Paul, had been charged with two counts of conspiracy to possess Class A drugs (cocaine) with intent to supply.

Following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court the Leighton manager was cleared of one count on Wednesday, while the jury were unable to come to a verdict on the second.

Craig Bicknell is due back in court on November 5, when it will be decided whether there will be a retrial for the second count.

His brother Paul was found not guilty on both counts and has been discharged.

Friday night (October 24) at the Wheatsheaf in North Street, Leighton is rock night featuring MK-based trio Motherlode.

They’ll be playing original rock inspired by Cream, Free, Led Zeppelin and similar roots. The band has previously been booked to support greats like Wishbone Ash, Glenn Hughes and Budgie.

Motherlode are Graham Fieldhouse on vocals and Bass, Simon Alexander on guitar, with Neil McBride on drums.

They launched in 2000 as a four-piece band and other than shedding a member, have since then gone from strength to strength. For lovers of rock, these are a real must.

> Is it really 10 years since DJ John Peel was taken from us?

On Saturday at the Wheatie, The Peppermint Store presents a commemoration of music from the popular DJ’s ‘Festive 50’

They’ll be lLive performances from Chylde Owlet, Robert Sunday, Karl Rushby and other local guest artists playing music to bring back memories of John Peel.

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

Premier Division supported by Sportsform action this weekend sees league leaders Renhold United looking to maintain their seasons 100 % record when third from bottom of the table Ickwell & Old Warden come calling.

Whilst second place Shefford & Campton Town are on their travels looking to maintain their own unbeaten away ways at Lodge Road against the hosting sixth place Sharnbrook.

Just down the road from Lodge Road at Sharnbrook Upper School eighth place hosts Eastcotts AFC will look to extend their unbeaten home ways up to four games when visited by third place AFC Oakley M&DH and not so many miles away at their own Playing Fields base second from bottom of the table Pavenham receive a visit from Wilstead.

Elsewhere over at Hurst Grove, bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports will be searching out their first win of the season against the visiting fifth place Flitwick Town. Whilst at Weston Park tenth place hosts Wootton Blue Cross go looking for their third home win on the bounce when called upon by seventh place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College but it will not be easy as the Town are still unbeaten on their travels this season.

For Caldecote and fourth place Marston Shelton Rovers its a second meeting inside three weeks when they clash at Harvey Close having played out a 2-2 draw on the Rovers patch and Bedford Road Recreation Ground is the venue for Sandy’s home encounter with the still unbeaten away from home AFC Turvey.

In Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford action league leaders Henlow will be in home action at Groveside looking to preserve their seasons 100% home record against the visiting sixth place Meltis Albion who will hit the road in search of their first away point/points of the season. Yet perhaps the stand out match of the afternoon comes at Stockwood Park Athletic Track where fourth place Sundon Park Rangers play hosts to the visiting third place Cranfield United.

Over at Dallow Road it will be a major surprise if second place visitors Elstow Abbey fail to collect the full three points from their journey to face bottom of the table Brache Sparta and New Grounds is the destination Riseley Sports head to in search of their first away point/points of the season against the hosting second from bottom of the table AFC Harlington.

For Bedford SA at Grange Road its the search of their first home point/points of the season but the visitors are fifth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves who have won all four of their opening away league games of the season.

Other action comes at Ickleford Playing Fields, where third from bottom of the table Marabese Ceramics entertain eighth place AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Whilst at their Hitchin Road headquarters Shefford Town & Campton Reserves look for just their second home win of the season against the visiting Potton Town.

Mowsbury Park is the venue of the final game in this division where ninth place Queens Park Crescents play hosts to seventh place Great Barford.

The main spotlight this weekend for the lower division sides falls upon the ties in the second round of this seasons Bedfordshire FA Junior Cup. With cup football there comes the chance of a spot of giant-killing with the draw throwing up five ties where Division three sides take on Division Two opposition alas just one FC Serbia have been granted a home tie, Caldecote Reserves being their visitors to the Bedford Academy but with the hosts being unbeaten in their last three home starts they will more than fancy their chances of making it into the hat for the round three draw.

Of those lower division sides hitting the road perhaps the best chance of an upset comes at Wootton Recreation Ground where hosts Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves will face Clifton.Whilst Cranfield United Reserves on their visit to Miller Road to take on Meltis Albion Reserves and Atletico Europa en route to Greenfield Road to be hosted by Westoning will not lack confidence in their ability to become giant-killers.The toughest task would seem to face Westoning U20 who journey to Cutler Hammer to be hosted by Kempston Athletic.

There are also four all Division Two encounters, in those ties you would certainly favour home advantage to pay off at the Warren where Elstow Abbey Reserves welcome Kempston Con Club Sports, especially after their big league win over them earlier in the month and at Moore Crescent, the venue at which FC Houghton host Renhold United Reserves but in the other two ties perhaps the visitors will start the day favourites.Those visitors being Wootton Village who travel to Horseshoes Close to take on Moggerhanger United and Stevington who make tracks for a Jubilee Playing Fields outing against Wilstead Reserves.

Meantime there is just one all Division Three encounter, the venue being Rectory Road where Shefford Town & Campton A play hosts to White Eagles.

Elsewhere it’s opposition from the Luton District & South Beds League for another four sides. Bedford United have been favoured with a home game at the Hockey Centre against FC Polina whilst the other trio will be hitting the road. Clapham Sports en route to face Caddington Rangers Reserves, Kempston Hammers Sports heading for a meeting with Sporting St James and Caldcote A off to Lancott Park to take on Square A.

The final tie sees Mid Beds Tigers on the road to Clements End Road to be hosted by Aylesbury & District League side FC Spandits.

With all this cup action taking place there are just three division three fixtures this weekend. At Redborne School on the 3G surface fourth plae Dinamo Flitwick will be expected to retain their seasons unbeaten home ways when called upon by bottom of the table Moggerhanger United Reserves who are yet to gain a point on the road this season. Whilst just down the road at the Community Football Centre, fifth place Flitwick Town Reserves go about preserving their own unbeaten home ways against the visiting third from bottom of the table Sandy Reserves.

The final game comes on the Green, the venue at which tenth place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves play hosts to the yet to win on the road this season Lea Sports PSG.

If you’re thinking of watching CHEF (15: Lionsgate) after this review, don’t do so on an empty stomach.

It’s a feel-good foodie film that will have you salivating within minutes.

Director Jon Favreau also stars as stellar chef Carl Casper, who quits his job at a prestigious Los Angeles restaurant after refusing to compromise his creative integrity to the owner (Dustin Hoffman).

He takes to the road to rediscover his culinary mojo and with support from his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) ends up in Miami with a food truck, his son and an old friend/fellow cook (John Leguizamo).

An uplifting road trip back to LA produces delicious morsels of family bonding, with Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr and Oliver Platt (as a food critic) adding to the fun.

Favreau dishes up a movie that’s both sweet and spicy, without a trace of bitterness.

> On the other hand, tear-jerking romantic drama THE FAULT IN OUR STARS (12: Twentieth Century Fox)is bitter-sweet.

Shailene Woodley plays precocious Indianapolis teenager Hazel, who has a restricted lifestyle as she’s suffering from terminal thyroid cancer.

She reluctantly joins a parents’ support group where she meets a charmer named Gus (Ansel Elgort), who is in remission after losing one of his legs to bone cancer. The pair fall in love and a shared passion for books leads them on a literary pilgrimage to Amsterdam in search of reclusive author Peter van Houten.

The movie alternates between mawkish melodrama and heartfelt sincerity, although Woodley has a smile that lights up the screen and is utterly believable, even when the story isn’t.

Sentimental viewers will be reaching for the tissues, but cynics are unlikely to be won over.

> Festive family offering THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE (U: Koch Media) will probably be remembered for the acting debut of former Britain’s Got Talent contestant Susan Boyle.

She’s the singing wife of a churchwarden (James Cosmo), who welcomes a new vicar (Hans Matheson) to the Cotswolds village of Gladbury some time in the late 19th century.

The priest has had his beliefs tested in the bi g city and is not prepared to accept that every 25 years a candle made by the family of a local chandler (Sylvester McCoy) will ensure the recipient’s prayer is answered.

Yet faith and fate conspire to teach him a Yuletide lesson that might once have been taken to heart by British viewers, but probably won’t have much impact in our cynical times.

> Set in 1970s Brooklyn, BLOOD TIES (15: Lionsgate) is a character-driven tale that’s as much a family drama as a crime thriller.

It hinges on the return of Chris (Clive Owen), a career criminal released from prison after serving a nine-year stretch. He tries to go straight and moves in with younger brother Frank (Billy Crudup), a law-abiding cop, but before long he returns to his old ways.

No prizes for guessing how the story plays out.

While violent action is kept to a minimum, it packs a genuine punch when it does erupt.

Owen gives an interesting performance and stand-out turns are provided by Marion Cotillard as Chris’s drug-addled ex-wife and James Caan as the boys’ ailing father.

British Transport Police are looking for a man who was seen acting suspiciously at Leighton Buzzard railway station around the time of a bike theft.

At about 1.30pm on Wednesday, October 10, the man was spotted loitering around the cycle racks.

After hanging around for 30 minutes, the same man was then seen riding off on a yellow bike towards the exit road away from the station.

Officers arrived a few minutes later and found a cut cycle lock.

The man is described as white, wearing a black hooded top and blue jeans.

PC Ashley Firby said: “The owner of the bike secured the bike to the racks through both wheels and frame at 6am, with a black wire cycle lock. He returned at 5.30pm to find the bike and lock taken from the sheds.

“I would like to hear from any commuters in the area between 1.30pm and 2pm on October 10 who may be able to provide any further information, as a train had just pulled into Leighton Buzzard before the theft took place.”

The bike is bright yellow with Viking Racing along the cross tube black handle bars and has the word Viking printed all along the frame. It also has Shimano MXB pedals and a rear light under the seat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference MSUB/B4 of 23/10/14. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The convenience of a 24-hour ticketing system introduced earlier this month at Leighton Buzzard Theatre has seen box office sales rocket.

The new online procedure took effect on October 1 – with a £1 booking fee introduced for all ticket sales (online or not).

Central Beds Council has now revealed that weekly sales figures are up threefold, with online bookings making up more than 50 per cent of all tickets sold in the first week.

The council says the public has already been flocking to book shows for the new season, including new and classic films such as Gone Girl and It’s A Wonderful Life, live screenings of Royal Shakespeare Company productions Love’s Labour Lost and Much Ado About Nothing, and the ever-popular Leighton Buzzard Drama Group panto (this time Robinson Crusoe And The Pirates).

The council has also spent £50,000 on refurbishing the bar, box office and theatre and investing £35,000 for a new lighting rig to improve the quality of shows.

Councillor Brian Spurr said: “The library theatre is very much at the heart of the community in Leighton Buzzard and over the past couple of years we have invested heavily in improvements to provide the best possible experience for customers.

“The introduction of online bookings means that it is now even easier for customers to access the very best shows and entertainment, right on their doorstep, so it is not surprising that it has already proved to be a success.”

Visit www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk to book. Anyone wishing to buy tickets in person at the box office will still be able to between 9.30am and 12.30pm and from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday - and 45 minutes before all performances.

Leighton Buzzard Writers’ LBO Column. This week by Mike Moran.

It is well known that during the Great War the motor car manufacturing firm of Morgan’s Carriageworks, located off Canal (now Leighton) Road in Linslade built the Vickers Vimy heavy and that 42 were built before contracts were cancelled by the government on the conclusion of the Armistice in November, 1918 which ended fighting (but not the war) against Germany.

What is often forgotten is that the construction of three other types of aircraft also took place at the Canal Road factory of Morgan’s Carriageworks, one of which saw frontline service over the Western Front. Why was this?

The importance of aircraft soon became apparent in the opening months of the Great War, with the need for observing and photographing the trench systems which dominated the Western Front. Fighter aircraft (known as Scouts) were developed to shoot down the observation planes and specialist bombing aircraft began to appear.

Demand for aircraft rose and the existing manufacturers were unable to cope. As a result production was sub-contracted to a host of companies with engineering expertise, of which Morgan’s Carriageworks was one.

The strangely-named Sopwith 1½ Strutter was a two-seater fighter bomber with one forward firing Vickers Gun, synchronised to fire through the propeller arc safely and a Lewis Gun for the observer-gunner. One hundred examples were built by Morgan’s Carriageworks and the type was soon in action with the Royal flying Corps during the Somme Offensive of 1916. Later the type saw action at Arras and in the Ypres Salient in 1917 before being replaced by more modern aircraft.

The second type of aircraft to be built at Morgan’s Carriageworks was the Avro 504. This started life as an observation and bombing aircraft but soon became used for training pilots, remaining in service until 1932. A number of these aeroplanes were built by Morgan’s, although the exact number is unknown.

The next aircraft built by Morgan’s Carriageworks was the De Havilland 6, designed as a cheap training plane because so any student-pilots were wrecking the more expensive Avro 504s and was, even by Great War standards, a very primitive aeroplane. Small numbers were manufactured at the Canal Road factory.

The most famous aeroplane to be built by Morgan’s, however, remains the Vickers Vimy, a twin-engined heavy bomber named after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought by the Canadian Corps in1917. The prototype flew in November, 1917 and there were a number of tests using different power plants until finally the Roll-Royce Eagle VIII engines were selected.

Morgan’s Carriageworks was one of those companies selected to build the new aircraft but it was a big beast for its time, with a wingspan of over 68ft, a height of nearly 16ft, and with a take-off weight of over three tons.

Compared to the previous aircraft built by the firm this was a major challenge and a new factory had to be constructed to accommodate this large aircraft.

By 1918 production as well underway, with Morgan’s employing over 800 workers (a massive effort if one considers that the combined pre-war populations of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade was just over 9,000.

When completed the fuselage of each Vimy (minus the outer wing panels and propellers) was towed under police escort along Canal Road, into Bridge Street, up the High Street, around the tight corner into Lake, and along Billington road to a site known as Scott’s Fields.

Here the wings and controls would be connected, the propellers attached and a Royal Air Force pilot would fly the aircraft off without so much as a test flight.

The Vimy did not see action in the Great War, though it remained the mainstay of the RAF’s bomber force for many years and is famous for the pioneering flights: the non-stop crossing of the Atlantic and the first flight from Britain to Australia, both in 1919.

Linslade can be rightly proud of its aviation heritage.

A woman has been banned from keeping animals after failing to feed her pet Labrador.

Anne Adams, 61, of New Road, Drayton Parslow, was sentenced at Milton Keynes Magistrates Court today (Friday).

She had pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide a suitable diet for her 12-year-old dog George at a previous hearing.

Magistrates handed out a ten-year ban from keeping all animals, £1,420 costs including a victim surcharge of £60, and 120 hours unpaid work.

The offence took place between June 17 and July 8 this year.

RSPCA inspector Kirsty Withnall said: “George is a lovely sweet natured dog and he has now been rehomed which is great news.

“It is so sad that he had to go through this. I would stress that there is help available to people who feel they are struggling to afford to feed their animals through charities or even by asking friends and family to help.”

Specsavers based at Waterborne Walk, Leighton Buzzard, has celebrated its tenth birthday with a day of fun, entertainment and fundraising.

The store put on a spread of delicious treats and entertaining activities for locals and customers who were invited to join in the festivities in a bid to raise money and awareness for a local lad and cerebral palsy sufferer, Freddie Gray.

Staff joined the birthday fun by laying on cheese, wine and other treats for all passers-by while the wacky crowd pleasers Granny Turismo, the first and only shopping trolley dance crew, entertained the public with their energetic performances and party music.

The store raised £240 through the raffle ticket sales, all of which will be used to provide two-year old Freddie with practical support, mobility aids and any necessary equipment.

Ekta Kotecha, store director, said: ‘It was a very proud moment for our store to be celebrating its tenth birthday alongside the customers who have made it possible.

“We have been providing the residents of this area with unrivalled optical care for a decade and I really hope we can continue for many more! I want to thank everyone who came to celebrate with us and more importantly, everyone that supported little Freddie.”

Following its tenth anniversary the store will be undertaking a series of fundraising initiatives over the coming months to continue to help local causes.

St Barnabas Church, Linslade, will resound to the ‘Smallest Brass Band in the World’ on Saturday, October 25 from 7.30pm.

Linslade man Harry Maughan will bring his Luton Road Strolling Players to the church to present a ‘Fun Concert’ of brass, vocal and organ music.

Harry will be joined in his band by the ever versatile Peter Smithers and between them entertain with music and comedy, assisted by the audience at times.

Richard Watts, organist at St. Barnabas, said: “We welcome not only Harry and Peter but also Judy Smithers and the Serenata Singers to this concert where I will do my best to add to their wide range of talents.”

Admission is free and there will be a retiring collection in aid of the St Barnabas Organ Fund.