Leighton’s mayor Ray Berry cut the ribbon to celebrate the launch of new-look Clarence Road Post Office and store which has been totally transformed

The revamped business is now accessible an extra 22 hours a week, including Sunday morning and earlier opening.

Councillor Berry, who is a customer of Clarence Road Post Office, said: “I am really impressed by the changes that have been made. Clarence Road Post Office is at the heart of the community and I want to congratulate Mike Penley, who has been postmaster for 27 years, on his vital community role.

Postmaster Mike Penley, said: “Wow! is the reaction of customers when they walk through the door.

“The Post Office and store now look modern, light, bright and airy, The open plan counters make it far easier for staff and customers to talk to each other.

“Customers also really like the fact that the Post Office is now open early in the morning as they can pick up their newspaper and do their Post Office transactions at the same time.

“We have increased our retail range to include party products, a wider range of stationery, low-priced essential groceries and toiletries and medicines as well as fresh coffee to take away.”

Gary Herbert, Post Office Senior Stakeholder Manager, said: “We understand how important having a Post Office is to residents in Clarence Road. I am confident this new modern Post Office will meet the needs of the local community and secure services for the future.

“This modernisation is part of a major investment programme, the largest in the history of the Post Office. It marks a commitment to no more branch closure programmes.”

 Under the current Parliament the Government has committed £1.34bn for the Post Office network to make sure there is no programme of Post Office closures and to update branches; in November the Government announced a further £640m investment in the Post Office network, from 2015 to 2018. Nationwide the investment programme will see up to 8,000 branches modernised with additional investment in over 3,000 community and outreach branches.

You’ll be in for a right tweet if you fly over to The Greensand Trust’s Feed The Bird event at Rushmere Country Park in Heath and Reach on Sunday, October 26 (11am to 3pm).

Learn all about feeding the birds, bring your binoculars and take part in a guided bird walk, visit the RSPB stand, and make a messy bird feeder to take home as well as other craft activities.

The event is free although there may be a small charge for some activities and the £2 on exit car parking fee still applies (use the Linslade Road entrance).

All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Visitor Services on 01525 234260 for more information or email visitorservices@greensandtrust.org

It is one month since 37 officers from the Special Constabulary took up their new positions in Leighton Buzzard and Biggleswade, with almost 1,000 hours of patrols carried out as a consequence.

The Specials Tasking and Rural Crime Team (STaRC) has been split in two with 19 officers being based at Biggleswade and 17 in Leighton Buzzard while one Chief Inspector covers both areas.

The teams aims to provide an increased uniformed presence, while also offering the officers the chance to work in their own communities – a key reason why people volunteer for the service in the first place.

During the past month, Special Constables have dealt with a range of offences including street drinkers, anti-social behaviour, drug offences, drink driving, criminal damage, assaults and even closing down a rave.

The police also say that STaRC officers have also been involved in numerous warrants across Central Bedfordshire where they have provided much-needed assistance and community reassurance.

Special Constabulary Chief Officer, Wayne Humberstone, said: “There has always been a strong desire among Specials to put something back into the communities where they live and by positioning our staff in Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard they really feel that they are doing just that.

“Members of the public always want to see more ‘Bobbies on the Beat’ and the STaRC Team does just this.

“It also provides our volunteers with opportunities to develop skills in other areas that might interest them, such as Roads Policing and other specialist areas.”

A recent trend has seen a rise in anti-social behaviour in Leighton Buzzard town centre particularly during the evenings at weekends.

In response the Special Constabulary, in support of their regular police colleagues, are providing appropriately timed high profile patrols.

The police say that as the team of Special Constables stationed at Leighton Buzzard continues to grow over the coming months there will be greater opportunities to increase this high profile presence on a more regular basis.

Chief Insp Greg Horsford said: “I am absolutely delighted that the new Specials’ policing model is having such a positive impact particularly in the Central Bedfordshire area where some residents felt they had been forgotten about. It is good for the force, the public and the officers.

“Chief Officer Wayne Humberstone and I both grew up in Upper Caldecote and still live in the Central Bedfordshire area so we see the effect that the Specials are having on a personal and professional level.

“Bedfordshire Police also has the intention of trebling the numbers of the Special Constabulary in Central Bedfordshire in the next two years and I would encourage local residents who would like to make a real impact in their community to consider applying.”

If you are interested in giving something back to your community and becoming a Special Constable then visit www.Bedfordshire.police.uk and click on the recruitment tab.

Alternatively contact the Recruitment team on 01234 842398, or email recruitment@bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk and ask for an application pack.

Beds Police also hold regular Special Constabulary recruitment events (see the website above for further details).

Autumn has very definitely come in the garden, with the trees surrounding the walls turning colour and shedding their leaves. Most of the borders have been cut back except a few such as the beautiful Salvia border which is in full bloom. There are a huge array of salvia varieties, perhaps surprising for a plant whose most common variety is sage, such a well-known culinary herb. Some are tender and take more expertise, indoor space and time to care for them over the seasons.

However some varieties are hardy and they are worthy additions to any garden. They can be grown en masse or as specimen plants in a container and are good for long summer – autumn colour.

The roses too are still going, but increasingly the dead-headed blooms aren’t replaced and we are beginning to think about pruning them. They are being given a boost with the addition of farmyard manure. It’s best to add it to the soil surface after some rainfall so the moisture is kept in. The vegetable area is also competing for the manure and we have already spread some and have begun to dig it in. To add further nutrients we have sown a green manure – we’ve used both Phacelia and Winter Tares – in two patches. They’ll grow over the autumn and winter and then will be cut and dug into the soil in the spring.

Look out for the perennials that are no longer flowering – perhaps the ones that you have cut back.

Now is a great time to transplanting them and if they need it to divide them. If you have some left over you could pot them up and give as Christmas gifts to people who have admired them in your garden in the past, as a few months would establish a small plantlet in a container. Wait for the spring to divide or transplant perennials which are still flowering.

You can also plant bulbs this time of year – crocuses and daffodils and later, tulips. It is a good time to do so as they will come up slightly earlier and hopefully be more robust.

I would really urge those of you who haven’t got a compost bin yet to make this the autumn the one you make one. They can be very simple, but the advantages are great, as the soil is where it all starts!

The buzz of conversation has been in the air around Great Brickhill as plans for 2,000 new homes to be built in a major development at Eaton Leyes are soon to be unveiled.

Both Stoke Hammond and Great Brickhill Parish Councils will be responding to the development, which could see the small village expand into a mass settlement.

An exhibition of the plan is scheduled at Great Brickhill Parish Hall on Saturday, November 15, giving nearby families a chance to glimpse what the development has in store.

Dianne Richardson, vice-chair of Great Brickhill Parish Council, said they were not yet aware of any finer details of the development, as plans were still at a very preliminary stage.

A large turnout is expected for the exhibition. Although the new housing estate at Eaton Leyes is a mile outside the village of Great Brickhill, it is still part of the parish. One effect of the expanditure is that it could effectively turn into a suburb of Milton Keynes.

In an online preview, Warwick-based developers Gallagher Estates said the site would benefit from direct access to Milton Keynes via the A5 and would be located within 15 minutes from facilities in Central Bletchley, including the train station.

The area has also been recognised by Milton Keynes Council as a viable option for a housing site as part of a long-term housing programme.

As well as the housing estate at Eaton Leyes, Stoke Hammond Parish Council will be dealing with another development in its parish - plans for 74 houses to be built on land to the east of Fenny Road. This planning application will be discussed at their next meeting on Thursday, November 13.

It’s April 1945 and the Allies are making their final push into Germany, facing fierce resistance after Hitler declares ‘total war’ where every man, woman and child must fight to the end.

In Fury, meet battle-hardened US sergeant Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Brad Pitt) who commands a Sherman tank nicknamed ‘Fury’ with a five-man crew: Boyd ‘Bible’ Swan (Shia LaBeouf), Trini ‘Gordo’ Garcia (Michael Pena), Grady ‘Coon-Ass’ Travis (Jon Bernthal) and fresh to the battle Norman ‘Machine’ Ellison (Logan Lerman).

The Fury crew are dispatched alongside several other tanks on a deadly mission behind enemy lines to take and hold a key crossroads in order to try and prevent a force of 300-odd SS Nazis breaking the Allied supply lines to the front. Things don’t go to plan and before you can say ‘last tank stand’ the heroic Fury crew find themselves impossibly outnumbered and outgunned on all sides.

Director David Ayer delivers an epic valour-drenched tale that will stand as a classic war movie up there with Saving Private Ryan and A Bridge Too Far. It is a bit unnerving though that this director can be responsible for both this staggering masterpiece and the truly terrible Arnie vehicle Sabotage within a year.

Fury is a thrilling and horrifying exposition of a terrible period in our history – viewed authentically through the eyes of the tank crew who we get to know and experience the full force of the emotional rollercoaster of such extreme circumstances.

Pitt is excellent in the lead role and he is superbly supported by the other four men he shares the cramped confines of the tank with, each bringing their own personality effectively to the screen. This makes us care all the more when the crew are thrown into a desperate fight to the finish.

The battle action is breathtakingly ferocious. The sight of Fury with literally every gun blazing is likely to be one that you will never forget. In fact there are many iconic scenes that elevate this far above any standard military drama.

Fury is a must-see tribute to the brave men who fought and died for our freedom.

Faith Matters by Robin Gurney of Churches Together Leighton Linslade...

For much of the last century, each Sunday morning and evening, the streets of Leighton Buzzard resounded to the strains of the local Salvation Army band as they brought their Christian message to the town’s citizens. 

Sunday shop opening and the general increase in traffic has put paid to that old tradition. Nevertheless the band is still thriving and this year is celebrating its 125th anniversary. 

Formed in 1889, soon after the corps opened, the band of nine players began under their first bandmaster, Jesse Kipping. Jesse was a Methodist who was christened in the Eaton Bray Methodist Church but at the time of becoming bandmaster of the new SA band was a member at the Hockliffe Street Methodist Church. That church building was demolished in the 1960s to make way for the inner by-pass. Jesse was born in Slapton in 1836. How do I know? Well he features in my own family history and at one time I owned his cornet!

For Leightonians of a later era, the frequent sight of bandmaster George Reeve cycling around the town collecting weekly insurance payments put that gentleman in public view. Mr Reeve held the position for 48 years and on his retirement in 1960 a BBC television crew arrived at the Market Square to film the handover to his successor, Bramwell Evans. 

The Market Square features prominently in the history of the band for it was there that a service was held every Sunday evening before the band and followers marched to the evening service in the Salvation Army hall in Lammas Walk. Still the present meeting place of the Leighton SA Corps.

In the 1950s the Leighton Rotary Club invited the band to accompany an evening of carol singing in the High Street on Christmas Eve. About 100 people attended the first event and no-one there could have guessed that such an evening would have survived to the present day.

That Christmas Eve tradition sees the High Street closed for a couple of hours as upwards of 3,000 people attend come rain, snow and wind to sing the traditional melodies. For some, Christmas would not now be Christmas without that family gathering.

The band is also visible in the town on Remembrance Day services in November and is often invited to provide music for other civic events.

A special weekend is being planned for November 22-23 to recognise that 125 years of unbroken service. All former members of the band who are known to the present leadership have been invited but if LBO readers know of someone who has not received an invitation then John Quick on 01525 376518 would love to hear from you.

A leading Salvation Army officer, Commissioner William Cochrane will front the weekend. Two guest brass soloists will also be featured - world renowned euphonium player from the famous International Staff Band, Derek Kane, and the outstanding cornetist James Fountain. The Saturday evening festival of music will begin at 7 pm in the Salvation Army hall in Lammas Walk. All are most welcome.

Leighton Town made it two wins in a week on Saturday as they cruised past high-flying Potters Bar on Saturday.

It caps a brilliant week for the Reds, who booked their spot in the next round of the FA Trophy, following a 3-1 win over Corinthian Casuals in the replay on Tuesday night.

A Danny Watson brace and a Phil Draycott strike saw Town comfortably through, and built confidence ahead of another away trip four days later as they travelled it to north London to take on Potters Bar, who started the day second in Division 1 Central.

But despite the gulf in league positions, Leighton were more than a match for Potters Bar, with Danny Watson coming closest to opening the scoring with a shot that just skimmed the top of the crossbar.

Lamar Simpson should have opened the scoring for Potters Bar but shot straight at Dan Green between the sticks.

And the home side were made to pay for the miss when, three minutes later, Phil Draycott’s ball to the far post came back off the upright and into the net, giving Leighton a well-deserved lead at half time.

Potters Bar should have been level within seconds of the restart when Green came rushing out of his net, but James Ewington fluffed his lines, putting his lob over the top.

And again, Potters Bar were made to pay for their missed opportunities as Leighton doubled their lead.

Draycott again was at the centre of the action, playing a delightful ball through to Claude Senla to coolly slot home Leighton’s second.

The home side were determined to get back into the game though, and forced Green into two fine saves to keep his clean sheet in tact.

The game was wrapped up in the 67th minute though, when a Draycott corner once more teed up Robbie Goodman to head in Town’s third of the afternoon.

The home side were denied a consolation goal when Chris Doyle’s effort came back off the crossbar, bouncing to safety - nothing falling for the home side.

The influential Draycott’s afternoon would come to a premature end though with 16 minutes to go, when Tommy Boxer used some rough-house tactics to silence the man, earning himself a booking in the process. Draycott was helped from the field, and replaced by Aaron Morgan.

Morgan livened the game up in the closing stages as Leighton continued to look well in control until the final whistle.

The win moves Craig Bicknell’s men up to 16th in the standings.

And they’re in action again tonight (Tuesday) against North Greenwood at Bell Close, kick off at 7.45pm.

Police are hunting four intruders wearing balaclavas who broke into a home in Camberton Road, Linslade on Thursday at 2.4opm.

After getting in by breaking a window, they were disturbed by the homeowner.

They demanded money and fled with a purse down Cedars Way towards Wing Road.

Officers carried out a search of the area and the helicopter was called out but the men, who are described as being in their late 30s/early 40s and “unfit” escaped.

One had a brown baseball cap and beige jacket and the others wore dark clothing.

Call police on 101 with any information.

Leighton Buzzard were beaten, but certainly not out-classed by league leaders Chippenham at Wrights Meadow on Saturday.

While the 34-20 scoreline depicts a comfortable win for the leaders, Leighton will come away from the game knowing they can mix it with the best the division has to offer.

Chippenham kicked off with the slope in their favour and after only two minutes Leighton were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck. Centre Sam Saunders converted the penalty kick to give his side the lead. However, only two minutes later their blind side flanker Andy Rossitor was yellow carded for overzealous play.

Despite pressure from the visitors Buzzards were making their way into the game and after fourteen minutes they took the lead. Following a scrummage close to the visitor’s line, number eight Zak Tift released scrum half Charlie Esdon who exploited the blind side, scoring in the corner.

Back came Chippenham with their well drilled forwards taking control. In the twentieth minute following a driving maul tight head prop Luke Corbett broke through to restore the visitor’s lead.

Buzzards had opportunities to regain the lead from penalties awarded against Chippenham, but were unable to take advantage. After thirty three minutes they were made to pay for their profligacy when, following successive phases of play number eight Bobby Lyons finished off good work to extend the lead. Saunders kicked the conversion.

However Leighton finished the half in the ascendancy, Dan David converting a penalty to make the interval score 15-8 to the visitors.

Five minutes into the second half Chippenham increased their advantage, number eight Matt Bye bursting through Buzzards defence to score.

Ten minutes later things got worse for the home side. After a passage of play close to their line, the home side’s scrummage succumbed under pressure, the referee awarding a penalty try. Saunders’ successful conversion made the score 27–8.

Leighton’s cause was helped when the visitor’s flanker Chris Day was yellow carded, receiving ten minutes in ‘the bin’.

Buzzards now decided that attack was the better form of defence and after sixty three minutes, following an electrifying backs move, winger Geoff Branwhite scored in the corner.

Two minutes later Chippenham were reduced to thirteen players when second row Nick Doyle joined his colleague in ‘the bin’. Leighton took full advantage and following a precision cross-kick from David, the ball was brilliantly caught above his head by full back Ed Ratcliffe who rounded the defence to score close to the posts. David kicked the conversion to make the score 27–20.

Now it was the visitors who were rocking, but once their full complement was restored they managed to work their way into Leighton territory.

Despite Buzzards best efforts they were unable to improve the score line, indeed it was Chippenham had the last laugh, scrum half Lewis Surry scoring under the posts to seal the match. Saunders kicked the conversion to make the final score 34-20.

A swimming coach has been presented with the Outstanding Contribution by a Young Volunteer’ award at the ASA East Region ceremony.

Tyla Danskin has been with Crusaders since the age of 8 is not only a swimmer but has progressed from supporting teachers pool side to now teaching younger swimmers at the weekend, as well as being on hand to encourage and support them in their first steps into competitive swimming galas.

In 2012 she helped organise the club Sports Relief “Go the Extra Mile” event which raised a fantastic £1,200.

And more recently has taken up the role as club Press Officer, keeping club members and the wider community informed of the clubs successes.

Tyla had been nominated by Competition Secretary Lesley Dunn many months before.

Lesley felt Tyla deserved recognition, saying: “She is well liked and well respected by all members of our club, committee, teachers, coaches and swimmers.

“This young lady is truly an inspiration.”

Winning this award enables Tyla go forward as the regional nomination for consideration as part of the national Aquaforce Awards.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will have plans in place to answer 999 calls and respond to emergencies during the four day strike that the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has announced.

The FBU announced that its members in fire and rescue services across England will be on a continuous nationwide strike from Friday, October 31, at 6pm, to Tuesday, November, 4, at 6pm.

The FBU is in dispute with the government over firefighters’ pension arrangements, it is the latest in a series of strikes over the past 13 months.

Bedfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Paul Fuller, said: “Whilst this is a national dispute between the FBU and the Government, the impact will be felt locally and the impact of a 4 day continuous strike should not be underestimated.

“Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service does have well practiced plans to continue to deliver services during the periods of FBU strike action, based on the previous strikes over the past year, and these plans will again be put into place.

“However, as with any period of strike action, this will be a reduced service, compared to normal.

“A 96 hour strike will be even more challenging, particularly if we are busy with 999 calls, but we will be doing all that we can to manage the situation effectively.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Glen Ranger said: “We will prioritise any 999 calls we receive, so that we can respond to those with a potential threat to life and we will still have qualified firefighters and officers responding to emergencies.

“However, we will also need the support and help of the public to minimise the risk of fire and other emergencies. With this strike taking place in the build-up to Bonfire Night, we urge the public to use common sense, and minimise the potential for fire to start, in the home as well as outdoors.

“Fire is not the only concern, we also need the public to take extra care whilst driving and reduce the risk of road traffic collisions.”

Parish councils across Bedfordshire have called for government back-up, saying they are being denied money due to them by Central Beds Council.

In a motion passed on Wednesday at the annual meeting of Bedfordshire Association of Local Councils, they called their national body to request a government Minister intercede on their behalf with Central Beds.

John Westbury, chairman of Eggington Parish Council, seconded the motion and said: “We’re trying to find out if we’re getting next year’s allocation through, or instead make up for the fact that Central Beds Council are basically stealing money from us.”

The Council Tax Support Grant was set up by the Government in 2013 to make up for losses in the shake-up of council tax rules.

All unitary authorities receive the money. In two-tier systems like Central Bedfordshire it was assumed a portion of it would be passed down to town and parish councils. But so far, Central Beds is one of a number of authorities that has refused to do so.

Mr Westbury said: “It’s what they should do. It’s money that the Government has given to Central Beds to replace what people don’t pay in council tax. Cllr Maurice Jones has said that, basically, Central Beds Council are not going to hand the money over, in spite of the fact that’s what the Government intended.”

Leighton town councillor Mike Bishop was also at the meeting, which has held at Houghton Conquest Village Hall . He said: “It’s all very well Central Beds boasting about not raising council tax, but they are keeping back money meant for smaller councils to help them do it.”

In response to the criticism, Central Beds Councillor Maurice Jones, said: “We have been very clear with all the town and parish councils about the fact that there is no longer a standalone council tax support grant.

“In these times of austerity all councils are facing real challenges in meeting increasing service demands with less funding. At Central Bedfordshire, we have addressed this with a relentless focus on efficiency, and as a result we have saved more than £70million since we were created without cutting front-line services.

“But it is difficult, and in reality we are simply not in a position to release our revenue support grant from government – which does not include any ring-fenced council tax support grant – to other councils. Our advice would be that they need to be as focused on saving money as we have been.”

Leighton Buzzard Theatre is hosting two Relaxed Screenings for people on the autistic spectrum or who would benefit from a more relaxed cinema-going experience.

The first will be House of Magic at 2pm on Thursday (October 30), then at the same time on December 30, it will be showing much-loved Disney modern classic Sing-a-Long Frozen.

Councillor Ian Dalgarno, deputy executive member for Community Services, said: “While most people find going to the cinema a relaxing experience, for some it can be quite daunting. That’s why, at our Relaxed Screenings, the sound level is reduced and low lights are left on. Seating is unreserved, and it’s fine to make noise, move around or leave the cinema.

“We want to make our venues welcoming places for all residents and we hope that people will take advantage of these new Relaxed Screenings.”

House of Magic (U certificate) tells the story of stray cat Thunder, who stumbles across an old magician’s house full of amazing gizmos, and quickly needs to learn how to get along with the other animals there. When the magician has a car accident, the pets must join forces against an evil niece who tries to sell the house.

Tickets to both screenings at the Lake Street venue cost £5.45 for adults and £4.20 concessions, plus a £1 booking fee on each ticket. Groups of six people and above receive a ten per cent discount. To book, call the box office on 0300 300 8125 or visit www.leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk

Central Bedfordshire council is encouraging residents to stay safe at firework displays.

The council’s Public Protection team have been inspecting local firework retailers, offering advice to people running displays and telling people how they can protect themselves.

Councillor Brian Spurr said: “Firework displays can be great fun for everybody, but people have to remember that fireworks are explosives and they can be very dangerous.

“We’ve been checking that retailers are complying with the law and offering advice to those who are organising big events.”

Trading Standards officers will be carrying out 55 inspections at retailers this week, ensuring fireworks are stored safely, and they will check that businesses are sourcing fireworks from suppliers that have been manufactured to the correct British Standards.

They will ensure that the fireworks are not damp, or being stored insecurely or close to anything that could cause them to ignite.

Retailers must know the age restriction law, you must be 18 to buy them.

Councillor Spurr added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy a safe fireworks night. Fireworks should only be purchased from reputable suppliers and we would advise the public to steer well clear of buying fireworks from markets, car boot sales or street sellers.”

But it’s not just about firework safety.

Councillor Spurr said: “During Halloween some people, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, can find it very frightening to have large groups unexpectedly calling at their homes asking for treats.

“If possible, parents and guardians should go out trick or treating with their children, sticking to well-lit areas and only knocking on the doors of people they know. Some people may have ‘No trick or treat’ posters up at their doors and we ask that these are respected.”

“This time of year is really fun and we want people to have a fantastic time. We’ve set up some dedicated webpages to talk about firework safety and Halloween etiquette, so check out www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/halloween to find out more.”

Sweet-and-sour was on the menu for Leighton Buzzard golfers involved in the annual battle between the Club President’s Men and Captain Derek Lindley’s Red Army.

For while Derek and playing partner Graham Benson beat President David Hawkins and Maurice Campbell in their individual match, it was Hawkins who celebrated over all sweet success with a 7-5 win.

Derek Eaton and Mel Glover and Syd Pniewski and Paul Atkinson got the Presidents team off to a flying start and were followed into the club house with wins by Keith Camp and John Latimer, Gordon Francis and Gavin Samuels, Phil Whitecross and Colin Beasley and Brian Carter and Ian Alexander.

Phil Coumbe and Steve King, David Robinson and Bryan Bateman and Steve Leng and Billy O’Neill won for Captain Lindley, but his hopes of regaining the trophy the Captain’s team lost last year faded when ex-Presidents Steve de Nisi and Peter Taylor halved with Stuart Leslie and Simon Rossiter and Fred Ritchie and Richard Samuels held Vice Captain elect Adrian Stephenson and Derek Richards to a tie.

Lindley had earlier teamed up with President Hawkins to kick-start a Leighton inter-club win against local rivals Aspley Guise, with Adrian Stephenson and David Jones, Laurie Benson and Steve Schmidt and Manny Barker and Michael Loot also winning to give Leighton a fine 4-2 victory.

Scott Douglas won Leighton’s Midweek stableford, his 40 point haul beating Richard Youldon by a single shot. Roger Servantes, Steve Gibbs and Andy Jenkins finished with 38 points ahead of Steve Molyneaux, David Roberts, Gordon Plews and Abe Plummer.

Forty points was enough for Simon Goodall to win the October weekend stableford, David Banwell and Josh Rowles finishing runners-up with 39pts ahead of Tom Day, Scott Douglas and Peter Gadsden, with David Jones, Yash Tosar and Laurie Benson heading a chasing pack.

The October weekend medal was won by Steven Giles, his nett 66 beating David Scott, David Banwell and David Roberts by a shot, with Tim Dawson and Oliver Banwell returning nett 68s, one clear of Stuart Leslie, Jamie Stone and Steve Shepherd.

Leighton’s Mixed team lost 6-4 at Dunstable Downs, Derek Lindley and Jackie Stimpson, Debbie Pollard-Barns and Steve Leng, Ian Alexander and Sandra Carter and Denis Leitch and Norma Stevens-Hack returning winning cards.

Dorothy Jones won Leighton Ladies Hidden Holes competition with 14pts, beating Cicely Goldsmith, Sandra Bellis, Gill Ladd and Sue Preston.

Former Tilsworth assistant pro Alex White, 35, has been named as Foremost Professional of the Year, an award previously won by Leighton’s Maurice Campbell with whom he trained.

Alex, married to Nicola, the daughter of former Leighton Captain John Bateman and his wife Christine, is currently head professional at Romiley golf club in Cheshire.

Rain restricted play for Leighton golfers taking part in the annual Coleford Classic at Ingot Manor, but Will Koch stayed dry enough to win with 87pts, beating joint runners-up Chris Read, who also won the longest drive, and Simon Rossiter, winner of the putting competition.

The Texas scramble was won by Mick Francis, Mick Gibbings and Derek Richards; Paul Brooks was awarded the Charlie Wood trophy and nearest-the-pin prizes were won by Dave Vaughan, Tudor Lewis, Terry Jordan and Will Koch.

A huge team of 32 paddlers took to the river Cam Chelmsford Canoe Club played hosts for the first of the 2014/15 seasons regional Hasler marathon races.

For Bethany Morris and Max Pickering this was their first divisional race having competed in the aged grouped Lightning class previously.

Bethany had shot straight into Div 8 for this competition, which proved to be a good call as she covered the longer 4 mile, 2 portage course with ease finishing in 4th.

Max had an equally good race in Div 9 which saw the biggest entry of 46 paddlers. Getting off to a great start Max paddled confidently all the way round to cross in 6th place and gained himself promotion to Div 8.

For the Lightnings it was another success story despite having lost several of their paddlers to the divisional races. In the Under 10 boys Adam Baker had a tough race taking a knock on the turn however he fought back well to finish in 7th. Making his début was newcomer Jack Rayment who paddled as hard as he could finishing in a pleasing 9th . Kaite Dixon in the Under 12 girls took full advantage of the shorter 2km course and flew round ending up in 2nd.

In the Under 10 girls Linzi Curtis dominated her race from the start and took first place with ease. Collectively the four earned 65 points and reached 4th place.

The Chelmsford course is renowned for it’s portages however they proved no problem for the determined LBCC team who achieved medals and promotions.

In the K2s it was a remarkable 1st and 2nd place in Div 7. Winners James Callow and Ashley Townsend were chased round the course by their own team mates Amanda Morris and Isobelle Pickering. In a combined Div 3 and 4 new pairing of Matt Callow and Charlie Smith took on some very experienced crews.

The two 15 year old boys weren’t intimated though and held their own round the 12 mile ten portage course to finish in 3rd place.

In the K1 races it was 2nd in Div 2 for Bob Poole who had a stunning race following a brilliant start. In Div 1 it was 3rd for Sam Plummer in his first race since returning from the Marathon World Championships last month.

Following some great competitive racing Paul Plummer gained promotion up to Div 4, Bryan Handsley and Andrew Miller were promoted to Division 8.

Overall the team earned 220 points, enough for 2nd.

It’s that spooky time of the year again and this column is sandwiched between Hallowe’en and Bonfire Night where the air is heavy with swirling fog and the smell of gunpowder.

Traditionally it is around now that ghostly happenings are at their most prevalent. Or are they? Is there really anything out there aside from an over-active human imagination?

I have always maintained that anyone claiming to see ghosts also enjoys a drink. Until last year, when a perfectly sensible – and teetotal – colleague from the High Court fled screaming from a notoriously haunted courtroom in London after a man sitting quietly in the public gallery just disintegrated before her eyes. This particular building was rumoured to be haunted by headless nuns, with one infamous court known for its bizarre supernatural happenings. So feared was this courtroom that it was only used as an emergency overflow because no member of staff – including some of the judges – wanted to work in it.

The court building has recently been demolished and luxury flats built on the site. I like to think that new residents who are paying a very steep price tag may get a little extra for their money!

Leighton Buzzard claims a number of resident ghosts too. The most popular spooky sighting occurs at the Bedford Arms, where a woman is said to lean over beds in the early hours of the morning, specifically between 2am and 3am.

A workshop in Lake Street was reported to be home to a troublesome poltergeist and a mystery hitch-hiker who suddenly vanishes has been encountered on a Stanbridge road. Another local pub, the Buckingham Arms, is claimed to be home to some strange ghostly noises.

I’ve never experienced anything remotely spooky, aside from being approached by a skeleton one Halloween as I walked home: it was easily pacified with 50p and trotted off into the night.

But research into the experiences of friends and colleagues unearthed a whole host of otherwordly experiences.

So are ghosts real? This jury is still out, but I’ll be watching out for things that go bump in the night!

Two projects in LBO land are among seven to have been shortlisted for this year’s Aylesbury Vale District Council Design Awards.

The first is Cherry Tree Barn, Bragenham Lane, near Great Brickhill – a new rural family home, based around an existing cow shed, using local and reused materials to provide an environmentally efficient house.

The second is The Grove, Stockgrove Park, near Great Brickhill – one of a pair of new spacious contemporary and sustainable luxury homes in an historic setting.

The judging panel – including district councillors, architects and experts in development and the built environment – chose the entries for their high quality, contemporary designs and contribution to the surrounding area.

The awards are run by the district council on an annual basis .

Councillor Sue Polhill said: “We know how important high quality, well-designed buildings are to the lives of residents and the wider community as the district continues to grow and change.”

The winning scheme will be announced at a ceremony on November 26.

The Antiques Association was formed this time last year as a result of the closure at Woburn Abbey’s Antiques Centre.

After many weeks of searching for new premises, the ex-Woburn Abbey Antiques Centre dealers with their newly formed association finally settled in Woburn village, which already boasts a great reputation for antique shops and auctions.

A year on from opening their doors to the public on November 1, 2013, The Antiques Association has gone from strength to strength and are planning a great weekend to celebrate their first anniversary of trading.

The weekend of November 1-2 (10am – 5pm) will officially mark their first anniversary at 4 Market Place and a Meet the Dealers weekend has been arranged. A 20% discount on selected items is being offered to all that come to celebrate the occasion. There will also be a competition to ‘find something in a picture’ with a champagne prize.

Many of the dealers including John Bly (Antiques Roadshow fame), and Anna Maggs who originally formed The Antiques Association and has taken the lead role, will be present to meet visitors and customers for the weekend.

A spokesman said: “They have all worked extremely hard over this past year to make their premises one of the best antiques centres in the area, with a large selection of fantastic antiques both big and small with prices to suit everyone.

“We now have a website www.antiquesassociation.co.uk where you can browse some of their wares online and marvel at their superb achievement in such a short space of time.”

For more details call 01525 290135 or email enquiries@antiquesassociation.co.uk.