We have new leaders at the head of the Premier Division supported by Sportsform league table in the shape of Shefford Town & Campton after they made it seven wins on the bounce with a 4-2 victory at Sharnbrook.

Andy Hayday saw his two goals added to via an own goal and a Michael Jones penalty against home replies via Leon Taylor and Shaun Barnett.

Losing out on that top spot were Renhold United after they lost their 100% ways when beaten 2-1 at home by an Ickwell & Old Warden side who were thus ending a three game losing run. The returning to the club Zak Rowe and new signing Ryan Ellingham netted the vital goals against a United reply from Jason Allison.

AFC Oakley M&DH remain in third spot despite losing 2-1 at Eastcotts AFC who are now up into seventh after taking their unbeaten ways up to four games. Jack Bloodworth and Kaylen Wilson were on their scoresheet against a lone reply from Alex Liburd.

Oakley held onto that third spot due to Marston Shelton Rovers losing their unbeaten away ways when beaten 4-3 at Caldecote who were winning for the first time in seven starts. Tom Wallace with a brace plus Conor Smith and Glen Renforth were on the home scoresheet against Rovers replies from Jamie Cerminara twice and David Thompson.

All this allowed Flitwick Town to inch within two points of them both after they won 4-3 at bottom of the table Lidlington United Sports. Jim Lewis netted twice alongside single strikes from Mark Skidmore and Callum Jones against United replies via a brace from Julian Wilson and a goal for Ben Marwood.

Also enjoying life on the road were AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College who retained their unbeaten away ways with a 2-1 win at Wootton Blue Cross, Alex Russell and Paul Obuch netting the goals to do the damage against one in reply from Phil Matthews.

For Sandy the search for their first home win of the season continues after they were held to a 2-2 draw by AFC Turvey who despite not having won any of their last eight outings can still boast they are still unbeaten on the road this season.Tom Burton and Jahrome Mullings netting for the home side against replies via Andrew Latimer and Adam Jackson.

However for Pavenham there was a first home win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Wilstead. James Owen netting both the goals against a lone reply from Colin Marshall.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford

There is no change at the head of the Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford League table following wins for the top three clubs. For league leaders Henlow it was a retention of their 100% home record and unbeaten record with a 9-1 win over Meltis Albion. Anthony Bowskill leading the way with a hat-trick and supported by a brace from Russell Ayles plus single strikes from George Kiely, Matthew Rumbelow, Keith Milburn and James Campbell against a lone Albion reply via Asa Garlick.

Whilst second place Elstow Abbey retained their own seasons 100% away record by winning 13-0 at bottom of the table Brache Sparta. Danny Pilgrim netting six times, Aaron Cavill twice to go with single goals for Matt Poulton, Jason Harrison, Ryan Grant, Jhey Tompkins and Dom Parrella.

Yet perhaps the result of the day belonged to third place Cranfield United who ended fourth place Sundon Park Rangers’ unbeaten home record for the season with a 5-1 victory.Jordan Appleton netting all five goals against a lone Rangers reply via Matt Conway.

Losing out on their 100% away ways were fifth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves who were beaten 3-2 at Bedford SA who duly collected their first home points of the season. Dominic Andrews, James Munns and Ashley Banton on the home scoresheet against Town replies via Elliot West and Humerto Ubonazo. Whilst Great Barford are now up into sixth spot after wining 4-0 at Queens Park Crescents. David Mulvhill with a brace seeing his goals added to by Michael Pickard and Chris Huckle.

Also enjoying life on the road with their first away win of the season were Riseley Sports who ran out 3-1 winners at bottom of the table AFC Harlington. James Cook, Mark Darlow and James Bowen netted the goals against a lone home reply via Stephen Garner.

Elsewhere Shefford Town & Campton Reserves extended their unbeaten ways to four games with a 2-0 home win over Potton Town thanks to goals from Ross Earl and Joe Lewis. Whilst Marabese Ceramics are still in search of their first home win of the season after being held to a 2-2 draw by AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Ricky Bruniges and Lewis Littlechild on the Tilermen scoresheet against replies via Daniel Bentley and Ian Scott.

Bedfordshire FA Junior Cup Second Round

There are just just two giant killing acts to report from an afternoon where results went mainly to form.

They came from Cranfield United Reserves who netted a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win at Meltis Albion Reserves after 90 minutes play had seen the sides deadlocked at 2-2. Josh St Clair Pierre and Lewis Aitkin on the Albion scoresheet against a brace in reply for Daniel Mclaren.Whilst FC Serbia were 4-2 home winners over Caldecote Reserves. Milan Marusk netting all four goals against replies via Rhys Parker and Nicky Albone.

The biggest winners of the day were Stevington who ran out 9-1 victors at Wilstead Reserves Joe Holyoke and Kieran Souter both netting hat-tricks to go with goals from Aaron Fletcher, Ben Souter and Sam Nightingale against a lone Ryan Davenport reply.

There were 4-0 home wins for both FC Houghton and Westoning. Houghton, with two goals from Sam Martin plus strikes from Lawrence Taylor and Mark Doran, saw off Renhold United Resrves and Westoning ,with a brace from Tom Cooksley plus goals from Glen Cooksley and Ben Dashwood, beat Atletico Europa.

For Bedford United it was a 4-3 home win over Luton District & South Beds League FC Polonia with Jamaal Dixon and Aaron Perrett both grabbing braces and for Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves it was a 3-2 home win over Clifton. Gary Russon netting twice and Carl Boremeo once against replies via Jack Brown and Callum McCoy.

Elsewhere, Moggerhanger United and Shefford Town & Campton A both grabbed 2-1 home wins. United with strikes from Lee Adams and Luke Rudd beating Wootton Village 2-1 for whom Sam Mulvaney netted and Town with goals from Dean Linsell and Scott Frusciante seeing off White Eagles whose reply came from Cygan Rafak.

Meantime, Caldcote U20 are in the hat for the third round draw following a 7-6 penalty shoot-out win at Luton District & South Beds League Square A after 90 minutes play had seen the sides deadlocked at 1-1 with Jamie Richardson on the Caldecote scoresheet. Yet for Kempston Hammers Sports it was a 3-2 penalty shoot-out defeat at Sporting St James after 90 minutes played had seen the sides level at 4-4.Jimmy Grandidge twice plus David Havil and Chris Greene on the Hammers scoresheet.

Like the Hammers also ending their cup hopes against Luton District & South Beds League opposition were Clapham Sports who were beaten 4-0 at Caddington Rangers Reserves.

Joining all those winners in the third round hat without having to kick a ball will be Kempston Athletic after Westoning U20 failed to raise a side to travel to meet them. FC Spandit Reserves after Mid Beds Tigers pulled out of their tie late on Saturday morning and Elstow Abbey Reserves following the demise of Kempston Con Club earlier in the week.

Division Three

Flitwick Town Reserves remain unbeaten on home soil this season and now up into second spot on the league table following their 4-3 win over Sandy Reserves. Kevin Higby netting twice alongside single goals from Ollie Banfield and Benn Ward against replies via Chris Gregory, Rob Wilson and Anthony Roberts.

Elsewhere, Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves jumped up into fifth spot following their 2-1 home win over Lea Sports PSG. Mio Plater and Marko Tobdzic netting the goals against a PSG reply from Ryan Durrant.

Two pubs in LBO land are toasting their success in the Aylesbury Vale Village Pub of the Year 2014.

The Rose & Crown in Ivinghoe won the Community Pub award, while the Unicorn in Cublington won a special one-off award for its consistent excellence.

The overall winner in the contest, run by Aylesbury Vale District Council, was the Rising Sun in Ickford.

Now in its 17th year, the awards generated hundreds of nominations from Aylesbury Vale residents, all wanting their local to win the top accolade.

The winning pubs were chosen on the basis of their score from visits by mystery customers. Pubs are rated on a range of aspects, from cleanliness and service to community activities and family facilities.

Councillor Pam Pearce, AVDC Cabinet Member for Community Matters and chair of the judging panel, said: “The standards were so high this year, and our competition has something to do with that. These are coveted awards and pubs work hard to win them. Well done to all the winners and indeed to all the pubs nominated by their communities.”

All the finalists will be featured in the ‘Recommended Village Pub guide’, which will be available to download from the AVDC website www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

See the October 28 issue of the LBO for the launch of our own Best Bar competition.

The Informers are back at the Wheatsheaf in North Street, Leighton this Friday (October 31).

This passionate, hard working band deliver a great range of ska, rock, new romantic, new wave and punk covers from the 70s and 80s. Heralding from Herts, Beds and Bucks, The Informers always produce a great evening at the Wheatie with popular covers including Something Better Change, Hong Kong Garden, London Calling and even a brilliant version of Mott The Hoople’s Roll Away the Stone.

Guaranteed to get the audience up on their feet from the start, the band are: Rockin’ Bob on vocals and guitar, Vince Kilo on bass and vocals and Rod Carnally on drums and vocals.

On Saturday, the Outcast Band bring a live performance like no other, with influences from folk, punk and rock. The band produces a massive sound firmly based in rock and complemented by violin, mandolin and an accordion. Their latest album, The Longest Mile, even reached number two in the Amazon pre-order chart.

Music starts around 9.30pm on both nights and admission is free.

Twice a year the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry hold a special bereavement service for those who have recently lost their loved ones.

In the spring the service is held in All Saints Church, and this autumn, the service will be held on November 2, at 3pm in St Barnabas Church, Linslade.

There will be refreshments after the service when family and friends will have the opportunity, if they wish, to speak with the clergy and the bereavement visitors.

A dramatic scene lasted for hours when a man threatened to jump from a chimney in Hartwell Crescent.

Police arrived at the scene at about 5.45pm on the evening of Thursday October 23 after two men were spotted up at the dangerous height.

One of the men was drunk and threatening to throw himself from the chimney, while the other tried to talk him down.

Fire and Rescue service were called to assist police. A spokesman from the service said: “As the firefighters prepared to assist police, the man fell from the chimney stack onto the roof of the house, receiving minor injuries.

“A police negotiator talked to the man who was drunk, aggressive and unco-operative and the Fire Service mobilised further crews to assist, sending their arial platform from Luton, the Rescue Support Unit from Stopsley and their specialist working-at-height team and equipment from Dunstable.”

After falling from the chimney on to the roof at around 6.30pm, another hour and a half was spent negotiating with the man.

The drama is understood to have finished at 8pm when the man was brought down to safety, and the street was reopened again at 9pm.

The drunk man suffered minor cuts and bruises from his fall, and was taken into custody by police. The other man on the roof was uninjured.

Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company has plenty to shout about after success at the Milton Keynes Beer Festival.

The brewer’s Rebel Yell – described as “a black IPA offering a fantastic juxtaposition between the initial smooth richness of the malt, quickly followed by sharp dry hops” - was voted by those attending as Beer of the Festival.

Leighton resident Jon d’Este-Hoare, pictured, only set up the micro brewery, located on the Harmill Industrial Estate off Grovebury Road, this summer.

The latest high-tech mobile devices now being rolled out to Bedfordshire Police officers on patrol will result in more police time spent on the streets says Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins.

“The first batch of computer tablets that were issued earlier this month are compact and easily transportable - but pack a powerful punch by allowing officers to spend as much as an extra hour a day out policing neighbourhoods instead of being in the station,” he said.

“I know that more visible policing is what our residents and businesses want to see, and I am sure that this - along with the 99 new officers now in place - will help us to achieve that.”

The roll-out of 590 tablets and accessory equipment - expected to be completed across the force before the end of this financial year - will shortly be followed by the roll-out of new software being developed across the Beds Cambs Herts three force alliance.

“This will allow officers to do one search across all police databases and input new data just once, again making officers and staff more time efficient.

“It’s a joined-up system that will reduce duplication and deliver better results. I am, of course, delighted - though I’m sure criminals will take a different view,” the Commissioner added.

Chief Constable Colette Paul said: “Supplying officers with the tablets reduces the need for them to return to their base or station to make reports and access information.

“It also means that they have the ability to communicate quickly and effectively via phone and video calls, instant message and email wherever they are. This is an important stage in my transformation of Bedfordshire Police to a modern, efficient and effective organization that continues to keep the people of Bedfordshire safe and help fight crime”

The combination of more front-line officers and mobile technology “is a real boost for the force in its work to protect the public and fight crime and one that we have achieved despite the challenges of ongoing funding cuts,” Commissioner Martins added.

By Sue Palmer from the Volunteer Centre at Bossard House, West Street, Leighton Buzzard...

It’s easy to moan about the UK. The weather, traffic systems and taxes are just a few things that add to the frustrations of the Great British public.

But there are so many things we are great at; in particular we are a nation with a huge heart.

I am amazed at how quickly we roll up our sleeves and get involved when it comes to raising funds for charity.

We are easily moved by those whose circumstances are less fortunate than our own, and particularly when it concerns children.

So, it’s no wonder that every year in October and November, Britain unites, puts on yellow furry ears, and takes part in challenges that range from traditional to the completely bonkers, all to raise money for Children in Need.

Children in Need started life as a five-minute radio broadcast on Christmas Day, 1927 appealing for donations which were then split between four children’s charities. Now a household name, the charity supports 2,700 projects for children around the UK.

This year’s live telethon will be broadcast on BBC1 on November 14, with a ‘Be a Hero’ theme. Visit the website www.bbcchildreninneed.co.uk for resources, ideas and all things ‘Pudsey’ to help you get involved.

On a more local scale, we are currently looking for volunteers to help a Leighton Buzzard school celebrate their recent success.

Volunteers are being sought for a mass daffodil planting at St George’s School in East Street, where staff and pupils have put in a brilliant effort to achieve a ‘good’ report by Ofsted.

The school has lovely playing fields and acres of open grass, and to celebrate its success with Ofsted the school plans to plant hundreds of bulbs in early November, so that pupils can look forward to a ‘host of golden daffodils’ every spring.

Anyone who is interested in giving a hand would be very welcome and should contact the Volunteer Centre for more information.

Call 01525 850559 or email volunteer@action-centralbeds.org.uk.

Premier Division supported by Sportsform action this weekend sees league leaders Shefford Town & Campton defend their 100% home record when Marston Shelton Rovers come to Hitchin Road.

Second place Renhold United will be looking to preserve their 100% away record when they travel to Harvey Close to face a Caldecote side who will be looking for just their third home win of the season.

Also on the road will be third place AFC Oakley M&DH who journey to Weston Park to take on tenth place Wootton Blue Cross. Whilst fifth place Flitwick Town play hosts at the Flitwick Community Football Centre to seventh place Eastcotts AFC.

Down at the other end of the table, basement club Lidlington United Sports look to end a run of four consecutive away defeats and pick up their first win of the season when they head for a meeting on the Green against 12th place Ickwell & Old Warden who will be searching for their first home point/points of the season.

Elsewhere at their Playing Field base second from bottom of the table Pavenham play hosts to a Sandy side who sit just one place above them in the league standings but nevertheless will be looking to take their unbeaten away ways up to three games and at Thurleigh Playing Fields hosts AFC Turvey losers of their opening four home league games of the season and now without a win from their last eight outings face a visit from a Sharnbrook side who to date have been beaten just the once on the road this season.

The action spotlight this weekend for Division One clubs falls upon the second round ties in this season’s Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup.

Of the nine ties in which our teams are involved three are all Bedfordshire County Football League affairs. At New Grounds where hosts AFC Harlington are yet to record their first win of the season the visitors are a yet to win on the road this season Queens Park Crescents.Whilst at King George VI Playing Fields, AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves will look to preserve their seasons 100% home ways when called upon by Potton Town. The third tie comes at Miller Road, the venue at which hosts Meltis Albion will perhaps start the game second favourites against the visiting Sundon Park Rangers.

Elsewhere there are ties for four other sides against opposition from the Luton District & South Beds League. Alas for Riseley Sports its a trip on the road to Lewsey Park to face St Josephs whilst the other three will do battle on home soil. At Hillgrounds AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves face Four Model, over at Cople Playing Fields Bar 32 Luton are the opposition to face Bedford SA and at the Warren, Elstow Abbey will be playing hosts to Crawley Green A.

Meantime it’s a trip on the road for Cranfield United as they journey to take on Barton Rovers U20 Development B and a home tie for Great Barford against Wootton Blue Cross U21.

All this cup football leaves us with just a single division one supported by Wests Citroen Bedford fixture.That action comes at Rectory Road the venue at which tenth place Shefford Town & Campton Reserves play hosts to the unbeaten league leaders Henlow.

In Division Two it’s trips on the road for the leading two sides. League leaders Westoning go to Jubilee Playing Fields to defend their seasons unbeaten away ways against the hosting bottom of the table Wilstead Reserves who are yet to win on home soil this season. Whilst second place Elstow Abbey Reserves make the short journey to Wootton Recreation Ground looking to preserve their seasons unbeaten ways against tenth place hosts Wootton Village.

However perhaps the game of the day in this division comes at Moore Crescent, the venue at which third place FC Houghton will be seeking their sixth league win on the bounce when called upon by fourth place Clapham Sports who themselves are unbeaten in their last five league outings. Over at Cutler Hammer, seventh place Kempston Hammers receive a visit from sixth place Stevington and at their Playing Field headquarters second from bottom of the table Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves look to retain their current winning home ways when visited by a Moggerhanger United side who have lost on their last three trips away from Horseshoes Close.

Other action comes at Renhold Playing Fields where ninth place hosts Renhold United Reserves aim to take their unbeaten home ways up to three games against the visiting Caldecote Reserves whose task will be to end their current four game losing run on the road.

In Division Three the game of the day takes place on the 3G surface at Redborne School where seventh Dinamo Flitwick look to retain their unbeaten home ways when visited by league leaders Clifton. Whilst with third place Cranfield United Reserves sitting the afternoon out,fourth place Atletico Europa have a chance to climb above them with a point or more from their home clash at the Bedford Academy against the visiting fifth place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves who with a victory themselves could also take over that third spot.

Over at Bedford Recreation Ground, Sandy Reserves will be seeking out their first home win of the season against the visiting second place Flitwick Town Reserves. Whilst Greenfield Road is the venue where Westoning U20 look to end their four games losing run when called upon by sixth place Shefford Town & Campton A and at Harvey Close bottom of the table Caldecote U20 will be in home action against ninth place and yet to win on the road this season Lea Sports PSG.

The final game has a real international flavour when in Hillgrounds ninth place White Eagles play hosts to eighth place FC Serbia.

A woman has been successfully prosecuted after receiving nearly £28,000 in benefits despite having £27,000 in savings.

Following the case, Aylesbury Vale District Council is warning people that they must declare all savings when they claim housing and council tax benefit as failure to do so is likely to result in court action.

Elizabeth Lauder, of Manor Close, had £27,000 in bank accounts prior to making her benefit claim in 2010.

As a result of her failure to notify the district council of her true circumstances, she was overpaid £24,101 in housing benefit and £3,706 in council tax benefit and council tax reduction.

Miss Lauder, 38, was fined £200 and ordered to pay £670 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Another resident, William Page, 57, of Chestnut Close, from Aston Clinton, was also prosecuted for not declaring savings of more than £100,000 when claiming housing and council tax benefit.

He received £22,232 in council tax and housing benefit that he was not entitled to between June 2010 and February 2014. He was ordered to pay a fine of £885, costs of £915 and a victim surcharge of £30.

Councillor Neil Blake, the leader of the council, said: “Our fraud detection systems are getting more and more sophisticated which means, as shown by the increasing number of successful prosecutions, that if you cheat the benefits system there is a growing likelihood that you will be caught.

“So, before you make a claim, make absolutely sure that you declare your true financial position.

“We will continue to track down benefit fraudsters and return their ill-gotten gains to the benefits system so that those with genuine claims are not disaffected.”

Capital is any type of savings or investments. It includes bank and building society accounts, post office accounts, National Savings Certificates, ISAs, stocks, shares, bonds, property other than the home you live in and cash.

For benefits advice, contact the benefits service on 01296 585618 or email: benefits@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

To report suspicions of benefit fraud, call the district council’s fraud hotline in confidence on 01296 585570 or email benefitfraud@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

The Annual Community Fireworks and Bonfire Spectacular organised by Leighton Buzzard Lions Club will be held at Brooklands School, Brooklands Drive, Leighton Buzzard on Saturday, November 8, with gates opening at 5.30pm.

By popular demand there will be entertainment by VIVACE, a versatile vocal group performing many genres of music (pop, blues, rock and more).

Hot food outlets will be on hand to fill those hunger pangs with a variety of drinks available, including ‘Lionel’s Hot Chocolate’ with scrummy marshmallows, plus the famous Dinky Donuts!

With £5,000 worth of fireworks this year, plus glow sticks, lightsabers, crazy hair and attractions for the younger ones it’s a date for your diary.

Advance tickets can be purchased £1 cheaper via Watson’s Letting Agency 26 Leighton Road, Leighton Buzzard, or on the night priced adults £5, under 14s and OAPs £3.

More details at website www.lblions.com

A vicious fight took place between two men in Lake Street, Leighton Buzzard yesterday.

A 34-year-old man was left drifting in and out of consciousness with severe cuts to the head in the aftermatch of the fight, which happened late in the afternoon of Thursday, October 30.

It is believed both men had been in the Litten Tree pub – although it is not known if they were in the same party – and a fight broke outside on the way to a pizza parlour.

The 34-year-old was punched in the face and hit his head on the pavement outside Pizza Plus.

Police were called at 5.40pm and the injured man was taken by ambulance to L&D hospital. The other man had already fled the scene.

Anyone with information who has not yet come forward, contact police on 101.

Two businesses in Leighton Buzzard are to be celebrated by Small Business Saturday, the UK’s dedicated day for small businesses on Saturday, December 6.

Agile Administration, a home-based company run by Cathy Wright, helps other small business by giving them a helping hand to lighten their load.

She has been up and running for two years, her services include marketing and PR (such as for Leighton author Tony Drury), social media training, project management, bookkeeping and administration services.

For Small Business Saturday, Ms Wright will be trying to get involved with the local community by using social media and she plans to invite local dignitaries to her home office to see where a virtual administrator works.

SewGood, on TK Furniture’s first floor and run by Anne Greaves, is the second business in Leighton from the 100 selected across the country.

Ms Greaves will be profiling her business on Tuesday, November 25. She will be having an open day to celebrate five years since she became an independent curtain maker.

She said: “It is really exciting to be nominated and a real honour to be chosen as a small business in Leighton Buzzard.

“I feel the time is right to raise my profile. It will be my five year anniversary that weekend so it will be extra special for me.”

National campaign director, Michelle Ovens, said: “The first Small Business Saturday last year was an exceptional example of collaboration and co-operation with small businesses teaming up in communities around the UK,”

Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “I have the utmost admiration for the millions of people who run a small business in this country.

“They are making an enormous contribution to our economic recovery and their hard work and commitment embodies all that is great about the UK.

“Small Business Saturday is a vital reminder that we need to celebrate small businesses not just on one day, but all year round.”

For more details see www.agileadmin.com and www.sewgooduk.com

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer was in Leighton Buzzard on Friday to inspect the progress of much-needed works to improve accessibility at the town’s station.

The improvements, which include the installation of a new, covered footbridge with two new lifts, will provide a step-free route to the platforms for the first time, making it easier for passengers to use the rail network.

The work has been funded by the Government’s Access for All scheme.

Network Rail started works in July 2013 and is due to complete them by end of the year.

Baroness Kramer said: “I am pleased to see that all passengers will soon be able to use these facilities to get to work, go out and visit friends and family much more easily.

“I know these changes to accessibility mean a lot to people, and that’s why the Government, as part of its long term economic plan, has invested £460 million since 2006 in the Access for All programme to provide step-free routes at over 190 stations across the country by 2019.”

Works under the Access for All programme are over and above what the rail industry is required to do to improve access in line with EU and UK standards whenever they carry out infrastructure works at stations.

Terry Strickland, area director for Network Rail, said: “The railway should be for everyone and projects like this help us get closer to achieving that aim. The new lifts and footbridge don’t just help people with mobility difficulties but anyone with suitcases or buggies and are a significant boost to Leighton Buzzard station.”

If you’re a good sport then why not try to grab yourself or your organisation a share of a pot of grant money being dished out this December?

The Leighton Linslade & District Sports Council, on behalf of the town council, distributes funds to benefit sport in the Leighton Buzzard and Linslade area.

Previous grants have been awarded, for example, to individuals undertaking formal coaching courses and to clubs seeking a contribution towards the cost of new equipment.

The closing date for all applications is Friday, November 14.

Anyone interested should contact Jim Cornell on 01525 851070.

Plaudits must go to director Brian Singer, who started the X-Men series and makes a triumphant return with the new superhero adventure sequel.

X-Men: First Class put life into the flagging franchise three years ago, featuring younger versions of established characters (James McAvoy as Professor X, Michael Fassbender as Magneto and Jennifer Lawrence as blue-hued shape-shifter Mystique).

Now Singer ups the ante with X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (12: Twentieth Century Fox), an ambitious time-spanning tale that puts the original stars – Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman – alongside their younger counterparts.

Wolverine (Jackman) is sent back to 1973 by old sparring partners Professor X and Magneto to save the future from mechanoid mutant killers called Sentinels.

That means convincing drug-addled, and now powerless, Xavier (McAvoy) to bury the hatchet with Magneto, who’s languishing in a vault beneath the Pentagon.

Cue a Mission Impossiblestyle rescue that introduces mutant speedster Quicksilver.

The compelling cast make the movie more than just a noisy action-fest and this rip-roaring recalibration of past and current X-teams should provide these characters with a bright new future.

> Musical biopic JERSEY BOYS (15: Warner) takes the hit show about 1950s and ’60s singers Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons from stage to screen. But Clint Eastwood is not the kind of director to fall for glitz and glamour while telling their story.

He’s more at home on the mean streets of New Jersey where Valli (John Lloyd Young, who played the role on Broadway) and wise-guy pal Tommy (Vincent Piazza) are caught between a life of crime and chart-topping greatness.

Christopher Walken is a real hoot as the mob boss who sets them off on the path to glory, but it’s squeaky clean outsider Bob Gaudio (Erich Bergen) who writes the group’s infectious jukebox classics like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Oh, What A Night.

Eastwood’s rough and ready style makes for solid entertainment, even though he doesn’t fully flesh out the personal conflicts that threaten to split the band.

> A long-suffering woman endures the worst day of her life when she loses her job, wrecks her car and discovers her husband’s affair in the comedy TAMMY (15: Warner).

It sounds promising for the viewer, but this freewheeling road movie is sadly lacking in drive, rhythm or laughs. Although Melissa McCarthy’s Tammy is likeably brash as she runs over a deer on her way to work, before lashing out at her boss and cheating husband, the gags don’t have the killer blow you might expect.

Susan Sarandon is great as the hard-drinking grandmother Tammy accompanies on a disaster-strewn trip to Niagara Falls, but Mark Duplass, Toni Collette and Kathy Bates are wasted in their supporting roles. The banter is only mildly amusing, which makes this particular road feel too long and winding.

> BOYHOOD (15: Universal) is an extraordinary, uplifting film tracking the life of a young American boy (Ellar Coltrane) up to the age of 18.

The story is told not through births, marriages and deaths but the moments in between, punctuated by cultural milestones like midnight Harry Potter book launches, the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the wave of optimism that swept Obama to his first presidental term.

The owner of Dunstable MotoX Park is wondering if the council will blow hot or cold over his plan to steer operating times to winter instead of summer.

In a planning application to Central Beds Council, Steve Brooks suggested the change would reduce the impact on the community.

But, the business has also applied to increase the number of bikes on the track from seven to 18.

Mr Brooks said: “We have applied to run through the winter, on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am til 4pm with a maximum of 18 bikes on the track at any one time – industry standard is 40.

“We have offered to prove to Central Beds Council and the parish councils that 18 bikes produce no more noise than two bikes. but they have so far declined. We have our own sound testing equipment on site and regularly test bikes that we think are noisy.”

In the past, locals have complained about the noise – apparently even at times when the track was shut. Mr Brooks has filmed a video and even has meetings with Stanbridge Parish Council to address the issues. He said: “If we really are a nuisance, then wouldn’t it be better for us to run through the winter for three days a week while everyone is tucked up indoors. It’s a no brainer to me.

Food For Thought with Becky Cotter...

The dark nights and cold mornings of autumn are made better by the delicious range of comforting and warming vegetables and fruits that have come into season.

Eating seasonally is a great way to reduce your food bills whilst supporting local farms. British produce that is in abundance for that season (such as root vegetables in the winter or strawberries in the summer) will be a lot cheaper than imported goods.

They will be more readily available and they will also be better quality having matured naturally rather than artificially out of season.

The big seasonal favourite that you simply can’t miss in the shops and local market at the moment is the almighty pumpkin.

The most popular reason for buying a pumpkin at this time of year is for Hallowe’en decorations. Events such as the Freaky Fortnight at Mead Open Farm, or Boo at the Zoo at Whipsnade, include pumpkin carving which is a fun creative activity for kids without making lots of mess at home.

If buying a pumpkin for home then there are some great things you can do to use it to its full potential before carving a spooky face on it.

Slice the top off and scoop out all of those pearly delicious seeds, clean up and season with salt, pepper and paprika then roast them in a low oven for 10-15 minutes. These are great to snack on or add to salads to boost the nutritional value.

Scoop out as much of the flesh as you can without damaging the sides and stir into a soup or turn into a delicious pumpkin pie!

Chop it and add to mac and cheese or puree and serve with some roast beef and parsnips.

Did you know pumpkin is widely used in sweet recipes too? Why not use some pureed pumpkin in a cinnamon, pumpkin and vanilla ice cream smoothie?

By using the whole pumpkin you can help prevent food waste, save money and enjoy some edible goodies alongside your spooky project. Just be sure to leave enough of a border to support the carved pumpkin!

Becky lives in Leighton and writes a food blog called Veghotpot (www.veghotpot.wordpress.com)

Recipe link

http://veghotpot.wordpress.com/2013/12/05/pumpkin-and-lentil-soup-with-cheesy-croutons-and-pumpkin-seeds/

Green Party leader Natalie Bennett spent the day in Leighton and Linslade last week, but the environment wasn’t on the agenda!

Instead she spent her time collecting signatures outside the train station for a petition to renationalise the railways.

She also talked to local parents about the Green Party’s commitments to the Living Wage and improved rights at work.

Local mum Parisa Darling, whose daughter attends Greenleas Lower School in Linslade, said: “It’s very difficult for parents to arrange childcare around a zero hour contract job, and I’m pleased to hear that the Green Party would ban such contracts”.

The day finished with an unscripted question and answer session in the Black Lion pub which was open to the public.

Leighton and Linslade Green Party’s Tony Mabbott, who organised the visit said: “We are very pleased with how the day went.

“Local residents were queuing up to sign our petition about the railways.

“Everywhere we visited, people told us that they are fed up with politics as usual, and they want a society that works for the common good and not for the wealthy few.”

Front Row Theatre Group are getting ready to stage a play full of New York sass at Eaton Bray Hall.

Already, excitement is growing for The Cemetery Club, which centres on three very different widows who meet once a month for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves.

Unwanted change affects the group when one of the widows meets someone – disturbing their happy routine.

Barbara Morton, who plays lead character – spirited widow Ida – said: “It’s a very funny play, full of American Jewish humour but very poignant as well.

“We’re still giggling away every time we’re going through rehearsals, which is a sign of a well-written play!”

She added – “It’s been a challenge doing this particular show. We’ve never done an American Jewish play before, so getting the right accent – the right intonation for the humour – has been quite challenging, but we’ve done our best.”

The Cemetery Club runs from Thursday November 13 to Saturday November 15, starting at 7.30pm. Ring the box office on 01525 222283 for tickets.