A moving ceremony was held in Soulbury last week as a courageous mum with a brain tumour planted a tree dedicated to raising awareness.

Nicole Taylor (formerly Witts) was diagnosed with a brain tumour for the second time earlier this year, soon after moving into a new home with fiance Phil Phillips.

In spite of the devastating news, the mum-of-two has vowed to carry on campaigning to raise money for research and awareness of brain tumours – which are among the deadliest cancers for under 40s.

Dozens of people gathered around the Millennium Green on the morning of Saturday, November 1, to see the red acer planted.

In a heartfelt speech at the ceremony, Nicole, 42, said: “When I was originally diagnosed with a brain tumour the size of an orange, I was given two choices – undergo surgery to have it removed with no certainty of the outcome, or die by August 2008.

“With two small children, I had no real choice.”

The tree was blessed by Rev Philip Derbyshire and planted by Sir Nicholas and Lady Bonsor of Soulbury, who also donated £100 to Nicole’s charity.

The plaque on the tree carries Nicole’s own motto of “Live Life” and is pledged in honour of Brain Tumour Research.

Nicole said: “Planting a tree that will grow and continue to ‘Live Life’ just as I have dedicated myself to do, has allowed me to tick off the 201st item on my bucket list.”

She added: “It is lovely that so many people from the local community have come along today.”

A spokesman for Brain Tumour Research said: “Nicole is an inspiration.

“We are delighted that she has chosen to plant a tree for Brain Tumour Research in this beautiful setting in Soulbury, and hope that long before the tree matures, survival rates for brain tumours will at the very least radically have improved to that of other cancers.”

Bullying isn’t just name-calling and it’s not something that you have to accept.

That is the message from Bedfordshire Police during the National Anti-Bullying Week being held between November 17 and 21.

During the week of action, officers and staff will be visiting schools and other educational establishments around the county to discuss the issue of cyber bullying with children, young people, parents and guardians.

Richard Denton, Children and Young People Development Officer and Schools Co-

ordinator, said: “Bullying was once confined to the playground but in its new online form, cyber bullying can be carried out through social media sites, texts, websites or instant messaging. It can present itself in upsetting or threatening messages, rumours or embarrassing photos or videos posted online. Because young people access these channels 24/7 the victim can often feel there is no escape.

“Young People who have never bullied anyone in real life could be drawn into cyber bullying because they think they are anonymous. They may do or say things they wouldn’t ever face-to-face because they’re hiding behind a screen’

“As part of our ongoing education programme over 55,000 children and young people across the county have already had an input from Bedfordshire Police about staying safe online which has included a specific element on cyber bullying. We have also focused a lot of our work speaking to parents, guardians and professionals who work with children and young people about this issue by running a number of specific events aimed at them.”

Richard added: “When we go into schools and other educational establishments a number of students we talk to often tell us that they have personally witnessed

bullying online but only a small number say they did anything about it. Young People should always report anything abusive they see online to the site concerned.

“We also advise children and young people across Bedfordshire that if they are being bullied online to save and print out any nasty messages or pictures noting dates and times, block the person doing it and speak to a trusted adult as quickly as

possible.

“Our education input also gives us an opportunity to highlight the law around cyber-crime as lots of young people may not realise that a number of UK laws do cover the issue of bullying for example, harassment or threatening behaviour, and particularly relevant for cyber bullying – threatening and menacing communications.”

During the week advice and information about cyber bullying will also feature on the forces children and young people official twitter account @YouthBedsPoliceCyber bullying

Cyber bullying

Cyber bullying is when someone uses the internet or mobiles to deliberately upset someone else. This is a form of bullying and you shouldn’t have to put up with it.

How is it different to normal bullying?

Technologies such as mobile phones and the internet mean that young people can be targeted by bullies in their own homes. These technologies also mean that it can sometimes be difficult to track the bully. They can hide their number or post things online anonymously. The nature of this type of bullying means it can have a large audience, many of whom may not realise they are being bullies.

However there are some positives with cyber bullying, it can be evidenced. Normal bullying is normally one person’s word against another’s. If you are being cyber bullied you can save texts or print out emails/ IM’s/ Web Pages. This can be used as proof to catch the bully and can stop them upsetting you or anyone else.

What can I do if I am being cyber bullied?

• Speak to a trusted adult as quickly as possible.

• Save all evidence you have of the bullying. If you have nasty emails or things posted on your profile save them to your machine so you can use it as proof.

Save texts or voicemails that say anything horrible. Learn how to block the bully on IM or delete them from your contacts.

• Try not to reply or retaliate to things they say or do; it might make the situation worse. If you don’t respond, they are more likely to get bored and move on.

• If you are being bothered via text, contact your service provider. Each network has a special area for this sort of problem. Check out their website or call them for advice or a free number change.

What should I do if someone else is being cyber bullied?

• If you know someone that is being cyber bullied or have seen nasty profiles or messages going around, it is your duty to report it. Cyber bullying is really scary for the person being bullied as the audience can be huge, loads of people could be seeing the mean things that have been said and done. If you see anything that looks like cyber bullying, it is your duty to report it. Tell an adult you trust about what is going on and they will be able to help offer support to the person who is being bullied.

• Don’t participate in forwarding pictures, messages or insults about a person.

You may think it is a joke, but you could be really upsetting the person involved and even committing a crime. To look at or forward this sort of stuff means you are contributing to cyber bullying.

• Standing back and letting it happen can be just as bad. If you are worried that someone is getting threatened or hurt by others, offer them support or inform an adult you trust so they can help make it stop.

Always respect other people and be aware of what you’re sending and receiving whilst online.

A lack of variety in the range of shops Leighton town centre has to offer is severely hampering trade, a survey of residents has found.

As part of a scheme to shape the future of the town centre the Leighton Linslade partnership committee commissioned a research group to interview 600 residents on their shopping tendancies.

A newly-released report on the findings has revealed that overwhelmingly the biggest concern for shoppers is a lack of variety on the high street, with 87% of respondents agreeing that they would like more diversity in the retail options available.

This was the main reason behind many stating that they prefer to shop in Milton Keynes, as 69% choose MK over Leighton for its bigger range of stores.

Comments gleaned from residents included opinions that the town centre had too many charity and betting shops and not enough clothes stores.

Close to a third added that they would prefer to see more high street names on board, with Next, Marks & Spencer and HMV among the retailers mentioned.

Partnership committee member Amanda Dodwell told the LBO that it is hoped the redeveloped south side of the high street will attract major retailers in the future.

She said: “Hopefully something like Next or BHS would be a possibility.

“This is a medium term goal so we would be looking at three to five years.

“At the moment we haven’t got many empty stores but most are smaller boutiques, charity shops or estate agents.

“With larger retailers more people would make a day out of coming into town and the larger south side of the high street would support the rest.

The survey also revealed that shoppers highly value Leighton’s heritage.

It read: “There is a strong sense of community and support for retaining the traditional feel of the market town.

“Many residents have grown up in the area or have family links and are proud of the historical aspects of the town. “

It added: “The customer service in shops is highly valued and noted as a key benefit of using the town centre.

“Local businesses were recognised as supporting community events and offering personal service to customers.”

> What’s your view of Leighton town centre and the findings? Email news@lbobserver.co.uk

Leighton Buzzard weathered a late storm to edge a three-point victory over Grove as they returned to South West 1 East action on Saturday.

The 25-23 win means Leighton remain sixth in the standings, but in a season of narrow margins and defeats, could be a sign of their luck beginning to turn.

Grove kicked off down the slope, and in the early exchanges their sizeable pack and centres looked to dominate.

However, in the ninth minute it was Leighton who opened the scoring, centre Jack Whitehouse finishing a penetrating backs move by scoring in the corner.

Fly half Dan David just missed with the conversion attempt, as Leighton took a 5-0 lead.

The home side’s advantage lasted only four minutes as the much vaunted Grove pack drove over from close range, their number four emerging with the ball. The conversion was kicked to give the visitor’s the lead.

In the 20th minute the visitors were penalised for holding on at a ruck. David slotted the conversion to restore The Buzzard’s advantage.

Four minutes later Leighton extended their lead, winger George Adams rounding off another rapid backs move. David added the extras to make the score 15–7.

For the rest of the half both sides grappled for supremacy, with defences having to defend tenaciously.

With only a minute of the half remaining home side flanker Peter White received a yellow card, and ten minutes in ‘the bin’ for offending at a maul. The resultant penalty kick was converted to make the half time score 15–10.

Although one short in the ranks, within one minute of the restart, Buzzards increased their advantage with the try of the game.

Geoff Branwhite started the move inside his own half, then combined with scrum half Charlie Esdon and full back Ed Ratcliffe to see the him score under the posts. David added the extras.

With White returning to the fray, all looked set fair for the home side. Alas, almost immediately they were back down to fourteen men, Captain Euan Irwin incurring the referee’s displeasure, receiving a yellow card.

In the 50th minute Grove took full advantage of their numerical supremacy with a converted push over try to make the score 22–17.

Leighton were now under pressure and in the fifty eighth minute they conceded a third try. The successful conversion tied the game at 22-22.

Now it was all to play for, but with the restoration of Irwin, and with replacement Jonathan Henkes shoring up the scrum, Leighton slowly regained control.

Henkes very nearly restored Buzzards’ lead but lost control of the ball as he crossed the try line.

Now camped in their opponents 22, the pressure told, the visitor’s conceding penalties, and from one such opportunity David kicked what turned out to be the final score of the game as Leighton won it 25-23.

Leighton Buzzard Music Club hosted another in their excellent series of classical concerts by upcoming musicians, with Anthony Brown playing saxophone accompanied by Leo Nicholson playing piano, writes Judi Moore.

Readers may remember Leo Nicholson visited Leighton last year with flautist Rosanna Ter-Berg, which was a delightful concert. This time he accompanied a different performer, again to captivating effect.

Not much music is (even now) written for the saxophone, so Mr Brown has to seek repertoire, which leads him down less trodden footpaths of music creation. This truffling produced a concert which was an engaging and eclectic mixture of short pieces, mainly French and English and 20th century.

In order, we enjoyed: ‘Michelangelo ‘70’ by Astor Piazzolla (arr. Brown), this had a Big Band feel, edgy and plummy by turns on the sax; ‘And everything is still…’ (2010) by Andy Scott, a simple air returning in increasingly energetic and decorated variations; ‘Three Preludes’ (1926) by George Gershwin, quintessentially Jazz Age; ‘Histoires’ (1922) by Jacques Ibert; ‘Gentle dreams’ (1987) by Dave Heath, a lullaby with hints of the Celtic feel and of Coltrane; ‘Tableaux de Provence’ (1948-55) by Paule Maurice, a piece written for the saxophone included to celebrate Adolphe Sax’s centenary; ‘Two elegies framing a shout’ (1994) by Mark-Anthony Turnage, angular, with a little dirty sax; ‘Glass’ (1998) by Graham Fitkin, the sax runs a gentle melody around the the piano; ‘Fantasie Op 89’ (1863) by Jean-Baptiste Singelée, cadenzas and trills galore; ‘After the tryst’ (1995) by James MacMillan, full of sea birds crying and winds soughing; ‘Scaramouche’ (1937) by Darius Milhaud, opera bouffe and great fun; finally ‘Le lievre et la tortue’ (1957) by Pierre-Max Dubois; as encore they let rip with a little more Gershwin – ‘I got rhythm’.

Schools and Preschools across Leighton Buzzard got in the fundraising spirit on Friday, November 14, to raise money for Children In Need.

Cheddington Combined School pupils hosted their Best Assembly Ever as part of a project run Children In Need.

The school was one of 48 across the country that won a Lloyds Bank Best Assembly Ever prize box, because of their creative fundraising ideas.

Lauren Reid, Cheddington school’s PHSE coordinator, said: “Children in need was a great success, we have raised over £2,000 through all the various activities we held throughout the school.

“We were lucky enough to win one of the best assembly ever boxes which included T-shirts, Pudsey foam hands, badges, pens, stickers and balloons.

“We used all of these as prizes for all the activities the children organised throughout the school.

“The activities included: quiz the staff, beat the goalie, great eco bake off, Dress down as a superhero, colouring competition, great lego build, talent show and a challenge to teach a lesson in silence.

“The Best Assembly Ever was incredibly fun for all and was a great way to showcase all the hard work the children had put into raising money.”

Stuart Beaver, partnership marketing and community engagement director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: “We have been inspired by the children and school’s fundraising activities and their proposals for celebrating the Best Assembly Ever.

“It has been fantastic to see so many children developing plans to help other children and through Lloyds Bank’s unique partnership with BBC Children in Need we’re immensely proud to play a part in helping this happen.”

The school also held an charity night on Thursday, November 6, where they auctioned off ten prizes to the highest bidders. they raised over £1,800 on the night.

Vandyke Preschool’s Children and Staff raised £30 by dressing up and getting made up for Children In Need.

Kerry Bright, Vandyke Preschool’s deputy manager, said: “Throughout the week the children have been making Pudsey Bear Masks.

“All children and staff donated to this worthwhile cause.”

Normally a close tie, Leighton Buzzard Ladies crushed neighbours Tring 5-1 on Saturday.

Though a good effort from both teams, Siobhan Hennessy’s 1st goal set the pace for the rest of the team. Goal after goal managed to find their way tumbling past Tring’s defence and ending with a satisfying bang of the back board.

Hennessy’s first was a precursor an outstanding goal scored by Gabbie Avola from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

This week’s Player of the Match Hollie Taylor scored a brace, and displaying some lovely runs in midfield.

Hennessy rounded off the scoring with the final goal of the game.

Trings effort was not to be sniffed at with a solid goal piercing the LBHC defence mid-game.

The Men’s 1sts patchy form continued though as they went down 3-1 to Wallingford 2nds.

Leighton got off to a rocky start as Wallingford’s forwards managed to take the lead early on with three quick goals.

Leighton found their feet and had some nice passing done which lead to a nice goal from Ben Smith who got a deflection from a great strike by Nick Marshall from the top of the D.

Strong midfield play from man of the match Sam Gale lead to further opportunities helping Leighton dominate the second half with some great work from the forwards Dave Fry and Tommy Lakins who made some great attempts but were unable to get the ball home.

It was better news for the Fledglings though, who won an eight-goal thriller against Aylesbury 5ths.

Adrian Gotzheim fired Leighton into the lead, before Aylesbury responded with two strikes to take the lead.

Gotzheim fired back with two goals to complete his hat-trick, putting Leighton 3-2 up.

Jonathan Rogers doubled Leighton’s lead before Aylesbury pulled one back. Matt Carter made sure at 5-3.

A former Vandyke Upper School teacher who sent sexy emails to a 16-year-old pupil, kissed her in school and fantasised about a sexual relationship with her has been banned from the country’s classrooms for five years.

Jonathan Layfield, 25, was handed the ban in a decision taken on behalf of Education Secretary Nicky Morgan. It follows a disciplinary panel finding that he was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct whilst employed at the Leighton Buzzard school.

The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) professional conduct panel found that there was an “inappropriate relationship” between Layfield and the 16-year-old female student, named only as Student A.

Panel chair Ian Hughes said that it was alleged that between July 2012 and May 2014, in a series of emails between Mr Layfield and Student A, he “significantly transgressed appropriate professional boundaries between teacher and student” with the nature and content of those emails which were said to have been “sexualised and inappropriate”.

He continued: “It is further alleged that on 14 March 2014 the relationship became physical in that Mr Layfield and Student A kissed whilst on school property.”

Over the weekend of March 15-16, 2014 he said that Student A’s parents became aware of the relationship though their daughter in a school interview initially denied the relationship.

Mr Hughes said: “When shown the emails between them which the school had obtained copies of she accepted that a relationship had indeed taken place and said that she felt very guilty about it. She was extremely worried that Mr Layfield might lose his job. The school principal immediately suspended Mr Layfield.”

He resigned from his post on May 12.

The panel found that the emails were sent with “unusual frequency” at times which were “out of the ordinary”, often late at night and said that Layfield had admitted kissing the girl.

His conduct was “sexually motivated” say the findings.

Mr Hughes said: “The language and contents of the emails sent by Mr Layfield was undoubtedly sexualised and on one occasion revealed that he had fantasies of having sexual intercourse with Student A.”

Imposing the ban on behalf of the Secretary of State, NCTL official Paul Heathcote said Layfield’s actions were a serious departure from the standards expected of a teacher and added that Layfield did not appear to have a full appreciation of the importance of maintaining boundaries between teachers and pupils.

He said that Layfield needed time to develop the maturity and skills to be able to manage boundaries and his relationships with his pupils.

The decision means that Layfield is prohibited from teaching in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

He may apply for the Prohibition Order to be set aside, but not until November 2019, and if he does so he will have to persuade a panel that he is fit to return to the classroom.

He has a right of appeal to the High Court.

Renhold United remain four points clear in the Bedfordshire League after a 2-0 home win over the previous unbeaten away from home AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College on Saturday.

It came thanks to a brace of goals from James Cooper in the Premier Division supported by Sportsform fixture.

For second place Shefford Town & Campton it was away win number five on the bounce with a 3-1 victory at Wilstead. Andrew Hayday scored twice and Ryan Lewis once against a lone home reply from Paul Jones.

Third place AFC Oakley M&DH retained their unbeaten home record with a 2-0 win over AFC Turvey who are now without a win from their last 10 starts. Oli Plested and Dan Kelly scored the goals to do the damage.

Elsewhere, Marston Shelton Rovers returned to winning ways to remain in fourth place with a 3-1 home victory over Sharnbrook, Jamie Cerminara netting twice and Jack Weedon once against a lone reply from Jordan Baxter.

Plus also returning to winning ways were Wootton Blue Cross with a 4-2 home victory over Pavenham. Phil Matthews, Danny Butler, Paul Ratcliffe plus an own goal marking their scoresheet against replies from Ben Robinson and Jack Harding.

Waterlogged pitches caused the postponement of the games, Eastcotts AFC v Ickwell & Old Warden, Lidlington United Sports v Caldecote and Sandy v Flitwick Town.

Henlow’s lead at the head of the Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford league table is now down to four points after they lost their unbeaten ways when defeated 3-1 at home by Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who duly extended their unbeaten away ways up to four games. Sean Duignan netted twice and Stuart Pearce once against a lone home reply from Matthew Rumbelow.

Taking full advantage of the league leaders defeat were second place Elstow Abbey with a hard earned three points from a 2-0 win at Riseley Sports. Danny Pilgrim shooting them ahead in the 63rd minute, yet the points were not sealed until Calum Davenport added a second three minutes into time added on. However, the true Abbey hero was goalkeeper Steven Trainer who saved two home penalties in the 43rd and 77th minutes of the contest.

Remaining in third spot in the league table are Cranfield United who retained their seasons 100% home record with a 4-1 victory over AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves. Jordan Appleton, Ben Thompson, David Adderson plus an own goal only being replied to by a strike from Humberto Mbunazo for the Town.

Now up into fourth place are Great Barford who claimed their fifth win on the bounce with a 3-2 home victory over Sundon Park Rangers who now drop down from fourth in the standings into sixth place. David Mulvhill, Michael Pickard and Gary Canzano were on the home scoresheet against a brace in reply from Matthew Conway.

Jumping above the Rangers into fifth place are Meltis Albion who claimed their first away win of the season when winning 2-0 at Queens Park Crescents. Alexis Kamenan and a Dan Taylor penalty netting the goals to do the damage.

Also enjoying life on the road were AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves who took their unbeaten away ways up to three games by winning 3-2 at Potton Town. Mitchell Crook with a brace plus a single strike from Louis Green only being replied to by strikes from Lee Wiltshire and Chris Moore for the Town.

Elsewhere, it was a red letter day for AFC Harlington who after seven consecutive defeats claimed their first win of the season with a 4-2 home victory over Marabese Ceramics. Stephen Garner, Matt Barnes, Jon Murray and Scott Gadsden bagging the goals against Tilermen replies from Ben Smith and Tony Miceli.

For Bedford SA it was the award of three uncontested points after Brache Sparta were unable to fulfil their fixture against them having earlier in the week been placed under Beds FA suspension.

Division Two

There is no change at the head of the division two league table following wins for the top three clubs. League leaders Westoning claiming their fourth win on the bounce to duly retain their seasons unbeaten away ways by winning 3-0 at Elstow Abbey Reserves who were losing on home soil for the first time this season. Tom Cooksley, Dan Riddaway and Shaun Cooksley got the goals.

Whilst second place FC Houghton claimed win number eight on the bounce with a 1-0 home win over Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves thanks to a strike from Sam Martin to leave the Rovers still looking for their first away point of the season.

For third place Clapham Sports it was a 6-1 home victory over bottom of the table Wilstead Reserves. Sam Maddix and Neil Larman both netting twice alongside single strikes from Grant Williams and Antony Farr against a lone reply from Sam Ward for the visitors.

Now up into fourth spot are Stevington who duly retained their unbeaten home ways and made it five wins on the bounce with a 9-1 home win over Meltis Albion Reserves - Kieran Souter, Ben Walsh, Joe Holyoak and James Bourke all netting twice alongside an own against a lone Albion reply from Craig Damon.

Having lost their last five outings it was a return to winning ways for Caldecote Reserves who claimed a 6-4 home win to send Kempston Athletic to their first away defeat of the season. Andrew Spiers and Simon Ashton netting twice alongside single strikes from Jamie Saunderson and Nicky Albone against Athletic replies via Richie Andrews, Nicholas Emene, James Maxwell and Gavin Matthews.

Elsewhere, Bedford United with goals from Adam Wedecki and Jamaal Dixon shared the points in a 2-2 home draw with Wootton Village for whom Adam Flynn netted twice.

Division Three

We have new league leaders at the head of the division three table in the shape of Atletico Europa who in retaining their seasons 100% away ways by winning 4-0 at Caldecote U20 duly leapt from sixth place to the summit of the table. Ric Bulzis, Kane Alexander, Cameron Browne and Aaron Hill netting the goals.

Losing out on that top spot but remaining ahead of the non-playing third place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves in second place on goal difference are Clifton who were beaten 3-1 at home by White Eagles who duly retained their seasons 100% away ways. Kazimier Orzechowski netting twice and Maciei Macierowski once against a lone home reply from Charlie Watson.

Still in fourth spot are Dinamo Flitwick who missed the chance to top the table when held to a 2-2 draw at Shefford Town & Campton A. Dale Goldie and Josh Pearson netting the goals against home replies via Jordan Robbens and Matt Evans.

Just goal difference behind them in fifth spot are Lea Sports PSG who won 4-2 at Westoning U20 who have now lost their last seven outings to drop into the bottom two of the league table. Sean Dixon, Owen Malcolm, Joe Hennem plus an own goal on the PSG scoresheet against home replies via Aaron Turner and James Russell.

Elsewhere, it was the end of Cranfield United Reserves unbeaten ways for the season when they were defeated 3-2 at FC Serbia.Mustak Alom, Stefan Malikovic and Demilson Conceicao on the home scoresheet against United replies via Mark Dring and Phil Kempsall. Whilst Mid Beds Tigers are still looking for their first home win of the season after Sandy Reserves claimed their first victory in seven outings by beating them 3-1.Carl Mercer, Rob Wilson and Andy Barker goals did the damage against a Tigers reply from Jay Smith.

Central Bedfordshire Council Looked After Children and Care Leavers Achievement awards saw more than 230 young people put forward for prizes.

The annual awards are designed to celebrate educational and personal achievements by looked-after children and care leavers across the region.

Among the award winners were Charlotte Chapman and Daytona Knight, who have both been members of the Children in Care Council since 2010.

The CiCC is made up of youngsters currently, or who have been in the council’s care, it works to improve services for looked-after children.

Charlotte was put forward for an award for her willingness to help and support at the CiCC events.

Daytona was nominated for staying committed to her studies and being a valued member of the CiCC.

Councillor Mark Versallion handed out the awards on the night, he said: “I’m always delighted to attend this awards event and to listen to the amazing achievements of these truly inspiring children and young people.

“They really do prove that if you put your mind to something you can achieve it.

“Central Beds Council is committed to helping young people in its care to get the best possible start in life and to help them develop the skills they will need to be independent once they leave our care.

“The fact that a record number of children and young people have been nominated for awards shows this is happening and I hope they all go on to achieve great things in life.”

A lifesaving community group will be able to expand its operation after winning a £3,000 fund.

Leighton Linslade First Responders topped a public poll across the region for the Lloyds Bank Champion Scheme, which ran from September 2 to October 10.

With the £3,000 winning fund the First Responders will now be able to fund the purchase of two lifesaving kits, allowing the group to cover more hours across the town during the week.

Lloyds Bank director Graham Lindsay said: “It has been fantastic to see so many members of the public nominating and voting for good causes in the 2014 Lloyds Bank Community Fund.

“Looking at all the wonderful causes that the Community Fund awards will go towards is truly heartening to see.”

A University of Bedfordshire senior lecturer’s short story has beaten over 1,300 writers to feature in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual.

Toby Norways’ 2000 word story, The Second Coming, is one of 20 pieces shortlisted for the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2014.

The Script Writing lecturer is an award winning writer for both script and prose, he will find out if he is successful in December.

He said: “As a writing lecturer, I firmly believe in the old adage: ‘write about what you know’.

“However, a writer must be prepared to rewrite repeatedly. They must do extensive research into the world they’re writing about.

“I have written a series of stories about street life in south London. I hope that success in the Aesthetica competition will help find a publisher for the collection as a whole.”

Single-figure golfer Debbie Pollard-Barns has been installed as Captain of the Ladies Section of Leighton Buzzard Golf Club, driven to the first tee dressed in an artists’ smock and beret and supported by a mini-army of budding Van Gogh painters with their brushes and pallets.

The drive-in ruse was the work of Vice Captain Angela Samuels and was designed to capture Aussie-born Debbie’s passion for art, graphics and photography, and drew in club colleagues for support.

Debbie was born in Adelaide in 1961 while dad Ray was on a commission working on aircraft design, and returned to the UK the following year, the family settling in Hitchin.

Taking up golf at the Windmill Hill club, Milton Keynes, Debbie was encouraged to take a greater interest in the sport by son Freddie, joined Wavendon where she was Ladies Captain in 2003 (husband Peter was Club Captain there two years later) and Leighton’s Plantation Road club in 2005.

Debbie now plays off a handicap of eight while scratch-golfer Freddie turned professional three years ago and, having recently passed his PGA qualifications, is shortly to fly out to Australia with girlfriend Gina to spend a year playing and coaching before moving to Canada.

Debbie has enjoyed one of her most successful years in competition golf winning Club and County honours.

The reigning Ladies champion at the Leighton club, Debbie also this year has won the County Division One autumn meeting at Dunstable Downs, the Leighton Medal Cup, the Barbara McLeod Merit Award and Cherie James Birdie award.

But she had to be content with the runners-up spot for Leighton’s Davis Cup as she and partner David Banwell lost to Jean Bendall and Mick Myatt in the final, and Debbie and David also finished runner-up in the November Mixed Turkey Medal losing out to Andy and Jayne Tizzard whose nett 71.5 was two shots clear with Richard and Angela Samuels taking third place with a nett 74.0 ahead of Mick Myatt and Sandra Bellis.

Says Vice Captain Angela: “Debbie will make a great Captain; she is a good team player and will make every effort to succeed.”

During her term of office, Debbie will be raising funds for Keech Cottage along with Club Captain Steve Leng.

Top scorer in the competition following the drive-in was Gill McDougall, who won the Silver Division award with 39pts, four clear of Debbie who beat her “Vice” on countback.

The Bronze “A” Division winner was Avril Simpson with 33pts, while Sylvia Dell beat Jan Harries on countback after both finished with 31pts. Just one point separated the top three finishers in the Bronze “B” Division, with Sue Preston taking top spot on countback from Betty Bluett, with Sally Enright taking third place.

The sun shone for national newspaper journalist Mike Smith as he won Leighton’s Midweek Turkey Medal with a nett 69, a shot clear of runners-up Robbie John, Steve Shepherd and John Allinson.

Steve Foster finished fifth with a nett 71, one shot clear of a chasing pack consisting of Terry Lingham, Peter Morgan, Tim Hobday, Keith Edmunds, Ron Pearce and Phil Spratt Callaghan

Making The Best in Leighton Buzzard is holding a special late-night 1970s themed event on Friday (November 21).

The Bridge Street store is one of over 250 Annie Sloan stockists across the UK who have joined forces in a bid to help raise £25,000 for the NSPCC.

The event in Leighton takes place from 4.30pm to– 9pm and Making The Best is inviting shoppers to enjoy a drink and some canapés.

There will be some great prizes on offer which will be raffled in support of the children’s charity.

Andy Mellett-Brown will be launching and signing copies of his second novel, The Battle of Wood Green, while Elizabeth Foster has painted 1970s furniture and Janice Issitt Life & Style will be styling the window and shop especially for the event.

Patricia Mellett, manager of Making The Best, said: “We have been part of the Annie Sloan stockist community since 2010.

“As a group, the UK stockists collectively decided that if we joined forces we could potentially raise a lot of money for charity. We chose the NSPCC because they are an organisation that protects and supports the most vulnerable children and families in our society.
Sara Williams, NSPCC regional corporate fundraising manager said: “We are delighted that Making The Best is supporting the NSPCC. The money raised will help us to run our vital services and helplines that are so often a lifeline for vulnerable children and young people.

“It will make a massive difference to the lives of children in Leighton Buzzard and across the UK.

“On behalf of all the children I would like to say thank you to staff and customers. Ninety per cent of our funding comes from donations and we simply couldn’t continue to provide our services without the continued generosity of supporters like Making The Best.”

Police have released a number of images of items of jewellery that are believed to have been stolen from burglaries in the Leighton Buzzard, Dunstable and Houghton Regis areas.

Earlier this month a man was arrested on suspicion of a burglary in Leighton Buzzard and a search was carried out. A number of items from the burglary were recovered but several other items – which include a watch, brooch, bracelet and two distinctive coins – were not taken from this incident.

Det Con Matt Stonnell is trying to find out who the items belong to so that they can be returned.

He would like to hear from anyone who may recognise the items pictured.

One man has been charged with burglary and has been remanded in custody.

Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact Det Con Stonnell, in confidence, on 01582 394096, the non-emergency 101 number, or text information to 07786 200011. Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

An investigation has been launched after a Whipsnade zookeeper was seriously injured by a rhino early this morning.

The keeper, a man in his 50s, was found in water in the Asian rhino enclosure at 8.15am.

A MAGPAS air ambulance arrived at Whipsnade Zoo at 9.30am, by which time the keeper had been helped out of the water by members of staff.

The keeper was found in a serious but stable condition and has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge by land ambulance.

He later required surgery.

It is currently unknown exactly how the keeper was injured and the Zoological Society of London is investigating the incident.

Dave Tamarro, critical care paramedic for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “When we arrived it was clear that the patient had received a number of injuries, including injuries to the chest, abdomen and pelvis.

“We stabilised the patient whilst the air ambulance was on its way.”

The zoo opened as normal at 10am, though the rhino enclosure was closed to the public.

A spokesperson for Whipsnade said: “ZSL can confirm that at 8:15am today one of the senior keepers was found injured in the Asian rhino enclosure.

“Procedures were immediately followed to secure the scene and the emergency services were called.

“The keeper was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to Addenbrooke’s for further care.

“The incident is being investigated and no further details are available at this time.”

David Field, ZSL zoological director, added: “An investigation into exactly what happened has begun.

“The keeper’s family and ZSL staff are with him at the hospital where he is being well looked after.

“He has come out of surgery and is stable.”

Central Beds Council is also investigating the incident.

A council spokesperson said: “Our officers have been at the scene since this morning and have been working with staff at Whipsnade to ensure that safety procedures are in place and that the zoo remains safe to open to the public and members of staff.

“There are conditions in place under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the zoo, and we will be looking into all the details to find out exactly what happened.

“However while the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

An investigation has been launched after a Whipsnade zookeeper was seriously injured by a rhino early this morning.

The keeper, a man in his 50s, was found in water in the Asian rhino enclosure at 8.15am.

A MAGPAS air ambulance arrived at Whipsnade Zoo at 9.30am, by which time the keeper had been helped out of the water by members of staff.

The keeper was found in a serious but stable condition and has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge by land ambulance.

He later required surgery.

It is currently unknown exactly how the keeper was injured and the Zoological Society of London is investigating the incident.

Dave Tamarro, critical care paramedic for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “When we arrived it was clear that the patient had received a number of injuries, including injuries to the chest, abdomen and pelvis.

“We stabilised the patient whilst the air ambulance was on its way.”

The zoo opened as normal at 10am, though the rhino enclosure was closed to the public.

A spokesperson for Whipsnade said: “ZSL can confirm that at 8:15am today one of the senior keepers was found injured in the Asian rhino enclosure.

“Procedures were immediately followed to secure the scene and the emergency services were called.

“The keeper was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to Addenbrooke’s for further care.

“The incident is being investigated and no further details are available at this time.”

David Field, ZSL zoological director, added: “An investigation into exactly what happened has begun.

“The keeper’s family and ZSL staff are with him at the hospital where he is being well looked after.

“He has come out of surgery and is stable.”

Central Beds Council is also investigating the incident.

A council spokesperson said: “Our officers have been at the scene since this morning and have been working with staff at Whipsnade to ensure that safety procedures are in place and that the zoo remains safe to open to the public and members of staff.

“There are conditions in place under the Health and Safety at Work Act to ensure the safety of staff and visitors to the zoo, and we will be looking into all the details to find out exactly what happened.

“However while the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

The UK’s leading local media publishers - including Johnston Press which owns several papers in Bedfordshire - have announced the launch of 1XL, an new digital advertising platform designed to harness the strength and scale of local media.

The collaboration between Johnston Press, Local World, Newsquest and the majority of the UK’s independent local media businesses brings together more than 800 websites and will allow brands, for the first time, to access a broad portfolio of local media advertising opportunities through a single sales point to give advertisers unprecedented UK-wide digital reach..

The 1XL platform, which officially launches today (Wednesday, November 19), will be run through a dedicated media sales team at national sales house Mediaforce Group. Developed to meet growing market demand, and allowing advertisers to benefit from the relevance and trust placed in local media by their respective communities, 1XL will give media buyers access to a highly engaged audience of 17.5m monthly unique users – more than any single commercial UK national news media website and similar in scale to digital advertising platforms AOL and MSN.

It will also allow them to take advantage of the rich content environment provided by thousands of experienced journalists publishing more than 50,000 articles every week across the network.

The platform will draw on data from each publisher and third party data, alongside semantic and contextual targeting capabilities, to optimise audience targeting and maximise performance of advertising campaigns. It will also enable ads to be served around the most relevant and engaging content, and will be underpinned by leading geo-demographic analysis and insight provided by Mediaforce Group.

Ashley Highfield, CEO, Johnston Press, which publishes the Luton News, Dunstable Gazette, Leighton Buzzard Observer, Biggleswade Chronicle and Luton Herald and Post and many other titles across the region, said: “Local media is increasingly becoming one of the most powerful, relevant and trusted ways to connect with a local audience. But national advertisers have been unable to truly capitalise on its potential, hindered by our industry’s innate fragmentation. Until now. The 1XL collaboration gives advertisers and their agencies, for the first time, the ability to scale their campaigns through ‘mass localisation’, and, as such, it is a monumental step forward for local media publishers, and we’re delighted to be partnering with Local World, Newsquest and the independents to help deliver this.”

Henry Faure Walker, Chief Executive, Newsquest, said: “This is a significant step forward for our industry. Through 1XL, national advertisers will now be able to run one campaign seamlessly across 800 local news sites across the UK. Online display advertising is now worth over £2 billion per annum, a market hitherto dominated by the likes of Google and Facebook. We look forward to local news publishers, with the huge investment they make in quality content and local journalism, being able to take their rightful share.”

Blanche Sainsbury, Commercial Director, Local World, publishers of Beds on Sunday, said: “1XL is an exciting development for advertisers but also for local media publishers in the UK. It is clear from feedback in the market that there is strong demand for taking national brands local. Providing advertisers with access to our combined online portfolio shows how 1XL is a compelling option for reaching the UK consumer in a trusted and engaging environment.”

Scott Gill, Group Commercial Director, Mediaforce Group, said:“We are delighted to be involved in bringing to market a panacea solution covering every inch of the UK and Northern Ireland through the superlative advertising environment offered by local online media. 1XL simplifies a highly effective but previously fragmented & complex part of the digital media ecosystem. We are confident it will galvanise advertisers and their media agencies to start thinking more about the importance of localisation within their digital advertising strategies, especially as the mobile revolution dawns. For the industry’s publishers, we are hopeful that this initiative will help reward and support their ongoing commitment to investment in professional British journalism and original content.”

John Maloney, Managing Partner - Activation, Maxus, said:“We are intrigued to see this move coming from the UK’s established local digital media as they take on the Portals and other pure-play digital publishers. We are also excited by the prospect of simplified execution across this trusted and powerful media environment, delivered at scale; I am also impressed with the progressive proposition from the 1XL team at Mediaforce Group.”

Ground staff working across Leighton will soon be able to issue fines for littering, as the town council ramps up a campaign to keep the streets clean.

As part of a new initiative nine ground workers employed by Leighton-Linslade Town Council will receive training from Central Beds Council, which will school them on how to issue fixed penalty notices to those who flout littering laws.

The measure has been made possible after the town council inherited powers from CBC to issue the fines, which came after a new dog control order came into force last month.

Across the UK last year approximately 400 people were prosecuted at magistrates’ courts for littering, an offence which carries a fine of up to £2,500.

Sarah MacKay, Leighton-Linslade grounds and environmental services officer, told the LBO that the new power for ground staff would act as a deterrant.

She said: “This is not about making money, we hope it will deter people from littering.

“As one of the larger parish councils we thought we had the capacity to handle this ourselves and we’ll be able to have more officers to deal with the problem now.”

With ground staff due to receive training from CBC in January, it is expected that by Spring they will be in a position to issue fixed penalty fines.

The scheme is part of a larger town council initiative to stem a rise in litter seen on the streets of Leighton.

To launch the campaign the council has organised a litter pick on Tuesday, November 25, which will include the appearance of two Wombles.

Starting at 10am from Parsons Close Recreation Ground, the pick will lead out to Grovebury Road and from there along the route of the old railway track to Mentmore Gardens.

The event has been organised with the support of Waitrose, Keep Britain Tidy and with help from Leighton-Linslade In-Bloomers, Woodcraft Group and Friends of Tiddenfoot.

Mayor Ray Berry said: “We would encourage all our residents to play their part in helping to keep our town a clean and pleasant place to live and work.”

The fiancee and mother of a road crash victim say they have been left ‘heartbroken’ by thieves who have stolen keepsakes from his grave.

Gavin Brooks, 22, of Brookside Walk, Leighton Buzzard, was tragically killed in October 2010 when a motorbike he had hired was in collision with a Land Rover Discovery at Woburn Road’s junction with Reach Lane.

Just three weeks previously Gavin’s fiancee Leanne had given birth to their first son Kainan, who was described as the spitting image of his father.

Now Gavin’s family have been left with a new ordeal as sentimental items left on his grave at Vandyke Road Cemetery have been taken, with other families reporting similar thefts.

Gavin’s fiancee Leanne told the LBO that the incident had added to the family’s anguish.

She said: “Kainan never knew his father and it is heartbreaking to think that if one day he found something he wanted to put on Gavin’s grave it may get stolen.

“Within an instant our lives turned upside down and we are only now coming to terms with what happened, we should be able to put anything we like down without having to fear it might be taken.

“The items are not worth anything but they are things we think Gavin would like and it has really affected the family.”

The theft was first discovered by Gavin’s mother Cindy as she tended her son’s grave last week.

Among the missing items were a skull ring, a pink spider figure and two skull ornaments.

Several months ago family members also noticed that Gavin’s grave had been tampered with, as a coke bottle with the father’s name on it had been removed and emptied.

Similarly a can of Fosters lager, which Leanne had left at the cemetery last year, was previously opened and left empty on Gavin’s grave.

Leanne added: “Something really needs to be done about this, it is so disrespectful.

“If anybody has the items we really want them to be returned.”

Following the thefts Cindy has cleared her son’s headstone and has plans to move other items from the grave into her back garden.

She said: “It was on my birthday that I went there and noticed the ornaments were missing...it is so upsetting.

“We have worked hard to keep it nice and now we are frightened that anything we leave there might get stolen.

“Whoever did it does not know the heartbreak it has caused.”

Leighton-Linslade Town Council owns and operates Vandyke Road Cemetery.

Council clerk Mark Saccoccio told the LBO that cemetery staff are aware of the problem.

He said: “We have not formally been informed of this incident but staff are aware of what has happened.

“We fully support families in whichever way they wish to grieve and staff report anything they see.”