Police are looking for a man suspected of racially abusing a female worker at McDonalds in Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard.

The incident took place at 7.15am on Wednesday, November 19 leaving her shaken and upset. Now they have released CCTV of the man they’d like to talk to about the incident.

Allan Taylor, investigating, said: “Early Wednesday morning the offender entered the fast food restaurant and ordered some food.

“He then began verbally abusing the woman serving him from behind the counter, making racial and violent comments to her including threatening to knock off or cut off her head.

“The manager then heard the commotion and alerted the police while the man left in a van marked ‘Driveway 4U’.”

The man is described as in his early 20s, short, well built, stocky, thick set and wearing a light blue jumper with paint splashes covering it.

Mr Taylor added: “This was the second time he visited McDonalds that week, he’d been in the previous day (the 18th) and abused staff then as well.

“This is a very serious incident which has left the woman serving in the restaurant very upset and shaken. People cannot just verbally abuse people in this way and expect us to take no action. We want to speak to this person to make him aware of the effects of his rant upon the woman victim.”

Anyone with information relating to this incident can contact investigating officer Allan Taylor, in confidence, at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

International business author and travel writer Professor Ian Cooper recently experienced a river cruise in the South of France with Viking River Cruises.

Which of the following would you choose to do – visit a high quality chocolate factory to sample as much as you can eat; taste wines in some of the world’s best wine growing areas or enjoy a leisurely cruise through the Provence region of France?

Before the pressure of decision-making gets too much for you, let me give you some good news.

On the ‘Portraits of Southern France’ Viking River Cruise down the Rhône and Saône rivers, that my wife and I were lucky enough to check out recently, you don’t have to choose … you can do them all and much more!

Our seven nights French adventure began with a short flight from London to Heathrow to Marseille and a seamless transfer to the Viking Hermod. This is one of several Viking Longship clones the company has designed an built in recent years.

Our cabin on the top passenger deck was spacious, with a huge very comfortable bed; excellent bathroom with luxury toiletries; a safe big enough for a laptop computer; a fridge and a fantastic private verandah.

Given how lucky we were with the sunshine in Southern France in October and early November, this was a fantastic facility for watching the French countryside slide by.

Our first port of call was Tarascon, our base for a visit to Arles. Believe it or not Arles is a city, which is seven times the geographic size of Paris yet with a population of just 50,000 people.

Its Roman history is everywhere, but perhaps most significant is the magnificently impressive Les Arènes, the 20,000 seat amphitheatre which is still in use today.

As we sat in the arena, our guide explained how it is now used for ‘bull races’, an event specific to this area of the Camargue.

Instead of trying to kill the bulls, bull racing involves the equally crazy and seemingly suicidal challenge of trying to remove tassles from the bull’s head as it charges angrily towards you!

The other reason that makes Arles famous is Vincent Van Gogh. The artist lived in Arles and painted a staggering 300 works during his time here, many of which have become some of the most iconic and reproduced images in Western art.

It was in Arles that Van Gogh also cut off part of his ear and spent over a year in the Hotel-Dieu … the hospital, which we also visited.

It was fascinating, to follow in the artist’s footsteps and see the places and objects that he had immortalized in some of his paintings.

Most interesting was a visit to the Café de Nuit’ – (with its ‘starry, starry night’) – to see exactly what Van Gogh saw as he painted this masterpiece.

Exploring Tarascon under our own steam, just a short walk from the ship, we found and explored King René’s castle and this turned out to be an absolute hidden gem.

Have you ever been secretly disappointed with castle visits, when you find little more than collapsed walls and lumps of stone? This was not the case in Tarascon.

This is the most beautifully intact medieval castle I have ever seen, with its maze of large rooms leading off each other.

That night after a sumptuous dinner, we cruised into Avignon and we were all invited onto the deck as we approached the famous bridge to sing the obvious song, ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ accompanied by, of course, a French accordion player!

Yes a tacky, tourist cliché, but after the several glasses of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, that had been served with our meal, a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Avignon is not just famous for its bridge, (Pont St Benezet) but also for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). This is the largest Gothic palace in the world and was home to seven Popes from 1309 to 1377.

Here we were able to tour the maze of private papal apartments, view the stunning frescoes and appreciate the grand scale of this amazing building.

Now, I suppose it was inevitable, but it won’t come as a huge surprise to you, that food and drink played a very important part in this river cruise, with most days offering up some typically French temptation. It was all delicious and extremely difficult to resist. I didn’t!

In Avignon, we were let loose in Les Halles … the indoor food market … and here we sampled a range of creatively flavoured olives and garlic.

As if this wasn’t enough, later that day as we cruised away from Avignon and down the Rhône we were served French pastries, lemon meringue, apple tarts and macaroons typical of the area together with cognac and coffee.

This however was merely the dress rehearsal, for the food tastings to come the next day. The city was Tournon and first a visit to the Valrhona chocolate factory and shop in Tain l’Hermitage.

This was chocolate heaven for many, as we were given unlimited access to sample as much chocolate as we wanted.

Given that there were so many different types and styles of chocolate to try, it didn’t take long before the brain was screaming … “enough”, though the hand and mouth weren’t always listening!

Happy, but dosed up on chocolate, it was then onto the Crozes Hermitage winery, where we were given three wines to taste before sleeping our way back to the ship for dinner with a Provencal theme.

Let me ask you another question: What do the following have in common … a retired clergyman; a personal injury lawyer; a printer of banknotes, an opera singer and a plumber?

The answer – absolutely nothing – apart from the fact that they were just some of our many dinner companions during the voyage.

One of the things I really enjoy about river cruising is the social informality onboard and how easy it is to get to know your fellow passengers. With around 190 guests, there are no ‘black tie’ formal evenings.

All meals are served together with open seating. You can sit anywhere and with whomever you want for any meal. My wife and I made a point of sitting with different people everyday. It was fascinating to meet so many different folk and hear their stories.

Onwards down the Rhône, we made a stop in Vienne, to take a walking tour of the city and to check out its Roman origins, which included the impressive Temple of Augustus and Livia.

We were also treated to a mini-train ride up to Mont Pipet for an incredibly spectacular view across Vienne and the winding Rhone River below.

Soon we arrived in Lyon, the second largest city in France, the gastronomic capital of the country and the confluence of the two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. This is a huge, modern and vibrant city, which is over 2,000 years old with an historical old town that is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage site.

Included in our cruise was a scenic coach tour around the city with stops at the magnificent Fourvière Basilica and a walking tour through the old town and some of the traboules … the secret alleyways that the silk weavers used.

Believe it or not, at this point, we had coped for an entire day without the formal temptations of food or wine tastings. I suppose it was inevitable therefore that as we cruised into the Burgundy region and visited the old town of Beaune, in the heart of vineyard country we would have to summon our strength for a final round of tastings.

Here we sampled two whites, two reds and a liquor, with some totally delicious cheese puffs, whilst on the way to the Hotel de Dieu. This incredible hospital with its unique styling, colourful roof and gothic facades is totally unique. It was built in the 15th Century as a hospital for the poor and remarkably it continued as a hospital up until 1971.

All too soon, our final stop on the cruise was Chalon-sur-Saône, a small and charming, almost caricature French town, where we wandered in the Sunday morning market, drank coffee in a pavement café and queued up for our fresh baguette.

Despite seeing so much and over indulging just now and then with the food and drink … and chocolate … this ‘Portraits of Southern France’ river cruise from Viking was nevertheless conducted at a gentle and leisurely pace.

We had plenty of time to sit back and relax on the ship, enjoy the scenery and sleep off the wine tastings.

In terms of service, Viking knows exactly how to look after its guests. They claim in their promotional literature that they explore the world in comfort! On this cruise they certainly lived up to that promise.

TRAVEL FACTS

Viking River Cruises offers an eight-day river cruise from £2,444pp full board including all meals and drinks (wine, beer & soft drinks only) and 6 included guided tours. Price includes flights and guests also have access to free Wi-Fi. Viking often have a range of special offers with discounts of up to £1,000 per person. They can be contacted on 0800 319 6660 for further information about the best deals available. Website: www.vikingcruises.co.uk

Soulbury brain tumour campaigner Nicole Taylor attended the launch of the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence in Plymouth on November 20.

Nicole and fiance Phil Phillips toured the new premises with patients, carers, scientists and other doctors to see the work being done to help people living with low-grade brain tumours.

The mum-of-two said: “It has been fantastic to be here today and discover what scientists are doing to find a cure for low-grade tumours, including meningioma, the type I have.”

The new Centre of Excellence will be part of Plymouth University Schools of Dentistry and Medicine, already a leading research facility into brain tumours.

It needs £1 million per year to stay running, the equivalent of nearly £3,000 per day.

Since being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2008 and undergoing a major operation, Nicole, 42, has raised over £10,000 for Brain Tumour Research through her own division of the charity, called Head 1st.

In recognition of her fundraising – which amounts to three days of research – she was invited to place three tiles on the ‘Wall of Hope’ in the centre.

Nicole said: “Putting up the three Head 1st tiles on the Wall of Hope on the three special dates I had chosen – one being the date of my wedding next July – has made me very proud and hopeful for the future.

“It is a tribute to all my Head 1st supporters within the Leighton Buzzard and Soulbury communities who have helped raise thousands of pounds to fund vital research into brain tumours.”

For more information, see www.braintumourresearch.org.

A calender featuring pictures from Central Bedfordshire has been created to raise money and awareness of dementia.

The council’s communications team chose 12 pictures taken by residents.

The calender is being sold to raise funds for the council chairman’s chosen charity, the Alzheimer’s Society.

The team searched through Facebook, Flickr, Instagram and Pinterest to find the photographs.

They cover all parts of Central Bedfordshire, including Dunstable, Woburn, Biggleswade, Silsoe and Flitwick.

Councillor Maudlin, council chairman, said: “Thank you so much to all our residents who allowed us to use their photographs.

“Every penny of profit raised through this calendar will go to the Alzheimer’s Society which does a tremendous job in leading the fight against dementia.

“The calendar will make a great Christmas gift as well as supporting the many families who are affected by Alzheimer’s, and I would like to urge our residents to get a copy.”

It will be on sale at the 12 libraries in the area from December 1, and will cost £5.

For more information about Alzheimer’s Society and the work they do, visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Leighton Buzzard band the Barron Knights are back at the Stables in Wavendon for their final concert of the year this Saturday (November 29).

This year’s show is called Soundtrack Of Our Lives and features lots of new material with songs that band leader Pete Langford hopes will bring back happy memories in some ways for the audience.

Pete said: “Everyone in our business will say the Stables is their favourite theatre.

“We love coming back to it every year, it has a great atmosphere and when we walk on stage we see so many old friends that have been such great supporters over the years, it’s like doing a show in your front room.

“We spent the early part of the this year in Oz and New Zealand, then back in UK to start the Spring tour... back to the traffic jams on the M25/M6/M1!

“We will soon have to leave after breakfast to get to our concerts on time so that’s why we love The Stables even more being ten minutes from home.”

The group hold the record number of performances – 334 – at the London Palladium and are known as ‘the guv’nors’ by their peers on account of their perfect harmonies and consummate musicianship.

The gig starts at 8pm. Call the box office on 01908 280800 or see the website www.stables.org.

Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company raised a glass of its popular Narrow Gauge at the seat of Government recently, after local MP Andrew Selous chose it as the week’s guest ale in the Strangers’ Bar, sited inside the House of Commons.

The beer, a 3.9% refreshingly dry and hoppy golden ale, was enjoyed by the many MPs and other parliamentarians for whom the Strangers’ Bar is effectively their ‘local’.

Brewer and owner of the brewery Jon d’Este-Hoare and his wife Amber made the journey to London to share a pint with Mr Selous, who said: “It has been a pleasure to bring this fine beer from my constituency to Westminster and introduce my colleagues in Westminster to a taste of South Bedfordshire.

“It is fantastic that Jon and Amber have launched the Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company this summer and I admire their determination and enterprise in setting up this new business and wish the business all the best for the future.”

Jon said: “We were delighted that Narrow Gauge was selected for the Strangers’ Bar and very grateful to Andrew Selous and the team at the bar for making it happen. We’re very proud of our beers and although we have only been trading for a short time we have been receiving fantastic feedback on them and this was a great opportunity to spread the word about them.”

He added: “We’d love to think that a pint of Narrow Gauge may have inspired some of our politicians to dream up ground-breaking new policies, but we are nonetheless delighted that so many MPs enjoyed drinking it.”

Narrow Gauge was made available in the Strangers’ Bar as part of a scheme run by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and the Society of Independent Brewers, to which the Leighton Buzzard Brewing Company belongs.

Jon said: “We brew a core range of four beers at our brewery off Grovebury Road and have already won our first award for our beer with our black IPA ‘Rebel Yell’ recently being voted beer of the festival at the Milton Keynes CAMRA beer festival.

“We operate a shop at the brewery on a Saturday open 10am – 4pm which provides a great opportunity to meet and discuss our beer with our ‘regulars’ as well meet those who travel some really quite impressive distances to visit and buy our beer.”

A Leighton Buzzard company is celebrating scooping two Bronze awards at the Cake International 2014 show.

Shelly Shulman of Cakes by Shelly, in North Street, entered a Cath Kidston inspired wedding cake and a sculpted dress mannequin and came home from the NEC, Birmingham with two Bronze awards for her bespoke creations. She said: “There are so many different categories you can chose to enter and the standard of entries each year just gets higher and higher so to come away with two Bronze awards is an amazing achievement.

“The beauty of these awards is that they are based purely on our creativity, skills and ability and it is wonderful to receive these accolades for our work along with amazing feedback from our peers. It is also great to pick up new tips and ideas that I can use in the future.”

The company is keeping cake making in the family and Shelly has passed some of her expertise down her daughter Kelsie, 11, who also entered the competition. The youngster was awarded a certificate of merit for her Love Hearts themed entry in the Junior Birthday Cake category.

The cakes are now back at the shop in Leighton Buzzard and will take pride of place in the window display for the next couple of weeks.

For more information visit www.cakesbyshelly.co.uk.

High energy new wave and punk rock band The Dogmattics’ return to The Wheatsheaf in North Street, Leighton on Friday (November 28).

The gig they did a year ago was brilliant with sets including numbers from Sweet, Stiff Little Fingers, Greenday, Motorhead, Sex Pistols, the Ramones, The Damned, The Buzcocks, The Clash, The Stranglers, The Vapours, The Undertones and seemingly any other bands that start with ‘The’ including The Monkeys!

Plenty to dance or pogo along to in a lively fun evening taking you back to the fine sounds of the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The band are: Steve Smith on vocals and guitar ably supported by Ian Kimmance, Richard Durrant and Harry.

> Milner, a four-piece blues rock and Indie covers band from Welwyn Garden City will take the audience through around six decades of music on Saturday night.

From well known covers to some great lesser known numbers that actually extend right through the range of Jazz, Soul, RnB, Blues and Indie Rock taking in classics from the Stones, Stevie Wonder, Paul Weller, The Small Faces, Artic Monkeys, Pearl Jam, The Jam, Stereophonics, The Specials, The Who and many more!

Vocals and guitar man Neil Armstrong will hope to take the audience into orbit with the help of Ian Hartley on guitar and keyboard, Paul Forster on bass and Ed Blackburn beating the drums at the back.

This well-established band has been together for 16 years and has been playing venues in North London, Herts and Beds.

Music at The Wheatie starts around 9.30pm on both evenings and admission is free.

The European Market due to launch today in Leighton town centre, and stay in place for the duration of the Christmas Festival, pulled out of its commitment this morning – by text message.

Furious Leighton-Linslade Town Council has described the manner of the cancellation as “unbelievable”.

A statement issued to the LBO said: “The town council is extremely disappointed to report that a text communication from the agent of the European Market was received at 8.32am today, (26/11/14) stating that his traders will not be bringing their stalls to Leighton Buzzard.

“Furthermore to cancel on the day of the event, an event where officers have gone out of their way to facilitate the market’s attendance and incorporate the stalls within the wider Christmas Festival weekend, is unbelievable. They will not be encouraged back.

“Yet, we are pleased to announce, this disappointment does not stop play. The Christmas tree was put up in Market Square this morning and the scene is being set for the town’s launch of the festive trading season.

“We look forward to welcoming you to the official start of Christmas in Leighton-Linslade on Friday 28th at 7pm in the High Street.”

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

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones are more fragile and prone to break, even after only a minor bump or fall. These fragility fractures mainly occur in the wrist, hip and spine.

Whilst the condition is more commonly associated with the elderly, it also affects the young and, at a time of year when slips and falls are more commonplace due to wet leaves or ice, this can be a worrying time for anyone affected.

Fortunately, bone protecting therapies have been shown to reduce the risk of breaks by up to 50%, and to help raise awareness of this, the Luton and Dunstable District Osteoporosis Support Group was set up last year by local volunteers. Offering a meeting point for Bedfordshire residents who are affected, and advising on therapies and nutrition, the group has been a great success. To mark their first anniversary, the group will be hosting an official launch event at The Incuba, 1 Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable on Wednesday, November 26 at 2pm. There will be talks including Keeping Well in Winter, by Age UK, and Structure & Posture, by Ruth Rose Podiatry. National Osteoporosis Society representatives will also be there.

Everyone is welcome to come along and find out about managing the condition or whether they are at risk of osteoporosis.

With 1,150 hip fracture related deaths every month in the UK, the charity continues to campaign for anyone over 50 years old who has broken a bone to be assessed for osteoporosis.

If you can’t make the launch event there are other ways you can get involved. They are currently looking for a secretary, people to join the decision-making committee, help with fundraising and help with talks and events. They are particularly interested in hearing from people who have been affected, directly or indirectly, by osteoporosis. For more details call give Volunteer Centre Central Bedfordshire on 01525 850559.

Bedfordshire Police has been told it ‘requires improvement’ after a first of its kind inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary.

Following its first PEEL assessment the county force was told that it needs to make a raft of improvements to the effectiveness and efficiency of its policing,

HMIC inspectors issued concern over the force’s investigation of offending and work to reduce and prevent crime, all of which were found to fall in the ‘requires improvement’ category.

The police watchdog said it had “specific concerns” on how Beds Police handles domestic abuse, though “there are now very early signs of improvement”.

In a blow for Beds police and crime commissioner Olly Martins the report added that the force requires improvement if it is to “provide affordable

policing in the longer term while keeping the public safe.”

HM Inspector of Constabulary for the eastern region, Zoë Billingham, said: “I am concerned that over the last two years police officer numbers have been cut to such a low level that the ability of Bedfordshire Police to provide an effective policing service to the public has been put at risk.

“The new Chief Constable has recognised this.

“She is increasing officer numbers and reorganising the force so it is better placed to meet the policing challenges in Bedfordshire.

“However all this takes time and the changes have yet to take effect.

“Currently, I have serious concerns about the force’s ability to reduce crime, investigate offending and provide an effective service to victims. “Hardworking frontline police officers and staff are doing their best to keep the public safe but they are very overstretched.”

Ms Billingham added that there are “fundamental weaknesses” to the way in which Beds Police responds to victims of crime, while there were also concerns over policing of domestic violence.

She said: “Staff working in neighbourhoods are often too busy responding to emergencies to be able to do effective preventative work.

“I have also had serious concerns about the service to victims of domestic abuse.

“My team of inspectors has returned to the force to assess progress a number of times this year.

“Our further inspection in October 2014 identified very early signs of an improved approach, but organisational changes need to translate rapidly into a better service to victims of domestic abuse.”

Chief constable Colette Paul registered her disappointment at the HMIC findings.

She said: “The assessment is not unreasonable given that we are in the early stages of delivering against our 2014-2019 five year plan.

“That said I am rather disappointed to see that the report does not acknowledge sufficiently the progress and improvements to-date during the past 12 months.

“It will take time to realise all of our ambitions, but we are committed to delivering this during the next five years and we are already making significant progress.”

HMIC will revisit the force for a full inspection by April 2015.

Beds police and crime commissioner Olly Martins has slammed the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary for “starting to usurp” his position after the body declared the force needs to make a raft of improvements.

This morning the HMIC published the findings of its PEEL inspection of Beds Police, with the force’s investigation of offending and work to reduce and prevent crime all found to fall in the ‘requires improvement’ category.

HMIC said it had “specific concerns” about the force’s dealing with domestic abuse, adding that Beds Police requires improvement if it is to “provide affordable policing in the longer term while keeping the public safe.”

Following the issue of the report Beds PCC Olly Martins has hit out at the HMIC, claiming that the body has “started to usurp the role of locally accountable police and crime commissioners.”

He said: “I despair of HMIC’s attitude towards Bedfordshire Police.

“They have a real ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ approach that is particularly unhelpful.

“Indeed their negative and injudicious use of language about the force could impact on staff morale and public confidence, and become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

He added: “I find it incredibly disappointing that, rather than being a critical friend in challenging times, HMIC prefers to hit police forces with a tsunami of inspections and recommendations in a costly and time consuming process that has started to usurp the role of locally accountable police and crime commissioners.”

The HMIC is the second public body Mr Martins has criticised in the space of a fortnight, as he took aim at the Independent Police Complaints Commission two weeks ago for its “long drawn out” investigation into the death of Luton man Leon Briggs.

Police have said they are concerned for the welfare of 20-year-old Nathan Barlow who was last seen in Hartwell Crescent, Leighton Buzzard, early yesterday.

Nathan, who suffers from depression, is described as a white, 5’10” tall, slim build with mousey blond short hair and was last seen wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a black jacket.

If you have any information relating to Nathan Barlow’s whereabouts please Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

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

Here’s a plan to save time and energy - and raise funds for Keech Hospice Care at the same time.

Instead of sending Christmas cards to colleagues, order a giant card from Keech, then ask fellow workers to sign it and chip in whatever they can afford.

Last year more than £10,000 was raised in this way to help the hospice.

> For more information call 01582 492339 or email info@keech.org.uk

There’s the usual winning mix of wisecracking banter and mass destruction in the latest instalment of the macho Expendables franchise.

Soldier of fortune Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) retires his ageing crew of mercenaries in favour of youthful hotshots in THE EXPENDABLES 3 (12: Lionsgate).

Their mission is to capture a ruthless arms dealer (Mel Gibson), who also happens to be The Expendables’ co-founder. But when the new kids are captured, it’s “the grey team” (including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jet Li) who come to the explosive rescue.

As well as the mad combat skills, take-no-prisoners attitude and jokey references to the action heroes’ pasts, there are some dull soul-searching stretches and the climactic duel is lame.

The most epic battle in the series so far errs on the cheesy side, but there are solid additions to the old fogey fight club (Wesley Snipes, Kellan Lutz, Kelsey Grammer and Harrison Ford), with Antonio Banderas making the biggest impression as the over-excitable, too-talkative Galgo.

> The humour is dark and incisive in surreal part-animated drama THE CONGRESS (15: Studio Canal) from Israeli director Ari Folman.

He casts Robin Wright as, erm, Robin Wright, a Hollywood actress whose agent (Harvey Keitel) is convincing her to accept a proposition from an oily film executive (Danny Huston) that would see her give up all rights to her image for two decades.

It’s an especially bold turn by Wright, who bears the brunt of some very harsh dialogue. After she signs up, the film fast-forwards 20 years. Now, on the way to the mysterious ‘Congress’ of the title, she drinks from an ampoule containing an unidentified drug and enters an anarchic, animated version of Hollywood populated by famous faces in caricature.

An entertaining film becomes a lot more wayward at this point, but even though it never quite seals the satirical promise of its first half, it does throw up some dazzling and very amusing ideas.

> Two damaged souls attempt to heal themselves through music in uplifting romantic drama BEGIN AGAIN (15: Entertainment One). Dan (Mark Ruffalo) is a washed-up record producer whose glory days are a distant memory. Gretta (Keira Knightley) is a British singer/songwriter heartbroken after splitting up with her boyfriend-cum-recording partner.

Both their lives are changed for the better, however, when Dan witnesses Gretta performing on stage and persuades her to record an album on the streets of New York.

Some of the original songs are pleasant and the cast acquit themselves well. James Corden nabs some laughs as Gretta’s busker friend, while the always excellent Ruffalo delivers plenty of charm.

> Dusty (Dane Cook), the famous racing airplane, learns that his engine is damaged and he must shift gears and find a new career in PLANES 2: FIRE & RESCUE (PG: Walt Disney). He joins an elite corps of firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park.

When a massive fire threatens the park, Dusty, with the help of fearless colleagues Blade Ranger, Dipper, Windlifter, Cabbie and the Smokejumpers, learns what it takes to become a real hero.

There is no dispute as to the game of the day in the Bedfordshire League on Saturday as the top two sides meet.

Premier Division supported by Sportsform action at Renhold Playing Fields sees the still 100% league leaders Renhold United play host to second place Shefford Town & Campton - looking to maintain their own unbeaten ways and achieve away win number six on the bounce.

Over at Oakley Playing Fields third place AFC Oakley M&DH will be in search of home win number four on the bounce to extend their home unbeaten ways up to seven games when paid a visit by second from bottom of the table Ickwell & Old Warden.

Whilst fourth place Marston Shelton Rovers make tracks to Jubilee Playing Fields to be hosted by twelfth place Wilstead who will be in search of just their second home win of the season.

Down at Flitwick Community Football Centre fifth place hosts Flitwick Town, having lost to just the league leaders Renhold on home turf this season, welcome AFC Turvey who have been beaten just the once at AFC Oakley M&DH in seven away outing to date this season. Whilst at Hurst Grove hosts Lidlington United Sports are called upon by now bottom of the table Pavenham.

Meantime just down the road at Weston Park, eighth place hosts Wootton Blue Cross are visited by a sixth place Sharnbook side who have thus far only been defeated twice on the road this season and at Bedford Road Recreation Ground it will be local derby action between tenth place hosts Sandy still looking for their first home win of the season and the visiting Caldecote still looking for their first away win of the season.

The final top flight action is at Sharnbrook Upper School, the venue at which ninth place Eastcotts AFC now unbeaten in their last four home starts are paid a visit by seventh place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College winners of four out of their six away games to date this season.

In Division One for league leaders Henlow it will be home Groveside action against the visiting seventh place Potton Town.

Whilst second place Elstow Abbey will be en route to Ickleford Recreation Ground to face third from bottom of the table Marabese Ceramics still looking for their first home win of the season.

Also on the road will be third place Cranfield United who head to Hitchin Road to face Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who they removed from the Beds FA Intermediate Cup back in late September at the same venue, since that game however Town have been beaten just the twice in their subsequent eight outings and will prove to be no easy nut to crack. Whilst for fourth place Great Barford it will be a major surprise if home win number five on the bounce is not forthcoming when paid a visit by bottom of the table Brache Sparta.

Elsewhere over at Miller Road sixth place hosts Meltis Albion take on eighth place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves who in having won their first five away starts to the season have now suddenly lost the last two and at Cople Playing Fields, tenth place hosts Bedford SA are called upon by eleventh place AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves who look to extend their current unbeaten away ways up to four games.

Other action coming at New Grounds, the venue at which second from bottom of the table AFC Harlington will look to continue their winning home ways against the travelling Queens Park Crescents who will be in search of the first away point/points of the season. Whilst at Gold Street, twelfth place Riseley Sports play hosts to fifth place Sundon Park Rangers.

The major spotlight for the lower division clubs this weekend falls upon the action in the second round of this season’s Bedfordshire FA Junior Cup. Of the seven ties in which they are involved five are all Bedfordshire County Football League affairs. The two exceptions being Bedford United’s home tie at the Hockey Centre against Luton District & South Beds League FC Spandits Reserves and Stevington’s trip in the opposite direction to take on Caddington from the same league.

In those said five ties, Westoning will be making a return trip to the Warren to be hosted by an Elstow Abbey Reserves side they defeated in league action just 14 days ago and perhaps also starting firm favourites to win on the road will be division three FC Houghton when they journey to Rectory Road to face division four hosts Shefford Town & Campton A.

Division Three sides are also involved in the remaining three ties and perhaps the best chance of a spot of giant killing could well come from Cranfield United Reserves who play hosts at Crawley Road to their near neighbours Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves who are yet to win on the road in division three league action this season. Plus you would not rule out the chances of FC Serbia causing an upset when they journey to Horseshoes Close to be hosted by Moggerhanger United.

The trio is made up by Caldecote U20 who without an away league win to their name this season look to have the odds stacked against them when they hit the road for a Cutler Hammer outing against Kempston Athletic.

Division Two league action is thus reduced to just a programme of three games in which the highest place side in action will be third place Clapham Sports who seek to extend their unbeaten home ways up to four games when receiving a visit from tenth place Renhold United Reserves who have lost their last four league trips on the road. Whilst at Harvey Close, Caldecote Reserves beaten just once on home turf this season are called upon by Wootton Village whose only two away defeats to date this season came at high flyers Clapham Sports and Westoning.

Miller Road is the venue of game number three where sixth place hosts Meltis Albion Reserves take on eighth place Kempston Hammers Sports in a game that will kick off at 1.30pm.

Likewise Division Three action is reduced to just a programme of five games. The game of the day coming at Whiston Crescent where sixth place Clifton play hosts to league leaders Atletico Europa who will hit the road looking for their sixth consecutive away win to maintain their seasons 100% away record. Whilst on the Green, seventh place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves now on a three game winning run face local derby action against the visiting Sandy Reserves.

Over on the 3G surface at Redborne School second place hosts Dinamo Flitwick look to retain their seasons unbeaten home ways against the visiting third place Lea Sports PSG who will be in search of their fourth away win on the bounce and just down the way at Greenfield Road, second from bottom of the table hosts Westoning U20 now losers of their last five home games are called upon by fifth place White Eagles side who still hold down a seasons 100% away record.

The final action is at the Sandy Academy, the venue at which the hosting third from bottom of the table Mid Beds Tigers go in search of their first home win of the season against the visiting ninth place Flitwick Town Reserves.

Central Beds Council says it will look to prosecute those responsible for fly-tipping this week at Bragenham Lane, Leighton Buzzard.

A reader got in touch with the LBO on Tuesday disgusted by the mess left behind by the culprits.

He said: “You will find some selfish lazy builder has dumped a load of stuff to cheat their customer by saving the builder waste recycling costs. It’s brick wrapping and drain. Probably block paving contract?”

Maybe if you publish a photo, a neighbour of where the work was being done can call you with information?”

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the fly-tipping in Bragenham Lane and are planning to clear it by the end of the week (Nov 28).

“The council takes all instances of fly-tipping very seriously, and we look to prosecute those responsible. We have some beautiful countryside in Central Bedfordshire and will not tolerate people spoiling it by illegally dumping rubbish.

“We investigate all instances of fly-tipping and take action where appropriate. So, if you see anyone fly-tipping or spot any dumped waste, please call 0300 300 8302 or email customers@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk”

The Wombles arrived in Leighton Buzzard on Tuesday for a litter picking event organised by Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

Many Pulford School pupils came out out to greet the Wellington, Orinoco and Great Uncle Bulgaria who, having cleaned up Wimbledon Common, decided to focus attention on Parson’s Close Recreation Ground.

Sarah MacKay, at the town council, said: “It transpired the headmaster is a particular Womble fan so he even joined us dressed up as Great Uncle Bulgaria!

“The children loved to meet the furry creatures, shake their paw and hear the little snippits of information we could fill them in on. One of the classes even joined us for a litter pick in Parsons Close and proudly showed the Wombles their pickings.

“The Wombles and their message were clearly a big hit with the children and it has only reinforced my intention to try and extend the campaign around the local schools next year.

“In all we collected 10 bags of rubbish in just that short time.”

As reported last month, the council intends to use new powers to fine people who drop litter from early 2015.

A gun amnesty across the county saw 40 guns and 14 lots of ammunition recovered by police over the space of a fortnight.

The firearms amnesty ran from Monday 10 to Friday 21 November and gave anyone who possessed a firearm or ammunition the opportunity surrender it without fear of criminal proceedings.

Procedures were in place to collect any firearms safely, while members of the public also handed weapons into police station across Bedfordshire.

During the amnesty 21 hand guns, shotguns and rifles were handed in along with 16 air rifles, two guns that fired blanks, a toy gun, three flares and 14 lots of assorted ammunition.

Chief Inspector Gavin Hughes-Rowlands, who organised the Beds Police amnesty: “With the help of the public we have removed these weapons and ammunition from the streets of Bedfordshire.

“Taking these weapons out of public circulation reduces the chance of them falling into the wrong hands and being used in future crimes.

“I’m pleased to say that the majority of firearms have been surrendered by members of the public either via our collection service or by bringing them into police stations.

“It must be remembered that Bedfordshire is a small county with only two centres of population, so we’d expect to have less handed in that other, larger neighbouring counties.”

You can still surrender weapons and ammunition by calling 101.

Bouncers have been placed on the door at Leighton’s Waitrose to refuse entry to shoppers earning less than £25,000 a year, a parody ‘news’ article has claimed.

Spoof website Evening Harold alleged that the upmarket supermarket chain had chosen the town to pilot the scheme “to ensure that only the right sort of person shops there.”

According to fictional Waitrose marketing director Rupert Thomas: “The Leighton Buzzard trial has only been running for two weeks but 
we have already seen great results with in-store riffraff down by over half and a better class of shopper taking their place.”

‘Thomas’ adds that plumbers and builders earning over £25k were also barred as “they might start touching the fruit and veg with oily hands or something”.

In a twist of a fate the article states that the bouncers themselves earn less than £25k and are therefore unable to enter the store, instead they are forced to use a public toilet over the road for rest breaks.

A spokesman for Waitrose was unavailable for comment before the LBO went to press.