Are you cat crazy? Is your Persian puss a pensioner? Are your feline’s fangs falling out?

The answers to these questions and more can be found at Milton Keynes Veterinary Group’s second annual Cat Talk, to be held next to their branch at Stoke Road in the Coronation Hall on Saturday November 14 at 10am.

The guest speakers are both internationally renowned veterinary surgeons, Caroline Blundell, co-owner of The Oxford Cat Clinic Referral Centre, and Paul Hobson, owner of Pet Dentists.

Caroline will be sharing her knowledge of the needs of the older cat, and Paul will be giving an overview of the three most common dental problems seen in cats and how they can be prevented or managed.

Andre Cilliers, vet and director of the practice, said: “Since we started our own Cat Only Clinics at Stoke Road two years ago we have been pleased with their popularity. In fact, we were recently awarded Silver Accreditation as a cat friendly clinic by the International Society of Feline Medicine in recognition of our facilities and the steps we have put in place to keep the environment as stress free as possible.”

here will also be an opportunity to peruse the stalls offered by local cat charities and get some Christmas gift ideas for pets.

If you would like to attend the event, please email info@mkvetgroup.co.uk.

There is no charge but places are limited.

One man will take on all of the characters in a theatrical re-telling of the TV series, Breaking Bad.

One Man Breaking Bad - The Unauthorised Parody goes to The Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury on Friday, November 13 following sell-out runs at comedy festivals in Melbourne and Edinburgh.

With 60 episodes condensed into one awesome one-man show, LA actor Miles Allen takes audiences on a rip-roaring ride through one of the biggest television hits of recent years.

Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, hilariously accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring.

Allen’s impersonations break all five seasons down into one tour-de-force parody performance.

He said: “This show is a love letter for all the fans who lived through the blood, meth, and tears of the greatest television show ever made.”

The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced from £22.90. Call the box office on 0844 871 7607 or visit www.
atgtickets.com/aylesbury

A Christian prison worker was forced to resign because he offended sex attackers by reciting verse from the Bible deemed to be homophobic, a tribunal heard.

Reverend Barry Trayhorn, 51, was accused of preaching homophobic hate during pentecostal prison services.

Several inmates at HMP Littlehey, nr Huntingdon, Cambs., - where 80 per cent of prisoners are sex offenders - complained about Rev Trayhorn’s services.

In one sermon, the father-of-three, who was a volunteer chaplain at the prison for six years, directly quoted a verse from 1 Corinthians, chapter 6.

He said: “Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of god.”

In a statement read to Rev Trayhorn’s employment tribunal in Bedford on Tuesday, an inmate referred to as prisoner 3 said: “I was at the chapel on Saturday and I was disgusted by what I heard.

“He was preaching hate and intolerance towards prostitutes and homosexuals.

“Then he started goading the congregation, saying go on, put your complaints in.

“I almost wanted to cry.”

Rev Trayhorn denies targeting homosexuals and prostitutes in the prison service on May 31 last year, and stated he was simply reading for the Bible, using himself as the biggest example of a sinner.

In his witness statement, Rev Trayhorn told the tribunal panel: “After I had finished explaining the verses I said words to the effect of ‘you may want to complain about this but this is the word of God, God loves you and wants to forgive you.

“I simply said what the Bible says.

“Prisoners have a right to hear God’s word, just as much as anyone else.

“If people come to a Christian chapel service, we cannot keep God’s message from them.”

Rev Trayhorn also said that a prisoner told him that homosexual prisoners had started a campaign to remove him from chapel services.

The prison had previously barred Rev Trayhorn from preaching at chapel services following a previous complaint about him using homophobic language.

Rev Trayhorn heard there had been a complaint about a remark he had allegedly made at a service in February about same-sex marriage, but could not recall it.

In April last year he was told not to preach again because he had not completed anti-terrorist paperwork required for clearance to work as a chaplain.

The tribunal at Bedford Employment Tribunal Centre on Tuesday heard that after three separate complaints from prisoners Rev Trayhorn was banned from all chapel activities.

Rev Trayhorn resigned from the prison in November last year after suffering from illness and a nervous breakdown.

He believes that he was discriminated against due to his Christian beliefs.

Rev Trayhorn said in his witness statement: “I did not feel I had done anything wrong, all I had said in the chapel was from the Bible. I believed the Bible was God’s word and I could not violate God’s command.

“The choice I was given was simply between following my Christian beliefs and keeping my job.

Rev Trayhorn, who is represented by human rights lawyer Paul Diamond and the Christian Legal Centre, is accusing the Prison Service of constructive dismissal and claiming compensation.

He claims an unfair and aggressive disciplinary process which provoked his resignation.

The Country and Western singer, who has played in clubs for years, started work supervising prisoners in the jail’s gardens in 2011.

He then began helping out with music in the chapel and preached formal sermons at some servies.

Andrea Williams, of the Christian Legal Centre, said: “Mr Trayhorn’s words were nothing that couldn’t be found in a rural parish church on a Sunday morning and were an explanation of repentance and forgiveness.

“Is the Bible given to prisoners now to be censored to remove anything that people may find difficult to hear?”

The tribunal is expected to continue for the rest of this week.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman declined to comment while the tribunal is ongoing.

Mark Eaton has branded his sacking by Leighton Town ‘ridiculous’ and ‘embarrassing’ after he was dismissed from his role after 12 weeks on Tuesday.

The former Aylesbury FC boss replaced Craig Bicknell at the 11th hour in the summer, but had picked up just two wins this season.

Taking over in July, Eaton had to build a squad after last season’s team left along with Bicknell, as well as finding sponsorship and hastily arranging pre-season friendlies to ensure the team was ready ahead of the new season.

And given just 12 weeks in charge, Eaton said he was more embarrassed than angry at the club’s decision to sack him.

He said: “Early on Tuesday morning I was called by Iain McGregor who, much to my surprise, said the club no longer wished me or my management team to continue at the club.

“The club statement says I was disappointed with the decision - far from it. I am actually embarrassed for them as unfortunately it once again makes them look shambolic to the Leighton public or anyone who knows anything about football.

“Given the state of the club when I joined you would think common sense would prevail in understanding the Leighton job was a complete rebuild not a quick fix. I made that clear when I agreed to help them.

“I was persuaded to take the job by Sean Downey, a friend and previous manager. The club has been a complete failure on and off the field for many years in consistent relegation battles and financial crisis. I joined the club with a view of attempting of stabilising it over the coming seasons. I also, along with the management team ,agreed to do it for free to help the club financially in this transitional time.

“We started two weeks after everyone else had started pre-season training and the club did not have one player left from the previous season so I knew it would be a big challenge to get players in. I found there was a general reluctance for players to go there due to the poor facilities, lack of finance and the continued struggle. However, despite this, myself and my Assistant Manager Derek Brown worked really hard to bring in players just getting a team on the pitch for the start of the season was a success.

“In my opinion the whole culture of the club needs to be changed and although I have great faith in my ability that can’t be achieved in 12 weeks and would probably take at least two seasons so our plan was to consolidate this year and build for next season.

“There is no doubt it has been difficult, we have been let down by some players at times and the results haven’t been as good as we hoped but we had no doubt with the four players we had coming in this week, we would have been OK. We had a run of fixtures which presented a great opportunity to pick up points over the coming weeks.

“Myself and Derek also have plenty of experience and contacts to call on, we were working very hard off the field. The club knew this when hiring us that they had a two people that had a consistent track record of success in non-league football but it would take time.

“There are some good people at the club like Sean Downey, I was told the decision was made by the Executive Committee whoever they are as I have never met them collectively but they obviously have no idea about football at this level. All in all I am not sure what Iain McGregor and his band of helpers behind the club are expecting with the financial restrictions and lack of previous success.

“I guess the small amount of good people in Leighton Buzzard who have any affiliation with the club can draw their own conclusions to the reasons why the club has continually failed.

“For me and Browny, we’re not disappointed as the club’s actions are quite ridiculous so I guess all we can do is wish them well for the future.”

The Creagh/Carr Review - your double-sided perspective of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday (November 7).

CREAGH SAYS .... This is almost unbearably in-your-face theatre, from the moment you walk into the auditorium and see a dead dog centre stage with a pitch fork piercing its rib cage to the unexpectedly tender end.

The award-winning novel about a young boy allegedly with Asperger Syndrome is now an award-winning play.

It’s a shocking, gripping and utterly absorbing story, which most of us are familiar with from Mark Haddon’s 2003 blockbuster.

Christopher - a mesmeric performance from Joshua Jenkins - can’t bear being touched.The 15-year-old at a special needs school has his little rituals to cope with every day life and escapes into mathematics when he can’t. He gingerly high fives his parents but that’s about as close as he gets to physical contact.

His tortuous journey to find who killed the dog is traced in a series of alarming encounters. He leaves the safety of his suburban home and the father he feels has betrayed him by claiming his mother was dead when she had in fact run off with the neighbour’s husband.

It’s a remarkable insight into the mind of someone with ‘behavioural difficulties,’ made even more dramatic by the stark black and white set. This cleverly morphs from a giant mathematical graph paper background into the London Underground and a terrifying scene where Christopher is almost killed by a train as he tries to rescue his pet rat Toby. The noise, flashing lights and confusion are incredibly real.

All the supporting roles are well played, from story narrator Siobhan (Geraldine Alexander) to troubled dad Ed (Stuart Laing) and hippyish mum Judy (Gina Isaac).

The first night audience gave the cast a standing ovation. And rightly so

CARR SAYS ... This may be one of the most unusual theatre productions touring the regions this year.

I read Mark Haddon’s novel years ago and I remember being quite dubious about how it would translate to stage.

The plot follows brilliant 15-year-old Christopher Boyes, a keen young mathematician who suffers from a condition akin to Asperger Syndrome.

After a gruesome discovery of a dead dog run through with a pitchfork, he embarks on a quest to find who carried out the murder, taking him from his hometown of Swindon across to London.

At times the difficulties posed by his condition set in - he cannot emotionally read between the lines - but his crisp-clear logic ultimately leads him to the truth.

Joshua Jenkins puts in a passionate performance as Christopher, with an infectious enthusiasm that makes his adventure come alive.

I particularly enjoyed the performances of Christopher’s parents (Stuart Laing and Dinas Isaac) who come across far more sympathetically on the stage, speaking their own words, than they do in the novel.

But the real brilliance comes in the staging of the play.

To show the overwhelming stimulus of modern life on Christopher, the set itself becomes a kaleidoscope of bright lights, shrieking signs, and grid patterns, all used to demonstrate his intense experience of the world.

It might not be classic theatre, but The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time is an engaging, original and visually stunning piece of drama that is well deserving of its hype.

The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time plays at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday. See here for tickets.

AFC Oakley M&DH are the new leaders of the Premier Division supported by Sportsform after they notched up win number seven on the bounce when winning 6-2 at Elstow Abbey on Saturday.

Matt Barnes and Alex Liburd both netted twice alongside single strikes from Jack Hoogstraten and Oli Plested for the new league leaders against Abbey replies via Grant Williams and Glenn Tumulty.

Losing out on that top spot are Renhold United whose unbeaten record was ended with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Wilstead who now sit sixth in the league table. Adam Budek and Stuart Robson scored the vital goals for Wilstead who finished the game with 10 men following a red card for Paul Jones.

Still in third place are AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College who took their winning ways up to six games with a 2-1 home win over Ickwell & Old Warden. Ashley Windridge and Courtney Boughton were on their scoresheet against a lone reply from Zak Rowe for the visitors.

Whilst Flitwick Town remain in fourth spot after winning 5-1 at Sandy to stretch their unbeaten record to nine games in chalking up this their fifth win on the bounce. Ritchie Bevan with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Callum Jones, Will Scutt and Vincent Doratiotto to bring up the nap hand against a lone reply from Nathan Morris.

For fifth place Ampthill Town Reserves it was a retention of their 100% away record when a lone goal from Phil Matthews took them to a 1-0 victory at bottom of the table Eastcotts AFC who have now lost their last nine league outings.

Whilst third from bottom of the table Caldecote are still looking for their first home point of the campaign after suffering home defeat number five, losing 4-0 to Cranfield United. Martin Holland scored twice alongside Jordan Appleton and Luke Gray for a United side returning to winning ways for the first time in four outings.

Also returning to winning ways were both Pavenham and Sharnbrook. Pavenham ended a run of four games without a victory by netting a 2-1 home win over Marston Shelton Rovers thanks to goals from James Owen and Tom Rodger against a lone reply from Rovers Jim Burraway.

Whilst Sharnbrook ended a run of eight games without a win with a 5-3 home victory over Shefford Town & Campton, Jim Burnside leading the way with a hat-trick and joined on the scoresheet by Alex Strange and Chris Prior against Town replies via Chris Clark twice and Adam Larsen.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford.

The lone game of the day saw league leaders Stevington fall to their first defeat of the season when beaten 3-0 at Ickleford who in retaining their season’s 100% home record and notching up win number five on the bounce lifted themselves up into third. John Vooght was the sole destroyer with all three goals.

Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup Second Round.

Round three of this season’s competition will see the Bedfordshire County Football League represented by just four teams following the exit of eight others in Saturday’s second round.

Even two of those didn’t need to kick a ball to progress into round three, Stevington gaining a bye following the folding of Great Barford prior to the seasons start and Henlow after Riseley Sports failed to raise a side to meet them at Groveside.

The league’s two round two winners were Sundon Park Rangers and AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Rangers on home soil saw off South Midlands League Totternhoe Reserves 3-1 thanks to two goals from Shaka Anderson plus a strike from Lee Garner.

Whilst AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves also beat SSML opposition with a 2-0 win at The 61 FC Luton Reserves thanks to goals from Mitch Crook and Hayden Sohanta.

Elsewhere AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves had just goals from Aaron Chaplin and Taylor Bakogeorge to show for in a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Stotfold U21. Also falling to U21 opposition were Potton Town, 4-0 at home against AFC Kempston Rovers, and Houghton Athletic, 5-0 at home to Dunstable Town.

There were defeats for three others against Luton District & South Beds League teams. Shefford Town & Campton Reserves, with a lone goal from Jordan Darocha, lost 2-1 at Christans in Sport.

Whilst Westoning, despite two goals from Shaun Cooksley, lost 4-2 at St Josephs and Queens Park Crescents had just a strike from Shazad Sattar to show for their 7-1 defeat at YP Community.

Joining them on the exit trail were Meltis Albion in being defeated 4-2 at home by South Midlands League side Langford Reserves. Scott Alleyne and Craig Damon scored the Albion goals.

Division Two

There is no change at the head of the division following wins for the top three sides. League leaders Cranfield United Reserves retained their 100% record when a goal from Daniel Bullen was enough to give them all three points in a 1-0 victory at Wootton Village.

Whilst second place Lea Sports PSG ran out 5-3 home winners over Clapham Sports. Jordan Yearwood with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Lee Bull, Will Tyler and a Ryan Darby penalty to bring up the nap hand against Sports replies via Ishmael George, Harry Munnelly and Nathan O’Halleron.

For third place Cople & Bedford SA it was a return to winning ways with a 4-1 victory at Bedford United. Ollie Hughes scored twice alongside Gary Canzano and Paul Nigro against a lone United reply from Tom Wade.

Despite retaining their unbeaten away record to remain in fourth spot Atletico Europa lost ground on the leading three sides when held to a 1-1 draw at Kempston Hammers Sports. Tadej Jaukovic was on the Europa scoresheet against a Hammers penalty reply from Martin Bennett.

The final game in this division lasted just 20 minutes before being abandoned after the visitors Elstow Abbey Reserves found themselves with just six players left on the pitch and trailing their hosts Flitwick Town Reserves 4-0.

Abbey having started the game with just nine players following a no show from five others and were quickly reduced to seven after their goalkeeper broke his arm and a fellow player took him off to hospital upon learning an ambulance may take two hours. Another Abbey player left the field injured shortly afterwards and the referee had no choice but to bring the game to a close.

Division Three

Wixams remain 100% for the season and five points clear at the head of division three following their 8-1 home win over third place AFC Dunton. Gareth White scored four to go alongside a brace from Jonny Cockram and single strikes from David Lawrence and Adam Jellis against a lone Dunton reply via Dean Hill.

Whilst second place Sundon Park Rangers took their unbeaten ways to five games with a 3-1 home win over bottom of the table Sandy Reserves. Shane Roberts netted twice and Jordan Holmes once against one in reply from Aiden London.

Now in fourth spot are White Eagles who ran out 5-3 home winners over second from bottom Meltis Albion Reserves. Jacek Tereszienicz with a hat-trick was joined on the scoresheet by Rafel Cygan and Damian Susfal to bring up the nap hand against Albion replies via Kade Walker, Matt Cox and Matt Jefferson.

Whilst in fifth spot are Renhold United Reserves who claimed their first away win with a 5-1 victory at Dinamo Flitwick. Nathan France with a brace was joined on the scoresheet by Michael France, JP Stribling and Casey Young against a lone home reply from Dean Myers.

Dropping down into sixth spot are Wilstead Reserves who were held to a 3-3 home draw by third from bottom of the table Clifton. Callum Evans with a brace and a single strike from Luke Pursey marked the home scoresheet against a Clifton hat-trick from Charlie Watson in reply.

The final game in this division gave Caldecote Reserves their first home win of the season in beating Shefford Town & Campton A 3-0, Adam Legate netting twice and Nicky Albone once.

Division Four

Now back on top of the division four league table are Mid Beds Tigers who retained their 100% league record with a thumping 12-1 home victory over Caldecote A who were losing for the first time on the road this season. Liam Brophy scored four times, Luke Clark claimed a hat-trick and Steve Monk a brace to go alongside single strikes from Daniel Bailey, Luke Rudd and Tomas-Lee Smith against a lone reply from Paul Rannow.

Tigers took over the top spot from Polonia Bedford after their five game winning run won was ended in a 6-0 home defeat at the hands of second from bottom of the table Henlow Reserves who were picking up their first points of the season.

Robbie Angel and Mario Santo Costa both scored twice alongside single strikes from Sam Crow and Sam Jury.

Now in third spot are Stevington Reserves who retained their 100% home record in claiming a 6-1 win over bottom of the table side Lidlington United Sports. Cameron Cain and Aaron Fletcher with braces were joined on the scoresheet by Simon Ellis and Jamie Endersby against a lone United reply via Steve Didlick.

Enjoying life on the road were Bedford Albion in winning 7-2 at Westoning Reserves. Jack Brown, Shaun Challi and Steve Slater all netted twice alongside a single strike from Dan Jeffries against home replies via Ollie Mansfield and Ryan Jordan.

The final game of the day in this division gave Flitwick Town A their first home point of the season after they share the spoils in a 3-3 draw with AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A. Dylan Cadger with a brace and Ben Stones netting for the home side against replies from Jake Duxbury, Sunil Ram and Jack Connelly.

Plans to permanently switch on speed cameras between M1 junctions 10 and 13 have been branded ‘utterly ridiculous’ by a drivers’ association.

On Tuesday Beds police and crime commissioner Olly Martins told the Home Affairs Select Committee that unless he is given extra funding for the force he will have no other option but to seek other means of income.

As well as ‘ethically vetted’ commercial sponsorship for the force’s unforms and vehicles, the PCC may use his powers to permanently turn on variable speed cameras between M1 junctions 10 and 13.

At present the cameras are only active when speed restrictions are in place.

Mr Martins said that this move could raise £1 million a year– enough to prevent the loss of 25 officers.

However it has been branded ‘utterly outragerous’ by the Association of British Drivers- an organisation which takes on “councils who so often see drivers as a cash cow to be milked at will”.

Co-founder Hugh Bladon said: “I think this is a dangerous precedent. I am really appalled that a police force should be even considered such an idea. “My fear is that if police forces see this working in one area they will quickly adopt a similar approach and soon the whole motorway network will be operating a zero tolerance policy.

“If the police want us on their side this is hardly the best way to go about it.

“This is utterly outrageous.

“Speed cameras are supposed to be there to make the roads safer, but as we now see the real reason is to make money.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, has said that he has “total sympathy with cash-strapped constabularies” but none for “forces explicitly setting out to raise money from cameras”.

He added: “We support the proportionate use of cameras for safety reasons but this step would fan the fury of millions of sceptical motorists who already suspect that some of them are only there to raise revenue.”

When initially discussing his plans Mr Martins said he was prepared to take “desperate measures” to stave off further cutbacks to Beds Police.

A GP behaved like ‘a 14-year-old boy’ during intimate examinations, a jury heard this week.

The examinations were given to 23 alleged victims as part of recruitment processes for ambulance and fire services in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.

Dr Robert Lewis was described by one alleged victim as ‘being like a 14-year-old boy grabbing his first pair of boobs’. The 50-year-old, who is a GP at the Larkfield Surgery at Stotfold, allegedly molested the women during medical examinations.

Dr Lewis, of Northbridge Street, Shefford pleads not guilty to 37 charges against 23 women. 36 are charges of indecent assault between 1999 and 2003. One is a charge of sexual assault in May 2009.

Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls QC told Luton Crown Court on Tuesday: “The women were not his full-time patients at his general practice.

“The assaults were subtle and carefully designed by the defendant to appear as part of the examinations.

“The defendant was taking advantage of young women who were desperate to pass the medical and give themselves the best possible chance of getting a job.

“He was a man who deliberately targeted those who had come to him and trusted him to perform a required medical and did so under the guise of his expertise.

“Dr Lewis used the pretext of breast examinations and hernia checks to provide cover for the assaults he committed.”

Mr Fenhalls told the jury that most of the offences are alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2003. Some of them first came to light in 2002 when complaints were made and there was an enquiry by the General Medical Council.

One woman alleged he removed her bra without warning, was told to lower her jeans before he slid his hand in her underwear. He looked into her thong and asked her to cough. Then, dressed only in her thong, he asked her to bend over for 10 seconds while he said he was checking her ‘spinal alignment.’

After examining one woman’s chest with a stethoscope, the doctor allegedly told her he would show her how to examine her breasts. She is said to have described it as being ‘more like a grope.’

One woman alleged: “He said ‘I just need to check for a pubic hernia and put his hand in my knickers. The bra was removed to check for sites of potential cancers ... polishing headlights springs to mind rather than the normal breast exam. He massaged my breasts while I am lying flat on my back.”

One alleged victim said she felt very uncomfortable as he touched both her breasts at

the same time using both of his hands and he put his hand down into her pubic regions. “She said it made her feel very uncomfortable and sleazy,” said the prosecutor.

Another woman told the police she went for an examination with Dr Lewis. She was not wearing a top or bra. Mr Fenhalls said: “It wasn’t an examination, it was a two hand grab. He just cupped them. I just felt shocked. If he’s looking for lumps, I am pretty sure that’s not how you do it, but he is a doctor.”

When questioned by the police, Dr Lewis denied assaulting any patients.

The case is expected to last six weeks.

A family has donated £30,000 to a hospital to thank it for the care their son received before he died aged just 15 months.

Devastated by the loss of their child, the Reid family decided that out of their despair would come a positive outcome for other children being treated on the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Mani Reid was born 15 weeks prematurely at 11.11am on November 11, 2011 and spent the first three months of his life on a ventilator. Various life-saving operations followed, which included a 10-day stay in PICU in the summer of 2012 being treated for lung problems.

Mani eventually returned to the Reid’s home in White Horse Close, Hockliffe over the New Year, resulting in some precious time with family. But tragically, Mani caught swine flu in mid-January 2013, which did a great deal of damage to his already fragile lungs, and he passed away on February 11, 2013, unable to fight any more.

Mani’s parents, Stuart and Trishna Reid, set up a charity in his name, Mani’s Helping Hands, and since that time, with the support of family and friends, a host of fundraising activities have been held, including a family fun football tournament, a Hollywood meets Bollywood Ball and a Three Peaks Challenge.

As a result, a cheque for £30,000 was recently presented to staff from PICU to help fund a new oscillating ventilator, which will allow the nursing staff to ventilate children requiring significant levels of support at rapid rates but at much lower pressures, thereby reducing the potential of any long-term damage.

Stuart said: “We received such wonderful support and we therefore set out to try to raise as much money as possible to help other parents and those organisations that were responsible for helping Mani and supporting us as a family during what was a terrible time.”

Michelle Gray, head of community fundraising at Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) said, “We are so very grateful to Mani’s family for choosing to support the hospital in this way. With the winter months looming, which usually results in increased demand for the ventilators, having access to a new one will greatly benefit patients.”

> To find out more about Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust see www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk

Police and crime commissioner Olly Martins has been pilloried for suggesting that sponsorship of Beds Police uniforms and vehicles could help the force out of the financial crisis it faces.

Mr Martins continues to plead with the government for additional funding, but in the meantime has not ruled out the possibility of ‘ethically vetted’ firms boosting the force’s coffers.

The PCC has argued that he would rather raise money through commercialisation than lose more officers.

Should this occur, who do you think should sponsor Beds Police’s uniforms and vehicles?

> To cast your vote in our poll click here

Two of the UK’s most talented young jazz musicians are set to appear at The Five Bells, fresh from a week long residency at Ronnie Scott’s.

Phil Robson and Paul Booth will perform at the venue on Thursday, November 12 starting at 8.15pm.

Guitarist Phil Robson is internationally regarded as a highly versatile and creative musician who appears in a wide range of diverse settings.

A renowned bandleader and composer, he is co-leader of the cult band Partisans and has performed at major jazz festivals and venues throughout Europe and the USA.

Their latest recording, ‘Swamp’, was chosen as the 2015 Parliamentary Jazz Awards “CD of the Year”. He has also worked with some of the leading figures on the international jazz scene, including Billy Hart, Dave Liebman, Kenny Wheeler and John Taylor and is a member of the BBC Big Band.

Having released four solo albums to date, Paul Booth has firmly established himself as an in-demand solo artist, as well as a ‘first call’ sideman for many big names in both jazz and popular music worlds.

The band recently completed a successful week’s residency at Ronnie Scott’s, opposite drum legend Billy Cobham.

Tickets are £12 for adults and £3 for under 18s and full time students.

To book in advance visit www.greensandjazz.org.uk or call 07840 264955. They can also be bought from Espresso Head in Hockliffe Street but includes a £1 booking fee.

The main spotlight this weekend for sides in the Premier Division supported by Sportsform clubs falls upon the Round Two ties in this season’s Bedfordshire FA Senior Trophy.

Our clubs are involved in seven of the eight ties, the eighth being between Potton United and Crawley Green and of those ties three are all Bedfordshire County Football League clashes.

At Hillgrounds, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College welcome a Sandy side they beat 6-0 on their own Bedford Road patch in league action at the end of September.

Whilst at Renhold Playing Fields hosts Renhold United face one of only two clubs to have taken league points off them this season, namely Ickwell & Old Warden, and at The Football Centre hosts Flitwick Town take on Sharnbrook who will be making their second visit to the Centre in just over a month having lost there 2-1 in the league.

The other four ties see our clubs face Spartan South Midlands Football League opposition. Just one have to hit the road when Caldecote make tracks for Forde Park to face division one mid-table Langford. Whilst over at Church Lane last season’s beaten finalists AFC Oakley M&DH play host to division two league leaders Kent Athletic and just down the road at Pavenham Playing Fields hosts Pavenham will be called upon by division one side Ampthill Town.

The final Trophy action comes at The Warren, the venue at which Elstow Abbey take on an Arlesey Town Reserves side who currently sit on the bottom of the SSML division two league table.

This leaves us with just three Premier Division supported by Sportsform league games. At Woburn Road fifth place Ampthill Town Reserves will be looking to take their unbeaten ways up to seven games when bottom side Eastcotts AFC visit still in search of their first away points. Whilst sixth place Wilstead look to take their winning ways up to four games when at their Jubilee Playing Field base they play hosts to Marston Shelton Rovers who will be looking to avoid their third consecutive away defeat.

The third game comes at Hitchin Road, the venue at which tenth place Shefford Town & Campton host seventh place Cranfield United.

The Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford action will see league leaders Stevington in home action at their Playing Field headquarters looking to seek revenge against third place Ickleford who beat them 3-0 at Chambers Lane just last weekend, and who will travel looking for win number six on the bounce to end the hosts 100% home ways for the season.

For second place Sundon Park Rangers who are still holding down an unbeaten league record plus a perfect 100% home record, it’s action at their Stockwood Park Athletic Centre base against third from bottom of the table Houghton Athletic.

Third place AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves will also be hitting the road looking to return to winning ways away from Hillgrounds when they journey to Gold Steeet to play eighth place Riseley Sports who will be looking to extend their unbeaten home ways up to three games.

Over at Groveside it’s local derby action where second from bottom of the table hosts Henlow, now on a four game losing league run, look for their first home points against the visiting tenth place Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who themselves will be looking to end a run of five league games without a win.

Other action comes at Mill Lane, the venue at which ninth place hosts Potton Town will be looking to end a run of four consecutive league defeats when called upon by bottom of the table AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves who will hit the road in search of their first away points. Whilst at Greenfield Road seventh place hosts Westoning still unbeaten on home soil this season take on the visiting fifth place Queens Park Crescents .

The top action in Division Two this weekend comes at Crawley Road being the venue at which the still 100% leaders Cranfield United Reserves play hosts to second place Lea Sports PSG who will hit the road looking to maintain their 100% away record.

Third place Cople & Bedford SA will start the day just goal difference behind them when at Cople Playing Fields they host bottom of the table Elstow Abbey Reserves who are still in search of their first points. Whilst it’s also home action in Jubilee Park for fourth place Atletico Europa who look to extend their unbeaten ways up to four games against the visiting seventh place Flitwick Town Reserves who still remain unbeaten on the road this season.

Over at King George VI Playing Fields fifth place Clapham Sports will look to maintain their 100% seasons home ways when called upon by second from bottom of the table Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves who will travel in search of their first away points. Whilst for sixth place Kempston Hammers Sports it’s a trip to Wootton Playing Fields to be hosted by a Wootton Village side still looking for their first home win.

The final action in this division comes at Cutler Hammer being the venue at which tenth place hosts Kempston Athletic, now on a four game losing run, are visited by eighth place Bedford United who still remain 100% on the road this season despite failing to win any of their five home encounters.

In Division Three action league leaders Wixams will be looking to extend their winning run to eight games when they go into home 3G action against the visiting eighth place Caldecote Reserves. Whilst second place Sundon Park Rangers travel to Whiston Crescent still unbeaten on the road this season and winners of their last three games to face the hosting tenth place Clifton.

Just down the road at Horseshoes Close third place hosts AFC Dunton remain unbeaten on home soil this season and the next visitors are fourth place White Eagles, who will hit the road looking for their first away points. Whilst fifth place Renhold United Reserves, now winners of their last two games, journey to Rectory Road to take on ninth place Shefford Town & Campton A who will be looking to end a run of three consecutive league defeats.

Other action comes at Miller Road, the venue at which second from bottom of the table Meltis Albion Reserves search for their first home points against the visiting sixth place Wilstead Reserves who will hit the road looking to take their winning away ways up to three games.

At Bedford Road Recreation Ground bottom of the table Sandy Reserves look not only to end run of five straight defeats but also pick up their first home points when called upon by seventh place Dinamo Flitwick.

In Division Four with leaders Mid Beds Tigers sitting the afternoon out second place Polonia Bedford have the chance to regain top spot again should they collect a point or better from their home Allen Park encounter with eighth place Flitwick Town A.

Yet the game of the day in this division may well come at the Woodlands where hosts Bedford Albion and visitors Stevington Reserves both go into the game winners of their last two matches.

Elsewhere it’s home 3G action at Hillgrounds for AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A who search out their first home points against the visiting Westoning Reserves who will hit the road looking to end a run of three straight defeats and at Harvey Close, Caldecote A take on local rivals Henlow Reserves.

John Lewis has today unveiled its Christmas TV advert ‘The Man on The Moon’.

They have partnered with Age UK for its 2015 Christmas ad with a reminder to consumers to consider those who will be alone this year.

The full two-minute ad features the whimsical story of a young girl named Lily as she strikes up a connection with an elderly man who she spies through her telescope living alone on the moon.

Taylor Wimpey is helping to shine a light on the importance of leaving the car at home and walking to school this autumn.

The housebuilder is supporting Walk to School Month, which has been encouraging parents to walk their children to school instead of travelling by car.

Taylor Wimpey is working in partnership with schools to support the initiative by supplying pupils with high-visibility slap bands to wear during the darker autumn and winter months.

The aim of the campaign is to promote healthy lifestyles – especially in the light of growing concern about levels of childhood obesity and fitness – and reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

Taylor Wimpey has provided 100 slap bands to encourage pupils at Leedon Lower School in Leighton Buzzard to walk to school – and help keep them safe on the journey. It is part of a campaign that will see more than 12,000 slap bands provided to children across the country.

Gareth Jacob, from Taylor Wimpey, which is currently building new homes at Billington Grove in Leighton Buzzard, said: “We understand that family life can be busy, but walking to school is one of the easiest ways for children to increase their level of physical activity and get fit. We hope our contribution will help inspire families to swap the car for a safe walk to school instead.”

Richard Benson, headteacher at Leedon Lower School, said: “We encourage the children to walk to school to promote a healthier lifestyle and to reduce traffic outside the school.

“We are very grateful to Taylor Wimpey for this generous donation which will help raise the profile of Walk to School Month among pupils and parents alike.”

Walk to School Month is an annual nationwide campaign that promotes the benefits of walking to school, which results in healthier young people and less traffic on the roads.

Bedfordshire Police has announced plans to change its enquiry office opening times.

The plan, which follows weeks of consultation, contains a mix of good and bad news for residents and staff as the force does its best to meet public expectations with the limited budgets it has.

The good news is that as a direct result of feedback from communities and the staff dedicated to serving them, the force has decided to keep Dunstable Police Station enquiry office open.

From the beginning of February Dunstable, and the enquiry office at Greyfriars, Bedford, will open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday – although it is acknowledged that’s not as long as the current 7am to 10pm seven day a week arrangements.

However, the reception at Kempston HQ will be scrapped and replaced with a fully functioning and longer opening enquiry office, which will operate between 8am and 8pm seven days a week and mirror arrangements at Luton Police Station.

Budget restraints leave the force with no option but to close Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis enquiry offices, although it is important to understand that the police stations themselves remain completely operational.

Although seven posts have been cut no-one will be made compulsorily redundant, thanks to voluntary redundancy or redeployment opportunities within the force, which is keen to retain the skills of the staff it has.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Olly Martins, said: “I am very pleased we will be able to keep the Dunstable enquiry office open, and this is as a direct result of consultations with the public and our own people.

“We have done a considerable amount of research and are essentially keeping open those enquiry offices where there is statistically the most demand for face to face contact.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Collins, added: “Visitor numbers to our enquiry offices have fallen over the years as people take advantage of new technologies to contact police.

“However, there are some things that cannot be done via computer or mobile telephone and we have done our best to come up with a solution which gives the best possible service within the budget constraints we have.

“I would emphasise that even though some enquiry offices have been closed the police stations are still fully operational and residents can make an appointment to see officers there, or at their own homes.”

“Although the funding picture looks bleak we will continue to press central Government for a fairer funding settlement and support the Police and Crime Commissioner’s petition. “

The public can sign a the Police and Crime Commissioners petition calling for more funding for Bedfordshire Police at www.bedspcc.org or www.bedfordshire.police.uk.

Center Parcs. which opened its newest holiday village in nearby Woburn, has retained its Hospitality Assured status following a rigorous assessment last month.

Hospitality Assured is an industry standard which recognises exceptional service and guest care for customer facing businesses.

The accreditation process encourages businesses to look at its operation from the customer’s perspective, measuring Center Parcs against a series of performance indicators.

The indicators allow Center Parcs to continually judge and measure itself in order to improve and enhance the service provided and, give customers the opportunity and reassurance to choose an organisation where high quality service is guaranteed.

The re-assessment involved interviews with nominated members of Center Parcs staff across its four UK Villages and head office.

Responses and evidence were collated based around standards such as customer research, customer service promise, business leadership and planning, operational planning and standards of performance, resources, training and development, service delivery and recovery and customer service improvement.

According to the report the Hospitality Assured external assessors were ‘extremely impressed by the continued improvements that Center Parcs has strived to achieve over the past 12 months’ and particularly praised the business on how effectively and efficiently the Woburn Forest village - which opened in 2014 - has been integrated.

Paul Kent, Center Parcs operations and development director said the awarding of the status proves his company delivers ‘excellent service’.

He said: “It’s fantastic to be recognised by this external industry assessor which is a reflection of the efforts of everyone across the business to continually deliver and build on excellent guest service.”

The external assessment visits were carried out at all Center Parc villages including Woburn which has only been open 16 months and all of them retained five star status.

A charity ball hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Leighton-Linslade has raised almost £1,700 for charities.

Councillor Ray and Mrs Val Berry held the event at Leighton Buzzard Golf Club on 24 October 24 with 97 guests attending.

These included including mayors and chairmen from neighbouring towns, the mayor’s charity representatives, town councillors, officers from the Leighton-Linslade Town Council and local business representatives, together with friends and colleagues.

Guests enjoyed a champagne cocktail on arrival, followed by a wonderful dinner provided by in-house caterers, LJ Catering.

After dinner, guests danced the night away to live music provided by local group Razz whose versatile mix of 60s, 70s and 80s music ensured the dance floor was occupied most of the night.

The funds raised at the event are in support of the mayor’s chosen charities, who this year are Macmillan Cancer Support, Kids Out, Leighton Linslade Scout Groups and Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway.

Councillor Berry thank all those who supported him to make this event so successful.

How would you like to dance your way into David Walliams’ acclaimed show for children, Gangsta Granny? Have you eaten enough cabbage soup to give you the courage to have a go?

Milton Keynes Theatre has joined forces with Birmingham Stage Company to offer you the chance to perform in all the live shows of Gangsta Granny in February.

They’re looking for a female dancer to play the role of a 16 to 18-year-old. You must be aged 18 or over, no taller than 5ft 2ins (157.5 cm) and available to perform in all the shows from Tuesday February 9 to Saturday February 13.

> To apply email mkcreative@theambassadors.com for the music and an application form.

Deadline for applications is Saturday, November 28.

A roadshow is being held in Leighton buzzard to fill seasonal vacancies in the busy run-up to Christmas.

International recruitment firm, Transline Group, is bringing the roadshow to town in a push to hire staff for major blue chip retailers for peak delivery season.

The events will run every Thursday throughout November at the Leighton Buzzard Library and will offer on the spot hiring to candidates with relevant skills and experience.

Transline is hoping to fill a number of warehouse operative roles at its Luton and Dunstable branches.

The company says there are a total of more than 4,000 vacancies across the south of the UK.

Successful candidates will be servicing the major blue chip retailers’ distribution of online orders and will help to assist with peak demand throughout Christmas.

There will be the opportunity for employees to convert a temporary contract into permanent.

Chris Birkby, operations director at Transline Group, said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing our events to Leighton Buzzard on a regular basis throughout November.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to engage with the people who could be working alongside Transline.

“The idea of the Recruitment Roadshow is to take advantage of meeting potential employees face to face, so, if you’re interested in the opportunities on offer at Transline, come and have a chat – we’re looking forward to meeting you!”

Transline Group is recruiting for positions covering an entire UK network.

Overall, there are around 17,000 vacancies across the UK.

Volunteers are needed in early December to help collect food donations for people in need this winter.

National food redistribution charity FareShare needs help in 32 Tesco stores across the Thames Valley from Thursday, December 3 to Saturday, December 5, including Leighton Buzzard.

FareShare is working with Tesco and foodbank charity The Trussell Trust on the 7th Neighbourhood Food Collection - the biggest national food drive. The last collection in July collected enough food to make 3.6m meals.

All of the food donated will be delivered to FareShare’s Thames Valley Regional Centre in Didcot, Oxfordshire, before being redistributed to more than 45 charities and community organisations across the region which feed more than 4,000 people each week.

The Tesco stores collecting on behalf of FareShare are:

Abingdon Extra, Aylesbury 2, Aylesbury Extra, Brackley, Buckingham, Didcot, Faringdon Park Metro, Henley, High Wycombe, High Wycombe Loudwtr, Hook, Hungerford, Kidlington, Leighton Buzzard, MK Kingston Extra, Maidenhead Metro, Milton Keynes Bletchley Extra, Milton Keynes Wolverton, Newbury, Newbury Extra, Newbury Metro, Oxford 2, Oxford Magdalen Metro, Oxford Metro, Princes Risborough, Reading Extra, Reading West Extra, Egham, Taplow, Tidworth, Uxbridge Metro and Windsor.

Richard Kennell, general manager of FareShare Thames Valley, said: “Each volunteer can help us collect enough food for 500 meals in just three hours – and the more volunteers we have, the more food we can collect to help reach more people in need. It really is a fun and rewarding experience to be involved in one of the biggest food drives in the country and something that you can do with your family, friends and local community.”

To volunteer at the Neighbourhood Food Collection, find your closest store and register at www.fareshare.org.uk/food-collection-2015