For the second successive match, Leighton Buzzard conceded 50 points at home, this time to Leicestershire based Oadby Wyggestonians in a disappointing 50-0 defeat.

The visitors, with a large pack and hard straight running backs, played a very efficient and straightforward brand of rugby.

In particular, they were clinical when opportunities arose, in stark contrast to Buzzards, who were unable to turn a number of chances into scores.

Leighton kicked off down the slope but into a stiff breeze. The opening minutes were played in midfield but after four minutes, and with their first attack, Oadby Wyggs carved open the home defence to score under the posts to take a seven-point lead. Buzzards responded positively - an attempted penalty drifted just wide and then a clean break by captain Jack Whitehouse was stopped just short. Again Buzzards attacked, with Reece Harris-Smith held up just short.

Whilst Buzzards were unable to convert their opportunities, the visitors were ruthless when they had chances. In a spell of seven minutes midway through the first half, they scored three tries – two from patiently working through the phases to create pressure, and one from an individual break on the left wing. With two of these tries converted and an earlier penalty, Oadby Wyggs were 22-0 ahead.

With seven minutes of the half remaining the visitors scored their fourth try to extend the lead to 29 points. Leighton were continuing to put phases together and at times the backs looked threatening - in their best move of the half, winger Jack Kempster was put into space but a last ditch tackle prevented the try to leave the half time score 29-0.

Leighton started the second half with good pressure - they had eight phases of play in their opponents 22 but were unable to cross the line.

Almost inevitably when Oadby Wyggs had the chance they took it – scoring their fifth try nine minutes into the second half to make the score 36-0.

In the next 20 minutes Buzzards had a number of opportunities – firstly the pack drove twenty metres from a line-out but a loose pass ended the move. Then wingers Andy Harris-Smith and Jack Kempster combined but a scrambled defence held out and then Ollie Taylor, now playing at fly-half, made a clean break but was tackled just short.

As in the first half Oadby Wyggs were clinical when opportunities came. They added two fine tries , both from inside their own half in the final 10 minutes which, with both converted, made the final score 50-0.

There was little doubt that Oadby Wyggestonians are a fine side and, on the day, gave Leighton a lesson in playing to their game plan and being clinical in taking opportunities with decisive finishing.

Buzzards remain 12th and next week travel to Old Northamptonians.

The chairman of independent traders’ group LB First has expressed concern about plans for Aldi to set up shop on Leighton Buzzard’s new retail park.

Aldi will take over Wickes’ position as an anchor tenant at the Grovebury Road site, subject to planning permission being secured.

Although Aldi intends to keep open what would be a smaller base in Vimy Road, LB First chairman Gennaro Borrelli said he had concerns about how long Aldi would keep two stores open, despite assurances from retail park developer Claymore Phoenix that both would remain.

He said: “The worry is that if Aldi do go there we don’t actually know how long they would keep the town centre store open for. Would it be economically viable long term?

“Also is this the start of a trend where we start to see the leaking of larger stores/chains from the town centre to the edge of town? This was always the nightmare scenario envisaged when planning consent was granted for both retail parks.

“The deliberate shifting of our main retail centre by stealth will endanger our historical town centre. This is why the land on the South Side of the High Street was earmarked for development, to include more retail and leisure, link in with the rest of the High Street providing more choice and entertainment, anchoring the footfall and supporting the rest of the town centre including the market.

“That’s why after extensive public consultations it was part of our last two town plans and most recent Central Beds draft development strategy.”

MrBorrelli saidCentral Beds Council had ignored the national planning policy framework which stated that a town centre first approach had to be taken where land has been identified.

He said: “Only when there is no land available then the local authority can work its way out to the edge of town, the reason being that it is deemed detrimental to traditional town centres and many studies have shown how much damage has been caused by edge of and out of town retail parks, retail parks which nobody actually asked for.

“This is why when planning consent was granted for this one there were restrictions for bulky goods only and was deemed small enough as well to have a minimal impact on the town centre.

“But because the precedent had been set, planning permission was given for a second retail park and because Cllr Nigel Young lifted the restrictions on the White Lion retail park in Dunstable to get M&S to go there (only to be blocked by Sainsbury’s ) it allowed Claymore to lift the restrictions on the Grovebury Road retail park and thus get M&S to go there instead and fill the other units, almost by default.

“We have mushrooming housing growth in our town and will see none of the benefits that people have been asking for, improved amenities and facilities, instead a slow death to our traditional town centre if things are allowed to carry on along this road. We need strong visionary leaders to create the right conditions for success.”

Central Beds Council has now received a formal planning application which, if approved, would pave the way for a 1,858sq metre Aldi foodstore as Wickes – which has stores nearby in Bletchley and Dunstable and had originally signed up for Grovebury Road – has agreed to step aside.

The retail park, due to open in January 2019, originally gained planning permission in November 2013, with a condition that the presence of “convenience food retail” in the warehouses was forbidden.

However, last year, with M&S keen to put a Foodhall on the site, Central Beds Council agreed to amend the Section 106 agreement to allow its presence.

> Developers give latest on retail park https://www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/news/business/leighton-buzzard-retail-park-developer-confirms-aldi-will-take-over-from-wickes-if-planning-permission-is-secured-1-8675848

Leighton Buzzard Art Society will be holding their annual exhibition at Leighton Middle School on Friday, October 26, and Saturday.

The new committee, which includes vice-chair and secretary Graham Pellow, treasurer Linda Holbrook, programme secretary Marion Macrae and chairman Peter Leigh, will be displaying their work at the exhibition, which is free, and local artist John Wilkinson will also have a painting on display.

The society meets monthly at the Westlands Centre, Duncombe Drive, to see demonstrations by professional artists, The next one, David Hyde painting wildlife in watercolour, will be at 8pm on Thursday, November 15. For more details about the Art Society visit: www.lbas.org.uk.

Leighton Buzzard never looked in trouble against Sonning as they thumped them 7-1.

The Buzzards started strong and it wasn't long before they had their opening effort of the game. Josh Farnfield drove into the the visitors D and unleashed a shot that left the Sonning keeper helpless but hit the upright high. Leighton continued to press and a series of short corners was won with Leighton coming close each time to converting, but not close enough.

On Leighton's next short corner the injection did not come out well but was collected and bought to the outside of the D by Nick Marshall who played the ball back to the top for Player of the Match Tommi Lakins to open his scoring account for the day.

From here Leighton seemed to take their foot off the gas and a mix up in defence allowed a Sonning forward through and play the ball past Leighton Keeper Dan Metcalfe to put the visiting team back level. A series of poor decision making and individual errors, in the lead up to the half time break, meant Leighton struggled to repeat their earlier attacking flare as the half drew to a close.

At the start of the second half Leighton came out swinging. Quick passes around the back line from Dan Edwards and Matt Franklin found Marshall free in the middle of the park, who played the ball through to Jack Gorton at the top of the Sonning D.

After taking the ball round two Sonning defenders Gorton slotted the ball home to give Leighton back their lead. From here Leighton had the wind in their sails. Moving the ball around with confidence Leighton became more daring in their attacks. Josh Gale showed fantastic skill in juggling the ball down the left side of the pitch and cutting in on the baseline to pass the ball across the goal and create a clear scoring opportunity for Tom Billington, who just knocked the ball wide.

A drive down the right side from Will Jenkinson ended with him sending a pin point cross through the D to find Lakins diving in for a deflected finish, Leighton's third and his second of the day. With each attack Leighton came closer to adding to their tally. A scramble in front of the goal, from a short corner routine, saw Franklin lay-up Gale at the back post for Leighton's fourth.

Franklin was next on the score sheet getting on the end of a Lakins strike from the top of the D at a short corner and making it five goals to one for the home side. Lakins capped off his day when Gorton found him unmarked in the D, and after dancing around the Sonning defence Lakins knocked in his hat-trick goal. Leighton's final nail in the Sonning coffin came from another short corner. A strike from the top of the D by Marshall rocked the backboard and put Leighton six goals up over their guests.

Leighton now move to second in the table and will be looking to capitalise on their current form when they travel the short distance to Aylesbury next weekend.

Leighton Buzzard 2nds also made light work of Sonning on Friday night, beating them comprehensively 3-1. Playing some excellent hockey, Leighton deservedly took the lead through Finley Bell-Taylor, before Steve Fuller doubled their advantage. Matt Nash made it 3-0 in the second half, before the home side netted a consolation goal via a deflection to beat keeper Dan Wright.

1 FAMILY THEATRE
Crafty’s Halloween Spooktacular, Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, October 26
Crafty the Crow invites all his friends to the biggest Halloween party in town. But there’s a mystery to solve. Come in your scariest Halloween costume and help Sally the Scarecrow discover what’s happened.
Details: leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk

2 MUSIC
The Backbeat Jivers, Royal British Legion, Thrift Road, Heath and Reach, October 27
It’s time for some good old rock ‘n’ roll with Kent based band The Backbeat Jivers, who will be playing ‘50s-style music as well as current jive favourites. The evening also features top rock ‘n’ roll DJ The Tartan Ted. The fun starts at 7pm and non-members are welcome.
Details: call 01525 237923

3 BALLET
English National Ballet: Manon, Milton Keynes Theatre, October 24 to 27
Famous for its expressive choreography, Manon features some of the most demanding roles in ballet, bringing period drama to life through dance.
Details: atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes

4 FILM
Alpha (12A), Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, October 25
Kodi Smit-McPhee stars as a young hunter who befriends an injured wolf during the last ice age. Gradually gaining the wolf’s trust, he sets out for the village without the wolf, but it follows him. Discover how their companionship grows.
Details: leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk

5 FAMILY
Freaky FunFest, Mead Open Farm, until October 31
Families can enjoy six Halloween attractions. Help Little Red Riding Hood find her way to Grandma’s house, explore the new Haunted House, don’t miss the twists and turns of Mr Topper’s Twister and a chance to tiptoe through The Shed. There’s plenty more, too.
Details: meadopenfarm.co.uk

6 FAMILY
Halloween Disco, Rushmere Country Park, Linslade Road, Heath and Reach, October 25
Treat the children to an evening of Halloween fun and see the park in the dark.
Details: greensandtrust.org

7 BALLET
Beauty and the Beast, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, October 28
Join Ballet Theatre UK for this enchanting love story. When her father is imprisoned in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her capture by the Beast. Little does she know that he is a cursed prince...
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

8 MUSIC
The Magic of Motown, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, October 26
Expect 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes and dazzling dance moves.
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

9 FILM
Disney’s Christopher Robin (PG), Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, October 30
Christopher Robin, the boy from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories, is grown up and has lost all sense of imagination. Pooh and his friends help him find it again.
Details: leightonbuzzardlibrarytheatre.co.uk

10 FAMILY
Bing Live!, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, October 30
Join characters from the hit CBBC show as they find out how to tell stories by pretending, dressing-up and singing songs.
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

Center Parcs Woburn Forest is celebrating after the company marked a decade of being recognised with The Wildlife Trusts Biodiversity Benchmark.

The Wildlife Trusts and Center Parcs announced the important milestone this week. The short break operator, which opened Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire near Milton Keynes back in 2014, has just reached a 10 year anniversary as proud holders of The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark accreditation.

With four villages already accredited, Woburn Forest was the final village to be awarded the benchmark this year, just four years after first opening in the summer of 2014.

This means all villages are now crowned with the wildlife award, recognising the hard work that goes into monitoring, maintaining and developing a rich habitat for wildlife to thrive in.

Center Parcs has worked with The Wildlife Trusts and other environmental and ecological organisations for three decades now, sharing knowledge, records and plans to ensure everyone is working together for the protection and enhancement of natural environments. The presentation of the 10 Years of Biodiversity Benchmark award took place at Sherwood Forest, where the Benchmark, in its previous guise, was first awarded more than 16 years ago.

The Wildlife Trusts encourage landowning businesses to play a role in supporting wildlife through good management and they work hard to recognise and celebrate businesses which have achieved excellence. The Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark is the only standard that certifies management of business landholdings for wildlife.

Center Parcs has had a strong commitment to protecting and enhancing their forests for more than 30 years. A team of rangers are guardians of the forest, helping to maintain and create new habitats to encourage flora and fauna to flourish.

Center Parcs listed some of the highlights from its venues in the last 10 years:

- First otters at Center Parcs spotted at Whinfell Forest in Cumbria in 2016

- Nesting Dormice first seen at Longleat Forest in Wiltshire three years ago

- Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire continues to support one of the most significant bat populations in the county.

- After struggling for many years the recovery of toad and frog numbers at Elveden Forest in Suffolk

- Turning Woburn Forest from a commercial woodland into a Center Parcs buzzing with wildlife

Martin Dalby, Center Parcs CEO said it was an ‘amazing achievement’.

“Especially knowing how much work goes into taking care of our forests every day,” Mr Dalby said.

“The natural setting of our villages is the unique aspect our guests love most about us. This clearly demonstrates that protecting the natural environment can go hand in hand with a commercial operation - you don’t need to sacrifice one to have the other.”

Nigel Doar, director of strategy at The Wildlife Trusts added: “We believe that everyone has a part to play in bringing about nature’s recovery. Center Parcs has been achieving the Biodiversity Benchmark standard for 10 years, doing the right thing for the natural world and increasing the value of their holiday villages for a wide range of wildlife, year after year. And millions of guests have been inspired to connect with wildlife during and after their stay. Good for the environment; good for people’s health and wellbeing; good fun. Everyone wins.”

The work doesn’t stop there, though.

Center Parcs has vowed to continue to work with organisations like The Wildlife Trusts so it remains collaborative. Mr Doar joined Mr Dalby, landscape asset manager Richard Watson and the ground services managers from each village to hand over the award.

Plans for the next decade include new Biodiversity Sensitive Area maps, new Biodiversity Action Targets and further plans for the continued protection of internationally, nationally and locally rare species at Center Parcs.

A landscaper from Leighton Buzzard creates a dream garden for a five-year-old boy so he can play safely outside.

Steve Morley, who runs his own company, Hardscape, gathered an army of local volunteer tradesman and companies to join MyBuilder.com to create a dream garden for a family who won a competition.

Tristan Timberlake was born with Down Syndrome and then his parents Luke and Dannielle, discovered that he had a congenital heart disease, partial blindness, low muscle tone, and a host of other conditions that set him apart from other children.

Tristan has been through various surgeries, seen a host of doctors and medical specialists, and needs many features around the home to help him get by.

Unfortunately for Tristan and his family, their garden in Milton Keynes was a terrain of potholes, overgrown bushes, broken slabs and a badly-filled pond.

In March, MyBuilder.com, a leading online marketplace helping homeowners find tradesmen, teamed up with Dobbies Garden Centres and launched it’s Magical Garden Makeover competition and saw 1,700 homeowners from across the country enter and almost 53,000 members of the public vote for their favourite.

When Tristan’s dad Luke entered the competition, explaining what a usable garden would mean for his family, thousands of people joined the cause, nearly 7,000 people voted for Tristan and his family as the worthiest winners of the makeover.

As Luke put it in his competition entry earlier this year: “The garden is something that Tristan would genuinely benefit from. Somewhere where he could be secure and happy, and be able to play, without us constantly having to worry about his well-being.

“The garden that we have at the moment we are unable to really use in any capacity (even with supervision), because the nature of Tristan’s vision, muscle tone, and abrupt onset fatigue, simply makes it too dangerous.”

The entry was unanimously chosen as the winner of the £5,000 makeover prize and landscaping expert Steve Morley, volunteered to do the project at no charge and also managed to get a team of volunteer tradesman to help him get the job done.

Steve said: “Getting people to help was easy for me. It was 24 hours of phone calls and more than enough people offered to help, because they’re guys that understand, and wanted to help people who need help. It’s what we do.”

Volunteers cleared and levelled the garden and the team cold start recreating it to a new plan for Tristan and his sister to enjoy.

Dobbies Garden Centre Milton Keynes donated a beautiful selection of plants and flowers.

Local firms Nuyard Paving and Fencing Centre, Chesham Fencing Supplies Ltd, ArtificialGrass-Direct.com, and WasteKing all donated materials and equipment to help the finished garden be the best it could be.

The finished garden has a raised patio, artificial turf, flower borders and a chalkboard for Tristan and his sister, Ophelia, to express themselves.

Steve said: “We did it in six and a half days, it would normally take about two weeks but we had a lot of help from volunteers.

“It was great to see their reaction to it, really emotional and we were proud to have been able to help them.”

Luke added: “Now we can let them play, because we know they’re going to be safe out here. When we won, which we weren’t expecting to do by a longshot, we were expecting to be happy with it, but if you’d got me to sit there and draw the perfect garden it it wouldn’t have looked anything like this… Which isn’t to say this isn’t perfect - because that’s exactly what this is.”

This elegant Grade II townhouse is set in an historic market town regarded as one of the best places in Britain.

The Sunday Times named Woburn as one of the best places to live in Britain, and the historic village is home to this exquisite home - which dates all the way back to 1725.

Hobourn House is beautifully situated in Woburn village with wonderful views overlooking the church spires.

Constructed of brick with a slate and tile roof, the house boasts three reception rooms and three bathrooms and a total of six bedrooms.

Lovingly renovated to retain the Georgian style, the house is full of period charm and character.

If you like to host parties, the grand proportions of the ground floor make this house perfect for entertaining.

A dual aspect sitting room runs from the front to the back of the house where French doors open to the garden, making it easy for guests to spill out on to the patio.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, comprehensively fitted with handcrafted cabinets, a kitchen island, oak flooring and a breakfast area with a corner banquette perfect for family meals.

An added bonus on the lower ground floor is the boot room and tucked away down the cellar steps, a vaulted wine cellar.

The upper floors of this classic property are flooded with natural light and the first-floor landing makes the most if it with a fully fitted study area, perfect to work in if you can avert your eyes from the spectacular view of the church.

A family bathroom and three of the six bedrooms are on this floor and include the master bedroom with views over the rear garden.

Three further bedrooms (one with ensuite facilities) are on the second floor.

Outside, the garden lends itself to entertaining as much as the house with a patio, terraces and a summer house. Woburn is in a conservation area and offers a huge array of individual shops, tea-rooms and restaurants.

If schooling is on your radar, there is an Ofsted outstanding school in Woburn Village.

The property is available for £1.75 million through Michael Graham’s Woburn Sands office. Phone 01908 586400 for more.

Alternatively, visit michaelgraham.co.uk/property/rps_mig-WBS170001.

Shefford Town & Campton remain four points clear at the head of the Premier Division supported by Sportsform standings after a 2-0 home win over Stevington thanks to a brace of goals from Lee Harman.

Whilst now up into second are Cranfield United who maintained their seasons own 100% away ways when winning 3-1 at Marston Shelton Rovers. Justin Newman, Daniel Green and Connor McBrien were on their scoresheet against a lone Rovers reply from Xennon Paul.

United took over that second spot from Queens Park Crecents who were held to a 1-1 home draw by Wilstead who still remain unbeaten on the road this season, Chisom Amadi netting for the Crescents and the visitors replying with an own goal.

It was a end to fourth place Ickwell & Old Warden’s 100% home ways when defeated 2-1 by Wootton Blue Cross. Scott Harvey and Chris Butler scored the goals to do the damage against a lone home reply via Marko Tobdzic.

Also enjoying life on the road were Flitwick Town and AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College. The Town went nap in winning 5-2 at Riseley Sports. Dominic Collins led the way with a hat-trick supported by single goals from Phil Matthews and Daniel Stafford against a brace in reply from Sports Mitchell Crooke.

Whilst the College boys won 3-2 at Sharnbrook thanks to a hat-trick including one from the penalty spot by Thomas Vandenbergh against home replies via Richard Ball and Michael Pickard.

Elsewhere AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves retained their ubeaten away record when sharing the points in a 2-2 draw at Caldecote. Elijah Hukin and Laurence Bentham were on their scoresheet against a home brace in reply from Harry Lovely.

Division One supported by O’Neills

With leaders Bedford Albion having their game at Wilstead Reserves postponed due to the continuing unfit state of the home side’s Jubilee Playing Fields pitch Wixams missed the chance to go top when beaten 2-0 at Biggleswade FC Reserves whose goals came via Mark Franklin and John Veal.

Wixams were overtaken on goal difference by Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who retained their unbeaten ways in drawing 2--2 at Christians in Sport (Luton), James Snee netting both Town goals against home replies via Rhys Day and Chris Horncastle.

Now in fourth are Henlow who remain unbeaten on home soil after beating AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves 4-0. James Campbell with a brace plus single goals from Charlie Willison and Russell Ayles did the damage.

Whilst The 61 FC Luton Reserves returned to winning ways with a 3-0 home victory over Cople & Bedford SA. Yvesilin Eugene with a brace and a penalty from Pearce Tracey marking their scoresheet.

Elsewhere it was a first win of the season for Sandy who ran out 4-2 home winners over Flitwick Town Reserves. Jonnie Stratford with a brace was joined on the home scoresheet by strikes from Nicky Threadgold and Daniel Whitton against Town replies via Jason Strong and Ian Buckingham.

Whilst Cranfield United Reserves lost their seasons 100% away ways when held to a 1-1 draw at Totternhoe Reserves. Luke Gray netting for United and Adam Worthington for the home side.

Hertforshire Junior Cup 1st Round

Lea Sports PSG will now face a second round home tie against Harpenden Rovers Reserves after winning 6-0 at Wymondley. Martin Collins and Warren Bell both hit braces to go alongside single goals from Ali Mohiyaldeen and Conor Napper.

Division Two supported by Hy-Pro

Having started the day on top Houghton Athletic now find themselves fourth after losing 3-2 at Meltis Albion who now become the new leaders. Arran Wright was the home hero, netting a hat-trick against Athletic replies via Gavin Watson and Mihail Tudos.

Whilst up into second are Kempston Athletic who remain 100% on the road this season and still unbeaten after winning 4-3 at Atletico Europa. Dan Mattin with a brace plus goals from Craig Damon and Lee Shotbolt were replied to by Moses Gilson, Paddy Alimanji and Albert Adeyemi for the home side.

Third place is now taken up by Elstow Abbey who made it five wins on the bounce with a 5-1 victory at AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves. Glenn Tumulty with a brace plus strikes from Jason Harrison, Travis Joseph and Ollie Watton brought up the nap hand against a lone home reply via Junior Ivy.

Whilst the top scorers of the day were CS Rovers who claimed their first away win of the season with a 6-4 victory at St Joseph (Saturday) Connor Darocha with a hat-trick joined on their scoresheet by single goals from Daniel Bhatti, Michael Bhatti and Dalitso Chibwe against St Joes replies via Kenan Dogruer twice and single strikes from Shaun McGovern and Jack Thompson.

Also claiming their first away win were Black Swan in winning 4-2 at Sundon Park Rovers. Ben Smith with a brace plus single goals from Joe Carey and Callum Wilson werereplied to by Rovers goals from Derek Maruma and Rayvaun Bridgett. Luton Leagrave AFC took their unbeaten away sequence to four games in winning 3-2 at M&DH Clapham Sports who are still awaiting their first point. Ryan Hill, Hartley Coleman and Ismail Drais were on the winners’ scoresheet against M&DH replies via Phil Kempsell and Owen Tuffin.

Caldecote Reserves took their winning ways up to three games with a 3-2 home victory over Sporting Lewsey Park. Nicky Albone, Sam Julian and Jack Stagg all found the back of the net against a Park brace in reply from Luke Lincoln.

Berks & Bucks Junior Cup 2nd Round

It was the end of the cup road for Unite MK Reserves after being defeated 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at home to Twyford United Reserves after 90 minutes play had seen the sides deadlocked at 2-2. Ismail Raja and Faraz Abid the MK goalscorers.

Division Three supported by Hy-Pro

The Pines (Luton) remain six points clear and still 100% for the season after winning 3-1 at the previously unbeaten at home Dinamo Flitwick. James McGuinness, Ryan Smith and Garry Duncan were on their scoresheet against a home own goal in reply.

Whilst with FC Polonia (Luton) having their game at Thurleigh postponed due to the unfit state of the home pitch they now drop from second into third, overtaken by Shefford Town & Campton A who ran out 8-0 home winners over Sandy Reserves. Bradley Vooght with a hat-trick, Josh Lummis with a brace plus single goals from Alex Mitchell, Colin Standley and Sam Lunmmis handed out the punishment.

For Harlington Juniors it was a first win in five outings with a 5-4 home victory over Stevington Reserves who have now lost their last six outings. Jamie Small with a brace plus single goals from Daren Bryant, Rhys Thompson and Tatenda Tapfuma brought up the nap hand against visiting replies via Dan Marino twice plus single goals for Regan Scott and Jason Thompson.

For Wixams Wanderers it was an end of their 100% home record when beaten 5-4 by Lidlington United Sports who were duly taking their away unbeaten ways up to three games. Jamie Rodd and Edward Janes with braces plus a single strike from Carl Pearson on the United scoresheet against home replies via Michael France twice plus single goals for Craig Brown and Irwin Bissette.

Whilst also enjoying life on the road were Wootton Village the 4-0 winners at Real Haynes Reserves. Jason Churchill-Hall netting all four goals.

Also winning 4-0 and still unbeaten this season were Bedford Albion Reserves with a victory over Square FC. Jessie Sidhu, Jan Bucur, Craig Ford and Josh Emmerton netted the Albion goals to take them up to fifth place in the league standings.

Whilst the Flitwick Town A v Real Haynes game was abandoned by the referee around the hour mark when the visitors were leading 4-2.

A spooktacular Hallowe’en Witches’ Market is flying into town to help raise money for Leighton-Linslade Homeless Service.

Organised by Lilly Willowhawk, owner of The Raven and Broomstick, the event will see crafty and curious stall owners head to Peacock Mews this Sunday (October 28) to sell their items in aid of the organisation.

All profits will be going to the homeless service, and there will also be a raffle, an award-winning face painter, and Orcs wandering round with collection buckets!

Lilly said: “My main message that I want to get out there is that all the money is going to Leighton-Linslade Homeless Service.

“It’s just something I’ve always done, helping the homeless- I know a few friends who have been made homeless in the past so it’s a cause close to my heart.

“We have a few homeless people in and around Leighton Buzzard and the Leighton-Linslade Homeless Service through the Black Horse offers services helping them, such as counselling.

“The money could go a long way to help people access these.”

There are over 20 stall holders coming along for the Hallowe’en fun, including: Mimic Gifts (bath bombs); Chandles Candles; The Witch’s Attic (vintage witchcraft second hand items); Mary Mae’s Emporium (carnival curiousity); Crystal Life (jewellery); Steampunk Jeweller; Green Man Plaques and Pottery; Anglia Pagan Pride; Felted Fairies (who will also have painted pots and more).

There will also be an award-winning face painter, tarot readers, a reiki healer, and of course plenty of weird and wonderful curiosities in Lilly’s very own Raven and Broomstick shop.

She said: “I have held the markets before. I had a Midsummer Market in June which raised just over £500 and last Hallowe’en we had over 600 people also raised just over £500.

“I hope we can do the same again.

“Just come along, enjoy all the stalls, walk around and soak up the atmosphere.”

The raffle is £1 a strip and the prizes will be donated by the stallholders on the day.

You can also donate to the homeless service via the special Hallowe’en Orcs who will be carrying buckets.

The quirky men behind the masks are Bedfordshire filmmakers, whose works include Crystal of the Gods, Destiny of the Crystals and War of the Crystal.

The market opens at 11am and finishes at 4pm.

Fancy dress is encouraged!

To find out more, search ‘Halloween Witches Market’ on Facebook.

Wrest Park will host the launch of The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in Bedfordshire on Saturday .

This year, the ‘Remembrance’ campaign will mark the end of the First World War centenary, withWrest Park chosen for the special part it played in the conflict.

The property, in Silsoe, became England’s first wartime country house hospital just a few weeks after the First World War began.

It was one of the first country houses to be offered to Winston Churchill – by its owner Auberon Herbert – as a place to treat wounded servicemen.

By September 7, 1914, it had been transformed into a convalescent hospital and was ready to welcome its first patients. It then functioned as an auxiliary hospital before being forced to close after a fire on September 14, 1916.

The launch event will be attended by local dignitaries and Royal British Legion members, along with the Ampthill Armistice 100 team who will be presenting a cheque to the charity.

There will be a two-minute silence at the event with wreaths laid at the foot of a Silent Soldier.

Over the last six months visitors to Wrest Park have been writing personal tributes and memorials on pairs of footprints, with each pair representing a soldier who passed through the rehabilitation hospital and these will be on display for visitors to view.

The event takes place from 10am. Visit: www.english
-heritage.org.uk/wrest

A dog has died following a fire on a narrowboat on the Grand Union Canal in Leighton Buzzard yesterday.

Beds Fire and Rescue crew rescued the dog from the boat at Vimy Road and attempted oxygen therapy,

But this morning the service tweeted: ‏”Unfortunately despite our best efforts we were unable to save the dog. Our sympathies are with their owners.”

An overturned lorry is causing traffic problems on the A5.

The A5 is impacted in both directions between A5183 Dunstable and A4012 Hockliffe.

The police are at the scene but are warning of delays and urging drivers to allow extra time.

A much-loved Leighton Buzzard figure will be making the journey to his usual seat in Wilko as the Poppy Appeal launches for 2018.

Wally Randall, 103, is looking forward to going back to the retail shop and helping to raise funds for The Royal British Legion.

The former service corps member first captured the nation’s attention in 2016, when the town proudly claimed him to be the oldest poppy seller in Britain (Wally then aged 101).

Wally, who may well be in the running for the title again after celebrating his 103rd birthday on September 8, said: “I’m hoping to help this year and sit in Wilkos. I’m going to get a poppy appeal box and then my granddaughter Emma will run me down and drop me outside the shop.

“They let me sit inside and they usually keep me supplied with drinks if I ever want a cup of tea - it’s very good there.

“I enjoy doing it because old friends come up and it’s amazing how generous people are. They come and put money in the box and say ‘I have already got a poppy’.”

The appeal starts on October 27 and lasts until November 11.

Wally, originally from Wing, has not officially confirmed his times and dates just yet, but thinks he may volunteer on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

There will also be poppy collectors around the town and in supermarkets and you can get this year’s poppy pin badges for a £3 donation.

To find out more about Wally’s life in Leighton Buzzard and his years in the service corps during World War Two, visit: https://www.leightonbuzzardonline.co.uk/news/wally-101-is-surely-oldest-poppy-seller-in-britain-1-7667315?fbclid=IwAR21tCJUvuhZFEmY0rx0OPPCpT0Zj6SH9nXy-X4ALnemsI16gJHLpdChjQ4

To find out more about the Poppy Appeal: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/fundraising-appeals/poppy-appeal/

A campaign to tackle the growing issue of child neglect in Bedfordshire is launching next week.

The NSPCC has teamed up with local authorities and health organisations to push the issue of neglect into the public eye and let Bedfordshire’s young people know where to find help.

Neglect is the continuing failure to meet a young person’s basic needs and is the most common type of child abuse with one in ten children experiencing it.

Neglect happens when parents or carers can’t or won’t meet a child’s needs. Sometimes this is because they don’t have the skills or support they need, and sometimes it’s down to problems such as mental health issues, drug and alcohol problems or poverty.

A young person who is being neglected may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care.

In 2016/17, reports of neglect to the NSPCC’s Helpline in Bedfordshire reached record numbers; the NSPCC referred an average of three reports of child neglect every week to Bedfordshire police and social services.

The Neglect Matters campaign launches on October 30 and aims to raise awareness of neglect with free awareness sessions for professionals in Luton,

Central Bedfordshire and Bedford.

Local organisations can host the sessions for staff who come into frequent contact with families and children, such as those working in libraries, leisure centres and support roles in children’s centres.

As well has helping people to understand the basic signs and symptoms of neglect, the sessions will include information on reaching adolescents. This is because teenagers are often viewed as being more resilient than younger children, but research shows they still need dedicated care to meet their physical and emotional needs, support their education, and keep them safe.

A guide for young people, called Feeling Invisible, will also be distributed, and adults in Bedfordshire will be able to get advice about how to recognise neglect in GP surgeries, community spaces such as sports centres and libraries, and online.

The NSPCC’s campaigns manager for Bedfordshire, Emma Motherwell, said: “It is so important that we understand the true nature and scale of child neglect in Bedfordshire, so we can collectively tackle the fundamental causes and reach out to young people who need our help.

“Neglect can have a huge impact on a young person’s physical and mental health, and can even be an indicator of other forms of abuse. Neglect is the

most common reason for taking child protection action.

“If you suspect a young person is being neglected, please contact the NSPCC Helpline, so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help them.”

Cllr Shan Hunt, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Social Care at Bedford Borough Council, said: “No child should ever experience neglect. It is important that people are aware of signs and know how to raise their concerns.

“Ensuring the safety of all children and young people in the Borough is a priority for the Council and has led to the launch of this campaign with the NSPCC so that young people know how and where to find help.”

Fran Pearson, Independent Chair, Luton Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Adolescents can sometimes be wrongly perceived as needing less care and support than younger children, and we recognise that some professionals may find it challenging to identify some of the less obvious signs of neglect

particularly when it involves teenagers.

“Safeguarding children is everyone’s business so it’s important that we all - parents, carers and professionals- gain a better understanding of the issues so we can better support our vulnerable young people and let them know that neglect is never their fault and help is available so they don’t have to suffer in silence.”

Alan Caton OBE, Independent Chair, Central Bedfordshire Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Neglect can have serious and long-lasting effects on children, so it is important that we are all able to take action to keep children safe.

“Whatever your role, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and I urge you all to take notice of the campaign and information so that you can play your part.”

For more information on the neglect sessions email emma.motherwell@nspcc.org.uk.

Adults can contact the NSPCC Helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 800 5000, or help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children and young people who are concerned they or a friend are being neglected can call Childline for help on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk.

A trio of Wing school friends are hoping their Kenya fundraising campaign will be a roaring success after one of their fathers shaved off his beloved beard for the cause.

Lucy Watson, 14, and her friends Eloise Ward, 15, and Antonia Swabey, 14, are raising money for a once in a lifetime trip to Africa to help with community projects.

The opportunity - in 2020 - has been arranged thanks to The Cottesloe School, and the determined pupils each have to raise £3,900, which started when Lucy’s dad Mark, 46, decided to have a trim...

Lucy’s mum, Sarah, 49, said: “Ever since I have known Mark he’s had a goatee beard.

“He came up with the idea and was talking about it with Lucy and said ‘I could do that...’

“He did it at home and the girls came back from school and found him looking completely different. They were a bit shocked - I don’t think they’d ever seen him without any form of beard!”

Removing Mark’s mane has raised over £550 towards their goal, and now Lucy, of Wing, Eloise, of Burcott, and Antonia, of Linslade and Stewkley, have already planned their next event, a ‘Fundraising Quiz Night and Auction’.

On Friday, November 2, at Wing Sports and Social Club, residents are invited to enter in teams of six (£10 per head) to enjoy a quiz, raffle and sharing platter. Doors open at 7.15pm and guests are advised to book in advance.

Raffle prizes include: Northampton Rugby ball and tickets, Watford tickets, MK Dons tickets, a pass for Woburn, seven nights at a villa in Spain, passes for Bletchley Park and Waddesdon, golf at Aylesbury Vale course and an escape room experience for four at ‘Don’t Get Locked In’.

Sarah added: “Their four week expedition is important for their own personal development - teaching them to plan and the value of money.

“They will be building school desks, fences... it’s another culture in another part of the world, and a chance to give something back.”

Black Ops 4 is a right Royale success.

Call of Duty Black Ops 4 was released earlier this month but does it live up to the hype?

All the talk ahead of release was around the fact Treyarch was making the controversial decision to ditch single player campaign mode.

But I soon found that despite being a fan of that mode I am not missing it one bit due to the plethora of content and modes available.

In fact it makes reviewing BO4 difficult as each mode could be reviewed in its own right with Multiplayer, Zombies and the all-new Blackout battle royale (Fortnite competitor) mode each bringing something very different to the party.

Instead of a single-player campaign BO4 has what I found to be an invaluable training tool, the Specialist HQ. Here you take part in character-focused tutorial missions which help familiarise you with the 10 multiplayer Specialists by taking you through their unique abilities culminating in a practice multiplayer match.

To compensate for the lack of a single player mode these also come with stories featuring beautiful and ultra gruesome cutscenes.

This takes around four hours but my advice would be make this your first stop before embarking on any of the other modes, you will thank me later and you will be a better BO4 player because of it.

In terms of overall gameplay BO4 will win over a lot of traditional Call of Duty fans who avoid the series due to its over the top FPS style. That’s because the wall-running, thrust-jumping hyper-speed madness of BO3 has been expertly replaced by a more familiar COD movement and physics and healing made manual on a cooldown timer.

It makes for a slower, more tactical game but is more satisfying and rewards smart rather than fast play. And the changes don’t make things boring because the time-to-kill is still low and respawning quick as ever so multiplayer matches never feel stale.

The wider variety of modes, new more strategic gameplay and usual polish associated with the franchise make a great platform for the developer to build off for future games.

For me the crowning achievement, though, is Blackout.

In a world seemingly now dominated by Fortnite there is a great sense of excitement and to a degree expectation around battle royale.

Some may feel Treyarch has somewhat sold out to keep up with the competition. But Blackout perfectly grabs onto the coattails of the battle royale genre and adds some winning Call of Duty twists with the franchise’s brilliant map design the jewel in the crown.

The Old Bakehouse dates back to 1620 and was a working bakery until the 1970s.

This quirky and interesting historical cottage retains many of its original features throughout the property, including the original bread oven, exposed timbers and brickwork, wooden doors

and leaded windows. It is believed the property was extended in the Victorian era and being centrally located, it is conveniently within walking distance to all amenities that this popular village has to offer.

The cottage offers versatile living and enjoys plentiful charm and character throughout. Presented and decorated to a high standard the property offers potential to create further

accommodation by incorporating the attached outbuildings, subject to obtaining the necessary planning and listed building permissions. One could easily see them incorporated

to create an open plan kitchen/breakfast room. The flexible accommodation radiates out from the reception hall which could easily double up as a dining hall and is conveniently located next to the kitchen. Two further reception rooms and conservatory lie on the ground floor along with cloakroom/bathroom, utility room and access to the cellar. Two staircases offer access to the three bedrooms on the first floor along with family shower room.

The property benefits from generous paved off road parking along with garage and adjoining barn. An area of lawn is retained behind picket fencing and running along the rear elevation

is a brick south facing terrace ideally suited for outdoor dining and entertaining.

The Old Bakehouse is on sale for £615,000. For further details contact Jackson-Stops on 01525 290 641 or email woburn@jackson-stops.co.uk

Leighton Town managers Joe Sweeney and Paul Copson picked up their first in charge with a confident 5-3 win over bottom club Stotfold.

Town had already beaten Stotfold 6-0 earlier in the season - one of only two wins in the league prior to kick off.

However, since the departure of former boss Danny Nicholls, Town appear to have turned a corner - and their third win of the season sees them into the top 10 in the SSML Premier Division table.

Curtis Donaldson was making his debut for Town, and it took him just a minute to open his account as he delicately chipped keeper Matt Fallon to put Town ahead.

However, Leighton’s promising start would soon be halted in its tracks. Dom Marsala’s poor back pass put Alfie Barker in on goal and he rounded Charlie Jones and slotted into the right corner, to pull Stotfold level.

Town continued to pile the pressure on Stotfold’s goal, attacking at every opportunity, and playing some really promising football.

That pressure would lead to a sensational second goal. Matt Fallon’s poor clearance fell into the path of Lewis McBride and from all of 40 yards out, he curled the ball over Fallon and it nestled in the back of the net.

McBride would be the main man for Leighton, narrowly missing out on making it 3-1 before the break, before turning provider early in the second half for Kyle Faulkner to rifle home.

Four minutes later, McBride forced a save from the keeper, but he turned the loose ball into the path of Marsala, who made up for his earlier mistake by finding the back of the net.

Marsala was then replaced by Kerran Birch, and with his first touch, almost made it 5-1 when he was left in acres of space, but could not find a way past the keeper.

It would not be long before it was 5-1 though, dancing through the Stotfold defence, rounding keeper Fallon and slotting home his second of the afternoon.

But the visitors were not willing to let the game lie, and struck back with two goals in the closing stages.

Kelvin Osei-Addo joined the poor back pass club and Alfie Barker got himself a brace as he rounded Jones and slotted home into the empty net from a tight angle.

Stotfold scored a third when Kay Cyrus ghosted in from a corner and was completely unmarked in the penalty area and he flicked past Jones, to make the score line a little more respectable for Stotfold.

McBride could have had a hat-trick but was once again denied by Fallon, though his performance of a brace and two assists was more than good enough to secure victory for Leighton.

Next up for Leighton is the visit of Hillingdon Borough tonight (Tuesday) before their trip to Cogenhoe United in the FA Vase on Saturday.

A trial date has been set for a senior NHS doctor who has been accused of voyeurism charges against a teenager in Leighton Buzzard.

Dr Jonathan Fielden, 55, formerly of Stoke Road in Linslade, has pleaded not guilty to two counts of voyeurism dating from March 2015 to June 2016.

During his appearance at Luton Crown Court today, a trial date was set for February 25 next year.

Dr Fielden was suspended and later resigned as deputy medical director and director of specialised commissioning at NHS England, where he earned an annual salary of £224,999 – making him one of the highest-paid doctors in the country.

He had previously served as chairman of the British Medical Association consultants committee. His clinical background is as an anaesthetist.