Unlike the summer hasler races the winter series is competed in age groups rather than on a divisional system.

Dixon and Stenning competed in the 5-mile course to claim gold, while in the under 16 girls, Katy Dixon came in second in her first year in this age group and looked comfortable to the finish. Ben Stratford led the Leighton boys home coming in fourth overall, followed by Josh Power in sixth and Adam Baker in eighth. In the women’s singles race Beth Goodlad fell in after the first turn however came in third followed by Fiona Barber in fifth.

On the 8-mile course with 6 portages, locks where the paddlers need to get out of the boat and run around the lock carrying the boat, the first race off was the open doubles race. In this category Amanda Morris and Bryan Handsley put their portaging practice to use and came in 12th.

Also, on the 8-mile course was the veteran’s men singles race which was won by Leighton’s Mike Martin. He was followed home by Paul Murphy in 11th and Jeffrey Bredenkamp in 12th and this is the furthest distance race that both Paul and Jeffrey have competed in therefore was a considerable achievement on their part.

On the 3-mile course in the under 14 boys race Ollie Power came in third while Leon Dixon fell in close to the start line but bravely got back in the boat and finished the race to come in fifth.

In the under 12’s race Jack Rayment came in second and was also later presented with his medals from the last of the summer sprint series races where he had won the series however the results were not ready at the time of the previous race. He was followed home by Kayleigh Dixon who was also the first girl home in this age group while Dan Murphy, who was one of the younger paddlers in this age group, came in 10th.

A Leighton Buzzard mother is launching a desperate appeal for help, claiming her family and estate are being terrorised by a nasty teen gang who throw eggs and fireworks.

Sabrina Latimer, who lives in Sandhills, says she and her family have been the targets of crime for years, with the first big problem being teens putting nails under her car tyres in 2016.

Now, the situation has worsened, as the Latimers claim a gang is targeting their family, having unrinated on their car, hit Sabrina with an egg, and “rampaged” the estate, throwing an entire tray of eggs at their house.

Sabrina alleged: “This summer there were a group of about six boys walking past the house, so I went out there and one had urinated all over the car.

“I shouted: ‘What are you doing?’ and they suggested that they now know who I am and where I live.

“Since then this house has been egged - outside the front door [on October 8], I was hit in the back. There were four of them.

“My children were standing there screaming and crying. My husband, Richard, didn’t have time to get his shoes on - I was gone!

“I pushed the children into the hallway. I got in the car and chased them [the gang] to McDonalds, then to Billington but I thought there’s no way I can go into fields on my own...”

However, things took a nasty turn a few days later.

Remembering the evening of October 12, Sabrina claimed: “I went to go outside of my house and there were about 15 of them running towards me with egg trays.

“I slammed the door shut and let them egg the house.

“Some were looking through the window. It was terrifying.”

Sabrina says that that night she then drove to Morrisons, where she claims staff informed her that a large group of teenagers had stolen trays of eggs. There have also been reports of a firework being thrown at a lady and a girl near the supermarket.

The mother-of-two alleges that the same gang have been putting fireworks through letter boxes in Sandhills and is now calling for greater police presence in Leighton Buzzard and help for her family.

She claimed: “[On October 12], the police took about an hour to get here from Luton. They were here for 45 minutes and then they had to go. What do I do if they [the gang] come back? The officers were really nice, really helpful, but even they said their hands were tied.”

A Bedfordshire Police spokeswoman, said: “We are aware of these issues and a criminal investigation is on-going at present.

“Officers from the community team will be making contact with Mrs Latimer to look into the repeat nature of these incidents.

“We do see an increase in anti-social behaviour around this time of year, and in particular, have seen increased reports of eggs being thrown in Leighton Buzzard.

“In response, we have had extra patrols in the run up to, and over Hallowe’en, and through to Bonfire Night.

“We don’t tolerate anti-social behaviour and all reports are taken seriously.”

Bella Williams and Lucy Walsh claimed overall podium finishes at the Eastern Region 4 piece finals.

The Harlequins gymnasts were on top form in Ipswich, with 12 medals claimed on the day.

Bella, competing in the Level 6 Age 8 group game fifth on the floor, won bronze on the bars and vault, then took silver in the beam to come second overall.

Lucy was ninth on the floor, fifth on the beam, second on the floor and won the bars to claim second spot in the level 6 age 9/10. Also at that level, Annie Hosking came in 18th on floor, 15th on beam, 4th on vault but took the bronze medal for her bars. Overall, Annie scored 42.550 coming in 14th place.

Shai-Amari Freckleton competed in the level 5 age 10/11, coming 11th on vault, 13th on bars, 10th on beam and taking a bronze medal for floor she scored 43.450 coming in 11th place overall.

In the level 4 age 10/11, Darcey Wraight came in 14th on vault, bars and beam and came in 13th on floor. She scored a total of 42.500 coming in 14th place overall. Imogen Cook came in 13th on vault, 9th on bars and floor and 6th on beam gaining her an overall score of 45.000 to come in 9th place.

In the level 4 age 12/13 Elizabeth Hardie came in 13th on vault, 8th on beam and 6th on floor. Elizabeth took a silver medal for her bars giving her a total score of 44.750 coming in 4th place. Cassidy Pratt came in 12th on vault and bars but took a silver medal on floor and a gold medal on beam. she scored 44.500 overall taking 5th place.

in the level 3 age 11/12 Morgan Cook came 13th on bars and beam, 6th on floor and took a bronze medal for her vault. Morgan scored 41.050 overall taking 12th place. Bethany Smith came in 8th place on bars and 6th place on both beam and floor, taking a bronze medal for her vault. Bethany scored 43.200 overall taking 5th place.

Today the LBO can exclusively reveal who will be turning on Leighton Buzzard’s Christmas lights at the end of this month – and we’re sure it’ll be a popular decision.

Since we launched the search – in partnership with business group LB First and Leighton-Linslade Town Council – for a worthy community champion to launch the 2018 Christmas Festival by flicking the switch on Friday, November 30, we’ve been inundated with suggestions from readers.

In recent times festival organisers have sourced a well-known celebrity to turn on the lights and set off the fireworks. But in 2017 a more local approach was adopted when Leighton Buzzard resident, and Britain’s oldest poppy seller, Wally Randall, now 103, was approached to be guest of honour at the ceremony.

It was decided that the idea of using a local VIP had been so popular that organisers should look to the community again in 2018.

More than 16 local people were put forward to the LBO by the public, but two nominees really stood out and received multiple nominations. Therefore the judging panel decided they were the clear choices for the special Christmas task and instead of just one VIP the event will now feature TWO people instead!

First up is a familiar face to Leighton Buzzard’s Waitrose shoppers, parking attendant Keith McAngus.

He is famed throughout the town for going the extra mile for the public by helping customers with their shopping, keeping an eye out for crime and always having time for a chat.

One of the many readers who put him forward said: “He brings so much to the community and keeps the cogs turning with the traffic, trolleys, helping everyone and keeping an eye on things. He is a truly selfless man that cares about everyone and always gives a smile and a wave. He really does play an important role in our town and we would be really sorry to see him go and be replaced by an electronic machine.” [Waitrose is installing ANPR cameras which is understood to mean that the Britannia Parking-employed car park attendant could lose his job].

The second local VIP will be Kye Vincent who was also nominated numerous times.

The 10-year-old Leighton Buzzard boy lost a hand and both legs in April 2016 due to a deadly meningitis infection.

Kye spent months in St Mary’s Hospital in London following his operations and he later appeared on the Jeremy Kyle Show after his story made national headlines.

Since returning to daily life, he was has been given commendable support by Beaudesert Lower School and Gilbert Inglefield Academy where he is now a pupil.

In recent months, family, friends and members of the community have been rallying to raise £11,000 to fund a state-of-the-art bionic hand that promises to transform his life. The target has now been reached.

One of our readers putting Kye forward told the LBO: “This young lad is a true local hero. He is a truly inspirational young boy, every challenge put in front of him he has handled head on and overcome. Please let Kye know his town loves him.”

The three-day Christmas Festival kicks off on Friday, November 30 from 4pm, with the lights switch on at 7pm. There will be over 30 craft and gift stalls as well as the ever popular food court, funfair and firework display.

Saturday sees Santa’s Grotto alongside the regular Saturday Charter Market, Pop-Up Market and Christmas entertainment throughout the day. Leighton Fun Runners return with their annual Santa Dash from Church Square during the morning and the funfair remains in the High Street until late in the day.

Sunday is a traditional family day, with the funfair and an array of street entertainers creating a unique atmosphere.

Leighton U10 A sides first tournament of the new season had an unsettled start Playing on a bigger pitch and with keepers. Taking on a strong defensive St Neots team first and having three shots saved on the line, Anna Drohan managed to slot the ball home to take the first win .

Next up was was Shefford and Sandy this was a much better passing game goalkeeper David Galloway getting his first touch of the tournament, Max Meader And Zachary Fitzboydon passed well together and bossing the left hand side resulted in Max showing his strength down the line sweeping the ball across the D to a perfectly positioned Jacob Ford to take the lead and win for Leighton 1-0.

Going from strength to strength in the third pool game, LB took Bedford apart. Dynamic duo Dylan Morrison and Anna teamed up against the Bedford defence running them in circles resulting in Zachary and Anna blasting the backboard and putting us in good position for the semis .

The final pool game was going to be the toughest yet against Cambridge, great end to end hockey was played, Sam Smith and Max Lacey kept the team level with David again making some fantastic saves, final result was 0–0.

After a long wait Leighton had made the semifinals as the highest runner up. The semi-final game was a replay against Cambridge B team so they knew it would be tough, but a draw at the final whistle meant it went to penalty shuttles. Never practising this at training Dylan, Jacob and Anna all put the ball past the Cambridge keeper but player of the tournament GK David saved the last shuttle to send Leighton into the final.

Taking on another Cambridge team in the final, the game ended in another stale mate game, forcing another round of shuttles. Dylan and Anna both narrowly missing the goal this time but as did the Cambridge side too, Jacob Ford comfortably slotted home the last shuttle, Cambridge mirrored this 1-1 it was so sudden death shuttles ahead. Max Meader eager to take the next one slotted it home hard and comfortably, a confident keeper David, guided by his coach Jim did a tremendous job, running out closing down the Cambridge player making him panic and run it off the back line for a LB win, adding another gold medal for the trophy cabinet.

1 MUSIC
Natasha Seale Trio, Rushmere Country Park, November 9
Natasha’s debut album A Bigger Sky was mostly written on site at Rushmere and features a top London rhythm section. The swing, samba and soul outfit promise an evening of luxurious live music.
Details: natashaseale.com

2 COMEDY
Barnstormers Comedy, Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre, November 10
Kevin Precious will introduce twinkly-eyed raconteur Paddy Lennox, the stream-of-consciousness ranting of Phil Jerrod and friendly storytelling Cornish giant Matt Price.
Details: barnstormerscomedy.com

3 MUSIC
Peter Donegan, British Legion, Heath and Reach, November 10
Peter Donegan is carrying on the legacy of his legendary father Donnie, the ‘King of Skiffle’ and a major inspiration for British rock’n’rollers. Chris Hunt, a drummer from Linslade who has played with Cat Stevens, Leo Sayer, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey and Van Morrison and who drummed for Lonnie, will be accompanying Peter.
Details: Call 01525 237923

4 MUSIC
Bowie Experience, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, November 10
The latest production promises an unforgettable journey of sound and vision, featuring all the hits from A to Ziggy.
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

5 COMEDY
The Venue, Walton High, Milton Keynes, November 10
Headlining is Richard Herring, who takes time out from his popular podcast to share his take on the world through the eyes of a 50-year-old father. Opening is Simon Brodkin, known for playing the prankster Lee Nelson.
Details: thecomedycow.co.uk

6 FAMILY
Superslam Wrestling Live, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, November 9
Expect top action as British stars face the best from around the world.
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

7 STAGE
Gregg Wallace: Doesn’t Get Tougher Than This, Quarry Theatre, Bedford, November 10
The star of BBC’s MasterChef takes to the stage for a show mixing tales with demonstra
ations and fun.
Details: quarrytheatre.org.uk

8 MUSIC
The Story of Guitar Heroes, Grove Theatre, Dunstable, November 8
Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Hank Marvin, Brian May and Slash are just some of the guitar heroes the audience will have chance to experience in one night. The live concert-style ‘rockumentry’ is performed by the renowned musician Phil Walker and his band.
Details: grovetheatre.co.uk

9 MUSIC
Danni Nicholls, The Stables, Wavendon, November 10
The Bedford singer has a growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading country/Americana artists and will play songs from new album Mockingbird Lane.
Details: stables.org

10 MUSIC
Monday Night Jazz, White Horse, Bedford, November 12
Join Josh Kemp, a jazz saxophonist with a gift for melody, as he brings his Hammond organ band to the venue. Josh has played at jazz clubs and festivals across the UK, with recent performances including Ronnie Scott’s and the London Jazz Festival.
Details: thewhitehorsebedford.co.uk

Burglars assaulted a resident to gain entry to a house in Leighton Buzzard last night (Monday).

Bedfordshire Police has issued CCTV images of three men they would like to speak to in relation to the raid at the property in Hockliffe Road at about 7.25pm.

Several items were stolen from the house before the offenders made off in a light coloured car.

Detective Constable Jason Wheeler said: “This was a dreadful crime which has left the victim understandably very shocked and upset.

“I am urgently appealing for anyone who may be able to help us identify the three men to contact us immediately as they may have information that could assist us.”

If you have any information please contact DC Wheeler on 101, or use the Bedfordshire Police online reporting tool.

As part of the NSPCC and Bedfordshire Local Safeguarding Boards’ Neglect Matters Campaign, the NSPCC’s Local Campaigns Manager Emma Motherwell talks about neglect, how it affects young people, and the warning signs we can all look out for.

There’s a wise old African proverb that says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. But when it comes to spotting and reporting youth neglect, it takes a community to protect a child too.

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is the most common form of child abuse in Bedfordshire.

When a child is being neglected by their parent or carer, it is up to members of the community to spot the signs – that could be anyone at all who comes into contact with that child.

So, what does neglect look like? A child that is neglected may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical or health care. They may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm. They may not get the love, care and attention they need from their parents.

There are four different types of neglect: Physical, Educational, Emotional and Mental. Physical neglect means failing to provide for a child’s basic needs such as food, clothing or shelter. It can also mean that a child is not being adequately supervised which could affect their safety.

Educational neglect, quite simply, means failing to ensure a child receives an education, while emotional neglect is when a carer doesn’t meet a child’s needs for nurture, perhaps by ignoring, humiliating, intimidating or isolating them.

Medical neglect is failing to provide appropriate health care, including dental care and refusal of care or ignoring medical recommendations.

Crucially, neglect is dangerous for a child; it can have serious and long-lasting effects, and a child who's neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well.

Neglect is a feature in six out of ten Serious Case Reviews, which happen when a child dies or is seriously injured and abuse is believed to have been a factor. It is also the most common reason for a child to be on a child protection plan in England (45 per cent).

In 2016/17, the NSPCC Helpline dealt with a record number of calls about neglect in Bedfordshire.

The positives represented by this rise in callers shows there’s more awareness of the issue, so more people are speaking up and reporting it.

But we believe the full scale of the problem could be much greater, and more needs to be done to protect children who are at risk of coming to harm because they are being neglected.

What can you be on the lookout for? There’s no definite checklist, but the persistent combination of a range of things may be a cause for concern. Children who are being neglected will often behave unusually. They might be withdrawn, anxious or aggressive, they might have trouble sleeping, wet the bed or have nightmares. Their eating habits might noticeably change, or they might be missing school, wearing dirty clothes, drinking or taking drugs.

These are just a handful of examples of the warning signs, and it is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC Helpline, so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need. 

It is so important that we work together to understand the true nature and scale of child neglect in Bedfordshire, so we can tackle the causes and reach out to young people who need our help.

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

A councillor for Hockliffe Parish Council has called on Highways England to take immediate action to tackle the traffic problems on the A5 following another fatality on Monday.

Councillor Richard Alexander has written a letter to the Department of Transport calling for action to be taken to make the road safer, following a fourth fatality since June on the road.

A 22-year-old man was killed in a three-car collision on the A5 in Hockliffe on Monday morning.

Richard said: “We have suggested that double white lines be put in place along the A5 to make overtaking illegal, signage to inform people of the risk, a reduction in the speed limit in the village to 30mph and 50mph outside, speed cameras and traffic control at a particularly dangerous junction, Eastern Way onto the A5 which is on a blind summit with a national speed limit.

“All we are being told from Highways England is that it needs to go to committee for this, a feasibility study required for that, a budget raised for this and a discussion with this department for that.

“Highways England are doing what they can as they can, they have to have a study and a report before any changes are made, but it is not quick enough and now sadly a young man has lost his life on this dangerous road.

“The speed limit is dangerous not just for the village but further along by Eastern Way as well, the whole stretch of road is a problem.

“I have now written to the Secretary of Transport to see if there is anything that can be done because it is dangerous and more fatal collisions are happening on this stretch of road.

“I have asked other people to write to him as well but I think the next step will be an online petition, and gather signatures from people who feel the same way and want to make the road safer.

“There must be some sort of Emergency protocol that can be implemented to save lives, even if it is just the short term measures that could be implemented immediately or speed up the De-trunking process.”

In June, a 46-year-old man was killed when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car on the A5 near Hockliffe, and in August a 36-year-old woman and a 53-year-old woman died in a two car collision on the A5 between Hockliffe and Little Brickhill.

MP Andrew Selous has been supporting the residents with their campaign to reduce the speed on the A5 through the village from 40mph to 30mph.

He said: “I’m appalled, shocked and horrifying at another road traffic death in Hockliffe.

“The fact the young man was 22 years old, with his whole life ahead of him, makes it even more awful.

“I’ve spoken to Highways England this morning and have said that I want to see an action plan from them about what they intend to do about this situation by Wednesday of next week.

“That gives them five clear working days to come up with proposals. I obviously can’t order Highways England to do this, but I’ve told them it’s my expectation.”

A spokesman for Highways England said: “The whole team here at Highways England send our thoughts to the people affected by the recent incident on the A5.

“Any death on our roads is one too many. But it is too early to speculate about the cause of this accident and we await the result of the Police’s investigation into this tragic incident.

“We have already started work on a study of safety on the A5 which is looking at current speed limits and other safety measures through Hockcliffe.

“We will share the results of this work with the parish council as soon as it is complete.”

Philip, 45, served in the RAF for 22 years before returning to Civvy Street and is now a team leader with the Virgin Media group.

A five-handicap golfer, he joined the Leighton club nine years ago, since which time his name has been inscribed on the honours board for almost all the major competitions at the Plantation Road club.

The scratch event – in which golfers play off a zero handicap irrespective of their official playing handicap – was one he had set his sights on winning….and he achieved his target with a four hole win over club colleague Lee Sanders.

And on his way to winning the Peter Taylor trophy, Phillip claimed some big name scalps including past senior champions David Banwell and Harry Adam and current club champion Ed Stephenson.

Steve Hamnond and Peter Lawrence teamed up to win Leighton’s Daily Mail foursomes and will now represent the club in the regional finals. They qualified by beating Matt Byrne and Brian Carter on countback after both pairs carded a nett 70, two clear of Lewis Scott and Andres Valentine, with decorators Darren Alexander and Craig Simmons heading a chasing pack with a nett 72.5.

Journalist Mike Smith is the new holder of Leighton’s Henley Cup, winning the event “against the course” with a score of +6, one clear of Peter Gadsden. Allan Smith was third, beating Stephen Schmidt and Michael Cox on countback after they finished with a score +3, one clear of Steve Leng, Tony Hurndall, Andrew Ashall, John Bunyan, Joe Berry, Lee Braybrook and Mark Hammond.

Seven-handicap golfer Lewis Scott carded a level-par score to win Leighton’s October club stableford with 43 points, earning him a one-shot handicap cut to six; Phil Eddy was runner-up with 40 points, and Jamie Stone took third place on countback from Voja Savic and Richard Harris after the trio all finished with 40 points. Phil Coumbe, Niki Clark and Craig Simmons headed a chasing pack with 39 points.

The October Medal was won by Darran Velentine who had a shot cut from his 12-handicap after carding a nett 64, three shots clear of John Allinson, Joshua Lowe and Billy O’Neill who all finished with a nett 67. Other leading scores were: 68 – Steve Leng, Phil Coumbe, Dean Ashton, Andrew Money, Joshua Rowles; 69 – Chris O’Mahoney, Simon Rossiter, Dharm Naveen Diwakar, Manny Barker; 70 – Paul Ellam, Andrew Jones, Mark Sandham, Jenny Stafford, Tim Mitchell, Jamie Tyas, Paul Atkinson, Neil Laming. .

Nigel Barnes is the new holder of Leighton’s Austin Farrell trophy, beating 61 other senior members with a 48 point haul. George Bashford was runner-up with 43 points, one clear of Brian Wilson with John Tarbox and David Kingham carding 41points.

Barry Witherden had his handicap cut by two shots to 14 after winning a Midweek stableford with 41 points, a shot clear of Izzy Ramdeen. Denis Leitch beat Craig Simmons for third place after both finished with 39 points, one clear of David Banwell, Ed Stephenson, Roger Kingston and Steven Paine.

The October Midweek stableford was won by Will Sampson whose 42 points beat Andres Valentine by a shot, with Nigel Barnes pipping Joshua Rowles for third place on counback after both finished with 40 points. Other leading scores: 38 – Daniel Hill, Matt Sale; 37 – Robbie John, Barry Wills, Steve Shepherd, Mike Smith, Russell Rowles; 36 – Stephen Foster, Roger Kingston, Lee Sanders, Steve Light, Darran Valentine, Philip Spratt-Callaghan, Steve Molyneaux, Peter Rutt.

Leighton-Linslade will honour those who died for peace, as a poignant parade commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

A special day full of events has been timetabled for Sunday, November 11, including a parade from Lake Street to Church Square and a ‘WW1 Beacons of Light’ ceremony.

The packed schedule is the result of hard work and planning from new independent group, the Remembrance Day Committee, comprising a mixture of local expertise spread across the The Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Force and the Scots Guards Regiment, who have been supported by Leighton-Linslade Town Council.

Committee member and founder, Michael Green (ex RAF), explained why the team wanted to do something bigger and better. He said: “We formed in March because we wanted to further enhance and assist the Parade Marshall, George Compton.

“Leighton Buzzard has a large ex-military community and public and parade numbers have grown and grown.

“It’s the 100th year and we hope people enjoy the parade as a mark of respect, not only to those serving in the Great War, but to those who have lost their lives since.”

Decorated members from the Scots Guards Regiment will assist the Parade Marshall, George Compton, on the day, and it is hoped that veterans young and old, from all arms of the services, and from all recent and ongoing military campaigns take part in the march.

Committee member, ex-Falklands veteran Bob Perry, said: “The Town Council has been hugely supportive.

“We all share the wish that our great community in Leighton-Linslade turn up on Sunday to show their respect.”

TIMETABLE:

10.30am, Annual Remembrance Day Parade from Lake Street to Church Square, where the Act of Remembrance will be held at Leighton Buzzard War Memorial, followed by a service in All Saints’ Church.

- 12.30pm approx, Act of Remembrance at Linslade War Memorial.

- 12.30pm approx, Tea and coffee at the Royal British Legion Club, West Street.

- 12.45pm, WW1 themed town centre walk led by Mike Moran (approx 45 mins). Meet at War Memorial, Church Sq.

- 3.15pm, an afternoon of WW1 songs by Mike Ruff, Royal British Legion Club (2hrs).

- 5.45pm, ‘Lights On’ at Leighton Buzzard War Memorial. The names of the fallen who gave their lives during World War One will be read out, and a memorial cross planted for each.

- 6.55pm, The Last Post will be sounded at Leighton Buzzard War Memorial.

- 6.59pm, ‘WW1 Beacons of Light’. Lighting of a beacon in Church Sq for peace, as part of over 1,000 across the nation.

- 7.05pm, Church bells will ring across the nation in celebration of peace.

- 7.05pm, ‘A Cry for Peace around the World’. Town Criers in the UK take part in the International Cry for Peace.

Leighton Buzzard families of children with special needs are pleading for a charity’s survival after it lost vital funding.

Families United Network (FUN) is based on Britannia Trading Estate in Luton and provides a vital resource for families of children with autism and special needs across Bedfordshire.

The charity’s warehouse space is used as a fun play area, allowing children with special needs to participate in normal play activities supported by specially trained staff.

Now, a new landlord has doubled the rent of the charity’s premises and Central Bedfordshire Council will also pull its funding to FUN next year. Without help, the charity is expected to close at the end of the year.

Leighton Buzzard mum Sarah Oliver said: “It is a journey for me but there’s nothing else out there like this. At FUN, they have sessions with animals, magic shows and discos – things which I can’t take my children to usually.

“It’s so hard as a parent of a child with special needs to take them to any mainstream groups.

“I know exactly what will happen if it closes. Before FUN, we never went out, I just sat at home and cried.”

Another mum from Leighton Buzzard, who wished to stay anonymous, said: “It gets us out the house and it’s a chance to be a bit like everyone else. If it closes, I will basically be homebound with the children.”

Families United Network has occupied unit 5 on the Britannia Estate since 2015 and has turned it into a specially adapted activity centre to cater for children with both physical and learning disabilities, and their families.

The charity runs evening and weekend clubs and activities at the centre for disabled children and young adults.

In a letter to members, chair of trustees Jo Stuart said organisers were “devastated” by news that the charity could close by December 21.

FUN centre manager Diane Rhodes told the LBO: “The new landlords have come in and doubled what we were previously paying for the lease of our building, making it financially unsustainable for us to remain on the estate for the future.

“After having raised the funding necessary to refurbish and adapt the building to meet the needs of the children, it is heart-breaking to know that we are going to lose our premises.”

Vicky Hopkinson, also from Leighton Buzzard, added: “I felt a bit ill when I received the email. I couldn’t imagine it happening and it was kind of shocking. My daughter doesn’t speak, but whenever we’re driving and we get close to FUN, she starts shaking with excitement.”

The charity is appealing to its members and the local community for help to secure new income to cover the cost of the increases in rent, or to find more affordable premises within Bedfordshire.

If anyone is able to help, please contact Families United Network on info@familiesunitednetwork.org.

>Do you rely on FUN’s support? Tell us your experience. Email news@lbobserver.co.uk

Patients need to take more responsibility to prevent diabetes by leading a healthier lifestyle, according to a Leighton Buzzard GP.

Dr Chris Marshall, of Salisbury House Surgery, says 50 per cent of healthcare is nothing to do with private care.

“It’s to do with the social environments and the lifestyles around that,” he told Central Bedfordshire Council’s health and wellbeing board.

“It’s not walking to school, it’s getting in the car to go to school,” he said. “It’s not having proper architecture for houses, footpaths and cycleways.

“I feel ashamed we (GPs) haven’t hit all our targets and I will accept that. But really it’s the person’s illness.

“If you want 15 years of ill health go ahead and have it, but you have been told what to do. I find it a little bit disconcerting.

“I’m fairly ashamed as a practitioner that we can’t make the changes we advocate and recommend to do.”

He told a board meeting last week he had “50 bits of pathology to look at this morning” and nearly all were patients with diabetes.

“One was told to go out and lose some weight,” he explained. “He had gone out there this year and lost 5kg in weight. He’s now normal. In that case it’s a job done. He’s a success. It looks good.

“Another person was diagnosed with diabetes and weighing as 100kg about ten years ago.

“Last blood test, because I was marking it today, weighed 109kg. This patient has been told twice a year what she should do.

“This person is refusing treatment,” he added. “Yet we as GPs get vilified for not hitting the diabetes targets.

“This illness really has got to be put back into the patient’s court.”

A report to the board by Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s diabetes clinical lead, Dr Sanhita Chakrabati, focused on improving outcomes for diabetes patients.

“People have enrolled into the diabetes prevention programme,” she said. “It’s so people who are diabetic can look after themselves better.

“It’s significantly helped in the reduction of amputations. We are working collaboratively with Luton and Dunstable Hospital and Bedford Hospital.

“It will take a while for a substantial change in the overall figures.

“There is positive feedback from patients. It’s a new way of care helping them take more responsibility for the improvement of their care.”

Conservative Dunstable Central councillor Carole Hegley asked: “Is there a direct correlation between excess weight and diabetes?

“Are you telling me that every person who is diabetic is overweight?

“Is there something else in the dynamics that leads to diabetes whether or not it might be poor diet, not necessarily excess weight?

“What else can we do to upstream get people to avoid it? Unless I am ill I won’t come and see you (GPs).

“Who else is going to tell me to stop doing what I am doing because I am an example of excess weight?

“I have a mental health problem because I keep eating eat food,” she said. “I don’t know what I’ve got, but I’m just challenging the system.

“Who gives that advice when you aren’t going to the doctors because you aren’t unwell, but you could be heading for a problem? So it’s that early step.”

Dr Marshall replied: “There’s quite a lot of evidence to suggest people who are overweight are much more likely to get diabetes.

“People who had bariatric surgery and who had diabetes 85 per cent did not have diabetes afterwards because they couldn’t eat.

“That will have a tremendous impact on lessening the burdens for the whole health care economy.

“It’s just vast, from amputations, increased heart rate issues to increased cancer risk with diabetes and with people who are overweight.

“It’s certainly a massive risk factor,” he said. “If you get rid of overweight in the whole of society you do not have diabetes.

“We’re only a few generations away from hunter-gatherers. It was feast or famine. So they would eat and store something.

“It’s just that people don’t move enough and they eat too much. That’s the cause of diabetes. I have written papers and articles about it.

“But if you want to make your life healthy for the future do not put weight on. Do go out and do some exercise.

“Weight and inactivity are paramount things that should be avoided,” he added.

“Another point of interest, we do eat less today than in the sixties. Our calory intake is less.

“It’s not the overeating that has caused this difficulty. It’s the other things around our society.

“In the sixties people were walking to the station, walking to get a bus and walking to school.

“We’re eating less than we did in the early sixties, but the diabetes problem has become much worse.

“Eating is not the whole issue. It’s the things around it in society.”

BCCG’s director of public health Muriel Scott said: “People don’t choose to be obese or to have diabetes.

“It’s how we can work and support people to be healthy, and it takes us back to the health and wellbeing strategy we have just signed off.

“Put the right support in for people so they are able to make healthy choices. People don’t choose to be unhealthy.”

CBC’s chief executive Richard Carr said: “I am thinking about system wide interventions we need to make, as we previously said over excess weight.

“If we make headway with that we’ll forestall some of the issues later.

“It’s challenging us all to put ourselves in the shoes of the people on the receiving end of the advice and work through with them what are the practical solutions that take account of their individual circumstances.

“We constantly need to drive this focus on what’s happening in our area.

“We need to engage with patients and residents where they are in their life. And that’s a real challenge I know.”

Conservative Leighton Buzzard North councillor Brian Spurr, who’s the executive member for health and chairs the board, said: “I would like them both (excess weight and diabetes) to come back to us.

“It’s not appropriate that we carry out work that’s not giving us acceptable outcomes.”

A “surge in levels of demand” meant that 101 calls to Beds Police went unanswered for two hours yesterday evening, according to a chief inspector.

It comes just months after the force issued guidance to the public to use the ‘non-life threatening’ 101 service instead of 999.

After news of the suspended service was shared by the force on Twitter yesterday, there was widespread anger from politicians and the public.

Shadow Policing Minister Louise Haigh retweeted the post, adding: “Wow #cutshaveconsequences.”

The chairman of the England & Wales Police Federation, John Apter, posted: “This is reality. This is a Chief Constable trying to manage limited officer numbers against an increasing demand. The sad fact is we have to prioritise. The public are being let down, not by this Chief but by this Prime Minister.

“This is shocking,” tweeted Central Beds Cllr Richard Stay, who represents Caddington.

A former police officer tweeted: “Never thought I’d see the day! So glad I’m out of it but I really do feel for those left behind trying to do their best in such difficult times.”

Another person posted: “Poorly funded, overstretched, understaffed and underresourced. Something has got to give. So sorry for those left to deal with this.”

In June, Beds Police issued instructions to the public to use the ‘non-life threateneing’ 101 service instead of 999, in order to prioritise emergency calls.

Today, Chief Inspector Rachael Glendenning said: “On Tuesday evening, our force contact centre received a surge in levels of demand to our 999 and 101 services, which meant for a two-hour period from 8pm, we had to focus our resources on dealing with emergency incidents.

“During this period we briefly suspended our non-emergency 101 service, which allowed operators to prioritise those incidents which needed an immediate police response.

“I’d like to reassure everyone that emergency calls were still being responded to, and we have a number of contingency measures in place to ensure that, even during our busiest periods, emergency calls are being answered.

“Our service has been operating fully since 10pm, and we appreciate the patience and understanding of the public.”

A drive through the village of Wing will take your breath away, as 10,000 knitted poppies adorn its homes, businesses and streets to honour the fallen soldiers of World War One.

Dedicated residents have been busy knitting, crocheting and feeling crafty in order to take on one of the community’s biggest ‘yarn bombing’ projects to date, with creative flowers even being sent from Australia and Spain.

Families have previously organised yarn bombs at Wing’s All Saints’ Church and village memorial for Remembrance Day, and also created summer children’s decorations; but for the anniversary marking the end of the Great War, they knew they wanted to do something special.

Organiser Maggie Ryan, 48, who stored many of the knitted poppies in her house, said: “It’s gone really really well. We got over 10,000 poppies in the end, which is why there are so many around the village - more than we’d anticipated.

“We got both the local schools involved. All the year seven children in Cottesloe did a poppy for me, and I also have banners from the children.

“Overstone [Combined School] have done their own poppies and we also got the local youth club involved.

“There is a lady in Chalfont St Peter who heard about us and did her own display in their church and that was part of the reason for doing it, to try and get other people inspired.”

Maggie has been overwhelmed with the amount of knitted poppies that she has been sent, largely due to the success of her Facebook page.

The creative mother of five set up a public group on the site asking for the knitted flowers, and as word spread, the donations just kept coming!

She added: “As you drive into the village from Leighton Buzzard there is a display with cascading poppies and another one which is really really good is at Pantling’s garage, by Bob and Marie.

“There’s a Chelsea Pensioner and a clock that stops at 11.

“It’s really fantastic.

“I want to say a big thank you to everybody who has helped, either by knitting or contributing in different ways.

“My girls have helped to make poppies and the boys have been trying not to fall over the endless bags of them! My husband Tony has been very supportive.”

Maggie and Tony live in Wing, with their children Jack 21, Charlie, 20, Nerece, 18, Kaila, 12, and Anya, 10.

And despite the numerous amounts of wool in the house, Maggie is ready to take on the challenge for Remembrance Day 2019.

The village’s plans for this year’s centenary include a piper playing at 6am, remembrance services in the church and the lighting of a beacon at 7pm on the football field.

To view more pictures of Wing’s poppy yarn bomb, search ‘Wing Armistice Centenary Poppies’ on Facebook.

A Leighton-Linslade community choir will be singing their hearts out in ‘the Big Apple’, as they travel to America to mark the World War One Armistice Centenary.

52 singers from the Grand Union Community Choir will join singers from Hong Kong, Canada, Germany, Ireland and the USA to form an International Choir of over 200 voices.

The excited singers will performe ‘Requiem: The Souls of the Righteous’ composed and conducted Paul Mealor, as part of a commemorative concert at New York’s Carnegie Hall on Sunday (November 11).

Music Director, Susan Cox, said: “It will be the chance of a lifetime, an experience none of us will ever forget!”

‘The Souls of the Righteous’ was premiered in the UK on September 22, 2018, at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh, by the National Youth Choir of Scotland and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

It was recorded by Classic FM.

But New York is not the only special diary date for the singers, who are from Leighton-Linslade and its surrounding villages, as The Grand Union Community Choir will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2019.

The group’s rehearsals take place weekly in term time at Southcott Lower School, Linslade, and new members are always most welcome.

There is no need to be able to read music or have previous singing experience. Please visit www.gucc.org.uk/ for more details.

The choir’s next concert ‘Brass and Voices’ is with Heath Band on Dec 1 at Hockliffe Street Baptist Church. Tickets are available via the Band, Choir or Dillamore’s Furnishings, High Street Leighton Buzzard.

Ickwell won at home to move third in a limited Premier Division supported by Sportsform fixture programme on Saturday.

Marko Tobdzic and Conor Green were on the home scoresheet in a 2-1 win over Kempston Town and Bedford College, Tom Vandenberg replied from the penalty spot.

Now up into fifth are AFC Oakley M&DH following their 5-0 home win over Caldecote. Elijah Hukin and Matt Barnes both scored twice to go alongside a single strike from Ali Smith.

Marston Shelton Rovers are still awaiting their first home win of the season after being defeated 3-2 by Stevington. Joe Hollyoak, Aaron Hewitt and Billy Roberts scored for the visitors against Rovers replies via Charlie Standish and Nick Skolsky.

Bedfordshire FA Senior Trophy Round Two

The result of the day went to Riseley Sports with a 2-0 home win over South Midlands League side The 61 FC Luton thanks to goals from Jake Hislop and Alex Taylor. Wilstead caused a minor shock in easing to a 3-0 victory at Flitwick Town - Paul Jones, Ryan Davenport and Sam Evans netting the goals to do the damage.

For Crawley Green Reserves it was a 5-4 home penalty shoot-out win over Wootton Blue Cross after the normal 90 minutes saw the clubs deadlocked at 1-1, Timmy Akerele netting for the Green and Ross Scott replying for the Blue Cross.

Joining these three clubs in the last eight draw will be Queens Park Crescents after they were granted a bye due to Sharnbrook not being able to raise a side to travel to meet them in Allen Park.

Alas for current Premier Division supported by Sportsform league leaders Shefford Town & Campton it was a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of South Midlands League club Ampthill Town.

Division One supported by O’Neills

Bedford Albion remain two points clear at the head of Division One supported by O’Neills following their 4-1 victory at bottom of the table AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves. Adam Lewis with a brace plus single goals from Michal Michalski and Sam Maddix were replied to once by Town’s Nikola Stanchev.

Whilst keeping up the chase and still in second are Wixams who took their unbeaten home ways up to four games with a 1-0 win over Wilstead Reserves thanks to a goal from Phil Meredith.

In third are Shefford Town & Campton Reserves who retained their unbeaten ways with a 2-2 draw at Totternhoe Reserves. Telmo Jesus and Jordan Greenwood scored their goals against home replies from Tom Howson and Archie Taylor.

Whilst just goal difference behind in fourth spot are Cranfield United Reserves who retained their unbeaten away record with a 3-0 victory at Biggleswade FC Reserves. Lamar Smithson with a brace and a single strike from Luke Gray did the damage.

Fifth place Henlow remain 100% at home after beating Lea Sports PSG 3-1. The visitors went ahead via a Joe Hennem penalty before an own goal plus strikes from James Campbell and Chris Reeves won the day for Henlow.

Whilst now in the top six are The 61 FC Luton Reserves who ran out 5-2 home winners over Sandy. George Onwusonye, Farrell Whitman, Pearce Tracey, Ajmal Parkar and Reg Inogiti all found the back of the net against a brace in reply from Jonnie Stratford.

Christians in Sport (Luton) took their unbeaten sequence to five games in sharing the spoils from a 1-1 home draw with Flitwick Town Reserves. Adam Oliver was on the CIS scoresheet and Mark Bartlett netting for the Town who were gaining their first away point of the season.

Division Two supported by Hy-Pro

There is no change at the head of Division Two supported by Hy-Pro following wins for the top two clubs. Leaders Meltis Albion remain two points clear after a 4-0 win at bottom of the table Unite MK Reserves. Aaran Wright with a brace was joined on the Albion scoresheet by Sean Canavan and a penalty from Asa Garlick.

Whilst second place Kempston Athletic likewise won 4-0 at M&DH Clapham Sports to remain 100% on the road this season. Tom Hughes, Daniel Mattin, Luke Mongiovi and Josh St Clair Pierre all found the back of the net.

Now in third are Houghton Athletic who were gifted three points when Caldecote Reserves failed to raise a side to meet them. Athletic took over third spot from Elstow Abbey whose game at FC Kokan was abandoned just four minutes from time due to the alleged behaviour of the home side. The Abbey at the time with goals from Tony Milloti and Glen Tumulty were leading 2-0.

Now up into fifth are Clifton following their 3-2 victory at Luton Leagrave AFC, Dale Houghton netting twice and Jim Taylor once against a home brace in reply via Tjay Briggs.

Sixth place Atletico Europa were beaten 3-0 at Black Swan (Luton) who now hold down seventh spot. Ben Smith with a brace and a single goal from Danny McGovern took the Swan to their third win on the bounce.

The biggest win of the day went the way of Sporting Lewsey Park who gained their third home win on the bounce in beating AFC Oakley M&DH Reserves 11-2. Luke Lincoln led the way with five goals, with Chris Gibson and Mark Raffermati both netting braces and they were joined on the Park scoresheet by single goals from Lee Mooney and Adrian Fontenelle against M&DH replies via Luke Gumble and Ben Gumble.

Elsewhere, St Joseph (Saturday) returned to winning ways on the road in defeating Sundon Park Rovers 4-2. Tom O’Mara, Jack Thompson, Matthew Terry and Kenan Dogruer all scored for St Joseph, Matthew Ania and Ryan Gowans for Rovers.

Whilst for Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves it was a first away point of the season in sharing the points in a 2-2 draw at CS Rovers. Jordan Lee and Michael Bhatti were on the home scoresheet against Rovers replies via Lorenzo Jordan and Carl Borromeo.

Division Three supported by Hy-Pro

The Pines (Luton) remain six points clear at the head of the Division Three supported by Hy-Pro standings following their 13-1 home win over Wixams Wanderers. Ryan Smith bagged five goals and Garry Duncan four times to go with braces from Nathan Miller and James McGuinness against a lone Wanderers reply via Michael France.

Whilst second place Shefford Town & Campton A were winning for the sixth time on the bounce with a 6-2 victory at Dinamo Flitwick. Bradley Vought with a brace was joined on the Town scoresheet by single goals from Kyle Cook, Jacob Jevon, Josh Holland and Colin Standley against home replies via Josh Pearson and Lewis Yates.

For third place Real Haynes it was a 7-1 win at Harlington Juniors. Tyler Winter led the way with a hat-trick, Ben Worbey netting a brace and single strikes coming from Josh Brown and Bill Flack against a lone home reply from Lui Tomlinson.

Whilst fourth place FC Polonia were held to a 2-2 home draw by Bedford Albion Reserves for whom it was a fifth draw from just eight outings. Marcin Gorczyca and Przemek Gorczyca on the home scoresheet against Albion replies via Craig Ford and Jan Bucur.

Now in sixth are Wootton Village who took their unbeaten run to four games in drawing 1-1 at home against Lidlington United Sports who were duly taking their unbeaten away ways up to four games. Aqeeb Hanif was on the Village scoresheet and Carl Pearson netted for United.

Whilst Sandy Reserves still await their first win of the season after going down 0-4 at home against Thurleigh. Sam Hammond with a brace plus goals from Issac Jones and Dan Curran doing the damage.

Elsewhere after losing their last six games Stevington Reserves returned to winning ways with a 7-0 home win over bottom of the table Real Haynes Reserves. Jamie Daniels netting five times alongside single goals for Regan Scott and Kieran McEvoy. Whilst winning for the first time in four outings were Flitwick Town A with a 3-1 home victory over Square FC. Jack Farthing, Martin Byrne and Max Lewis the Town goalscorers against a lone reply from Tamis Kamara.

Police have issued a warning after an elderly man handed over money in exchange for clothing shortly after withdrawing the cash from a Leighton Buzzard bank.

The apparent trickster, persuaded the victim, who was in his 80s, to part with money he had just withdrawn from the bank. He claimed he was going back to Italy and couldn’t take the clothes he’d bought for his wife back due to luggage allowance restrictions.

The elderly man genuinely thought he was helping him when he bought the clothes, but then saw the same man waiting outside the bank [which hasn’t been named by police] a couple of days later, who then claimed to be French and had no recollection of selling him the clothes.

Bedfordshire Police is now warning residents to be vigilant when withdrawing money and encourage their elderly relatives to do the same following the incident which happened on Monday, 26 October between 12noon and 1pm.

A spokesman said: “We want to encourage people to be careful of those around them when using a bank and to remember the importance of shielding your pin when using a cash machine.”

For further information about personal safety visit https://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/A-Z/Personal-safety

Should parents of so-called boomerang children charge their offspring rent if they return to live at home?

Pitstone mum Becky Wiggins certainly thinks there are advantages to doing so and has been used as a case study by Skipton Building Society whose new research says 2.7m parents in the UK are taking on the financial burden of supporting their grown-up children into later life.

With an increasing number of older children returning home to mum and dad, 72% of parents admitted that household expenditure increased as a result, but just 41% say that they charge their adult children any rent to live at home.

Office of National Statistics figures reveal there has already been a 6% rise in 18-30-year olds living with their parents since 2007, indicating that parents may be putting their own savings aspirations onto the backburner.

The figures identified show that for those parents that do charge rent, £123 per month is the magic number. With UK private monthly rent currently averaging £943 per calendar month, moving home offers some significant saving opportunities for young people.

Becky, 48, founder of popular parenting blog, English Mum, and a freelance journalist, has two children, one of whom has recently graduated.

With property prices high, Sam, age 22, has returned to live at the family home while exploring his first career options and undertaking a number of temporary jobs.

Becky and her husband Jim have made the decision to charge Sam a “nominal amount” of £25 per week, which goes into their general spending bank account towards food and bills.

Becky says it provides Sam with “life experience and a sense of responsibility now he is an adult”, however is keen to highlight they only starting charging rent after he got himself a job.

She said: “It would be unfair to charge him while he was still on the job hunt, but he also benefits by being at home. Rents are really high where we are, being the commuter belt, about 30 minutes from London. I think a flat would cost in the region of £1,000 a month to rent.

“It can be easy to become blindsided by the excitement of having your boomerang child return home, and even easier to forget about the financial implications you’ll have to absorb to support them.

“With two grown up boys of my own – one of them a boomerang kid – I know all too well how much higher the weekly food bill can get when they come back to the nest. When my son came home, we had an honest and open chat, agreeing a rent figure that suited us both.

“For us this is £25 a week. It allows him to feel responsible, while saving money on the larger rents he would be paying elsewhere, but it also proves helpful for us.

“Whether it is asking them to contribute rent, or even just asking them to help out with the weekly food shop, car insurance, or petrol money – this can help make room for you to save for your own future, as well as helping them save for theirs.”

Aside from rent, Sam also supports with other tasks around the house. “He might for instance drop us at the station, or house and dog-sit whilst we’re away,” said Becky.

She added: “I save monthly in various accounts, towards holidays, emergencies etc. I also have a small personal pension.

“Sam returning home also prompted us to review our own financial situation, especially with regard to savings and planning for our future.

“For retirement, we would like to downsize at some point and be somewhere a little less rural. Jim is a pilot so can only fly commercially until he’s 60. I’ll probably keep writing.”

Jacqui Bateson, Customer Proposition Manager at Skipton Building Society, said: “There’s no question that increased difficulties in the housing market are causing strain on the sandwich generation. Two-thirds (66%) of the parents we surveyed believe that the current property market makes it much more difficult for children to leave home, and the majority are understandably supporting their families as they try to get a foot onto the ladder.

“As a parent myself, I know that supporting the kids, whatever their age will always be a priority – but it’s just as important that we’re saving for ourselves as well. Whether you’re 21, 41 or 61, saving for the future is just as important.

“Having the kids return to the nest is a good opportunity to have a broader conversation about money – we actually found that many parents (47%) tend to charge their children rent primarily to help them become more familiar with money management. It could also be a good time to revisit your own finances and thinking about how far you’re saving for yourself, as well as being there for your children when they need you.”

Statistics

> The average rent charged by parents for a boomerang kid varies across the UK, with London ranking the most expensive place for kids to live at home (£144 per month), and Leeds as cheapest (£91 per month).

> And parents are using the extra cash in a few different ways, with three in five (59%) spending more on food and groceries and just one in ten (11%) putting the money away for a rainy day.

> The top reason for moving back in with Mum and Dad was not to save for a house of their own (22%), but rather to nurse a broken heart after splitting up with partner (31%). Other reasons included being in between education or a next life stage (26%) and job-hunting (13%). Meanwhile, finishing university and hitting the third decade are the trigger points, with kids most likely to return home aged 21 or 22, or 30.

Becky’s Top 10 advice tips for managing your finances

1. Celebrate their achievement!

First things first, you need to celebrate their achievements and see their return home as a positive. So many times, returning home is seen as some sort of failure, but in this financial climate, it’s something that a lot of young people are going to have to do, so there’s really no stigma attached.

2. Acknowledge this may be a difficult time.

Whether they’re job hunting or starting their first job, your boomerang kid is probably already going to be saddled with quite a large amount of debt, whether that be student loans, overdraft or even money owed to you. They might not even have particularly wanted to move back home, so be empathetic to their situation and acknowledge how they’re feeling.

Remember, it’s also a bit of a transition period for you too. After being a couple for so long, having them home takes a bit of getting used to (the general noise level, having their mates back around, the extra washing and ironing, etc.).

3. Talk, talk and talk some more.

Being completely open (and non-judgmental) about money suits everyone best. If the kids are worried about money, it’s easiest to get everything written down and chat about a plan for managing the debt.

With my child, Sam, we found that sitting down and chatting about everything he was worried about (getting a job, the end of his 0% student overdraft, etc) made it easier to reassure him that it was all manageable, and it suited us to attack it together and come up with a workable plan to pay off his most pressing debts, and also sort out a savings account for him to start putting money away for the future.

4. Agree a rent figure that suits everyone.

Talking about money can be boring but chatting openly is a great way to work out how you can come to a solution that suits everyone. Obviously with them moving back in, the bills are going to go up (Skipton found that the average boomerang kid increases household outgoings by an average of £86 a month, or £1,032 a year), so it makes sense that they contribute to the household purse.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of loving having them back and not asking them for money, but if you’ve already had a chat about finances, it makes it easier to come to a rent figure that suits everyone. Plus, paying rent is good practice for managing bills when they finally move out into their own place.

5. Help with other things.

Another mouth to feed (especially one with a midnight frozen pizza addiction) is always going to add to the food bill so another way of asking them to contribute could be getting them to help out with the food bills, or even to shop for and cook a specific meal at home once a week, a great time for everyone to get together.

I think we often forget that it’s not a one way street – it’s brilliant for us having the kids home, whether that’s being here to look after the house and dog while I’m travelling for work, or being here to pick me up from the station if I’ve been in London for meetings. It’s a two way street.

6 Sneaky savings.

If you’re in a great financial situation and really don’t feel like you need the money, another way to look at it is that’s it’s a great way to save money for your kids. If you’ve agreed a rent figure, you could always save the money in a savings account for them. This could be a great way to help them save to pay off their student overdraft, or even save for their first house deposit.

7 Don’t feel bad for asking.

After 18 years of providing for their every need, we all fall into the trap of feeling like we need to parent our kids forever, but honestly, having talked to my kids, it’s the last thing they want. Now you’re all adults, they understand that you have your own finances to think about (oh hey, retirement, you’re coming up very fast there in the distance) and that it’s unrealistic for you to provide everything for them. Have an honest conversation about what’s possible, and don’t forget to actively plan to ensure you’re saving for yourselves at the same time.

8. See if you can help in other ways.

If they’re off to job interviews or starting a new job, they might initially need help getting around, or if they’re lucky enough to already have a car, help with car insurance or tax.

9. Don’t ignore your own finances.

Don’t forget, as well as being a completely new situation for them, having adults instead of children is a big step for you. It’s a great time to have a look at your own finances, and take stock of your savings, pensions, mortgage and plans for retirement. Many parents choose to downsize if some of their kids have left home, or maybe, like us, are considering a move to somewhere cheaper now we don’t have to worry about being in the specific school catchment area. Take the opportunity to delve into your own money as you’re helping your boomerang kids with theirs.

10. And finally… look at the positives

Congratulations, you’ve created a fully functioning, responsible adult! Plus, you’ve still got them all to yourselves for the time being, so enjoy spending time with your boomerang kids, without all the associated worry that you used to have about exams and agreeing times for them coming home. We love having our kids at home and feel it’s a privilege to enjoy them a little longer before they head into the big wide world!

The headteacher of a Leighton Buzzard lower school says its future “looks stronger than ever” as plans to join the Shared Learning Trust press ahead.

St George’s Lower School has announced that from January 2019, subject to approval from Central Beds Council, it is to join the Trust’s group of academies in South Bedfordshire, with its name changed to ‘Rushmere Park Academy’.

Headteacher Marea Rawlings said: “We have not taken the decision lightly, but our staff and our families all agree that this partnership is a great opportunity for the school and the local community, and is a very positive development for everyone involved.

“The potential of St George’s Lower School hasn’t been fully recognised in recent years, but with the support of the Shared Learning Trust, including some much needed investment, I really do think the future of our school and most importantly our pupils is now looking stronger than ever.”

The school, which is situated in East Street, boasts enviable grounds and playing fields. It has about 100 pupils, a popular nursery provision and is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The Shared Learning Trust has already started to develop an investment plan for the school, which will begin with some immediate maintenance and rejuvenation of the buildings and grounds.

CEO of the Trust, Cathy Barr, said: “We’ve been talking to the staff and the parents about this proposal for some time now and I’m really looking forward to officially welcoming them to our family of schools.

“I strongly believe that sharing knowledge, experience, good teaching practice and resources is an incredibly powerful way to give children the best possible educational start in life.”

She added: “There is so much potential here for growth and educational development. The entire team is really excited about this new chapter, both for the school and for the Trust.”

The Shared Learning Trust currently runs The Chalk Hills Academy, The Stockwood Park Academy and The Linden Academy in Luton, as well as The Vale Academy and the Vale Secondary School in Dunstable.