Archived News
January 2007
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Brickhill Wanderers U13 - 0
E B Lions U13 - 7
Lions rebuffed an early attack and then proceeded to dominate play for the first half.
Andy Scott-Lewis scored Lions' first with a delightful chip from the edge of the area. Gus Thorne was on great form, achieving a hat-trick.
One goal was a solo run culminating in lobbing the goalie and the other two resulted from fine attacking passes from Jack Coates and Jonnie Moriarty.
Lions' defence performed well in the second half as Brickhill made several probing attacks. Coates ran on to a huge kick from goalie, Charlie Oliver, took it to the left and floated an angled shot into the top corner.
Sam Marshall increased the goal tally by two - blasting a pass from Coates into the net and then running onto a great cross from Scott-Lewis.
An excellent result for Lions, with Matt Audouard awarded MoM for his dominant mid-field play.
For the full mid-season league tables, see this week's Leighton Buzzard Observer.
Source: EB Lions
Chimney fire blaze drama
Two fire engines rushed to a house in Eaton Bray after a chimney fire spread to a first floor bedroom, causing 50 per cent smoke damage and 20 per cent fire damage.
The alarm was raised at 5.30pm on Saturday, when the blaze was spotted at the detached house in The Rye.
At first only one fire engine from Dunstable Fire Station attended the call, but a second engine was called in for back-up when firefighters realised that the blaze was more serious than they had thought it would be.
They used breathing apparatus and a hose reel to extinguish the flames, spending an hour at the house and then returning later to make sure all was well.
Now a fire investigation is underway, but it is thought the fire started accidentally.
Source: Dunstable Today
New classes aim to keep kids fit and healthy
Fitkid aims to put the fun back into fitness through games involving physical activity and play, and helps children learn the importance of being fit and healthy - instead of eating junk food and sitting much of the time in front of a TV or games console.
Caroline, who is a mother and grandmother, and her instructors are qualified to a national standard and hold appropriate certificates.
There are around one million obese children under 16 years of age. The soaring rates have led to an increase in childhood type II diabetes and will lead to more cases of heart disease, osteoarthritis and some cancers.
If parents choose to ignore their children's expanding waist lines and allow them to be couch potatoes, at least one fifth of boys and one third of girls will be obese by 2020.
The British Medical Association recommends improved access to sport and recreation facilities within local communities, so Caroline and her team have launched the classes in Leighton Buzzard, Eaton Bray and Dunstable to encourage children, aged five and over, to feel motivated by the sessions and, most importantly, enjoy taking part in fitness activities.
Children who attend the club at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre or Eaton Bray Village Hall can achieve badges and certificates and other awards, including baseball caps and t-shirts, for their individual progress. Play is noncompetitive.
"All children are welcome - even the non-sporty ones," says Caroline, who lives in Totternhoe . "We want to show kids that fitness is fun."
Totternhoe Beavers tried out Caroline's session and put their new-found skills towards Health and Fitness badges.
Caroline is offering a free introductory Fitkid session for all children and parents who are interested in fun fitness. For more information call Caroline on 08445 606 432.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 23 January 2007
Parish Council Minutes - January 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 8th January 2007
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 5th February 2007 at 7.30pm.
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Eaton Bray Lions U11 - 6
Luton on Track U11 - 2
Within the first five minutes Nathan Sears threw a long ball just in front of the goal mouth for James Pearce to tap the ball in for Lions. Shortly afterwards James made a terrific run, was brought down, regained possession and scored.
Poor defensive moves by Lions allowed Luton to score their first but Lions rallied and an excellent pass by Will Sanders to James secured their third goal. A powerful corner from Jake Higgs allowed James to tap the ball in for 4-1 at half-time.
The second half saw a more determined Luton, a great run from their striker and a well-executed goal. Luton continued to put pressure on Lions but great saves by goalie Jack Bramston meant further frustration for them.
A great solo run by Jake meant a fifth goal for Lions and James landed another goal just before the whistle.
Man of the match Luke Dunstan.
Houghton Regis Youth U13 - 5
EB Lions U13 - 0
Excellent ball passing and end to end action entertained both away and home fans during the first half, but it was only the home crowd that enjoyed the second.
A half time score of 0-0 was justifiable as they were evenly matched. It was nearly 1-0 to HRYFC a few seconds before the whistle but an excellent save by Charlie Oliver, immediately followed by another clearance from Lee Cavendish kept it goalless.
After the break HRYFC were more determined to win and constantly attacked. Unfortunately, defensive errors by EBL led to most of the goals by the home side but it was only a matter of time before they scored anyway.
Lions were tiring on the big pitch and were often out run. This probably led to an unnecessarily clumsy tackle by their goalkeeper, the penalty duly slotted home with skill.
James Thiel was MoM for his good tackling.
E B Lions U15 - 2
Luton Borough Youth U15 - 5
An early defensive mistake by Lions allowed Luton to score, but Lions rallied and Ed Poole had two shots saved.
A well worked attack by Eaton Bray resulted in Martin Coates scoring by running on to a ball chipped into the area from the right wing.
Rob Gadsden's free-kick from just within the half-way line was tipped over the bar by Luton's goalie and several more chances were missed before Dylan Taylor nipped onto another of Rob's free-kicks to score Lions' second.
Good attacking play by Luton was initially frustrated by Lions' goalie, Dean Clark, but another defensive error allowed Luton to equalise. Lions would have gone ahead but Coates' goal was marginally offside.
Luton were much stronger in the second half, their goalie denying Lions more scoring chances and their striker (number 10) scoring two great goals and setting up a third.
Dylan Taylor's tireless performance in midfield earned him MoM.
Source: EB Lions
Beds set to raise council tax by 4.33 per cent
Beds County Council's Executive Committee is set to recommend a 4.33% increase in council tax for 2007/8. This is actually very slightly lower than the anticipated 4.75% increase predicted last year.
The full council will debate and vote on the budget at a meeting on February 15.
Cllr Richard Stay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Finance, said: "The most significant factor in our spending plans and council tax is always the government's grant. We were expecting to be at the bottom of the heap for funding again this year and so it has proved. Last year we got peanuts - this year we got the empty packet.
"With that in mind we've done our level best to keep the increase down and we have been able to limit the pain more than we thought we would. But we know that council tax is still too high in Bedfordshire. We are working hard to work more efficiently so we keep the lid on increases, but keep on investing in the services residents tell us matter the most.
New investment in priority areas is a key feature of the budget. Community safety is also set to benefit from a funding boost and involve town and parish councils in a unique partnership.
A pot of £1 million is available for schemes to tackle the fear of crime, which according to an Ipsos-MORI Residents' Survey last May, is at a higher level in Bedfordshire than in London.
Town and parish councils would be able to access money to use on schemes such as Police Community Support Officers and facilities for young people.
Older people are set to benefit from a £2 million project for refurbishing care homes and extra money for supported housing, as an alternative to traditional residential care.
The growth agenda is also high on the council's priority list with £2.1 million over the next two years to support economic growth and bring new jobs to the county and over a quarter of a million to help manage housing growth.
There will also be capital investment in improving roads of £48 million over the next five years, and £150 million for improvements to schools.
Cllr Madeline Russell, Leader of the Council, said: "Setting the budget is always a difficult balancing act but we have remained true to our commitment to steadily reduce the level of council tax increases.
"This year, through consulting with residents on the services which matter most and working more efficiently we have been able to invest £4 million from efficiency savings in services which Bedfordshire residents told us matter most to them, and make sure that we have kept the increase in council tax as low as possible."
Assuming councillors pass the proposals, a band D household in Bedfordshire will pay council tax of £1,083.33 for county council services in 2007/8.
This is the major part of council tax bills, but smaller sums for other authorities, such as parish, town and district councils, police and the fire service, will have to be added on.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 23 January 2007
Walk-to-school snake cuts the congestion
It's hoped that the walk-to-school initiative, started by child-minder Debbie Dunstan, will reduce the number of local parents dropping off their children outside Edlesborough School in the village High Street.
Parents and staff have long voiced their concerns about the dangers to the school's 250 children from lorries, buses, speeding motorists and poor parking.
Each day parents, many of whom live less than half a mile from the school, stop or leave their vehicles at road junctions and on hazard warning lines to ensure their children have the shortest possible walk to school.
Now Mrs Dunstan and her volunteer helpers are escorting about 37 children, aged under eight, from meeting points at Leighton Road in Edlesborough and from Yew Tree Close, Eaton Bray, to the school each morning.
She said: "The parking outside the school is horrendous and we have to do something to reduce the congestion.
"The walking bus scheme means that parents don't have to walk themselves. The adult escorts and all the children taking part have received training and we're very distinctive in our green tabards.
"When we've been out on the streets cars have been slowing down for us which is unbelievable."
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 16 January 2007
Dalmatians' car rescue drama
She was driving in The Rye when the accident happened, and there were no other vehicles involved.
Firefighters freed her by cutting the roof off the car, but they had a tricky situation to contend with because the woman had two Dalmatian dogs on the back seat.
Watch commander Ian McLaren, who attended the incident, said: "The dogs were very distressed, as she was, and we had to remove them before we could get the roof off."
The woman did not suffer any serious injuries, but she was given a neck brace and put on a spine board and given oxygen as a precaution, and an ambulance took her to the Luton & Dunstable Hospital for a check up.
A Beds Police spokesman confirmed that the road was closed while the car - a Suzuki Wagon estate - was removed. He also said that a dog collection unit was summoned to keep an eye on the Dalmatians, which were unharmed.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 17 January 2007
MP's bid to save marriage
South West Beds MP Andrew Selous will be in Eaton Bray on Friday evening delivering a talk about a local trust that aims to strengthen marriages and family relationships.
He'll be talking about the South Bedfordshire Community Family Trust, a voluntary group that he was involved in setting up.
Mr Selous said: "As a rough rule of thumb, I find that in my constituency surgeries about three or four of every constituency cases brought to me have relationship breakdown as the cause, whether the issue brought to me is about benefits, the Child Support Agency, housing or health.
"There is increasing evidence from around the UK and other parts of the world that programmes to help support and equip people to make a success of their marriages and family relationships are beginning to have an impact.
Mr Selous' talk will be to Eaton Bray Churches Together at 7.30pm at Eaton Bray Methodist Church.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 17 January 2007
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U8 - 1
Luton Borough Dragons U8 - 4
Luton Borough Dragons had previously inflicted a heavy defeat on Lions. This match was more even, particularly in the second half.
Elliot Whitcombe featured strongly in defence, clearing the Lions from attack twice in the first few minutes. Unfortunately, Lions were 0-3 down at half time, despite good performances by Elliot, Dylan Karavadra, Jack Cook and Thomas Rainbow.
The second half was better for Lions, with Jack Nevitt scoring well to make it 1-3, with the final score being 1-4 to Luton.
Manager and coach, Paul Cook, was pleased with Lions' performance, particularly as they are passing to each other in a much more positive way and also comparisons with games against teams played for the second time show improvement.
Man of the match was Elliot Whitcombe.
The squad comprised: Thomas Rainbow, Jack Cook, Dylan Karavadra, Jack Nevitt, James Pratt, Archie Bunker, Elliot Whitcombe, Charles Gamble, Callum Gardner and Tom Phillips.
EB Lions U13 - 3
Bramingham Youth U13 - 1
A competitive and evenly matched game saw good attacking play from both teams.
Lions had two shots saved and one just wide while their goalie, Charlie Oliver, made several good saves to keep the score-line 0-0 at half-time and earn MoM.
James Thiel, working well in defence, initiated a Lions' attack, passing to Gus Thorne who delivered the ball to Jack Coates. Coates coolly out-manoeuvred the goalie to score.
A huge kick from Oliver gave Coates another opportunity and as the goalie parried the shot Sam Marshall ran on to the re-bound to score.
Bramingham's quick number seven ran rings round the Lions' defence but an excellent free-kick by Thorne was blocked by the keeper and Marshall again pounced on the loose ball to score.
In the closing minutes a Lions' player unfortunately handled the ball in the area (believing that offside had been given) and Bramingham scored from the penalty.
EB Lions U15 - 1
Bedford College Grasshoppers U15 - 3
This was a difficult match for the injury-depleted Lions and further injuries during the match didn't help. Lions missed a couple of chances before Bedford scored from a run up the left wing.
Both teams had several more chances but the goalkeepers were on good form. At one point four different Lions players had shots on target within a matter of seconds, all blocked by the Bedford goalie!
In the second half a shot by Ben Turner was dropped by the Bedford goalie but nobody was there to follow up.
Bedford scored a carbon copy second goal and followed up with a run onto a forward pass and a shot into the corner.
Lions retaliated when Rob Gadsden scored from an impressive solo run up the centre.
Despite further shots on target from Gadsden and Dylan Taylor, Lions could not close the gap. Gareth Hemming got MoM for great defensive play.
Source: EB Lions
Alarm bells fear allayed
Since the Gazette reported that the scheme - which means burglar alarm owners have to hand over contact details for their keyholders or face a fine - was being introduced, readers have voiced concerns about the impact that disclosing the information will have on their cover.
The measure was introduced to cut down on endlessly ringing alarms and ensure that if a home alarm goes off it can be shut down quickly. South Beds District Council's Envirocrime Unit, which is overseeing the policy, has claimed a victory this week after it used keyholder contact details to quickly silence an alarm in Kensworth.
But Gazette reader Malcolm Dodd said: "Before submitting confidential details regarding the security of one's home to a third party, householders should consult their insurance company.
"They may have a very different view of the information requested becoming available to a third party, let alone recorded on a central database.
"Are South Beds District Council, with their official responsibility for this new regulation, prepared to accept liability resulting from possible non-compliance of the terms of the householder's insurance policy?"
The council has been quick to say that Mr Dodd's concerns are unfounded.
A spokeswoman for South Beds District Council said: "We did check with insurance companies before we introduced the scheme and it won't affect home insurance cover."
And one of the country's largest insurers has backed them.
A spokeswoman for Norwich Union said the company had no concerns about disclosing information to the council, and said the only real worry would be keyholders not re-setting alarms when they leave.
She said: "There's no insurance issue on disclosure grounds, however we would be concerned if somebody came round when an alarm was sounding and disabled it permanently"
She also said that if the information was abused and keyholders were targeted by thieves, it would not affect insurance claims.
"We will pay claims without any forcible entry," she said.
As reported over the past few weeks, a petition against the measure - which could see alarm owners who fail to register keyholder details fined a fixed notice of £80, increasing to £1,000 if they fail to pay within two weeks - has been mounted because of confidentiality concerns.
Organiser Alan Woolridge has vowed to continue his protests until the council agrees to a rethink. "Everyone I've spoken to is up in arms about it," he said.
But council officers have highlighted two contrasting cases which show that the policy can be effective.
The owners of one home in Barton hadn't registered their details with the council. So when their alarm sounded during the festive period neighbours had to endure the loud ringing for a long time because Envirocrime officers couldn't obtain a court order to gain entry at that time of year.
But when an alarm went off at a home in Kensworth, Envirocrime officers were able to get it switched off quickly as the owners had registered their keyholder details.
They contacted the keyholder, who swiftly silenced the alarm.
"It shows that it does work," said a council spokeswoman.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 10 January 2007
Senior citizens vote Helen their unsung hero
Each Wednesday, Helen Wilkinson, her loyal deputy, Joan Home, and their team of tireless volunteers welcome pensioners from Edlesborough, Dagnall, Eaton Bray and Slapton to Northall Village Hall where they join local old folk for their weekly get together.
Mrs Wilkinson, 57, has been leading the team for 11 years and her dedication has won her a Bucks County Council `Unsung Heroes' Award as well as the admiration and affection of the senior citizens.
She was nominated for the award by Mike and Ellen Lewis who wrote to county council chairman, Cllr Robert Woollard, on behalf of the group to tell him about the warmth and friendship she brings into the members' lives.
"Every Wednesday, we eagerly wait for the transport, which will take us to Northall, for we know we are going to spend an enjoyable day with friends," they wrote.
"That we will have a lovely homecooked meal and above all will not feel old and a nuisance.
"For many of us it is the only day out in the week.
"Our grateful thanks and blessings go to Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Horne, whose kindness and effort makes it all possible.
"We cannot find praise enough, for who else would be there to greet us, ask how we are, whether we have had a good week, did we need any help with anything?
"We feel that Helen puts all her strength into the Age Concern club, always kind and caring, listening about our illnesses and helping with any problems we may have, and we are of one mind who is our unsung hero."
Mrs Wilkinson said she had no idea she had been nominated for the award and was "shocked and surprised" to receive a letter inviting her to the presentation ceremony.
"I couldn't believe it and thought it was a spoof at first," she said.
Mrs Wilkinson said she was looking forward to the ceremony, but admitted to being "a little bit nervous."
"I shall be accepting the award on behalf of the whole team, the cooks, the mini-bus drivers, Joan and everyone who helps make sure the members enjoy themselves," she said.
"Without their commitment we wouldn't be able to carry on."
Source: Mick King, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 9 January 2007
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U8 - 2
Crawley Green A U8 - 4
Saturday saw the Eaton Bray Lions Under eights play at home for the first time this year, against Crawley Green A Team Under eights.
The conditions for the match indicated the possibility of a poor game, with wind and rain confirming this. However, it turned out to be a superb game with the Lions showing improved, and at times, skilful passing.
Jack Nevitt showed real prowess in goal and Dylan Karavadra was excellent in midfield and as a forward. Archie Bunker and Thomas Rainbow were solid in defence.
The final score was 2-4 in favour of Crawley Green, in spite of two finely-taken goals by Charles Gamble, who was deservedly Man of the Match.
The team comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Elliot Whitcombe, Archie Bunker, Dylan Karavadra, Jack Nevitt. Charles Gamble, Tom Sage, Tom Phillips, Callum Gardner, James Pratt.
EB Lions U15 - 2
Houghton Wanderers U15 - 1
Early attacking play by Lions never quite reached the stage of troubling Wanderers' goalie, whilst counter attacks by the visitors required home goalie, Dean Clark, to work hard.
However, the closest either team came to scoring in the first half was a great shot by Lions' captain, Rob Gadsden, which was just tipped over the bar.
Early in the second half Martin Coates' corner for Lions was deflected into the goal by a defender.
A period of fierce end to end play culminated in the Lions' goalie losing grip of the muddy ball and a Wanderers' striker taking advantage to equalise.
Lions put together an impressive attacking move from a throw-in deep within their own half. Coates booted the ball forward to Ed Poole, who passed neatly to Alex Lay and he coolly scored the winner.
All of the Lions' players performed well but MOM was awarded to Alex Lay.
Source: EB Lions
Blown-away Pepsi is rescued on east coast
Pepsi the kestrel is owned by the Birds Of Bray team, and vanished in August after being attacked by rooks.
Owners Sue and Chris Mitchell searched for him for several weeks in vain, and doubted that he would ever be returned to them and to his female feathered friend, kestrel Cola.
Then, much to their surprise, the phone rang in the run-up to Christmas with the news that Pepsi had been found in a garden in Great Wakering, near Southend.
Pepsi was retrieved by the Dangerous Wild Animal Rescue Facility team, based in Great Wakering. Thanks to his identity ring, his owners were traced with the help of the Independent Bird Register.
Talking about the bird's disappearance, Chris explained: "We were flying the bird privately, on our own land, in August, and some rooks came down and mobbed him. He flew off and we spent the next three weeks searching for him.
"Normally, they stick around for two or three days, but obviously he didn't. I must admit that after about three or four weeks, we gave up hope. We thought 'that's it, he's gone'. Then we had a phone call from the Independent Bird Register to say that the bird had been found.
"I was absolutely amazed. We went down and picked him up and he recognised us straight away, he sat there bobbing his head.
"I don't know whether he went down there for his holidays! We are just surmising that the strong winds had blown him there, but we are not absolutely sure."
Pepsi was weak and had obviously not been feeding well during his months in the wild. But since his return, he has been tucking into food packed with vitamins, and he now seems fine.
lain Newby, of the Dangerous Wild Animal Rescue Facility team, explained that the organisation is asked to rescue all sorts of wildlife.
He was called out to pick up the kestrel from the garden where it was found, and he thought that the bird looked thin.
"When I fed it, it ate straight away, it was so hungry," he said.
Now all involved are delighted that the Mitchells have finally been able to take Pepsi back under their wing.
Source: Anne O'Donaghue, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 9 January 2007
Village Pub goes smoke free six months early
David Sparrow from The White Horse, in Market Square, thought he'd give locals a helping hand with their new year's resolutions, to give up the ciggies, by introducing a smoking ban from January 1 - half a year ahead of the government's planned July 1 deadline.
The pub specialises in good food and beer and David said that 80 per cent of his customers didn't smoke anyway, so generally, the regulars have embraced the ban. But for those desperate for a puff David has provided a covered area outside complete with heat lamp.
He said: "It is nice clean air in my pub and customers can eat knowing that they won't get smoke blown over them."
David is getting quite a reputation for his controversial schemes - readers may remember that his pub was a football free zone during the World Cup tournament last year!
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 9 January 2007
'Alarms rules won't affect insurance'
The controversial Alarm Notification Area policy in South Beds will not impact on home insurance policies, according to the district council.
Several people living in South Beds have raised concerns that the measure - which means burglar alarm owners have to hand over contact details for their keyholders or face a fine - would impact on their insurance policies.
But a spokeswoman for South Beds District Council said: "We did check with insurance companies before we introduced the scheme and it won't affect home insurance cover."
The measure was introduced to cut down on endlessly ringing alarms and ensure that if a home alarm goes off it can be shut down quickly. South Beds District Council's Envirocrime Unit - who are overseeing the policy - have claimed a victory this week after they used keyholder contact details to quickly silence an alarm in Kensworth.
Source: Dunstable Today, 5 January 2006
Make mine a Stella ... or a Trudy, Polly or Larry!
These dogs are hoping to start the New Year with a new home so they can enjoy a safe and secure future.
Newly registered charity Appledown Rescue, based in Eaton Bray, is searching for owners for the quartet - but you'll need to have a secure garden and a well kept house.
All potential owners will be house-checked before taking on a dog. In addition, families with children below the age of seven will only be homed a puppy.
The dogs - Trudy, Larry, Polly and Stella - have been especially put forward for homing by Appledown and range from young to old.
Trudy is an 11-year old Border Colle bitch and is with the home due to the sad death of her owner. Trudy has a lovely temperament and would live peacefully with other dogs, male and female. She is looking for a loving home to see out her last few years in comfort.
Larry is one of several Jack Russell Terriers at the home at the moment. Larry is a two-year-old male and loves people but has not lived in a house before so he would need to be house trained.
Appledown always has a variety of cross-breeds looking for homes.
Polly is one of many Staffordshire Bull Terriers with the rescue home. She was a stray so comes with little history but is believed to be about five years old. Polly is very affectionate and looking for a home where she is the only pet.
Stella is about 18 months old and is believed to be a Mastiff cross. She is very playful and gets on with other dogs, but would need some training. The home will not unite her with a family with children, though, as they cannot be sure that she would be protective of a house.
Anyone interested in taking one of the animals should call Julie Shelton on 01525 220282.
Source: Robert Nash, Herald & Post, 4 January 2007
Parish Council Agenda - January 2007
Download Agenda for 8th January 2007
--Parish Council Clerk