Archived News
July 2011
World's Biggest Coffee Morning is 21 and you're all invited
Macmillan Cancer Support's flagship event, World's Biggest Coffee Morning has reached its 21st year and we are asking you to join us and help those affected by Cancer by hosting your very own celebratory Coffee Morning.
WBCM is the UK's third biggest one day fundraiser. Last year 751 people hosted a coffee morning in Cambridgeshire raising more than £130,000. Together 43,000 people registered to hold a coffee morning across the UK, raising over £8million.
This year the event takes place on Friday 30th September and we're aiming to celebrate in style and hope you can join us. There are 2 million people living with cancer in the UK, so we need to raise even more money to pay for our vital cancer support services.
Taking part in Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning is really simple – choose a date that suits you, choose your event and send out invitations to raise the vital money to support people affected by cancer. More importantly WBCM is a chance to get friends and colleagues together to have fun.
Whether it's a traditional coffee morning at home, work or school, or something different altogether – a garden party, pub quiz, or karaoke night - the main thing is getting together with friends and knowing that your collective efforts are making a huge difference to people affected by cancer.
Register at coffee.macmillan.org.uk or for more information contact Michelle Pullen, Fundraising Manager on 01480 408982 / [email protected]
Cricket: Sunday team win makes it a special weekend
With both the 1sts and 2nds winning on Saturday the Sunday XI travelled to Aston Clinton looking to make it 3 out of 3.
Bowling first Aston Clinton lost regular wickets as Tickell, Roff, Green and Ward all got 2 each and at one point Clinton were reduced to 95-8! Special mention to Tickell, who dropped dangerman Roberts and then ran him out in the same ball! They finished on 146 and on a lovely day the Bray were thinking at tea that they had a chance of pulling off their first win of the season.
In reply an excellent partnership of 125 for the 3rd wicket between the brothers Peacock with Josh (78*) and Ryan (38*) saw them home inside 30 overs and capped a fantastic weekend for the Bray, albeit coupled with some tasteful words being exchanged between the two sides, clearly the opposition weren't too happy as an imminent defeat loomed.
A brilliant effort from what is essentially still a very young team and hopefully having tasted victory they'll want to push for more success through the remainer of the season.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 24th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Win for the 2nds!!
After a tough introduction to div 3 cricket and several recent narrow loses the Bray 2nds finally completed their first win of the season and in doing so began to close the gap on their relegation rivals.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Bray got off a a good start with Coughtrey (2-32) and Roff (1-14) both bowling their 10overs straight thru as Stewkley found it difficult to get going. Only a hard hit 62 by Drakes got the scoreboard moving as Kerins (3-38) kept the pressure on and after 44overs the Bray were left with a target of 160 to win.
In reply despite the early loses of Warner, Smith and Ringsell a huge partnership between Gypps and Kerins (81) got the chase going and when Kerins was out with only a few runs needed it was left to Gypps to hit the winning runs and complete his fifty in the process.
An excellent result that left skipper Kerins full of praise for his team and later full of alcohol as he was finally able to celebrate a win. His excitment was tempered towards the end of the night, as without a taxi he was left wandering the streets of Bedfordshire...
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 6 wickets
- Date: Sat 23rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Hosking and Harris set the tone for big win
Asked to bat first on a firm but damp track the Bray openers Hosking (47) and Harris (90) set about the task of building a big total. Quick singles were the order of the day with the ball not coming on and despite a few dodgy calls a partnership of 80 set the tone. With Harris well set further partnerships with Peacock and then Norris (32) saw the Bray to the 180's before the dashing Pearson and Hearn pushed the total to an imposing 222.
In reply the extra pace of Ellerton (3-15) and Norris (3-45) saw additional bounce extracted from the wicket and MK slipped to 30-3 with an excellent return catch by Ellerton seeing the departure of skipper Mistry. With wickets falling regularly as MK continued to attack and some good catching in the outfield (notably two skiers to Hearn) the innings finished after just 22 overs with Flecknell (2-7) and Barker (2-6) applying the final touches.
Another good win for the Bray that now makes it three in a row...
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 135 runs
- Date: Sat 23rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Milton Keynes Village Pavilion
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Milton Keynes CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: W Hosking: 47, P Harris: 90, A Norris: 32, G Ellerton: 3/15, A Norris: 3/45 N Chavda: 6/36
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
How about a Cops v Kids football match?
Bedfordshire Police's Local Policing Teams (formerly Safer Neighbourhood Teams) have organised a series of Active Surgeries during the summer holidays. In addition to offering help and advice, the teams will be carrying out property marking and offering to secure car number plates.
Sporting activities for youngsters will also be provided!
So, why not come along and see how our Officers fair against youngsters in a game of football?
Wednesday 3rd August, 1.00pm - 4.00pm, Eaton Bray Skate Park (School Lane)
Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire
Parish Council Minutes - July 2011
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 4th July 2011
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Monday 5th September 2011, 7.30pm, in the Coffee Tavern.
Parcel Delivery Scam - It's NOT your name on it!
Bedfordshire Police is warning the public to check labels carefully when taking delivery of parcels at their homes...
A new scam has come to notice whereby parcels are being delivered to residences with the labels showing a correct address, but an unknown name. The person receiving the parcel has been asked to sign for it and, in many cases, has done so.
Soon after the delivery, usually the following day, a woman visits the address saying she believes a parcel intended for her has been delivered there by mistake.
The woman takes the parcel and is not seen again.
Within a few days, occupants of the address invariably start to receive paperwork, often including payment demands for the parcel.
The woman is described as being of mixed race, aged in her 20s, large build and approximately 5'5" tall. She has 'significant red hair'.
Sergeant Andy Rivers said, "Even if you are expecting a delivery, make sure the label is correctly addressed to you or a member of your household.
"If you are not expecting a parcel, carefully inspect the label and if there are any discrepancies in the details, you must seriously consider declining the delivery."
If this has happened to you, or you have any information about the scam, please contact Sergeant Rivers on 01234 841212 or text 07786 200011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously if preferred, on 0800 555111.
Thank you for your support.
Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire
Advice from Trading Standards
Buckinghamshire Trading Standards are warning residents to be on their guard against a company called DIRECT RESPONSE SECURITY attempting to sell "free monitored alarm systems".
Salespersons normally cold-call by telephone and advise residents that they have been selected to receive a "free monitored alarm system" and that a representative is in the area and will call on them to discuss the matter further.
The representatives calling at people's homes then make a number of false/misleading claims that there is a problem with crime in the area and convince residents to get a burglar alarm fitted. Once the alarm is installed, the residents are left with a large bill for future monitoring services they have been tricked into signing up to.
Trading standards across the country are reporting complaints of companies scaring consumers into accepting a free burglar alarm which then ties the victim to a contract costing thousands of pounds.
The Trading Standards Institute is urging consumers to say no to companies offering these free appliances, claiming they are working with the police or as part of a Government scheme, or that they are researching for a fire and security alarm system company.
The salesman will typically cold call, keen to make a home visit the same day to discuss the installation of a free or cheap alarm. The companies are reported to use high pressure tactics and to scaremonger about rising crime levels in the area, while some are reported to make misleading claims about the alarms being directly linked to the police or the availability of a hotline to police patrol cars.
What they fail to mention are the fees that residents will have to pay for the monitoring, upkeep and rapid response facilities, which can add up to thousands of pounds.
Some have found themselves tied to a six-year contract agreement costing up to £6,000.
Consumers who sign on the dotted line will have a seven day cooling off period during which they can change their minds.
Trading Standards are urging residents, especially pensioners and their families, to be on their guard and not to buy anything based on a cold-call. If you think you have been a victim of this or a similar scam and would like advice on your rights please call Consumer Direct on 0808 156 2259.
Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire
Cricket: Debutant 12 year old stars for Bray
Parkes 4-20 and Skipper's 90 proves not enough
Twelve-year-old Connor Parkes starred for Eaton Bray's Sunday XI taking four wickets in his first game for the men's team.
Connor joined the club's junior coaching sessions at its open day back in April and has impressed all season, earning himself a place in the side against Soulbury CC.
Turning up, seeing Peacock making teas and rain coming down, Soulbury must have been worried and slightly confused, when electing to bat first! The game was reduced to 35 overs a side and Bray fielded superbly, restricting Soulbury to 161-8 declared. Club veteran Georgie Coughtrey weighed in with 3 wickets but with figures of 4-20 in five overs, Parkes' leg-spin proved a bigger handful for the visitors, his first wicket coming with only his third ball - a sharp stumping by Matt Ringsell off dangerman Jenner. Celebrations weren't short lived either as Connor ripped through Soulbury's middle order.
Unfortunately, Bray weren't able to capitalise on their young star's success though, losing by 29 runs as they were bowled out for 131, despite Josh Peacock scoring 90. Martin French weighed in with 4 wickets and Bowles 3 for the visitors. All in all, an exciting game for anyone to watch and we're all hopeful that a certain 12 year old is available this coming Sunday!
Scorecard
- Result: SOULBURY - 1st XI Won by 30 runs
- Date: Sun 17th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: SOULBURY - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: C Parkes 4-20, G Coughtrey 3-21, J Peacock 90, S Bowles 3-17, M French 4-27
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Launch of Central Bedfordshire Music Service
The new Central Bedfordshire Music Service has been launched - with a new "competitive" pricing structure starting in September. The local authority hopes that the new package will strengthen opportunities for group learning, and are aiming to increase the minimum number of guaranteed music lessons in schools from 30 to 33 a year.
The cost of attending Leighton Buzzard Music Centre, and other similar facilities in Central Bedfordshire, have also been set to ensure that more youngsters will be able to use them.
The council has redesigned the former Bedfordshire Music Service and is operating it on a cost neutral basis as part of the response to its budget challenge. This has allowed for a reduction in lesson fees again.
Councillor Mark Versallion, executive member responsible for children's services, said: "The vision of the service is to give children and young people the opportunity to become the best musicians they possibly can."
For revised lesson fees and charges, which will come into effect in September, visit www.inspiringmusic.co.uk
Summer Youth Music Courses will be playing on over the school holidays with more than 300 young musicians taking part. For the course and concert schedule, see Summer Youth Music Courses.
Big Butterfly Count 2011
Now is a good time to contribute to the Big Butterfly Count, organised by Butterfly Conservation, for 2011. It only takes 15 mins of your time and can be carried out anytime between 16th and 31st July 2011.
The Count is a nationwide survey aimed at helping to assess the health of our environment. It was launched in 2010 and an impressive 210,000 butterflies and day-flying moths across the UK last year.
For more information and to submit your records please see: www.bigbutterflycount.org
Cricket: Gypps stars in loss
There is only one thing worse than scoring 100 and losing...scoring 99 and losing! Sadly this fate befell Andy Gypps who having opened the innings for Bray 2nds against New Bradwell 2nds was bowled with the milestone in sight. In partnership with Kerins (14) and then Ryan Peacock (25) a big total looked on the cards, unfortunately a late flurry of wickets left an albeit competitive total of 177.
In reply solid contributions by all the Bradwell top order took them to their target with only Jarrett (2-31) making any real inroads...Again the Bray were left to rue dropped chances as Bradwell secured the win with just 2 overs to go.
Scorecard
- Result: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 2nd XI Won Batting Second by 5 wickets
- Date: Sat 9th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Getting over the line
On a damp day at New Bradwell Bray 1sts were asked to field first on a green top. An excellent opening burst from Norris (6-17) with aggressive back up from Ellerton saw Bradwell slump to 42-6 before a few lusty blows from Javed saw them finish on 93 all out.
At the break Bray were confident and duly tucked in to all the fantastic tea on offer, whether this approach to the run chase was correct was quickly answered as the Bray collasped to 34-6 against Mohammed (5-17). Fearing another Olney style defeat skipper Norris used the motivational tool of "free beer if we get over the line" and Jacob (who likes beer!) with a hard hit 37 and Salmon 15 duly responsed. This wasn't the end of the drama as both fell with just a few runs needed, leaving Pearson (to cap a fine all round game, 2 catches and 3-26) and Ellerton to scamper the winning runs, whilst number 11 McCarthy sat nervously.
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 2 wickets
- Date: Sat 9th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: Bradwell Road
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: New Bradwell CC - Saturday 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat
- Highlights: Javed 39, A.Norris 6-17, N.Pearson 3-26, J.Jacobs 37, Shazad 5-17
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Eaton Bray Sunday fall to another defeat
Following the withdrawal of Aston Clinton from this Sunday's fixtures late on Thursday evening, we secured an Away fixture to Bamville CC (who'd had similar issues with their fixture).
Upon discovering the ground in the middle of the 3rd fairway at Harpenden Common Golf Club, we were asked to bat first on a greenish track.
With the early loss of both openers leaving us 10-2 there was talk about a beer match. However, a steadying partnership of 40 between Ringsell and Alden followed.
A further partnership of 55 between Ringsell and S Hemming adding some back bone and respectability to the total the bray eventually finished on 144-9.
Special mentions must go to 2 highest personal scores by Ringsell (64, and a maiden 50 for the Bray) and S Hemming (20).
Unfortunately this total of 144 proved a little light with Bamville knocking off the runs 2 down inside of 25 overs. Bamville's openers proving particularly destructive against all the bowling.
Only a wicket by debutant Mark Ward being the highlight (if a somewhat interesting LBW decision).
On a brighter note the game was enjoyed by all (with some entertaining "banter" between the Bray players) with a particularly good tea being taken at the interval. Barker and Jones were happy with it, which is always the sign of a good tea.
A lovely little ground, hopefully we'll be returning there next year.
Scorecard
- Result: Bamville CC - 1st XI Won by 8 wickets
- Date: Sun 10th Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: Bamville Cricket Club
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Bamville CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray: M Ringsell 64, S Hemming 20
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Peacock goes large
Despite wearing the tightest, brightest top imaginable, Sunday skipper Josh Peacock hit an excellent 107 and helped compile a partnership of 122 with Kerins (52) as the Bray totalled 217. Jason McDermid also chipped in with 25, his highest score for the Bray to date.
Some lazy fielding helped Wendover get going in reply, but an excellent catch by Charlie Tickel, backing up his bowling efforts (2-46) saw the Wendover chase stutter as they closed in on the target and they got over the winning line (Deer scoring 68* and Green 49) with only 4 balls to spare.
Captain Peacock was at pains to stress that despite the loss the team are gelling really well, enjoying their cricket and just need to back each other a bit more in the field.
Scorecard
- Result: Wendover CC - Friendly XI Won by 6 wickets
- Date: Sun 3rd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 14:00
- Ground: The Rye Gardens
- Type: Friendly
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Wendover CC - Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: J Peacock 107, Deer 68
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: Collapse leads to 2nds defeat
In a relegation dogfight with local rivals Totterhoe, a win for the 2nds was vital. Put into bat on a tricky wicket the Bray reached 139-3 in 34 overs with Kerins (33) and Warner (26), there then followed a classic 'union' collapse (i.e. one out - all out!) as the 2nds lost 7 wickets for 8 runs finishing on 147.
In reply only Jacobs (2-19) and Jarrett (2-16) held up the run chase as Totternhoe reached their target with 4 overs to spare. If they didnt know it already the second half of the season promises to be very tough as the Bray search for the wins that may secure 3rd division status for another season.
Scorecard
- Result: Totternhoe CC - 1st XI Won Batting Second by 5 wickets
- Date: Sat 2nd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Ground: The Recreation Ground
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Totternhoe CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
- Highlights: Eaton Bray D Kerins 33 Totternhoe G Simpson 38 A Mead 33 N Burch 10-1-24-4 A Mead 9-2-16-3
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
Cricket: A return to winning ways
The Bray 1sts left skipper Norris feeling a whole lot happier this week after a solid all round performance saw off Elstow at The Rye. Batting first the Bray compiled 226 on a good wicket with Harris (46), Norris (41), Flecknell (38) and Pearson with a late-on assault (30*) all chipping in. In reply only Rani Thiarra (38) held up the Bray's push for victory, as the pace of Ellerton (3-20) meant they finished 144 all out from 39.5 overs. In support of the bowling the Bray ground fielding was very good, the only blemish being a couple of dropped chances (Harris & Barker, hold your hands up!!) which didn't prove crucial on this occasion.
This week the Bray are off to New Bradwell, traditionally a tough fixture on a very good wicket, there's also the small matter of fantastic teas to look forward to.....Mmmm profiteroles :)
Scorecard
- Result: Eaton Bray CC - 1st XI Won Batting First by 82 runs
- Date: Sat 2nd Jul 2011
- Start Time: 13:30
- Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 1
- Scoring: Standard
- Toss: Elstow CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bowl
Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club
St Mary's Village Carnival 2011
St Mary's Village Carnival has grown to become one of the largest events of its kind in the country.
Run entirely by volunteers to raise money for local good causes, the event displays a wonderful community spirit.
Many thousands of people flocked to Edlesborough Green where there were over 150 stalls of all kinds. In almost perfect weather the event was opened by Rev Coralie McCluskey, who has recently been appointed priest in charge of St Mary's, Eaton Bray with help from the Carnival Queen, Rebecca Baldwin, Carnival Princess, Stephanie Tate and two attendants, Melanie Tate and Chloe Tough.
2011 saw one of the biggest processions in recent years with around 40 vehicles including nine floats dressed to the Carnival theme of Pirates. As well as ships loaded with pirates, the floats included the whole cast of Peter Pan (with pirates led by Captain Hook) and modern day Somali pirates attacking a family cruising the oceans. Results of the procession were:
- Lower School: 1st - Edlesborough U5s, 2nd – Eaton Bray Academy, 3rd - Totternhoe Lower School
- Middle: 1st - 1st Eaton Bray & Edlesborough Cubs, 2nd - Edlesborough School, 3rd - 2nd Eaton Bray Brownies
- Adult: GIFT, Cats Protection Society, Janes
One of the features of the Carnival is the way so many households dress their houses with balloons, bunting and to the theme of the event – it is a joy to walk or drive through the villages. This year the standard for the prize of Best Dressed House was very, very high and there were at least 15 houses in contention for the prizes. Trophies, donated by Ben Wright, of Edlesborough Autos, were awarded to 44-46 High St Edlesborough and 39 Moor End, Eaton Bray, with commendations to the runners up – 9 The Green, Edlesborough and 9 High St, Eaton Bray.
The star prize winners at the Carnival were all local including the winners of a weekend for two in Rome, a beautifully carved statue created by our chainsaw carver, Dan Cordell and a cheque for Clarabelle, the Carnival's pantomime cow.
The amount of money raised is unquantifiable. The Carnival Committee expects to have raised a similar total to last year – in the region of 12-13 thousand pounds, which in the economic climate is a fantastic result; beneficiaries of this sum will include St Mary's Church, the Hospice of St Francis and Weatherfield School, plus many local good causes. In addition it is estimated that another £30,000 in total was raised by stall holders – much of this money will come back to the local community.
For pictures and more, see the St Mary's Village Carnival website and Facebook pages.