Archived News
March 2006
Youth Soccer: Eaton Bray Lions
Luton Leagrave U10 - 0
Eaton Bray Lions U10 - 4
This was another superb display of skill by all the Eaton Bray Lions team.
The second goal came from an excellent low corner from the Lions but was unfortunately defended by Luton Leagrave straight into their own goal. Luton Leagrave battled on, and on a couple of occasions broke past the Lions defence but were still unable to score any goals.
The third was created by some excellent teamwork from the midfield to the Lions forwards and the games fourth goal that sealed the match was another great header from Eaton Bray Lions star striker. MOM Tom Nevitt.
Luton Borough Dragons Whites U9 - 2
Eaton Bray Lions U9 - 2
Lions' goalie, Harry Rogers, made a couple of good stops but a hopeful punt by a Dragon player found the net. Mat Bramston and Jayden Newman attacked but Dragons' goalie kept them out. Charlie Slater battled in midfield but after a goalmouth scramble the ball ended in Lions' net again and appeals for handball were to no avail.
Lions fought back but disaster struck when Harry came off suffering from asthma. Luckily reserve goalie, Scottie Mercer, had come to watch so took over. Thomas Lancefield and Alex Mustoe worked well in defence. Just before half-time Mat Glover went on a brilliant solo run and scored.
Early in the second half the ball hit Cam Abdullah in the face and he came off with a bloodied nose. Josh Holmes and Jamie Holt came on and with fresh legs Lions attacked. Great midfield play allowed Mat Glover to take a low, hard shot which the goalie couldn't reach. Ben, Matt, Jay, Josh and even defender, Alex, had shots but couldn't get the winner. As Lions ran out of steam Scottie came to the rescue with two massive saves. It was a thrilling match. Mat Glover and Scottie Mercer were joint MOM.
Eaton Bray Lions U12 - 1
Downside Rangers - 1
The clock change caught out players from both sides and kick-off was delayed. Lions started with 10 players and captain, Matt Storey, stood in for the absent goalie. After five minutes George Crace arrived to complete the line-up and made up for lost time by launching an immediate attack on Rangers forcing a good save.
This was a closely contested match. Rangers had superiority in midfield allowing them to feed the ball to their forwards whose efforts were thwarted by Gus Thorne's speed in defence and excellent work by Matt in goal.
Lions gained a couple of corners, well taken by Jonnie Moriarty, only for the resulting shots to be saved. George's attacking run was halted by a badly timed tackle but the resulting penalty was unfortunately struck just wide.
In the second half a Rangers striker got close enough to steer in a weak shot. With fifteen minutes left Joe Ashman donned the gloves allowing Matt to make his presence felt in midfield. Finally, Morgan unleashed a great shot from twenty yards which deflected off a defender and bounced neatly over the goalie into the net. A well contested draw with George awarded MOM for his persistent attacking play.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 March 2006
Stylists are a cut above!
Two hair stylists from a Leighton salon proved themselves a cut above the rest this week when they were presented with awards.
Nineteen-year-old Naomi Abbott, from Eaton Bray and Emma Procter, 20, of Leighton, are both apprentice stylists at Sculptors in Lake Street.
After two years' of study at Barnfield College in Luton, Naomi was crowned Best Apprentice of the Year, and Emma swept up the Exceptional Hairdressing Apprenctice Award.
Both will now finish their final year on the shop floor at Sculptors working to achieve senior stylist status.
Manager Johnny Stanco said: "This is a great award to have, great for the salon too. They have put a lot of time and hard work into it."
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 March 2006
Writing's on wall for graffiti gang
Police have praised members of the public who helped identify 'taggers' responsible for daubing graffiti on walls and street furniture across Leighton Buzzard.
Sergeant Chris Bull of Leighton Police said three youths had been arrested and interviewed following searches of homes in Eaton Bray and Leighton.
"As a result of information received we obtained search warrants and found substantial evidence linking these people to more than 30 incidents of criminal damage," said Sgt Bull.
"Quite literally, once we were inside the writing was on the wall, because they had been practising their tags on their bedroom walls.
"We are grateful for the help we received from the public and to the town council for their co-operation in helping us solve this problem.
"There are others we need to speak to and we will be pursuing them rigorously."
The arrests followed an appeal for information in the Leighton Buzzard Observer in which Sgt Bull urged parents to take responsibility for their children and not let them 'roam at will at all hours of the night.'
"Don't take the out of sight out of mind attitude because your child could be taking the first steps to a criminal record," he said.
"Find out where they are going, who they're with and what they're going to be doing.
"Someone has got to pay to clean the mess up and that someone is you, on your council tax bill and insurance premuims," he added.
Leighton-Linslade Town Council is offering a £200 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone who causes damage to the council's property.
Anyone with information can contact Sgt Bull and the beat team by telephoning 01582 473492.
All calls will be taken in the strictest confidence.
Source: Mick King, Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 March 2006
Lost pets not scanned for microchips
How would you feel if your missing dog was found and the police, the dog warden and the rehoming centre did not bother to scan it to see if it was microchipped?
That's the question being posed by Eaton Bray's Nina Cole of Nina's Nannies for Pets, who is calling on all organisations involved in recovering pets to scan as a matter of course when missing dogs are handed in.
She told the Dunstable Gazette about a woman who reported her dog missing only for it to be handed in to Leighton Buzzard police station half an hour later.
It was not scanned at the station nor when it was handed to the dog warden, who took it to a rehoming centre in Nottingham, which also did not check for a microchip.
The pet owner was only reuninted with her pooch when a friend told her that strays were routinely taken to the Midlands.
She got in touch with the centre, where the dog was only 24 hours away from being rehomed.
Nina, of Cantilupe Close, said "There were three opportunities for that dog to be scanned and nobody bothered. It just makes a farce of the whole thing. They have to scan it, otherwise what's the point of having a dog microchipped?"
She said most people are very suprised to learn that dogs are not scanned as a matter of course. Some vets even fail to check for microchips when strays are brought in.
Now Nina, who has been in business for nine years, is backing Dolly's Directive, which is being publicised on the Dogslost website. The directive was launched by Candy King after her Jack Russell terrier Dolly went missing a year ago and, despite being microchipped, has never been found.
She wants to make it compulsory for the police, dog pounds, rehoming centres, charities and vets to scan for microchips and check for tatoos.
Supporter Nina pointed out that not only would this ensure that as many dogs as possible are reunited with their owners, but it would also save a lot of expense in looking after the dog and getting it rehomed.
Visit www.dogslost.co.uk for more information.
Source: Catherine Lofthouse, Dunstable Gazette, 22 March 2006
Youth Soccer: Eaton Bray Lions
Eaton Bray Lions U9 - 1
SKF Colts U9 - 0
Facing third place SKF, Lions knew they were in for a tough match.
Matt Glover, their lone striker, had a good chance early on and Captain Charlie Slater was making some crunching tackles.
Five minutes in, a great clearance from William Poole found Ben Walsh in space, and he used his explosive pace to beat the advancing keeper and slot home. Lions' defence of Cam Abdullah and Alex Mustoe performed well and stopped any SKF attacks. Substitute Jay Newman worked hard up front and Harry Rogers made some crucial saves just before half-time.
In the second half SKF threw everything at Lions and new subs Mat Bramston and Thomas Lancefield were working brilliantly with the rest of the team to keep them out.
The last five minutes were tense. With a minute to go Lions should have wrapped it up. Mat Glover was through on goal, but in Lions' view he was chopped down and they were disappointed when the ref waved play on.
He blew soon after and it was a hard worked victory for the Lions. The team were outstanding against a very high quality side.
Eaton Bray Lions U12 - 1
Luton Borough Youth B - 4
With a strong wind making football difficult to play, Luton Borough proved too strong for EB Lions and secured the win needed to keep them on course for the championship.
After a first half of few chances, Luton Borough led 1-0 taking advantage of some sloppy defendng.
Soon after the break the lead was doubled before EB created a number of chances, pulling one goal back with Ross Taylor's clever pass leaving Jack Coates unmarked to drive in a low shot from close in.
Luton Borough secured victory with two late goals to top the table with two games to go. Man of the Match went to Ross Taylor. EB Lions remain in seventh place and will end the season with a strong mid-table position.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 21 March 2006
Eaton Bray WI
Our President welcomed guest speaker Marion Maule to the members March meeting. Marion gave a talk on "Weird and Wonderful Weddings" (from around the world). She brought along a large number of items associated with meeting that "special person", love and marriage. Also wedding clothes from different countries that included a beautiful Japanese wedding kimono.
Marion told us that she was born in Borneo. Her father was in the "oil business" and as a child her family had travelled extensively around the world.
We were then introduced to Marion's extensive collection of wedding memorabilia, collected from countries she had visited. Marion explained the many hidden messages, meanings, and signals to attract the opposite sex behind some very every day objects, such as wearing a flower, a hat, or clothing in a certain way.
In some countries there are hidden meanings in the way food is arranged when a meal is presented to a potential partner.
We listened with interest as Marion gave us details of love potions and charms, designed and used to get the attention and attract that special person. Some of which were certainly weird and strange and involved standing a broom by the front door, other weird ways included using nutmegs and lettuce leaves in a certain way!
Eaton Bray WI is hosting the spring group meeting with other WI friends from Dunstable and surrounding villages in April. A members coffee morning is planned for later this month and details of the summer outing were circulated.
The next meeting is our AGM followed by a social event, on Monday 3rd April at 7.30pm in Eaton Bray Village Hall; friends and new members are always welcome.
Source: Focus, April 2006
Eaton Bray Lower School - Your Village School
I wrote my last piece for Focus at the end of my first term as 'acting' Head. Amazingly, my first 'anniversary' as permanent Head has now passed.
The news is all good! Our School is thriving; the whole School team (Staff, Governors and HSA) are working harder than ever. A particularly pleasing aspect of development has been our increased contact with the village and the community. Thanks to Ross Bagni and Nick Boyes, our children are being given the opportunity to become the next Henmans! In addition, the children also have the opportunity for further variety in their PE activities through parent volunteers coaching extra football and rugby sessions. Orienteering is the next new activity on the agenda that makes use of our ample grounds, and is good practical use of Geography skills.
Following guidance from the county council and information from the government, we have held meetings with the village Playgroup to discuss a longer term strategy. They voted to move and join us on the School site, when contracts and funds make this possible, as this was viewed as being in the best interests of the children and families of the village. This is not something that will happen immediately, but would lead to better educational options in the years ahead.
As we are always looking for things to improve further, we are pleased to be leading the way in school meals. After all the national publicity of the past year, new nutritional standards for school meals are due in the autumn. Eaton Bray is pleased to be catering to those higher standards six months earlier than planned, with an improved and much healthier menu from February half term onwards.
The make-up of our recently re-constituted Governing Body reflects broader village life. We have representatives from the Parish Council, Playgroup, the Church, Parents, Staff and "Mr Green" himself, our Chair of Governors, Shaun Haydon, who also organises the village conservation volunteers. Indeed, the season is upon us when the children will be planting trees, and they are also increasing their overall environmental awareness through composting, recycling, and water conservation. Our HSA is working with the Village Hall to hold an Auction on Friday 31st March to help raise funds for both School and the Hall - two important aspects of village life.
Source: Focus, March 2006
Christmas is coming! But not before our Auction of Promises!
31st March, Village Hall
Preview 7.30-8.30pm Tuesday 28th March
Last month we told you how the HSA and the GI's (Village Hall fund raising Committee) were planning this Wonderful Extravaganza of an Auction of Promises
As time is Marching on we must keep you up to date with all the great ideas we are Hatching (it's near Easter see!). So here are just a few of the great promises we have received.
- A tour and tea at the Houses of Parliament
- A day sailing on a 34ft catamaran on the Solent with lunch on the Isle of Wight
- Flying in Mike Smith's helicopter
- Having a four course finner party for eight prepared, cooked and served in your own home.
- Want the children to go on a Mystery Tour? Then let Mrs Hounslow and Mrs Norton organise it and take them for you!
- Ride on a Harley Davidson to the Ace Cafe with up to 40 other bikes! Enjoy a real bikers meal and wonder in amazement at 400/500 Harleys, each one different from the other.
- How about a glider flight?
- Let a professional create that special cake for you
- Get that family tree researched
- Tour of Chiltern FM Studios and have breakfast in the studio whist they are on air
- And many more!
These are just a taster of the promises we have received so far. Many of these are things that just can't be bought. So come along have a great evening, enjoy a supper and great fun bidding for the promises. Some will cost just a few pounds other a tad more. Don't forget our Preview on the 28th March.
The cost is just £5, which includes your supper (ploughman's), bring your own drink and glasses and just enjoy the event.
The profits will be split equally between the two organisations.
For any further information or to buy tickets, contact Eaton Bray Lower School on 220468.
Stop Press: Tony Denson (who was auctioneer 2 years ago) has kindly agreed to carry out this onerous task again.
Source: Focus, March 2006
Carnival is set to be a great day
The hunt is on to find the star of this year's movie-inspired Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Carnival.
Youngsters aged eight to 13 are being invited to take a major role in the event by entering the annual Carnival Queen competition.
You don't have to live in one of the four villages covered by the spectacle, which takes place on July 1, but you do have to be willing to join in the fun and enjoy dressing up for the big day.
The carnival queen, her princess and two attendants will be chosen at random on Sunday, April 2, at the Eaton Bray Village Hall, and entries must be in by March 26.
Entry forms are available from Yvonne Ranson.
Organisers of this year's carnival are hoping to break the £10,000 barrier to help local worthy causes including the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home charity which provides vital care for people suffering terminal illnesses.
Visitors to the event, the largest in Bedfordshire, which is held on Edlesborough Green, are being invited to dress up as their favourite movie star.
There will be a dazzling parade through Eaton Bray and Edlesborough, a dog show, the Leighton Buzzard Observer-sponsored Best Dressed House competition, dozens of stalls, side-shows and attractions.
Find out how you can be involved by logging on to www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com or contacting chairman, Peter Bennett
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14 March 2006
Pick of crop schoolkids
Green-fingered pupils from Eaton Bray Lower School are clebrating after being runners-up in a national vegetable challenge.
The competition, which asks primary schools around the country to design a vegetable patch for their school grounds, attracted 593 entries.
It's a joint effort between the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Productions.
The school has received £500 cash plus £500 worth of garden vouchers to use to buy tools and other equipment for their growing space.
It will also receive a one-year subscription to Learning Through Landscapes and a visit from a growing schools expert.
The short-listed designs were judged by celebrity gardener Matt James, Aardman annimations' director of photography Tristan Oliver and Learning Through Landscapes director of operations Peter Carne. Entries were judged in two categories - schools which want to start a growing space and schools wishing to improve their growing space.
Schools minister Jacqui Smith said: "The children of Eaton Bray Lower School should be very proud of themselves. Their excellent design will help their school to create a fascinating educational resource not just for themselves but for future generations of pupils.
"It is important that children learn about how food is grown and why it is important to eat healthily. Sometimes the best classroom is actually outside."
Create of Wallace and Gromit Nick Park said: "I would like to congratulate Eaton Bray Lower School on winning the Great Vegetable Challenge and I'm delighted they entered into the spirit of the competition.
"I also hope that everyone who participated in the competition had fun growing the vegetables."
Source: Laura Oakley, Dunstable Gazette, 15 March 2006
Housing set to replace garage
The pumps look set to run dry at Eaton Bray's only petrol station after a plan to build eight houses on the High Street site was announced.
But people living near the Roebuck Garage fear that the three-storey development will not only overshadow their homes but dominate the entire village skyline.
A group of residents attended the March meeting of Eaton Bray Parish Council, to meet the scheme's applicant, Nick Janes, and voice their concerns.
The plan in the pipeline would see the entire site, garage and outbuildings replaced with two detached houses on the High Street frontage with a terrace of six homes and an access road at the rear of the site.
But protesters say the development will add more congestion to the narrow High Street, provides insufficient parking spaces, and would result in loss of privacy with nearby cottages overlooked. They are also concerned that the visual height will blight the area and that emergency vehicles will be unable to reach the new homes through a narrow access road.
After hearing from both sides the parish council decided not to object to the scheme but intends to put the fears of the local residents to the district council's planning committee which will decide on the application.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14 March 2006
Eaton Bray Lions
Sundon Park Rangers U9 - 2
Eaton Bray Lions U9 - 4
This match had everything - great goals, own goal, missed penalty and almost a great comeback from Sundon Park.
Lions started brightly and both Jayden Newman and Mat Glover had good chances to score. Captain Jamie Holt held the midfield brilliantly, and won every ball. Alex Mustoe and Cam Abdullah were comfortable in defence. Lions got a goal from a corner when a Sundon player put it in his own net and just before half time William Poole scored a great solo goal.
Soon after the re-start Ben Walsh made it 3-0 with a terrific shot from a tight angle. Lions home and dry? NO!! Lions gifted Sundon a soft goal and sensing a comeback they had a great spell, denying Lions the ball.
With 10 minutes remaining, Sundon scored and Lions were hanging on. Lions dug deep, battled hard, re-took control of the match and in a five minute spell could have scored five or six. Scottie Mercer hit the post several times and a penalty was saved by the Sundon keeper. Finally, after a goalmouth scramble, Charlie Slater scored to make it 4-2.
MOM went to Jamie for excellent midfield play but it was a great team performance all round.
Eaton Bray Lions U14 - 4
Bedford College Grasshoppers U14 - 5
Lions were initially suprised by Grasshoppers' early attack but soon rallied and Rob Gadsden scored impressively from a free kick 30 yards out.
Bedford quickly equalised, the ball eventually crossing the line following a frantic goalmouth scramble.
A perfectly placed pass from Rob enabled Martin Coates to take Lions ahead and a good shot from Stephen Broughton was saved.
Bedford scored their second from a quick break which defeated Lions' defence. Martin broke through to strike an excellent long shot into the net, but Bedford retaliated with another quick run, leaving Lions' defence standing and the score three all at half-time.
In the second half Bedford's speedy striker took them ahead but Lions soon levelled the score through Martin running on to another great pass from Rob.
Bedford took advantage of a defensive mistake to score their fifth.
Lions threw everything into the last few minutes. The goalie saved a shot from Martin with an outstretched foot, a long shot from Dylan Taylor was just wide and Stephen's effort sailed over the bar, but the equaliser just did not come - a very disappointing result.
Connor worked hard and tackled well, but MOM to Martin Coates for his hat-trick.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14 March 2006
Book day marked with great characters
Favourite books was the topic for Lancot Lower School when it opened its doors for family and friends.
World Book Day was celebrated in style by the little bookworms and the pupils explored different worlds through their favourite reads.
All parents, relatives and friends were welcomed into every class to read and share books with their children and friends.
After a reception in the Dunstable school's library, invited guests shared their favourite books with different classes, including the mayor, Councillor Andy Fairbairn and Major Jacqueline Wright from the Salvation Army.
Other activities during the day included making bookmarks, drama based on stories and two suprise visitors, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.
South West Beds MP Andrew Selous visited the school the next day, for some reading sessions.
The school also launched a readathon to raise cash for children with cancer and leukaemia.
School librarian and teacher Janet Rhodes said "This has been a wonderful week in which all members of the school community and beyond have been reading, sharing and talking about their favourite books.
"Lancot Lower children were delighted to meet all their special guests and hopefully they will have been inspired to become lifelong readers."
Eaton Bray Lower School had a farming theme where all the children and staff dressed up as farmyard book characters.
The day was made extra special by a local farmer who talked to the children about the care of animals.
The pupils ended the day by making sandwiches and spreading them with their own home-made butter.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 8 March 2006
Parish Council Minutes - March 2006
A summary of this month's meeting, along with a downloadable copy of the full minutes is now available from the Parish Council website.
Minutes of Meeting: Monday 6th March 2006
Source: Eaton Bray Parish Council
Scouts' potty training...
The 1st Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Beaver Scouts have been busy decorating and planting garden pots for residents of Westlands in Leighton Buzzard.
With support from the Garden Centre in The Rye, Eaton Bray, the boys, aged six to eight, worked in groups towards their friendship challenge badge, planting primulas and hyacinths and creating a unique design on each pot.
The pots have now been presented to the Leighton care home residents and will hopefully bring some colour to their garden.
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 8 March 2006
Christmas Puzzle 2005
My thanks to everyone in the villages who took part in, or donated to, my annual Christmas Puzzle. The 2005 Puzzle raised £3,000 distributed equally between Emmaus - St Albans, Noah Enterprise and Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. Among the 41 perfect solutions, scoring 120 marks, the only one from our villages was from Liz Constable.
A draw to identify prize winners was held on 5 February in St Mary’s Church, Eaton Bray. Four winners were selected at random – each receives a cheque for £20. They were: Jerry Cullum from Alton, Hants, Roger Robinson from Harold Wood, Essex, Tonia Sharp from Birmingham and Margaret & Alison Webber from Studham.
The other prize winner selected at random from all entries received was Marion Rance from Lincolnshire, who scored 107½ . She, too, receives a cheque for £20.
This year's donations bring the total money raised by the Puzzle to over £21,000. Thanks to everyone who has supported the activity over the years. Next year’s puzzle is already set and ready for distribution. I expect to put it in the post on 8 December from which day it will be possible to download the puzzle from the website www.christmaspuzzle.co.uk.
-- Gordon Gray
Source: Christmas Puzzle website
Beavers do a good deed
The 1st Eaton Bray and Edlesborough Beaver Scouts have been busy decorating and planting garden pots for residents of Westlands in Leighton Buzzard.
With support from the Garden Centre in The Rye, Eaton Bray, the boys aged six to eight worked in groups towards their friendship challenge badge, planting primulas and hyacinths and creating a unique design on each pot.
The pots have now been presented to the Leighton care home residents and will hopefully bring some spring colour to their garden.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 February 2006
Lane residents fight light industry plan
There's something stirring at the end of a private country lane in Eaton Bray and it's got the neighbours hopping mad.
The owners of a derelict chicken shed want to open it up as a small factory or warehouse.
But people living in the executive-style detached homes in The Comp are planning to fight the scheme which they say would shatter the peace, bring increased traffic along the no-through road they have to maintain and set a dangerous precedent for other rural areas.
The first round of the battle was played out at February's parish council meeting when 18 residents handed over protest letters venting their opposition to the plan.
The concrete agricultural building sits at the end of The Comp, an unadopted road and bridleway, next to the shattered remains of glasshouses. Horses graze in paddocks at the rear of the isolated site and a crossroads of well-used public footpaths leading to Totternhoe Knolls and the village backwater are just a few feet away.
The owners have applied to South Beds Council for planning permission to change the use from an agricultural building to business or storage and distribution use. The scheme includes 17 parking spaces which, residents fear, indicates the high volume of traffic expected to visit the site.
They told the parish council that the single track road, which they had to pay for, had no footpath, was used by schoolchildren, and abuts a dangerous blind bend on the busy Market Square, High Street junction.
The parish council has backed their objections, saying that the development would be inappropriate in the location, would lead to excessive traffic down the lane, and had environmental ramifications.
South Beds Council spokeswoman Clair Thomas, said the change of use would enable the building to be used for light industry, small scale manufacturing or warehouse storage.
She said the plan was still at the consultation stage and would be decided by the authority's planning committee in the coming months.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 February 2006
South Beds raises council tax 4.5%
South Beds district council has agreed a budget for 2006/07 which will see its share of the council tax rise by 4.5per cent.
This means a band D household in South Beds will pay just under £150 for the district council's services this year - a rise of £6.44 on last year, or 12p per week.
Cllr Philip Penman, executive portfolio holder for resource management said: "A year ago I set an annual rate of increase of 4.9 per cent, but we have been able to reduce this to 4.5 per cent."
The money raised by South Beds will be used to invest an additional £450,000 into town centre improvements and over £2million into providing more housing opportunities.
Cllr Penman added: "We will spend and additional £740,000 to provide more CCTV coverage in council flats and have extended the capital provision for rural areas to run for the full five years."
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 February 2006
Eaton Bray Lions
Eaton Bray Lions U9 - 3,
Bushmead Rovers Blues - 1
In extremely cold and windy condition the boys had a great match. Thomas Lancefield was captain and put in a brilliant performance in defence.
Eaton Bray had the wind behind them in the first half and made it count with an excellent goal by MOM Matthew Glover, a rocket of a shot in the top corner. Soon after Bushmead equalised so Bray had to dig deep again and just before half time their pressure paid off and they benefited from an own goal.
In the second half Lions had to battle against the wind and a determined Bushmead team. All seven players played well to stop them equalising again but a special mention has to go to Alfie Bunting who worked so hard up front.
With the match nearing the end Matthew Glover scored another great goal in the bottom corner to cement the win.
Downside Rangers - 3,
Eaton Bray Lions U12 - 4
Lions took a while to get used to the sloping pitch and both teams were well matched. Matt Lancefield defended well for Lions, Andy Broughton tackled with determination and Lee Cavendish cleared a shot from the goal-line. Gus Thorne failed to put Lions ahead with an optimistic shot over the crossbar.
Rangers scored in the 25th minute and Lions responded when Jack Coates received a pass from Matt Storey and neatly lobbed the keeper.
Early in the second half Joe Ashman hit the crossbar but five minutes later George Crace crossed the ball past the goalie and both Jack and Joe converged on the ball simultaneously, with Joe judged to have supplied the finishing touch.
Rangers levelled the score at two all, the attacker making the shot just as Lions' goalie, Charlie Oliver, placed his hands on the ball. George quickly took Lions tally to three with a good strike.
With 10 minutes left Jack passed to Joe who site-stepped the goalie and struck the ball into the net. Rangers closed the gap with a good long shot in the final minute.
Lions Man of the Match was Josh Gradley who didn't put a foot wrong in defence.
Eaton Bray Lions - 1,
Flitwick Eagles B - 4
Eagles began the match strongly against a Lions side missing a couple of key players and with no substitutes on the bench.
The attacking play of Eagles earned them several corners and it was only a matter of time before they scored a header from one of them.
Lions tried to counter when Alex Kirkwood threaded a pass through to Martin Coates but the Eagles defence proved too strong. Dean Clark was kept busy in goal for Lions, making several spectacular saves, Sam Mlumsom tackled well in defence, Dylan Taylor showed great determination and Danny Law made several good clearances. However, Eagles went two up from another corner just before half-time.
Lions played much better in the second half but Eagles added a third five minutes in and kept up the pressure.
Lions' efforts were eventually rewarded with a corner from which Ben Turner scored but Eagles bundled the ball into the net again during a goal-mouth scramble.
It was a disappointing reault for Lions but they fought bravely against a bigger and stronger team.
Man of the Match was goalie Dean Clark for his tireless performance and acrobatic saves.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 February 2006
Fly tippers make road a mess
People living in an Eaton Bray road are demanding council action to clamp down on fly-tipping that is turning the area into an eyesore.
Residents of Northall Road fear that some of the material being dumped may be hazardous waste and they have accused South Beds Council of dragging its heels in clearing it up.
A group spoke out at February's meeting of Eaton Bray Parish Council, claiming that some parts of the road, which runs past the Chiltern View gipsy site, were no no-go areas for pedestrians.
A report from the meeting said that home-owners felt the local authority wasn't fulfilling its commitments to keep the area clear.
They called for more street lighting and security cameras in the fight to catch the fly-tippers.
But SBDC spokeswoman, Clair Thomas, said action was being taken to halt the dumping of waste.
She said: "We do know there is a problem in that road and we are working hard to combat it. There is no evidence to suggest that the material is being dumped by anyone from the travellers' site.
"The problem we have had is that because Northall Road is a long, straight, flat road we haven't been able to mount surveillance cameras as there's nowhere to hide them.
"We would appreciate the public's help. If anyone sees waste being dumped they should call us immediately.
"We are as keen as the residents to catch those responsible and they will be prosecuted."
Anyone with information or evidence of fly-tipping should call 01582 474040.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 28 February 2006
It's Carnival Time!
Do you want to be a movie star? Well, now you can, because our carnival theme for 2006 is "Films" and this is your chance to bring your favourite movie stars to our village streets. St Mary's Village Carnival 2006 is on Saturday 1st July and a fantastic day of fun and entertainment is planned.
We want to make this year's carnival every bit as good as previous ones and it is certainly the biggest and best for miles around thanks to everyone joining in. Once again, we can look forward to all those events which make St Mary's Village Carnival such a success - the fancy dress parade of floats, best dressed house, dog show, wood carving, classic cars, worm charming, Clarabelle the cow - we've got is all. And of course, don't forget the Carnival Queen, who leads the procession and will be chosen on Sunday 2nd April at 11.15am - see the website for details on how to enter the selection process.
Make sure you don't miss out on the big day at Edlesborough Green. Dress up to make our villages like another Hollywood, bustling with stars of the silver screen. Maybe we'll see Marilyn Monroe, favourite Disney characters, or Wallace and Gromit, and don't be suprised to spot a few Charlie Chaplins too. And what about dressing your house like the set of a great film - a space age Star Wars look or the Flintstones' house perhaps?
Money for Good Causes
Remember that the money raised on 1st July all goes to local charities, in particular this year to "Iain Rennie Hospice at Home", well known for their sensitive approach to caring for people with terminal illness.
Last year the carnival raised the wonderful sum of £10,000 thanks to our many helpers and generous sponsors and we are fortunate to live in a place with such a strong community spirit. So don't be left out: get on board and help us make this the best carnival ever. You can help with collecting goods to sell, by running or helping on a stall, setting up the green on the big day, serving teas, dressing up - so don't be shy about calling to say you want to be part of it. And if you are in a club or organisation - get organised to parade on a float!
How to help or get involved
To get involved or offer help, visit our website which is full or information and photos of previous carnivals or contact Peter Bennett.
www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com