Archived News
February 2007
Alarm bells fines put on hold again
It's the second time that the alarm notification area policy - which gives the council the right to fine alarm owners if they don't hand over details about their keyholders - has been put back.
A South Beds District Council spokeswoman announced that, although the policy is being viewed as a success, at council HQ more time is needed to bring it in.
Problems making householders aware of the policy and difficulties alarm holders have had finding someone to act as a keyholder have been cited as reasons for the delay.
The burglar alarm policy has been the cause of widespread discontent since the Gazette first reported that it was being introduced last year. Critics have panned the new measure, accusing the council of invading their privacy and raising concerns that the information could become a valuable resource for criminals.
Eaton Bray campaigner Alan Woolridge mounted a petition in December and publicly called on householders to refuse to hand over the information.
But the district council confirmed that, despite these reservations, 3,500 people living in South Beds have passed on contact details for the people they trust with their keys.
"We're thrilled with the response," said the council spokeswoman.
The district council's envirocrime unit claims that having keyholder details on record will make it easier to silence ringing alarms quickly and cut down on the misery and noise pollution they can cause.When the alarm notification area was first announced, people in South Beds were told that after Christmas Eve they could face a fixed fine of £80, and failure to pay within 14 days would lead to a hefty £1,000 penalty.
This was later put back until February, and now enforcement of the fines has been postponed again.
Source: Dave Burke, Dunstable Gazette, 28 February 2007
Caring team's recruiting call
Hospice at Home Volunteers (HHV) has a team which visits people in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and the surrounding area, spending time on various activities.
Now HHV would like to hear from anyone who would like to develop their skills and meet new people, as volunteer visitors.
The charity is running a volunteer training course next month, so it's a great time to get in touch if you're interested in helping.
Volunteers can be asked to sit with clients, take them shopping or go with them to other local places of interest.
They aren't expected to provide medical care or do housework. Their role is as a supportive friend, so that could include just keeping someone company, chatting or reading aloud.
One HHV volunteer, who has lent a helping hand for 12 years, said: "I find my involvement with HHV very rewarding. I meet some lovely people and feel privileged to be allowed into their homes at such a difficult time.
All potential volunteers receive two days training in palliative care, and can undertake further training in child protection awareness, protection of vulnerable adults, and moving and handling awareness. The personal development of volunteers is supported, too.
Volunteer training sessions help people to gain new skills regarding listening, communication, feelings and self-expression. The next two-day course will be held at the Disability Resource Centre in Dunstable on Thursday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 27.
Miriam Prewer, volunteer co-ordinator for Hospice at Home Volunteers, said: "If you are interesting in finding out more, just give us a call - it won't commit you to anything.
"We are more than happy to talk through the role in more detail either over the phone or in person at our offices at the Disability Resource Centre."
To find out more, call Georgina or Rebecca at the Volunteer Centre on 01525 850559 or email [email protected]
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 28 February 2007
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Ramsey Arnold Magpies U8 - 10
EB Lions U8 - 0
Saturday was an away league game for the Lions at Barton against Ramsey Arnold Magpies, played in very muddy conditions.
The Lions started well and held the Magpies as a result of excellent passing and defending against a very well-organised team.
Archie Bunker featured well in defence, in front of Jack Cook in goal, as always superbly safe.
Dylan Karavadra and James Nevitt had several good moves in attack, showing their passing skills.
In spite of this, the Lions went 0-5 down at half time. The second half started with a converted penalty against the Lions, with the final score finishing at 10-0 to the Magpies, the strongest team played to date.
MoM for the Lions was Archie Bunker, who worked hard for the whole of the game.
The squad comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, James Nevitt, Jack Pratt, Dylan Karavadra, Charles Gamble, Archie Bunker, Elliot Whitcombe and Tom Phillips.
Limbury Saints U13 - 5
E B Lions U13 - 2
After heavy rain the pitch was more mud than grass and the conditions were not conducive to flowing football.
Lions scored from their first attack up the right wing, with Jonnie Moriarty putting in a successful long shot. Saints soon equalised from an attack down the centre and continued to pile on the pressure but James Thiel, MoM Lee Cavendish and goalie, Charlie Oliver, played effectively in Lions' defence. Lions missed a chance but Saints took advantage of a defensive error to score their second.
Lions played some good attacking football at the start of the second half and were rewarded with a goal when Gus Thorne's speculative shot trickled over the line.
Saints scored another from a goalmouth scramble and, despite hard work in midfield by Ross Taylor and Matt Audouard, Lions could not maintain their momentum. Continued pressure from a Saints team boosted by substitutes was too much and Lions conceded two more goals.
Source: EB Lions
Parish Council Minutes - February 2007
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 5th February 2007
The next parish council meeting will take place on Monday 5th March 2007 at 7.30pm.
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U8 - 0
Luton Leagrave U8 - 3
The Lions had the better of the first half, with excellent passing and positional play.
Unfortunately, this did not convert to any goals for them. The second half started well, but went against the Lions in the first minutes, going down 0-1.
A missed penalty by Leagrave saw the Lions lift their heads and they attacked the opposing team's goal incessantly.
This, however, allowed two more breakaway goals by Leagrave, to leave the score 0-3 against the Lions.
Jack Cook again gave a magnificent display in goal, with Dylan Karavadra working well in midfield and attack.
Archie Bunker was prominent in positional play and throw-ins. The star, however, was Thomas Rainbow at central defence, who was awarded Man of the Match. Paul Cook, the Coach/Manager, was pleased that the Lions were progressing with their passing, the best this season.
The squad comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Dylan Karavadra, James Pratt, Charles Gamble, Callum Gardner, Archie Bunker.
EB Lions Reds U10 - 4
Ampthill Town Eagles U10 - 0
The Lions won their first match of 2007 with an excellent game against a good Ampthill side. After two close away defeats everything clicked into place for the Lions back on their home turf. The game was evenly matched for the first fifteen minutes but the Lions took the lead when a corner fell to Matt Glover who hit a low shot into the net. Matt scored his second later in the half when he broke clear of a group of Ampthill defenders and fired a shot into the top left-hand corner.
After a quiet spell at the start of the second half, excellent play by Ben Walsh set up Ellis Turrell for the Lion's third goal. Harry Rogers made a superb save to preserve the Lion's clean sheet. With a couple of minutes remaining Matt Glover completed his hat trick to round off a great team performance and earn himself the MoM.
EB Lions U13 - 10
Caldecote Youth - 1
It was a scrappy start to the game, as both teams wore similar colours - that didn't lend itself to either team stringing passes together. After about 10 minutes Lions got their act together and made lots of attacks, gained a few corners, but good Caldecote defence ensured nothing came of these attacks. Lions continued to battle through, and after 25 minutes Morgan O'Connell got his first of two goals before half time.
This two goal home lead seemed not enough for the Lions fans and in the second half they were richly rewarded with a further eight goals.
Some tenacious attacking saw Jack Coates get a hat trick within a five minute period and Morgan increased his tally to five - a new Lion's individual record this season.
Charlie Oliver and Jonnie Moriarty also scored penalties. A Lions' own goal gave Caldecote their consolation goal. MoM Gus Thorne - solid all-rounder.
Kempston Reds U15 - 10
EB Lions U15 - 1
Kempston caught Lions off guard, scoring three goals within the first five minutes, but Lions soon settled in to the match. Kempston dominated play in the first half, having the advantage over Lions in terms of strength, size and speed.
Despite good defensive play by Gareth Hemming (which earned him MoM), Ed Poole and goalie, Dean Clark, Kempston scored two more - one being an impressive lobbed shot from a free-kick. A long shot by Lions' Alex Kirkwood was plucked from just below the crossbar by the Kempston goalie.
Lions were stronger in the second half but missed several scoring chances whereas Kempston scored five more. Kirkwood made a great cross to Martin Coates whose header hit the crossbar and Lions finally achieved a consolation goal when Danny Law scored from a cross by Rob Gadsden. This was Lions worst result of the season but their coach praised them for their sporting behaviour in difficult circumstances.
Source: EB Lions
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Watling Youth U13 - 4
EB Lions U13 - 2
Lions survived an early attack by Watling and won a corner from which Lee Cavendish's header shot just over the bar.
Lion's substitute goalie, Gus Thorne, made an embarrassing mistake and let a weak shot trickle through his legs to give Watling their first goal. However, he played brilliantly for the rest of the match, although his goal-scoring ability was sorely missed.
Both teams put on a display of exciting football and Watling scored their second just before half-time.
Watling looked the more dangerous side after the break and soon scored two more but Lions fought back, threatening to score from several excellent corner kicks by Jonnie Moriarty.
Cavendish made at least three more headers on target but all were blocked on the line. The small pitch worked to Lions' advantage when James Thiel struck a huge kick from within Lions' half which sailed past Watling's goalie.
A curling shot by Jack Coates missed the top corner by inches but he scored Lions' second minutes later.
This was a thoroughly entertaining match and Lions' MoM was Josh Gradley.
Source: EB Lions
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
Our Christmas Lunches and Bazaar were a great success. Thank you to everyone who supported us and our very special thanks go to all the organizers and helpers beforehand and on the day. A cheque for £500 has been sent to the "Special Appeal for the Iain Rennie Hospice at home and the balance to Chapel funds.
Once again our Carol Service was one of the highlights of our year. The Sunday School presented a play entitled "The Real Christmas" which was written by one of our young people Alex. Set in "Scroogeville" it told of a grumpy shopkeeper who overcharged all the customers and threw one out because he was odd and different. This particular customer didn't know what Christmas was about and hadn't heard of Jesus. Upset because he was not liked he stole other peoples presents but he was tracked down by an angry mob. In the midst of all the angry shouting a child taught them all the meaning of Christmas with this message:
Christmas is Gods love
For people on earth
The day that we celebrate
Jesus' Birth.
The play then ended with the traditional Nativity scene. Thank you and congratulations to all the Sunday School members and staff.
February Lunches will be served on the 10th from 12 noon until 1.30 pm and the charity to be supported will be Northall Age Concern.
March Lunches will be on the 10th from 12 noon and the charity on this occasion will be the Bethany Trust.
A warm welcome awaits you to join us at our lunches.
A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY; FRIDAY 4th of MAY. We are delighted to announce that Mr Len Rawle will be paying a return visit to our Chapel to entertain us with an evening of light music on his Yamaha Concert Organ. Once again this will be a joint promotion between Northall Age Concern and our Chapel with shared proceeds.
Source: Focus, February 2007
Ever seen the Chairman hot wiring a truck?
They say, "the young never feel the cold". Well it may be true but us old GI's certainly do. Along with a lot of helpers from our community we took over the Round Table Float for 3½ nights/days to help raise money for the Round Table and the Village Hall refurbishment.
To be honest it wasn't that cold and walking round the houses seeing all the children so delighted to see Father Christmas outside their homes was worth the odd 5 mile walk. We have raised over £1250 from the efforts put in by many people. You know who you are but we again say thank you!
What's this about the Chairman hot wiring a truck? Well it all started 3 years ago when the same gallant GI forgot to check the diesel in the lorry and we had to hang around while he and an elf went to get some. This year he went one better. As I was arriving, a little late at Asda, a couple of Saturdays before Christmas, I rang the said person to say sorry for being late. He told me not to worry as he was locked out of the lorry with the float on and the key was broken in the ignition.
Some two hours later a "very nice man" came from a breakdown company and got the key out and showed Nor... oops sorry nearly gave the name away there, how to hot wire the lorry. This, he has been doing ever since!
Since this bit of education, I have been locking my car in the garage (and I don't even have one)) you can't be too careful.
All GI's, old and young(ish) would like to thank everybody who has helped us in Fund Raising during 2006 and wish all villagers a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Don't forget our next events. These are, the Joint Quiz with Eaton Bray Tennis Club Friday 20th April, in the Village Hall, Tickets £8 from either: ROSS or KATRINA
The 4th Annual Beer Festival, similar format to previous years, Friday June 1st and Saturday 2nd June, in the Village Hall. More info to come. Just put the dates in your diary and get extra aspirin in!
Last, but by no means least; the Villagers are holding a Race Night on Friday 4th May 2007. All proceeds will be going to the Village Hall refurbishment fund. So if you fancy a little flutter look out for further information later on.
Source: Focus, February 2007
Focus on Film Society
This article was written in 2007. For up to date information about the Society, see the Eaton Bray Cinema - Focus On Film Society pages.
The society is now in its second half of the year running from January to May.
Thanks to an anonymous donation we have been able to complete the purchase of all the equipment needed to show films in Eaton Bray Hall. The final items being an electrically operated roll up screen that is 13ft wide and 9ft tall and a superb digital projector.
The society meets at 2pm on the second Monday of each month between September and May.
Membership costs £16 per half season and guests are invited to see if they like the idea for £4 for one film.
We still have room for a few more new members so if you think you may be interested come along to our next film on 12th February. Or give our membership secretary Sue Gladin a call on 01525 220749.
Future films will include;
- Captain Corelli's Mandolin
- A town Like Alice
- Girl with a Pearl Earring
- Dr Zhivago
For full details, please see the Eaton Bray Cinema pages.
Source: Focus, February 2007
Eaton Bray Post Office and Village Stores
We would like to thank everyone for their continued support in 2006 and wish everyone a happy and peaceful 2007.
Just a reminder of things that are available at the post office counter:-
For people who have moved in recently we are a car tax office. Leaflets about car insurance are available on the counter. There is also a £5 Post office stamp which is great help to save towards car tax.
Bureau de Change
We can supply a wide range of currencies; when ordered before 2pm, they are in the office the next day by 11.30am. These are commission free. From early Spring we will be an on demand office for Euros.
Banking at the Post Office
Cash can be drawn with a cash card; cash and cheques can be deposited all free of charge. The following bank accounts can use this facility:- Abbey Basic, Nationwide Flex Account, Barclays Current, Co-op, Smile, Cahoot, Lloyds TSB, Alliance and Leicester, Clydesdale and Bank of Ireland. Special envelopes are available for depositing cheques.
Gift Vouchers
Gift vouchers are available to buy. A list of shops etc. where they can be exchanged is on the counter.
Postal Orders
Postal Orders are now printed at the counter and are available from 50p to £250 plus fee. They can be crossed to be equivalent to a cheque. A safe way to send money with no bank details.
Bill Payment
Most household bills can be paid with us. Council rent plus Council tax, phone bills including BT, gas, electric, water and home shopping. The £5 saving stamp can also be used to save for these bills.
We also have a wide range of beautiful birthday cards etc. and don't forget the very good special offers in the shop!
Source: Focus, February 2007
Carnival 2007 - Favourite Adverts
While we shiver in freezing February, it's all hotting up for carnival organisers who are busy lining up events for our warmer months.
This year, St Mary's Village Carnival, for Eaton Bray, Edlesborough, Northall and Dagnall, will be on Saturday, July 7- or, to put it another way, on 07-07-07. Catchy.
And this time, the theme will be Favourite Adverts, so it's time to start putting on your thinking cap if you're taking part in the procession.
It's a great day, and I'm always impressed with the trouble taken by people who live along the procession route, who "dress up" their houses on the carnival theme, too.
Extra people power is always helpful, and the carnival organisers are looking for volunteers.
And they're looking for stock for the stalls and prizes for the grand draw.
If you'd like to find out more, check out the website at www.stmarysvillagecarnival.com.
Source: Anne O'Donoghue, Dunstable Gazette, 7 February 2007
Pre-school needs volunteer helpers
The positive findings if the inspectors included the fact that the 'children feel safe and secure in a welcoming environment' and that 'staff have created a happy atmosphere which allows children to settle and gain the security and confidence to learn.'
The pre-school is now looking for volunteers from the local area to provide support to their staff and enhance the overall experience of the children.
The organisation has been in existence in Totternhoe for 25 years, but officially became a 'preschool' in 2003.
Spaces are still available at the pre-school, which runs Monday to Thursday during term time, from 9.15 to 11.45am. Children come from Totternhoe itself and further afield from Dunstable, Kensworth, Eaton Bray and Leighton Buzzard.
A committee-run charity, it employs four staff, who all hold an appropriate early years qualification. The report praised the staff, stating that the children "benefit greatly from a very calm, caring and extremely motivated staff team." In addition to the committee and staff, the organisation also receives support from a qualified teacher and the local authority.
Ofsted Inspectors were particularly impressed with how the children were encouraged to eat a healthy diet, with `Crunchy Monday', Crispy Tuesday and Fruity Thursday, encouraging parents to send their children in with crunchy raw vegetables, crispy crackers and crispbreads, and fresh fruit on different days of the week.
The report stated that the children "enjoy a broad variety of exciting play opportunities which helps them develop their knowledge and skills."
It is with these play activities that the pre-school are looking to involve volunteers from the local area, to assist the staff and help in a number of ways.
For further information contact Georgina or Rebecca at the Volunteer Centre on (01525) 850559 or email [email protected].
To enquire about the spaces that are available for children at the pre-school, contact Kay Sweetman on 07803 925254.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 6 February 2007
Cash for gipsy site upgrade
More than £50,000 will be spent on improvements to the Chiltern View site in Northall Road to bring it up to scratch.
It's all part of a huge government spending spree, which has seen more than £20 million allocated to sites around the UK over the past 12 months.
Beds County Council, which is responsible for running and maintaining the site, has said the money will be spent on improving the Eaton Bray site.
A council spokesman said: "We welcome this funding announcement from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
"The money will be invested to improve Chiltern View for its residents and will include upgrading lighting facilities, replacing hot water cylinders and provide better drainage measures on the site."
Explaining the decision to award the grant, the government communities minister, Meg Munn, said: "By improving the provision of authorised sites, we can tackle the problem of unauthorised camping and ensure everyone has a decent place to live.
"The grant is vital in our drive to increase the number of authorised sites for gipsies and travellers. Providing more authorised sites reduces the cost to taxpayers of costly enforcement action and creates a sustainable solution for the whole community."
Source: Dunstable Gazette, 7 February 2007
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U8 - 1
Sacred Hearts U8 - 2
This match reflected the gloriously sunny weather and was one of the most exciting of the season.
Sacred Hearts went one up after two minutes, but an equaliser looked on the cards a few minutes later as a result of superb passing between Charles Gamble and Dylan Karavadra. The opportunity was narrowly missed, but Dylan equalised just before half-time.
Jack Cook, in goal, made excellent saves and clearances under extreme pressure from Sacred Hearts. This continued into the second half with several spectacular saves from Jack and a timely clearance from Archie Bunker.
Jack Nevitt nearly scored for the Lions, who unfortunately conceded another goal due to slack marking.
The final result was 1-2 to Sacred Hearts and Man of the Match was Jack Cook.
The squad comprised: Jack Cook, Thomas Rainbow, Jack Nevitt, Dylan Karavadra, Archie Bunker, Charles Gamble, Callum Gardner, James Pratt.
Eaton Bray Lions U11 - 3
Square Rangers U11 - 5
A bright but cold morning set the scene. The Lions started well and were soon applying pressure to the Rangers.
Jake Higgs kicked a great long ball that soared right over the keeper's head and landed in the top corner of the net.
Rangers were not to be beaten and made a great run up the field and equalled the score. After a more evenly matched 10 minutes, Vincenzo Lombardo scored a second for the Lions.
The second half saw a very determined Rangers side and soon they had equalised with a well-orchestrated corner move.
Soon the Lions had scored again, only for the Rangers to execute another superb corner and score again.
The Rangers continued to apply pressure and looked the better side. The Lions' defence continued to show weakness and this was confirmed as the Rangers scored 2 further goals.
EB Lions Man of the Match James Patriako.
EB Lions U13 - 3
Flitwick Eagles B - 3
Early pressure from Flitwick meant lots of saves performed by the EBL goalkeeper, but eventually his luck dwindled and Flitwick went ahead after 15 minutes.
Eaton Bray weren't fazed and started to grab hold of the game. Runs down the middle were always being stopped by a solid Flitwick defence and so Lions needed to try the wings or lob the ball over the top and run onto it. This was duly done and an equalizer came from Jack Coates.
One more from Jonnie Moriarty and another from Coates meant EBL went 3-1 up.
A late flurry by Flitwick saw frantic Lions' defending, but the home advantage stayed at half-time.
The tempo in the second half was much quicker and this suited Flitwick more. Lions didn't seem to realise that a lot of work was needed to keep their lead, so Flitwick got two more goals. MoM Andy Broughton for excellent defending.
Dunstable St Mary's U15 - 4
EB Lions U15 - 3
Dunstable took full advantage of the sloping pitch in the first half, scoring an early goal from a speedy downhill run.
Lions missed several chances but equalised when a great pass from Ed Poole set up Dylan Taylor for a shot. Dunstable scored three more before half-time but Lions staged a comeback in the second half.
Danny Law's first shot was just wide but he made up for it with a beautiful long shot into the top corner. Under pressure, Dunstable's defence handled the ball in the area and Lion's captain, Rob Gadsden, scored an impressive penalty. Lions threw everything into the last fifteen minutes, with great play from Sam Blumsom, Gareth Hemming and Alex Smith, but the equaliser eluded them.
Lions' MoM was Rob Gadsden for his inspiring captain's performance.
Source: EB Lions
Can't Draw, Won't Draw
A new art group is starting in Eaton Bray Village Hall from 15th February for 10 weeks, entitled Art'scool "Can't Draw...Won't Draw?".
For full details, please contact Christine Gallagher on 01525 222575.