Archived News
December 2009
Swans will blow you away
Eaton Bray music lovers hope to be blown away this winter when a talented wind quintet plays the village hall.
The musicians are members of Orchestra Of The Swan, a groundbreaking group frequently praised in The Telegraph and The Guardian.
This family friendly concert forms part of Central Bedfordshire Council's Rural Rhythms Season.
The programme is being run to bring high quality music to audiences across the county. Gershwin favourites such as The Man I Love and Nice Work if You Can Get It will be combined with classics from composers like Profokiev and Patterson in what promises to be a stunning musical medley.
The performance is on Saturday January 30 at Eaton Bray Village Hall.
Tickets are available from the central box office 01234 219519. A family-ticket will cost £19.
Parish Council Minutes - December 2009
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting: Monday 7th December 2009
The next Parish Council meeting to be held at the Coffee Tavern on Monday 4th January 2010 at 7.30pm.
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
Sundon Park Rangers U9
EB Lions U9 Blues
Lions eased into an early lead with a Myles Frederick strike, having maintained possession for most of the opening 10 minutes. Even so, Rangers broke out more than once, forcing James Glover and Sam Bramston into some last-gasp clearances.
Three minutes after the first goal, MoM 011ie West was on the end of a Joe Thorne corner, heading in for a second. Rangers hit back almost immediately though, halving Lions' lead following a goalmouth scrabble. An extended grab from Cameron Burchill held the hosts to a single goal, maintaining Lions' 1-2 lead ahead of the interval.
A Joe Rabey strike and a second goal from 011ie established an insurmountable margin for victory, with on-target shots from Toby McGee nearly increasing an already impressive tally.
Luton Old Boys Youth
EB Lions U12
Lions were soundly beaten by an accomplished Luton side, despite strong attacking plays and a continued goal threat.
There were accurate strikes from Charlie Nevitt, James Hurley, Sean Woodhouse and Adam Bradley, but all were claimed by the impressive Luton stand-in keeper. Excellent link-ups between Aaron Gauntlett, Chris McGee and Will Juster stretched the hosts' defence, but the Luton back line proved insuperable, foiling the visitors' attempts on goal time and again.
MoM Dominic Ryan gave a fine display of controlled heading, expertly fielding the ball away from danger, and Aarin Johnson, Tom Horner and Jake Draper all had a hand in safeguarding the Lions goal area.
Keeper Dan Kennell was well tested throughout but took some eye-catching saves in conditions that were quickly deteriorating.
Ultimately Luton's adept passing game and steadfast defending proved too much, overpowering Lions and handing them one of their worst losses of the season.
Source: EB Lions
Swing into Spring - Saturday 13th March 2010
You may think that it is bit early to be talking about Spring, but if you think about it, this is the last chance to talk to you before the February edition so I make no apologies in forewarning you of this fabulous event.
The same team that bring you the masterful Quizzes twice a year are at it again. We (that is the Village Hall & Tennis Club but I am sure you know that) thought what a wonderful idea to give you the chance for a dance.
We have organised a live band, Jim Balls and The Racquets. That is the Tennis club's infl uence, and they play our sort of music! Whilst the caterers are preparing a sumptuous two course meal, a choice of two main courses plus sumptuous desserts. (I suppose they are not actually preparing it now, probably on the day).
What have you got to pay for all this? Just £16 if booked by the 14th February or £18 thereafter. That is a real credit crunch beating deal!
So to book, just let me (Ross) know your requirements and remember that as usual the first person to ring me with the correct page number of our advert for this event in this month's Focus will be given 2 free tickets. Tel 221411
Well what about the quiz held on the 10th October, as you may remember I was absent (due to sister's in law 60th, is the apostrophe in the correct place? I am never sure; answers on a postcard please........). I hear that it was a great success and as usual was all the better for my absence. May I thank you all for coming and all those helpers who made it such a splendid success. Our greatest thanks must be to Keith Blackburn who continues to create the quiz questions for us all to enjoy. Don't forget after the Dance comes the next quiz in April 2010, more info in the next edition of Focus.
One last thing before I stop. The Village Hall front is being renovated and by the time you read this will be looking very smart indeed. You can see where the Village Hall is spending the money. Thank you all for your support throughout 2009 and we hope you will come to our Dance and Quiz in 2010, enjoy yourselves and help keep the improvements coming at your Hall.
Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year
Source: Focus, December 2009
Eaton Bray cake designer mingles with stars
Eaton Bray cake designer Michelle Shulman found herself mingling with the stars after she donated one of her creations for a glitzy showbiz bash.
Michelle, 31, had dreamed of designing a cake for someone famous.
So when one of her friends told her that Take That were hosting a charity night to launch their new PlayStation Singstar game, she contacted the party organisers.
The mum, who runs her own business, Cakes By Shelly, was told that they would be delighted to receive one of her creations, and she was also invited to the VIP event, at The Tabernacle, in London.
The award-winning cake designer said: "All these famous faces were there, including people like Kate Moss, Take That, James Corden and Rachel Stevens. It was all very overwhelming."
The evening was held in aid of Body and Soul, a charity which supports people in the UK affected by HIV.
During the event, stars took to the stage to perform Take That hits.
At one point, Michelle saw Kate Moss jump onto the dance floor for the conga, and she also saw James Corden sing a Take That hit.
Michelle said:" The cake did get eaten because it was Kate Moss's assistant's birthday, so they put candles on it and cut it up."
And aside from the excitement of the party, Michelle was delighted to receive awards for three cakes which she entered in separate categories at the Cake International Competition, at the NEC in Birmingham.
She received bronze in the 'sculptured novelty' section and certificates of merit in both the 'wedding cake, two or more tiers' category, and for the 'decoration, celebration cake' category.
She has also passed on some of her expertise to her nine-year-old daughter, Fiona, who also entered the competition.
The youngster won a certificate of merit in the junior Christmas cake category.
Michelle said: "I was over the moon about that, and far more chuffed than I was about my own successes."
Read the rest of this article on Dunstable Today.
For the latest news from Eaton Bray and beyond, get the Dunstable Gazette every Wednesday and make a daily date with Dunstable Today.
Source: Dunstable Today
Christmas Puzzle 2009 - Time, gentlemen, please
This year's annual Charity Christmas Puzzle has now been posted, and is available to download.
This, the 19th annual Puzzle that Gordon Gray has set, has a theme designed to help completion and will appeal to people who enjoy doing Crossword puzzles, such as in the Daily Telegraph (though it is not a Crossword puzzle). Puzzlers have plenty of time to find the answers and Puzzles should be returned, with donation, by 24 January.
Four winners will each receive a £25 prize.
Everyone who enters will qualify for a £25 prize draw.
So what are you waiting for, give it a go and download the Christmas Puzzle now.
Eight jobs axed at village off-licence
Eaton Bray's Threshers store will soon be forced to close its doors, with the loss of eight jobs.
The shock news comes just weeks after First Quench, which owns Threshers, Wine Rack, Bottoms Up, Victoria Wine, The Local and Haddows, was put in the hands of administrators.
All of the stock has been reduced at the High Street village off-licence, which will close on December 20 at the latest.
Almost 4,000 jobs have been axed since the drinks giant went into the hands of administrators in November.
Joint administrator Richard Fleming, KPMG's UK Head of Restructuring, said: "Unfortunately, despite the initial high level of interest, it remains difficult for buyers to complete deals in the current tough market.
"However, we are still in talks regarding the sale of over 100 stores and hope to be able to make a further announcement about this shortly.
"We also remain hopeful that some of the 391 stores announced today might still be sold as going concerns before the closure process is completed, but with stock now running low in the remaining stores, it has been necessary to make plans to close them."
Read the full article on Dunstable Today.
For the latest news from Eaton Bray and beyond, get the Dunstable Gazette every Wednesday and make a daily date with Dunstable Today.
Source: Dunstable Today
Youth Football: Eaton Bray Lions
EB Lions U9 Blues - 1
Sundon Park Rangers U9 Reds - 4
Lions' cup run came to an end at the quarter final stages on Saturday as they slipped to a 1-4 defeat against a regimented and resolute Sundon team.
The hosts started well, hogging possession for most of the opening half as 011ie West and Sam Carter put in a series of threatening runs at goal. It was a searing Joe Rabey strike though which opened the scoring and handed Lions an early lead.
A handful of corners came up for Lions and some imposing attacks from Toby McGee looked likely to add a second, but it was Rangers who struck back from long range to draw level before the half time whistle.
Lions held on for the start of the second, defenders Sam Bramston, Joe Thorne and MOM James Glover executing some fine tackles and linking up nicely to keep Rangers at bay, but the visitors managed to find an opening and despite strong saves from Cameron Burchill, netted three times in the half.
Following their departure from the cup tournament, Lions will now focus on retaking top spot in the league.
Source: EB Lions
Salvation Sound - December 2009
In the days of 1906 when Edith Holden wrote her diary, she talked of the “very hard
frosts” and the snow falls of December. I quote,
December 14th. Heavy fall of snow.
December 20th. Rapid thaw.
December 25th. A snowy Christmas morning - sunshine later - sharp frost at night.
December 26th, Another heavy fall of snow.
December 27th. In the paper today it reports that all Britain lies under snow, from John
o' Groats to Lands End.
It is not diffi cult to sense a thrill of excitement on her discovering snow on Christmas
morning. Our seasons in this day and age have changed so much - plants are fl owering
that shouldn't be, bulbs are already pushing their spurs through the earth - the bible
tells us that there will come a time when we will not be able to tell one season from
another; but one thing does not alter, that is, that Christ starts Christmas...
So what is Christmas all about? A happy mix of seasonal charity and magic? The
brilliant glittering fairyland of “the lights”? The shimmering tinsel? The visit to
'Santa's Grotto',? with its elves and automated animals? The everlasting (well from
October to December) Christmas music in the stores? the presents, the tree, the carol
singers, the brass band, the food? NO - it's all about:
“The babe who against his mothers
breast was curled;
And those who said “He was to be king
of the world,
Who would grow and reign in the heart
of man,
For this was part of God's great plan”.
Men, who will tell the world of His
birth,
For He was sent to redeem the earth.—
On a cold winter morn,
To a young couple was the child born,
Into this world it came,
A boy, Jesus was his name.”
“It's good in troubled times to share
The tranquility of that espoused pair -
May their joy in your homes abide
As you celebrate this Christmastide;
With love and blessings untold for
The Christ of Christmas is worth
Far more than gold...
The message of love is as meaningful
now as it was on that long-ago night
when shepherds followed the light of
a star to the stable in Bethlehem. God
gave us this child for our encouragement
and to teach us the way to fulfi lment of life and hope for eternity.
She...laid him in a manger. Luke 2 : 7.
He was a baby, he became an adolescent and grew to
be a young adult. He wasn't a ready made prophet, but
he was and is The Christ of Christmas.
May God Bless You...
Source: Focus, December 2009
Cheeky Monkeys Under Fives Playtime
Well, this is our last report of 2009, and we would especially like to thank all those who have helped us make our group such a success since we took over back in January this year. A special mention goes to the Parish Council, the Carnival Committee, Eaton Bray Garden Centre, Eaton Bray Village Hall Committee, parents for donating their toys, Eaton Bray Lower School for promoting the group, and most importantly everyone who comes along on a Wednesday afternoon with their children.
Don't forget our end of term Christmas party on 16th December. Father Christmas will be visiting with a present for every child, and we will be entertained by Jacqui, from "Jacq in the Box". This is an all ticket event, so do make sure you buy your tickets if you haven't already done so!
Please note that we will re-open on 6th January 2010. Why not make one of your new year's resolutions to come along to Cheeky Monkeys and give us a go! You can be assured of a warm welcome.
Cheeky Monkeys is run by three volunteer parents, Sarah, Louise and Sue. For enquiries please contact anyone of us. All information is on our website, www.cheekymonkeys.btik.com.
Which just leaves us to say, on behalf of all at Cheeky Monkeys, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! See you in 2010!!!
Eaton Bray Methodist Church
A reminder that our Christmas Lunches will be served on Saturday December 5th and tickets are available from Graham Carter , 01525 220742. The proceeds from the event will go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. There will be stalls offering Christmas cards & paper, gifts and coffee and tea from 12. noon until 2.0pm. So if you cannot make lunch do come along and do a little early festive shopping and support this very worthwhile cause.
Christmas Services:
Family Carol Service. Sunday 20th December at 10.30am.
Christmas Day Family Service at 10.30am led by Hyacinth Taylor.
January Lunches will be served on Saturday 9th from 12.noon until 1.30 pm. February Lunches on Saturday 13th.
Source: Focus, December 2009