FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

UCL Premier Division: Wellingborough Town v Cogenhoe United.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

EVO-STIK SOUTHERN LEAGUE

Premier Division: Banbury v Chippenham; Bashley v Leamington; Bedford Town v Swindon Supermarine; Cambridge City v AFC Totton; Cirencester v Barwell; Frome v St Albans City; Hitchin Town v Brackley; Oxford City v Arlesey Town; Redditch v Chesham; Weymouth v Stourbridge.

Division One Central: AFC Hayes v St Neots; Ashford Town v Biggleswade Town; Barton Rovers v Chalfont St Peter; Beaconsfield v Bedworth; Burnham v Aylesbury; Daventry Town v Slough; Leighton Town v Marlow; North Greenford United v Fleet Town; Northwood v Chertsey; Rugby Town v Uxbridge; Woodford United v Bedfont Town.

COUNTY CUP COMPETITIONS

Beds FA Intermediate Cup – Semi-Final: St Josephs v Crawley Green Res.

MOLTEN SPARTAN SOUTH MIDLANDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Dunstable v Hillingdon Borough; Colney Heath v Aylesbury United; Harefield United v Hadley; Hatfield Town v Haringey Borough; Hertford Town v Dunstable Town; Holmer Green v Hanwell Town; London Tigers v Biggleswade United (at Hillingdon Borough); Oxhey Jets v St Margaretsbury; Royston Town v Broxbourne Borough; Stotfold v Berkhamsted; Tring Athletic v Leverstock Green.

Division One: Amersham v Harpenden; Ampthill Town v Cockfosters; Bedford v Buckingham Athletic; Chesham Utd Res v Tokyngton Manor; Cranfield United v Hoddesdon Town; Kentish Town v London Colney; Kings Langley v Wodson Park; London Lions v Crawley Green; New Bradwell St Peter v Sun Postal Sports; Stony Stratford Town v Langford.

Reserve Division One: Cockfosters v Hadley; Hatfield v Royston; Hoddesdon v Stotfold; Langford v Holmer Green; London Colney v Risborough Rangers; St Margaretsbury v Wodson Park.

CHROMASPORTS & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Blackstones v St Ives Town; Cogenhoe v Deeping Rangers; Desborough v Sleaford; Irchester v Yaxley; Kings Lynn v Daventry; Long Buckby v Holbeach; Newport Pagnell v N’pton Spencer; Peterborough NS v Thrapston; Stewarts & Lloyds v Boston Town.

Division One: Bourne v Harborough; Buckingham Town v Olney; Bugbrooke v Rothwell; Burton PW v Huntingdon; ON Chenecks v Raunds; Rothwell Corinthians v Sileby Rangers; Rushden & Higham United v Wootton Blue Cross; Wellingborough Whitworth v Potton United.

BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Premier Division: AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College v Flitwick Town; Bedford Hatters v Dunton; Blunham v Woburn; Sharnbrook v Shefford Town & Campton; Wilshamstead v Caldecote; Arlesey Town Res v Oakley Sports.

Division One: Caldecote Res v Meltis Albion; FC Meppershall v Lea Sports PSG; Kings AFC v Luton Boys; Marston Shelton Rovers v Ickwell & Old Warden; Sandy v Lidlington United Sports.

Division Two: AFC Turvey v Shefford Town & Campton Res; Bromham United v Elstow Abbey; Co-op Sports v Clifton; M&DH Oakley v Potton United Res; Marabese Ceramics v Pavenham; Queens Park Crescents v Stopsley Park.

Division Three: Dunton Res v Goldington; Flitwick Town Res v Eastcotts AFC; Kempston Hammers Sports v Wilshamstead Res; Potton Town v Riseley Sports; Renhold Village v Cranfield United Res; Sundon Park Rangers Colts v Stevington; Westoning Res v Royal Oak.

Division Four: Bedford Panthers v Sandy Res; Caldecote A v Stewartby Village; Clifton Res v Dinamo Flitwick; Goldington Hammers v Bedford Park Rangers; Ickwell & Old Warden Res v Thurleigh; Marsh Leys v Wootton Village; Shefford Town & Campton A v Kempston Athletic.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26

Southern League Premier Division: Evesham United v Hemel Hempstead.

MICHAEL R PETERS BEDFORD SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Semi-Final: Mile Road Casuals v Gardeners Arms Biggleswade.

Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup – Quarter-Final: Bumble Bee Flitwick v M&DH Clapham Sunday.

Premier Division: Caldecote Young Boys v v Atletico Europa; Constant & Co Athletic v Queensmen; Esquires v Lawson Park Rangers; Meltis Mexicans v Haynes.

First Division: Dunton v Sharnbrook; Kempston Hammers v 21st GNG Tigers; Stewartby v Harrold & Carlton.

Second Division: Cranfield United v Renhold; Houghton Conquest v Marston Reds; Wootton Wanderers v Eagle Heating.

Third Division: Bedford Allsters v Dunton Sunday Res; Bedford Panthers v Wells Stars; Flitwick Eagles Sunday v Old Boys; Grafton Celtics v Meltis Rangers.

Fourth Division: Bellini’s v BMC United; Fox & Hounds Clapham v Bedford Albion; Oakley Res v Santaniello’s; Rose Biggleswade v Bird in Hand L/Stondon; Shillington Pirates v Bedford Cupids.

Fifth Division: AFC Kempston Town & BC v Sir William Peel Sandy; Oakley Wanderers v AF Mato: Westoning Gijon & RC v Alfa Oakley.

Under 21 Division: Barton Rovers v Brickhill Wanderers B; Brickhill Wanderers A v Leighton Corinthian Seniors; Hitchin Town v Luton Central; Watling Youth v Shefford Saints.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Southern League Premier Division: Banbury v Cambridge City; Cirencester v Swindon Supermarine; Stourbridge v Bedford Town.

Southern League Central Division: Biggleswade Town v Rugby; Daventry Town v St Neots; Marlow v Woodford; Uxbridge v Ashford Town (Middx).

SSML Premier Division: Tring Athletic v Royston Town,.

SSML Division One: Buckingham Athletic v Kentish Town; Cockfosters v Cranfield United; Harpenden Town v Langford; Hoddesdon Town v Ampthill Town; Kings Langley v St Albans City Res; New Bradwell St Peter v Wodson Park.

SSML Reserve Division One: St Margaretsbury v Hoddesdon; Stotfold Reserves v The 61 FC (Luton).

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Southern League Central Division: Bedfont Town v Northwood.

SSML Premier Division: Hadley v Aylesbury United.

SSML Division One: Chesham Utd Res v Bedford; Welwyn GC v Stony Stratford.

SSML Reserve Division One: Oxhey Jets v Wodson Park.

UCL Premier Division: Daventry United v Peterborough Northern Star.

Preview for Saturday 25th February 2012.

Action this weekend in The Premier Division supported by Sportsform section takes the new league leaders Shefford Town & Campton on the road to Lodge Road to be hosted by Sharnbrook, the home side having been beaten just three times on home soil all season should provide a stern test for the travelling Town who seek their fourth away win on the bounce.

Whilst second place Caldecote also hit the road to Jubilee Playing Fields to face Wilshamstead, the hosts looking for their third home win on the bounce and revenge for their Britannia Cup exit at the hands of Caldecote on New Years Eve at the same venue.

For third place Bedford Hatters, its home action at Miller Road against second from bottom of the table Dunton who have won just once on the road all season. Whilst bottom of the table Woburn also seek just their second away win of the season when they journey to Moggerhanger Playing Fields to face Blunham.

A third club also looking for just their second away win of the season are Flitwick Town, for them its a trip to Hillgrounds to be hosted by an AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College side that will be looking to end a sequence of three straight home defeats.

The final action in this division coming at The Armadillo Stadium, where Arlesey Town Reserves seek out their first home win since beating Flitwick Town back in mid-October when paid a visit by an Oakley Sports side who look to end a two game losing run.

In Division One the big game of the day takes place at Marston Playing Fields,the venue at which the league leaders Marston Shelton Rovers still unbeaten on home soil this season face fellow championship contenders Ickwell & Old Warden.

The visitors in fourth place trailing them by just five points but with three games in hand. Whilst for second place Lidlington United Sports, now on an 11 game unbeaten run its a tough looking away game at Bedford Road Recreation Ground against a Sandy side that is still very much in the promotion mix themselves.

Over at King George VI Playing Fields, Kings AFC will face no easy task collecting the full three points when visited by Luton Boys. A comment that also applies to FC Meppershall, when in Mowsbury Park they are visited by Lea Sports PSG who are now undefeated in their last five away outings.

The final action in this division comes at Harvey Close, where Caldecote Reserves, beaten just once on home soil all season, will start the firm favourites to collect the full three points when visited by bottom of the table Meltis Albion.

Away from the league, its Bedfordshire FA Intermediate Cup semi-final day and for Bedford Sports Athletic that means a home tie at Grange Road against Luton District & South Beds League outfit Real RNE.

In Division Two the championship battle already looks down to a two way fight between Elstow Abbey and AFC Turvey.This weekend, league leaders Elstow Abbey hit the road looking to retain their seasons unbeaten record against Bromham United at Bromham Playing Fields.

However, the hosts are now unbeaten in their last seven home starts and will be no easy pushovers.Whilst for AFC Turvey, its home action at Stonefield’s against Shefford Town & Campton Reserves where you would expect them to collect the full three points.

Over at Solway Road North, hosts Co-op Sports having been beaten just twice on home soil this season will fancy their chance of collecting the spoils when visited by a Clifton side that has won just once in their last seven outings. A comment that also applies to Queens Park Crescents when they go into home action in Mowsbury Park against Stopsley Park whose only away success of the season has come at lowly Clifton and Great Barford

Other action sees M & DH Oakley seek revenge over Potton United Reserves for their Jubilee Cup exit at the same Oakley Playing Fields less than a month ago. Whilst at Shuttleworth College, Marabese Ceramics seek just their third home win of the season when visited by a Pavenham side looking to return to winning ways on the road for the first time since winning at Stopsley Park back in mid-October.

In division three, the venue for the big game of the day is Renhold Playing Fields where second place Renhold Village play hosts to league leaders Cranfield United Reserves.The hosts looking to retain their seasons perfect home record against a United side who are now unbeaten in their last 10 trips away from their Crawley Road base.

For third place Goldington, despite them not winning any of their last three away outings you would expect that to change when they head for a Horseshoes Close meeting against second from bottom of the table Dunton Reserves who have won just once on home soil this season. Yet for fellow promotion hopefuls Stevington, with just one away win from their last four journey’s on the road the task looks much harder when they visit Wrest Park for a meeting with Sundon Park Rangers Colts.

Also still very much in the promotion mix are Riseley Sports, for them its a trip to Mill Lane to face hosts Potton Town who are now unbeaten in their last five home starts. Whilst down at the other end of the standings, bottom of the table Flitwick Town Reserves host Eastcotts AFC at Steppingley Road.

The Town having lost their last four home outings and the visitors their last four away outings.

Over at Cutler Hammer, hosts Kempston Hammers Sports look to continue their recent revival when called upon by a Wilshamstead Reserves side that has been beaten just twice in their last 11 outings.Whilst at Greenfield Road, Westoning Reserves seek to end a sequence of three straight home defeats when visited by a Royal Oak Kempston side that has won four of its last five away outings.

Division Four action sees league leaders Bedford Park Rangers in away action at Mowsbury Park against a Goldington Hammers side that has lost its last four home outings.Whilst the game of the day in this division comes on The Green between two of the live promotion hopefuls when hosts Ickwell & Old Warden take on Thurleigh.

Another promotion hopeful are Marsh Leys,for them its the quest of their fifth home win on the bounce when visited by near neighbours Wootton Village.

Over at The Bedford Hockey Centre, Bedford Panthers host a Sandy Reserves side that has been beaten just twice on the road this season and at Harvey Close, Caldecote A beaten just twice on home soil this season receive a visit from a Stewartby Village side that are now unbeaten in their last six away outings.

Other action comes at Whiston Crescent, the venue where Clifton Reserves look for their third home win on the bounce against Dinamo Flitwick and at Digswell Playing Fields, where Shefford Town & Campton A look to end a three game losing home run at the expense of the visiting Kempston Athletic.

]]> 1.3550695 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:55:23 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/county_league_win_beds_fa_s_centenary_cup_1_3550689

Wednesday’s night action saw the Bedfordshire County Football League retain their hold on the Bedfordshire FA Inter-League Centenary Cup when under the management team of Caldecote brothers, Neil and Adrian Mapletoft, they eased to a 6-0 victory over the South Beds Sunday Football League.

Ahead after just three minutes when following an inter-exchange between Adam Larsen and Andrew Hayday, Mark Franklin had the simple task of netting from just six yards out, that lead was doubled in the 21st minute from the penalty spot by Larsen after Paul Jones had been dragged down when looking certain to score by South Beds goalkeeper Lee Slocombe.

Jones however was to get on the scoresheet seven minutes later when set free by Larsen to make it 3-0 and just 60 seconds later it was game over when Jones became the provider for goal number four netted by Alex Woolston.

It was now all one way traffic and but for two misses in front of goal by Hayday and a Matt Le-Dell effort coming back off the crossbar it could have been 7-0 by half time.

The 80-plus crowd were to have to wait until the 66th minute before substitute Kai Griffiths-Shilton made it 5-0, with the rout being concluded by a second goal from Jones just four minutes from time.

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with hios second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

HOW should Gamlingay celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee?

All suggestions must be submitted to the parish council by the end of the month (Wednesday).

Visit the clerks at the Ecohub, email your ideas to clerk@gamlingay-pc.gov.uk or phone them on 01767 650310.

FANS of the Carry On series will recall the cheap and cheerful comedy brand’s take on package holidays, when a clutch of English stereotypes headed off to Spain to find that their hotel hadn’t been finished, they didn’t like the food, life was full of problems but they somehow made the best of it.

Fast forward 40 years and the world is a much bigger place, which is why The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, while essentially going over the same ground with an all-star cast, switches the action to India.

Shakespeare In Love wallah John Madden directs long in the tooth luvvies like Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy and Celia Imrie, along with Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel, in what would like to be a heartwarming comedy.

It’s the film version of a hit book – Deborah Moggach’s These Foolish Things, if you don’t recognise the title – and it’s always good to see actors of a certain age getting leading roles, even if it does always seem to be the same ones.

But this is a curate’s egg of a film, good in parts but failing to convince – yes, India looks vibrant and intriguing, the big names do their stuff, but despite their best efforts it fails to convince.

> Very few stars these days can lend class to any old rubbish just be being there. Denzel Washington is one – however daft the story, he somehow brings a bit of glitz and gravitas to the set.

In Safe House he teams up with flavour of the month Ryan Reynolds and the deservedly ascendant Brendan Gleeson in an action thriller set in South Africa.

Reynolds is a rookie CIA agent in charge of a safe house who finds himself playing host to Washington’s ‘most dangerous man in the world’ – a rogue agent who has been selling secrets to the highest bidder. The bad guys soon move in to rub him out before he can tell all he knows, and the pair go on the run. Bang! Kapow! You won’t have time to think as the action unfolds, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

> The top talking point about One For The Money must be this: OMG, Katherine’s gone brunette! Hollywood’s top blonde but essentially anodyne rom com star Katherine Heigl is unlikely private eye Stephanie Plum, the heroine of a whole series of comedy thrillers so the potential for a franchise is clear. Think My Cousin Vinny with a chick instead of a chap in the lead role, and no courtrooms.

> Films with animal stars seem to be all the rage these days, but even in The Artist they don’t get the name role.

That’s not the case in Red Dog, a family movie about a stray who sneaks in and steals the heart of a hard-bitten Australian mining community.

Again there’s a book behind this, written by Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author Louis De Bernieres, but it’s billed as a true story filled with earthy Oz humour, romance and tears. It has all the ingredients required to make it a sleeper hit, expect it to still be picking up punters long after the Marigold Hotel has shut its doors.

]]> 1.3531712 Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:40:46 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/geoff_cox_s_guide_to_new_dvds_1_3531711

TOM Hardy certainly has a commanding screen presence, as witnessed by his remarkable turn as Luton-born jailbird Charles Bronson.

And his performance is as powerful as one of his knockout punches in WARRIOR (12: Lionsgate), a rousing mix of sports and family drama.

The film makes an impact from its very first scene, with Tommy Conlon (Hardy) cutting a dark and brooding figure, simmering with pent-up anger, as he sits drunk on his estranged father’s doorstep.

It soon becomes evident that his alcoholic dad (Nick Nolte, deservedly nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar) split the family, leading the young Conlon brothers to take very different paths.

The elder, Brendan (Joel Edgerton), throws in a promising career as a fighter to become a high school teacher, while Tommy joins the marines.

There’s bitterness and resentment on all sides and reconciliation seems impossible until the siblings enter a mixed martial arts tournament.

The pace of the story is faultless, with snatches of family history never undermining the action, and it’s all brought to a head in an emotional finale that rivals Rocky.

> Rowan Atkinson is back as the spy oblivious to his own incompetence in lively comedy sequel JOHNNY ENGLISH REBORN (PG: Universal).

The bumbling secret agent retires to a Tibetan monastery in disgrace after a mission goes wrong, but he’s lured out of retirement by his former bosses at MI7 to hunt down an international group of assassins plotting to kill the Chinese premier.

Armed with the most high-tech gadgets the world of espionage has to offer, English sets off across the globe to bring the bad guys to book, unaware that the real threat may be closer to home.

Gillian Anderson and Dominic West as fellow MI7 operatives add to the fun with their straight-faced support, yet this is clearly Atkinson’s show from start to finish.

He’s great value as the idiot sleuth, although some of the stunts and set pieces would be better suited to the slapstick antics of Mr Bean.

> Well-crafted supernatural horror flick DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (15: Studio Canal) makes you jump on cue and really delivers the grisly goods.

Nasty critters appear in this remake of an acclaimed 1973 American TV movie.

Sally Hurst (Bailee Madison) goes to live with her architect father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes) at the 19th century Rhode Island mansion they are restoring.

Stumbling upon a hidden basement, Sally unleashes an ancient dormant force that puts everyone’s life in grave danger.

From its atmospheric Hammer horror opening to its expertly staged creature attacks, featuring imps travelling through air ducts with sharp weaponry, this superior flight of dark fantasy bears the unmistakable touch of class of writer Guillermo Del Toro and contains more than a few nods to his earlier Pan’s Labyrinth.

> Starring Timothy Spall and Honor Blackman, REUNITING THE RUBINS (PG: Kaleidoscope) is amiably amusing, but not the rollicking Jewish comedy that debut director Yoav Factor strives for.

He’s well served by the reliable Spall as retired lawyer Lenny Rubins, who postpones a well-deserved luxury cruise to reunite his bickering grown-up children for their ailing grandma (Blackman).

They may be peas from the same pod, but in Lenny’s eyes his children – a workaholic executive, an eco-warrior, a Buddhist monk and a rabbi – are not from the same planet.

His offspring are reluctant to answer the call, especially when Blackman reveals that she has bought the home in which they spent their unhappy childhood.

Preachy topics such as globalisation, human rights, religious intolerance and family ties are given an overblown airing, and a series of heart-to-hearts and medical emergencies produce little more than than a mediocre sitcom.

> BEST LAID PLANS (15: Sony), a tale of recessional Nottingham, represents a ham-fisted attempt to update John Steinbeck’s masterpiece Of Mice And Men.

Dreaming of living in a camper van, gentle giant Joseph (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) does everything wheeler-dealer protector Danny (Stephen Graham) asks of him, even if it means cage fighting to help his pal pay off his debts to a local lowlife.

But Joseph unwittingly jeopardises their safety when he becomes besotted with equally simple soul Isabel (Maxine Peake).

With Danny falling for a tart with a heart (Emma Stansfield), the film struggles to staunch the sentiment and cliche.

Contrived plotting and clumsy characterisation undermine it at every turn, although good use is made of the rundown locations and it conveys something of the struggle those on the lower rungs face to keep hold of fleeting pleasures.

Safe House

Prepare to see a lot more of director Daniel Espinosa in the next few years as his action-packed thriller Safe House, starring Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington, promises to please, writes guest reviewer Alison Devlin.

If you like fast car scenes, brutal fights and non-stop twists, Safe House is the film for you.

Matt Weston (Reynolds) is a normal guy. He has a girlfriend, a nine to five job and a good life. Doesn’t sound like an interesting thriller at first, but add in that he works for the CIA and that his office is a secret safe house and get ready for a film that keeps you on your toes.

One day the phone rings and Weston’s world is turned upside down when Tobin Frost (Washington) becomes his house guest. A newly captured rogue agent who has sold American intelligence all over the globe and who is currently holding one of the biggest secrets in the world, but what the CIA doesn’t know is others want his secrets, too.

Before the audience can blink, the safe house is compromised and Weston is drawn into a world of corruption and danger, followed by Frost in handcuffs.

“Rule number one – you are responsible for your house guest.”

During a recent interview Washington described his character as “the psychopath next door” and said his character, Frost, “would rather play with Matt, not kill him”.

Though Washington gives an amazing performance as usual, it is Reynolds who captivates the audience with an emotive performance throughout the film stealing the limelight from Washington. He begins the film as a boy, but ends it a man.

The film lacks a defining moment between Washington’s and Reynolds’ characters. They are both very secretive, but as their relationship develops, you expect and want them to open up more.

Unfortunately it never happens, and Espinosa makes up for that through explosions and gunfire.

So if you like to be put on the edge of your seat with your blood pumping and your heart pounding, this is a film for you.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Some fine British acting talents head up this comedy drama that rarely strays much from the Carry On Abroad template, thanks to a sugary coating that doesn’t do its talent justice.

A group of retirees head to India, believing they are going to spend time in a luxury resort.

Managed by the charming and engaging Dev Patel, it’s far from luxurious but, as you can guess, after initial disgust they let their prejudices slip away and the true India and the truth of their lives unfolds.

A nice film that is very sentimental, but thanks to its cast, including Dames Judi and Maggie, Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson, is always watchable.

Red Dog

Talking of sentimental, this is an Australian ‘true legend’ of a red dog who united a community in the Outback.

It’s fun and fluffy and really sugary, but the lead canine is adorable and charming. Move over Uggie from The Artist.

A TOWN councillor will be meeting his constituents at a surgery.

Councillor Ken Lynch of Sandy Town Council will be available to speak to at Lloyds Pharmacy in Sandy Market Square on Saturday (February 25).

Visit between 10am and noon to discuss any issues.

]]> 1.3549329 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:30:20 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/beadlow_to_host_a_junior_open_day_1_3549233

BEADLOW Manor Golf Club has a small, friendly and very successful junior section which offers an extensive selection of competitive activities at the club for its youngest members.

Beadlow is always looking to encourage more juniors to join and with this in mind, the club is planning a Junior Open Day on Saturday, March 17. It will be open to both girls and boys from ages eight to 18, with or without a handicap. The idea is to encourage junior golfers to come along and see what the club has to offer for all juniors, regardless of their current playing standard.

The club’s resident N1 golf professional Ben Storey will host some free coaching sessions to any juniors who want to attend, the first being at 11.30am and the second starting at 2.30pm. There will also be discount vouchers for non-members to play the Baron or the Baroness course until the end of May, and discounts on selected golf equipment, in the well stocked GOLFX shop, based at the club.

If you, or someone you know, is interested in going along, please contact Beadlow’s Junior Organiser Gary Boyle on either 07787 935992 or at brendabyl@yahoo.co.uk so that he can register your attendance or to offer more information on the open day or the junior section in general.

Richard’s Trampoline Club attended the Eastern Regional Grading competition in Brentwood for the start of the competitive season. The club had a team of 6 performers, some of which were attempting to qualify to move up a grade.

To start the morning off and his first competition at the Regional F grade, Dan Willis was the first up to be judged putting a lot of pressure on him to ‘set the standard’ for the club. Dan handled the pressure well and he kept in the center of the trampoline during his routine with some great lineouts in his somersaults. Dan set a very high standard for the rest of the very large group to compete against. When Dan came to his Voluntary routine, he cast a small amount on the first somersault, but before it was even noticeable, during the next move he took it back to the centre of the trampoline to continue on, and finished the routine to receive some good scores from the judges.

Competing against Dan, Kasey Kilday was back from a long break from the sport due to other commitments, his last competition being almost two years ago. But missing his 2nd home he returned to Richard’s trampoline club to continue his training. Whether it was nerves or lack of experience he couldn’t get through a single warm-up routine only completing 3 or 4 moves before having to stop. Determined to make his coach proud, he really stepped up when it came to the crucial moment making it through the routine and also receiving some very good scores of 8/10. Currently holding first place, and about to perform a voluntary routine, (learnt on the journey to the competition) he got through it but with a bit of travel, although with quick thinking he pulled it back in to the centre of the trampoline to finish the routine. After a frantic wait for the scores, Kasey finished in first place, and Dan in second. They both qualified to move up to regional E but Kasey just missed out on double qualification by 0.5!

Jo Collins was next up, and our only competitor in the regional D grade. Unfortunately having a lot of other commitments she had only been able to train on some very few occasions. Deliberating whether she should compete today, after a good training session a couple of days before the competition she was determined to do her best. She suffered some travel around the trampoline during her set routine, but this did not stop her completing the routine. During the voluntary routine she was unable to complete a move, but with some quick thinking, she cleverly amended the routine by substituting the move and then altered the end of her routine. This kept her routine within the required 10 moves, so the judges were non-the wiser, other than her coach panicking by the side of the trampoline! It is very difficult to adapt your routine like this, so this demonstrates Jo’s experience. She was very unlucky to miss out on a medal as she finished in 4th place by just half a mark!

Ella Hemmings was next up and competing at Regional G. This was an extremely large group with over 35 people, split into 3 flights. Ella was trying out a brand new routine and she handled this well showing improved height and control. She did well to finish in the top 20, which is a great achievement. With more experience of competing her new routine she will improve further still.

Faye Harper was also competing at Regional G and like Ella she was also in a very large group. This was Faye’s first competition with the club after a very long break. Her set routine went well and she maintained a good height throughout the routine. Unfortunately she was only able to complete 8 moves in her voluntary routine, this being very unlike Faye as she is usually very consistent and always finishes her routines. Although she still managed to finish in 10th place which considering a group so large is a great achievement.

Last but not least, Tate Henocq was competing at Regional E for the first time. Not only this, but she was also competing in a new age group meaning she was one of the youngest performers in her group. The standard in Tate’s group was exceptionally high, making Tate’s job even harder. However this did not deter Tate as she performed all her routines well, and she had one of the highest difficulty levels within the group. These are the hardest routines Tate has performed yet in competition and she handled the transition very well. She secured herself 6th place and she will no doubt improve upon this in the very near future.

Richard’s Trampoline Club holds classes in Sandy, Stevenage and Letchworth. For more information about the club please visit www.richardstrampolineclub.com

]]> 1.3548239 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:10:21 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/nadine_dorries_monthly_column_sorry_but_there_s_no_conspiracy_and_no_secrecy_for_the_sake_of_secrecy_1_3548179

THERE are certain words in Britain that are bound to arouse public interest and are often liberally doused over headlines or campaigns to add a touch of spice.

One such word is ‘secret’, which has been playing a starring role in many emails my office has received this week about the NHS risk register.

Before the Health And Social Care Bill was committed to Parliament, and while changes have been made to it on its journey through both Houses, comprehensive analysis has been conducted on the benefits the bill will bring and, crucially, on the risks it contains for the NHS.

Constituents across Mid Bedfordshire, campaigners all over the country, and the Parliamentary Labour Party, have all been clamouring this week for this information to be released and made freely available. There is an inherent public interest in this information and it must not be kept ‘secret’.

Unfortunately for the wider eyed members of society, the government agrees with this position and always has done. The information has been and remains freely available on the Department Of Health website, and my office has been sending out links to it to anyone who is interested.

I am quite fond of the modern trend for ‘click button campaigning’. However, the debacle over the risk register has revealed a flaw in the way this kind of campaign allows incorrect assumptions to spread.

Despite the wilder fantasies of conspiracy theorists, no-one in government is committed to secrecy for the sake of it. There is an NHS risk register and it won’t be released, but for reasons that are entirely understandable – the NHS uses a wide variety of commercial suppliers and letting some information into the public domain would seriously damage the NHS in achieving value for money.

To be clear and to remove any element of doubt I will state the following. I am totally committed to ensuring that high standards of universal healthcare are maintained in Mid Bedfordshire and across the country. As such, I will always support an NHS that is free at the point of use and available to all that need it.

A LOWER school will be taking part in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile fundraiser.

Staff and pupils at Langford Lower School will be involved with various sporting activities during the day on Friday, March 23.

The school’s PTA will also be selling wristbands to raise money for Sport Relief, which contributes to good causes in the UK and abroad.

Author Robin Prince will also be visiting the lower school to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday, March 8.

Beds FA Sunday Cup – Qtr-Finals Caldecote Young Boys 4

AC Sportsman & Ravensborough 4 aet (Caldecote won 3-2 on penalties)

CALDECOTE Young Boys won through to the County Cup semi-finals following a penalty shoot-out win against AC Sportsmen. They started well and took the lead on 15 minutes when Neil Giles’ through ball for Tom Cookman saw him find the net.

The Sportsman equalised from a 21st minute corner but with half time approaching, a Sportsman corner was turned into his own net by a Caldecote player for 2-1.

Young Boys started the new well and five minutes in Jack Boyd levelled while eight minutes later from Giles’ corner, the ball ricochetted from AC’s keeper to Paul Gower who headed in for 3-2. But they then conceded a soft penalty which was converted. Caldecote keeper Nathan Buckland made a fine save to keep the game at 3-3 to ensure extra time.

Five minutes into the first period, AC Sportsman went 4-3 up while it was Cookman who levelled with his second of the game to send it into a penalty shoot-out.

Sportsman netted their first but the Young Boys missed and while it became 2-0 and Caldecote on their way out, it became 2-2 before match of the Buckland slammed home his kick for 3-2 before saving the Sportsman’s spot kick to ensure his side reached the last four.

Caldecote Young Boys: Buckland, Haddow, Webb, Robinson, Jordan, Giles, Harris, Gower, K Shilton, Boyd, Cookman. Subs: Hall, C Shilton, Wallace, Bilcock.

SUNDAY football resumed at the weekend after an imposed two week lay-off, although in two of the three Beds FA Sunday Cup quarter-final ties, two Bedford League sides went out.

Oakley travelled to St Josephs where they suffered a 3-0 reverse while Esquires were humbled 5-1 at home by FC Leighton Orient leaving Caldecote Young Boys to carry the torch after their shoot-out win – see above report.

It was a bleak picture in the Beds FA Sunday Junior Cup where FC Houghton beat Dunton Sunday 3-1 and Co-op Sports eliminated 21st GNG Tigers by the only goal of the game in Bedford Park.

M&DH Clapham came up against St Joseph’s Reserve team in the Beds FA Lower Junior Cup and lost at home 2-0 although Shillington Pirates went through to the semis after beating Goldington Rangers from the same division 7-1.

It was three wins out of three in the Beds FA Centenary Cup. Westoning Gijon RC disposed of Beechwood 4-2 at home, whilst AF Mato got it right in the end beating Barrels Magnum Luton 5-2 after extra time. Brickhill U21s ‘A’ got up early to nick the tie from Houghton Park Rangers 3-2 away from home.

On the domestic scene, Atletico Europa took the opportunity to overtake Meltis Mexicans near the top of the Premier Division by beating leaders London Road Supreme 4-0 at the Bedfordshire University. Atletico were the better side in the first half competing quickly and doggedly for the ball not letting London Road settle into their game.

On 20 minutes, Bayo Shabi came up from the back and cracked a screamer into Supreme’s net. The rest of the half was nip and tuck with London Road having possible chances of their own but it ended 4-1 to Atletico who were good value for their victory and they are now in second spot behind London Road with four games in hand.

The First Division had only two games. Newtown Rangers beat fellow strugglers Harrold & Carlton 2-1 to forge a gap of two points,and to move away from the bottom two.

Sharnbrook Casuals have won the division after beating Old Hastingsburians 3-1, and this must be the earliest any team has won a divisional title.

It was busier in Division Two where leaders Wootton Wanderers have made it difficult for Renhold to get into the top two places by the end of the season after beating them 3-2. Eagle Heating have crept up behind Renhold and also have a two game advantage after beating Marston Reds 4-1, who are currently languishing in bottom spot.

Cranfield and Houghton Conquest shared the points in a 1-1 draw while Bumble Bee Flitwick got two valuable points off Caldecote Reserves after a 5-0 victory which gives the Bees a chance to get out of relegation trouble.

There were a lot of goals in Division Three in which leaders Grafton Celtics came a cropper being after losing 4-0 at home to Bedford Allsters. Celtics remain top as second placed M&DH Clapham were playing in the County Cup. There was a foretaste of this weekend’s Brian Craddock Jubilee Cup semi-final when Mile Road Casuals played Gardeners Arms Biggleswade. Gardeners won away from home 5-2 so it should be an interesting encounter on the same pitch.

There were ten goals Reserves when Flitwick Eagles came to call and lashed eight of them into the home net, Dunton managing two in return. Bedford Panthers are not out of the title race just yet after their 2-1 win against Old Boys. Panthers are third and could still figure.

There were more goals in Division Four with Fox & Hounds Clapham scoring nine at bottom club BMC, who scored three in reply. Bedford Cupids then drilled seven at home to Bellini’s who scored just one. The Cupids are now top of the division just ahead of Rose Biggleswade who won their game away at Santaniello’s 2-1. Bedford Albion have crept away from the bottom two places after their 3-2 win over Oakley Reserves.

In Division Five, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College obviously got a lot out of their extended holiday when they came back this week to gain only their second victory in the league with Alfa Oakley were on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against Kempston who have now hauled themselves off bottom place.

Sir William Peel’s quest for a top finish was dented when they could only draw 1-1 against Oakley Wanderers.

In the Under 21 Division, Luton Central play host to Leighton Corinthian Seniors who won 3-2. Watling Youth lost 6-2 to Barton Rovers at Leagrave Park.

There are two league cup games on Sunday plus a host of league matches in all divisions week (see the fixtures page).

Clive Milton

l The Michael R Peters Bedford & District Sunday League is ready to accept applications from any new clubs wish wish to join them for the 2012/13 season.

For more details, please contact General Secretary Russ Maddox on 01234 404886 or email russmar@ntlworld.com

A ROMANTIC comedy exploring love and sexual politics will be coming to a stage near you.

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Taming of the Shrew, opened earlier this month to rave reviews.

The story, directed by Lucy Bailey, is transported to 1940s Italy and stars Lisa Dillon and David Caves as the sparring lovers, Katharina and Petruchio.

Lucy said: “Although written over 400 years ago, The Taming of the Shrew is a surprisingly modern piece. Shakespeare explodes the orthodox view of marriage as primarily a business transaction that ensures financial security and legitimate descendents.

“Instead he champions marriage as a meeting of souls and an instinctive love bond with one’s true mate.

“What is hilarious and at times disturbing in The Shrew is that these intimate negotiations often take place in painfully public arenas and become a kind of voyeuristic spectator sport for the curious and the idle.

“The beauty of the play is that Kate and Petruchio finally come to a private understanding that is profound and indestructible.”

Actress, Lisa Dillon, is known to millions as Mary Smith in the BBC drama, Cranford. Her stage credits include Desdemona in Othello, The Cherry Orchard and As You Like It.

David Caves has acted in The Beggar’s Opera, Macbeth and Stones in his Pockets.

You can see the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of the Bard’s The Taming of the Shrew at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Performances will be from Tuesday, March 6 to Saturday, March 10 at 7.30pm each evening. On the Wednesday and Saturday there will be an additional matinee show at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £12 to £30 plus a booking fee. Call the box office on 08448 717652 or book online at www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes

EIGHT “luxury camping pods” are being planned at Whipsnade Zoo as charity chiefs aim to make it a year-round attraction.

The Lookout Lodge pods are set to open up a new market for the 80 year-old hilltop attraction.

“Everything we do has mission overlay,” said Zoological Society of London (ZSL) director David Field. He explained that the zoo wants to give visitors experiences that turn them into champions of Whipsnade and to reconnect people with nature.

Mr Field became a champion of nature at a very young age and wants other people to have experiences that do the same for them.

ZSL aims to put 10 per cent of its turnover into conservation efforts around the world. In a good year that can add up to £10million.

Also on the cards this year are a sophisticated indoor play area and refurbishment of the sealion enclosure as the zoo aims to give visitors more of what they want from a day out in the Chilterns.

Last year, some 500,000 people went through the zoo’s gates, with more than ever during the warmer than average winter months.

“We want to encourage people to visit the zoo throughout the year, not just during bank holidays in August,” said Mr Field. He added that by encouraging people to make repeat visits, its conservation efforts can continue into the long term.

> See our video interview with David Field at www.hemeltoday.co.uk/news/business

A group of bowlers from more than eight different bowls clubs in Bedfordshire recently went on tour to Bournemouth for five days of fun and Indoor Bowls.

On Monday, February 13, a warm welcome was received on arriving for the first match at Loddon Vale Bowls Club on the way to Bournemouth. After a bite to eat and drink the game got under way. 9 mixed rinks enjoyed a good afternoon of bowls, finishing with just one winning rink and one rink drawing.

The final score being a 128 – 177 defeat for the tourist’s.

Top rink of the afternoon being G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone and D Nutting and the highest losing rink was M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley and A Gilbert.

On Tuesday February 14, 6 mixed rinks along with supporters headed into Weymouth to play Moonfleet 2000, on a pleasant sunny afternoon some headed to the beach while the rest headed indoors for the bowls. Again a pleasant afternoon of bowls and good company was enjoyed on the green with some very good bowling.

After the game the players sat down for a drink and chat with the opposition before both captains made their presentations. Valentines Day had brought the Tourist’s their first win with four winning rinks and two losing rinks the final score was 114 – 107.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton and C Buck and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt and B Merrill.

With it being Valentines Day the dress for the evening was red and black, and with many taking part some strange looks came from the other guest’s in the hotel. A bottle of pink champagne was presented by that evenings compare to Sarah and Wayne Humberstone for their fancy dress of the King and Queen of Hearts.

On Wednesday 15th the bowlers enjoyed another sunny morning for a stroll and then a coffee on the Hotel veranda before departing for the short drive to Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club. Nine mixed rinks enjoyed another good afternoon of bowls with good company and although the tourist’s only had one winning rink several others were close.

The final score being a win for Bournemouth 198 – 132.

Top rink of the afternoon was J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani and A Gilbert and the highest losing rink was L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone and D Cousens.

Thursday 16th saw the tourists head off along the road to Dorchester Bowls Club.

Very good company at a lovely bowls club saw some very good bowling and laughter on the green. As everyone gathered in the Clubhouse afterwards for refreshments and conversations the announcement of another defeat was made this time by the slender margin of 103 – 109. The top rink of the afternoon was M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield and B Merrill and the highest losing rink M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh and A Gilbert.

The Bonus ball was also run for the Wednesday lottery and the lucky winner was B Merrill.

Each day a tote was run for the top rink on the day and again this proved very popular with many people picking up winnings each day.

Many thanks to all that supported us on tour again this year and we look forward to seeing you all again for the 2013 Tour.

Results

Bowlers on Tour 128 Loddon Vale Bowls Club 177

M Buck, A Doggett, P Gilbert, D Endersby 10 Loddon Vale 25

J Gatward, G Broomfield, A Nutting, B Merrill 14 Loddon Vale 19

L Broomfield, B Rowlands, B Keech, J Cheesbrough 11 Loddon Vale 22

T Butt, R Shaw, J Lusignani, C Buck 13 Loddon Vale 20

M Acland, W Cheesbrough, R Oldfield, W Humberstone 18 Loddon Vale 18

V Shaw, J Humberstone, D Sherriffs, D Cousens 18 Loddon Vale 25

G Cousens, J Bigley, B Humberstone, D Nutting 29 Loddon Vale 11

M Harper, C Rowlands, I Bigley, A Gilbert 15 Loddon Vale 37

Bowlers on Tour 114 Moonfleet 2000 Bowls Club 107

L Broomfield, B Keech, I Bigley, D Nutting 17 Moonfleet 16

V Shaw, G Broomfield, W Cheesbrough, P Gilbert 17 Moonfleet 15

M Buck, J Bigley, J Cheesbrough, A Nutting 15 Moonfleet 24

L Walsh, A Doggett, T Butt, B Merrill 15 Moonfleet 26

J Gatward, A Walsh, P Denton, C Buck 27 Moonfleet 11

M Denton, R Shaw, R Oldfield, A Gilbert 23 Moonfleet 15

Bowlers on Tour 132 Bournemouth Bowls Club 197

M Acland, G Broomfield, I Bigley, D Endersby 16 Bournemouth 18

V Shaw, A Doggett, J Cheesbrough, P Denton 17 Bournemouth 18

M Harper, J Bigley, D Sherriffs, W Humberstone 11 Bournemouth 20

L Walsh, B Rowlands, B Humberstone, D Cousens 8 Bournemouth 36

L Broomfield, R Shaw, A Nutting, P Gilbert 16 Bournemouth 17

M Buck, M Denton, W Cheesbrough, D Nutting 17 Bournemouth 20

J Gatward, B Keech, J Lusignani, A Gilbert 20 Bournemouth 19

G Cousens, C Rowlands, R Oldfield, C Buck 17 Bournemouth 20

J Sherriffs, J Humberstone, A Walsh, B Merrill 10 Bournemouth 29

Bowlers on Tour 103 Dorchester Bowls Club 109

T Butt, A Doggett, I Bigley, W Humberstone 23 Dorchester 9

M Acland, J Bigley, R Oldfield, B Merrill 31 Bournemouth 8

M Denton, B Keech, D Sherriffs, C Buck 13 Dorchester 22

M Buck, B Rowlands, A Walsh, A Gilbert 11 Dorchester 28

L Walsh, J Humberstone, J Lusignani, P Gilbert 10 Dorchester 25

J Sherriffs, C Rowlands, B Humberstone, P Denton 15 Dorchester 17

The British Cycling BMX 2012 National Series continued with round 2 last weekend at the new indoor track at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester.

This is the only permanent indoor national standard track in Europe and the event attracted almost 900 riders to make it the largest British Cycling National series event on record.

The 2012 National Series started early this year to allow riders to qualify for the World Championships which are being held in the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham in May.

The World Championships are normally held in July but this year the Olympics take precedence and BMX racing will account for 4 of the medals available in the cycling discipline.

National races cover all ages and the Royston Rockets had 8 riders registered over the weekend and Joshua Abbott in the 7 year class got the Rockets of to a flying start when he qualified for the B final where he finished in 8th whilst in the 11 year class James King and teammate Ted Dalleywater both make the A final for the second round running and achieved the same positions as the first round with James taking 5th just ahead of Ted on 7th in one of the larger classes of the weekend.

In the 12 year class, Daniel Blanche had a tough weekend which ended at the quarter final stage where he was blocked in and could only manage 5th place but in the 13 yr class the good results kept coming with Ethan Vernon taking 1st place in his A final even though he has moved up an age category.

Maintaining the Rockets’ run of good results the 14yr class saw Aaron Dalleywater making the A final but a slip at the start left him in 8th place over the line and in the ladies 17-29 Cruiser class 4th place went to Helen Biggs who also tried her hand in the Female Championship category where she just failed to qualify for the semi finals.

The next event on the BMX race calendar is the East Anglia Winter Series at Milton Keynes on March 11th although the round due to be run by the Norwich club on February 12 had to be cancelled due to the snow and is still to be rescheduled.

The national series continues with the last of the indoor events in Manchester on March 24/25 after which the series moves outdoors with visits to Birmingham, Braintree, Derby and Peterborough and the World Championships in Birmingham over the week of May 21 to 27.

Royston’s own club winter coaching sessions continues on a monthly basis with the gates opening at 10.00am. See more about the club activities and BMX racing in the region at www.roystonrockets.co.uk and the BMX East Regional site on www.bmxeast.com or ring 01763 260959 for more information on BMX racing.

Described as “24 for grown-ups”, Homeland has already won a Golden Globe and critical acclaim. As the show begins in Britain on Channel 4, its main star Damian Lewis talks to Shereen Low about portraying a US marine sergeant suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and why he really wants to play Don Draper from Mad Men.

Damian Lewis has been up since 7am, but is on remarkably fine form – and has an admission to make.

“You need to know I’m in my pyjamas, clasping a coffee,” he reveals, chuckling down the phone from America, where the working day’s just starting.

The London native, best known for being in The Forsyte Saga, Band Of Brothers and Life, has made North Carolina his temporary home for the past five months to film new US TV series Homeland.

In doing so Lewis has made the ultimate sacrifice – being apart from his family, actress wife Helen McCrory and their two children, five-year-old daughter Manon and son Gulliver, four.

“North Carolina is a beautiful place and I like it here a lot. But I miss my family when they’re not here with me, although they were with me all summer,” he admits in his clipped Old Etonian accent.

“I also miss London because I love London – it is the greatest city in the world. I miss the culture, the vibrancy and bombing around on my bicycle from one place to the next.”

Homeland, the Golden Globe-winning psychological thriller, which also stars Claire Danes and fellow Brit David Harewood MBE, was created by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa – the brains behind 24.

“The parallel with 24 is inevitable, but this is far more of a psychological, political drama. It’s something we don’t see often – plus you need a black man and a redhead on a show!” he quips.

Lewis, pictured, plays US Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody, who has been held as a prisoner of war for eight years by Al Qaeda and presumed dead.

He is celebrated as a war hero on his return, but mentally unstable CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Danes) suspects he has been ‘turned’ into a sleeper agent and is now a threat to Homeland security.

“Ambiguity is a complex thing to play. You have to be lightning quick and nimble, there’s a mental and imaginative agility in the performance which is really fun,” says Lewis, 41.

“Inserting a bipolar disorder into the heart of a paranoid thriller is a brave move, as it conveniently allows us to judge Carrie. Is this man a danger to the United States or is she over-reacting? It’s intense. You’re going to love it!”

The series, which has been renewed for a second season, already has famous fans, with US President Barack Obama and his cohorts reported to have called in four DVD box sets.

“It’s exciting when you’ve entered the cultural zeitgeist in such a way,” says Lewis, who last worked in the US on the short-lived NBC cop drama Life.

“The Clintons are now watching it, and it’s gone right through to the top levels of the American administration. They’re all asking for box sets so they can see what their bosses are watching.”

But it could all have turned out differently as Lewis admits: “I very nearly said no to Homeland.

“My experience on Life, which I loved, was at quite a lot of personal cost, from a family point of view. That sounds a bit melodramatic - we’re all still together - but it was long hours working, with Helen sitting in the house with the kids.

“I wasn’t prepared for quite the workshop hours you work on some American TV shows, so I said to my agent I would do this only if it’s extraordinary and is on cable TV.”

The actor particularly enjoys his scenes with Romeo And Juliet actress Danes. “Danesy is whip-smart, extremely committed and focused. She plays that interactive Scrabble game, Words With Friends, endlessly.

“She has about five or six games going on with different people, and got half the crew doing it as well. It’s her way of relaxing.”

Like the audience, Lewis is kept in the dark about his character’s plotlines. “The fundamentals of my character were discussed but the details weren’t fleshed out,” he says.

“It’s fun getting surprises with the episode each week, like reading a novel. It keeps it fresh and interesting.”

The British actor - who attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company - did what little research he could.

“I spoke to soldiers, read a lot of literature, looked at documentary footage and tried to understand what it is like to be held as a prisoner of war.

To be authentic in its portrayal of Afghanistan prisons, Lewis had to endure routine torture scenes in which he was stripped of his clothes and subjected to gruelling punishment.

The scenes don’t affect him though, and he jokes: “It leaves me needing a beer! I don’t take my work home with me. I’m not that kind of method actor.

Lewis seems content with his lot, but there’s one person he’d gladly switch places with - Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame.

“I wish I had got the Don Draper role. I’ve got a little bit of a man crush on him!” he laughs.

]]> 1.3546104 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:04:20 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/feeling_blue_at_transport_talk_1_3544839

DISCOVER how to get from A to B the stylish way.

Barrie Woods will be speaking about blue diesels at the next meeting of Sandy Transport Society.

Anyone with an interest in transport should go to Quince Court, off Engayne Avenue on Wednesday (February 29) for a 7.30pm start.

Entry for visitors costs £2. Refreshments will be available.

SO, our whole economic system is suffering from a massive hangover but it’s binge drinking that’s going to get sorted out.

You may wonder whether that nice Mr Cameron has got his priorities right – but there’s no denying that, if he can make some headway, he’ll have made as big a contribution to public health as his unlamented Labour predecessors did by introducing the smoking ban.

There’s a strategy on the way, of course, but for starters the PM has called for bars and supermarkets to help tackle a problem that costs the NHS £2.7bn a year.

But it shouldn’t be about money, and we shouldn’t even be thinking about a ban.

And the PM ought to be looking to recruit far beyond the pint-pullers and grog floggers to help achieve this admirable end.

It’s one of those issues – like seat belts and the smoking ban, which have been great successes, and the ban on using your mobile at the wheel, which is still a boil to be lanced – where the vast majority of us are just waiting for someone to take a sensible lead.

And the way to do it is to make life more difficult for the drinker – and when I say drinker, I don’t just mean the lager-fuelled lout or the alcopop addled teenager – I mean all of us.

I’m fed up of all sorts of expensive measures being put in place to pick up the pieces of other people’s lack of self-control. The aim has got to be to stop people regarding the act of getting completely hammered as an option for a night out, or even a night in.

So here are a few ideas to throw into the mix, for the PM to consider over a relaxing glass of wine one evening.

Number 1, ban all alcopops. Strong drink isn’t supposed to taste like lemonade.

Number 2, restrict the sale of all spirits to people over the age of 25. If I had my way I’d also make it illegal to use mixers to soften the taste of hard liquor, for the same reasons that alcopops have to go, but I do enjoy the occasional gin and tonic so that one will have to stay on the drawing board.

Number 3, by all means introduce a higher unit price for alcohol but don’t penalise those who enjoy a bracer but know when to stop – jack up the pub prices only after the first two drinks, introduce maximum purchase rules in supermarkets and the like just like they have for painkillers these days, and halt the sale of alcohol in containers larger than one litre, especially if we’re talking about super strength cider.

Number 4, forget street pastors and people being paid by the public purse to get drunk and incapable kids home safely. Employ them instead to wander town centres at closing time, corner people who have had a skinful, and paint their faces purple.

The paint should not be permanent, of course, but it should be pretty much immovable for a week or so as evidence of a bender that would last a lot longer, and be a lot more visible, to the world at large than a hangover.

Then it would be for the rest of us to bring peer pressure to bear, and sneer and snigger at the victims for long after whatever memory they had of a good night out had faded. Purple paint would make them pariahs, and we’d soon change their habits.

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD girl who was in collision with a reversing car was not seriously injured.

The girl was airlifted to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge following the road traffic collision in Coppice Mead, Biggleswade yesterday morning (Monday, February 20).

Examinations have shown that the girl did not suffer any broken bones, although she remains under close observation at the hospital.

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) was called to the road at around 8.28am after reports that a child had become trapped under a car.

Ambulance crews from Biggleswade, Letchworth and Melbourne attended the scene. Due to the nature of the call, the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) were called upon to attend the incident.

Ambulance service spokesman Gary Sanderson said: “The young girl was very poorly on our arrival and following rapid treatment, stabilisation and immobilisation by land and air ambulance crews, she was flown direct to a specialist trauma centre at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge for further care.”

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police confirmed that a collision investigation is ongoing.

]]> 1.3544195 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:13:22 +0000 http://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/pottery_display_for_shop_window_1_3541562

CUSTOMERS at a gift shop can now enjoy a new display of pottery at the venue.

Serendipity in Biggleswade High Street has the new feature in its window following a donation by the HFT.

The national charity runs support services for people with learning disabilities and runs a residential centre in Shefford.

Centre users from the Shefford branch recently completed a Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) course in pottery when the items were made.

The ceramics are based on a Green Man theme.

Terese Bowen from the WEA said: “The students made these wonderful pieces of pottery and we were looking for somewhere to put them on show. I’m delighted that we can display them at the shop.”

DANCE in your seat to the sounds of a professional jazz, swing and blues band.

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys will perform at Bedford Corn Exchange on Friday, March 16. They are promoting their new album Live at Last.

They will be supported by Mel and Mike from Swingsters who will DJ between sets from 7pm to 11pm.

The main act will start at 8pm and tickets cost £15. Buy yours from The Central Box Office on 01234 269519.

TAKE a leisurely amble close to a working quarry this weekend.

The RSPB’s quarry wander will take you around the RSPB managed land that surrounds the quarry. Join the walking party to discover the hills, slopes and wildlife. The walk is from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, starting at reserve’s shop. Book by calling The Lodge on 01767 680541.

CALDECOTE’S quest for County Cup honours ended in Saturday’s semi-final when they lost 5-2 in extra time to SSML Division One title chasers Ampthill Town.

It all started well enough for the hosts when first half goals from Tom Cookman and Dave Daniels took them into a 2-0 lead.

But strikes from Danny Nicholls and Tyrone Taylor saw the tie all square after 90 minutes before Town’s George Ericson, Lee Coulter and Daniel Hart added to the tally in extra time.

Jubilee Cup

ELSTOW Abbey earned themselves a home Jubilee Cup semi-final against Pavenham after a 2-0 home win against Marabese Ceramics with goals from Dave McCarthy after 59 minutes and Ed L’Erario five minutes.

Premier Division

WITH Caldecote in County Cup action, Shefford Town & Campton took advantage to go top of the Premier Division with a 5-3 win over Arlesey Town Reserves to record their seventh win on the bounce.

However it was not quite so straightforward although it started well enough when Michael Jones put them into a fifth minute lead. But two goals from David Drury and a strike from Wayne Smith saw the Blues 3-1 up until Chris Clark reduced the deficit to a single goal on the stroke of half time.

Then in the opening minute of the new half Clark levelled at 3-3 before a second strike from Jones on 57 minutes and another by Andrew Hayday five minutes later saw the Shefford & Campton take the win.

Third place Bedford Hatters also closed in on Caldecote with a 7-2 home win over Blunham. Simon Pixley and Sam Bedingfield netted twice alongside singles for Scott Alleyne, Mark Reed and Richard Cook against Blunham replies from Matt Hulett and Deep Banghard.

Renhold United took their unbeaten ways up to 10 games with a 5-1 home win over bottom of the table Woburn, despite the Safari Boys taking the lead with a strike from Stuart Skolsky. But goals from United’s Aran Hazelwood (two), Sheldon Washington, Ashley Banks and Alex Woolston saw them run out easy winners.

In a week in which second from bottom Dunton looked to have lost the services of Tom McGhee with a serious ankle injury, they came up with only their second home win of the season by beating Sharnbrook 2-1. Darren Wallinger gave the visitors a first half lead before two goals from Laurence Bosher (including a penalty) won the day for Dunton.

The final top flight game saw Flitwick Town beaten 3-2 at home by Wilshamstead, Paul Jones bagging a hat-trick against home replies from Chris Bull and James Honeyman.

Division One

WITH Lidlington United Sports sitting the afternoon out, Marston Shelton Rovers are now back on the top of Division One thanks to a 2-1 win at Henlow. Jim Burraway and John Wright netted the goals against a home reply from Johnny Rowe.

Up to third are Bedford Sports Athletic who won 5-1 at home againt bottom of the table Meltis Albion. Andrew Latimer bagged a hat-trick while Aaron Edwards and Paul Nigro were also on the scoresheet against an Albion reply from Lupher Prince.

And up into fourth are Ickwell & Old Warden who retained their season’s unbeaten home run with a 4-1 victory over Sandy. It was a defeat that saw the visitors drop from third to fifth. Steve Thomas, Zak Rowe, Anup Kalyan and an Andrew Vallom penalty did the damage against a lone reply from Daniel Stafford.

FC Meppershall are now unbeaten in their last three away trips after winning 3-1 at Westoning thanks to Padraic Walsh (two) and Craig Damon, the home reply from Matt Barnes.

Following six straight away defeats, AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College Reserves returned to form on the road with a 4-2 win at Kings AFC. Kegan Roberts with a brace, plus goals from Joseph Ogunremi and Alex Russell were replied to by Josh Clements (two).

Meanwhile Lea Sports PSG took their unbeaten ways up to six games by sharing the spoils in a 2-2 home draw with Luton Boys. Dion Browne and Alex Awofisan were their marksmen against replies from Nashan Bennett and Steve O’Dell.

Division Two

BIGGEST winner of the day were Pavenham who ran out 13-0 victors over bottom of the table Great Barford. Tom Rodger and Michael Bates both netting four, David Netherway three, then an own goal while a strike from Tom Ellis completied the rout.

Also winning big were Co-op Sports with a 7-3 home victory over M & DH Oakley. Michael Cawdell netting four times alongside single strikes from Conor Sherry, Chris Vardy and Scott Davis against replies from Daniel Guerin (two) and Lee Osmond.

For Potton United Reserves it was their first away win in nine league outings with a 2-0 win at Clifton. Amit Aghera in the 55th minute and Luke Sharples in the 89th netted the goals.

Also winning on the road were Stopsley Park. For them it was a 5-3 victory at Sundon Park Rangers thanks to Simon Richards, Craig Pettit and Dean Abrahams plus two ‘own goals’, the home scorers being Edward Lewis, Sam Chapman and Nicky Buttigieg.

Division Three

IT’S all change at the top of the Division Three with Cranfield United Reserves the new league leaders after a 1-0 home victory over Riseley Sports who suffered their first away defeat of the season. United’s scorer was Simon Wade.

Losing out on the top spot were Renhold Village. Following six straight wins and an unbeaten run of eight games, they were beaten 4-0 by Eastcotts AFC for whom Kaylen Wilson (two), Sean McFarland and Jamie Risebrow netted the goals.

Also losing for the first time in nine home outings, third place Goldington were beaten 7-1 by Sundon Park Rangers Colts. Ashley Wadhams (four), Kevin Hilton (two) and Michael Brunton were on target with the reply from Craig Daniels.

Goldington are now only goal difference clear of fourth place Stevington who notched up a 4-0 victory over now bottom of the table Flitwick Town Reserves. Gavin White, Ben Walsh, Mark Wharton and Aaron Coker were all on the scoresheet.

Moving off the bottom were Dunton Reserves. Following 10 straight defeats they won 3-1 at Royal Oak Kempston who have now failed to win any of their last seven home outings. Dan Cutmore (two) and Scott Fisher were on the scoresheet against a lone reply from Lorenzo Jordan.

Elsewhere Wilshamstead Reserves recorded their sixth home win on the bounce with a 4-2 victory over Potton Town. Sam Steel, Kieron Colclough, Matt Johnson and Harry Baker saw their goals replied to by Chris Cooper and James Pyman.

Following six straight defeats, Westoning Reserves ended the rot by sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Kempston Hammers Sports. Sean O’Donnel and Joseph Rogers netted the goals against Hammers replies from Jimmy Grandidge and Adam Tysoe.

Division Four

IT’S as you were in Division Four following wins for the leading three sides. For leaders Bedford Park Rangers there was a 3-2 home success over Dinamo Flitwick. Shaun Finlay, Martin Danobrega and Josh Geary the Rangers’ goalscorers against replies from Dale Goldie and Chaz-Lee Martin.

Second place Marsh Leys were taking their winning ways up to eight games with a 4-2 victory at Stewartby Village. David Powell with a hat-trick plus an Alex Clipson penalty only being replied to by Villagers’ James Churchman and Lee Collis.

Third place Ickwell & Old Warden Reserves took their unbeaten ways up to six games by winning 4-2 at Sandy Reserves. Jacob Evans (two), Matthew Bruney and Marcus Ingham were on the scoresheet against home replies from Jonnie Stafford and Nathan Morris.

Now fourth and still in the promotion mix are Thurleigh despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by Shefford Town & Campton ‘A’. Mark Ansell-Carter gave Town the lead before Josh Pierre St Clair levelled.

Dunton ‘A’ remain rooted to bottom spot after goals from Chris Wuestner and Chris Ashcroft failed to save them being beaten 4-2 on home soil by second from bottom of the table Goldington Hammers.

Also enjoying life on the road were Clifton Reserves who ran out 3-2 winners at Wootton Village. The home side’s Bradley Head and Thomas Beattie saw them lead 2-0 until strikes from Tony Norman, Sam Nightingale and Mark Gearing won the day for the visitors.

And finally to Kempston Athletic and Caldecote ‘A’ who shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw. Nicholas Ememe, Troy Bossendorfer plus an own goal were on the Ath’s scoresheet against replies from Nicky Albone, Gary Allum and Elliott Brooker.

How they