Leighton Buzzard company FAI Autos says it is honoured to sponsor The Buzzards – an “inspirational” football team for disabled players.

The Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade recently launched the team as part of its Yes We Can disability sports initiative which has also offered opportunities in archery, swimming, bowls and tennis to date.

Rotarian Richard Johnson noticed a lack of sports available in the local area for the disabled community.

As a keen sportsman, Richard and colleagues Nick Inwards and Peter Banwell decided to create a football team to include all disabilities.

The Buzzards are a part of the MK Dons Sports Education Trust, so they get great opportunities such as training with MK Dons coaches, attending matches and playing in the ‘Bobi’ league with other MK Dons SET teams.

Richard said: “Rotary are delighted to have secured such a prestigious company as FAI to be our partner in providing football within the Yes We Can disability sports initiative.

“In FAI & MK Dons SET we have two highly professional organisations with vast experience in delivering excellence, which will ensure the best opportunities for those with a disability in our very own Buzzards football programme.”

Grovebury Road-based FAI were invited to attend a MK Dons match to launch the sponsorship. At half-time senior members of FAI headed down to the pitch to present The Buzzards with a cheque amount of £10,500 for a three-year sponsorship. The sponsorship will go towards the team’s new kit and general running of the club.

FAI’s finance director, Peter Guinn said: “It is both an honour and a pleasure to sponsor such a well deserving team. They are an inspiration to us all. The Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade achieve fantastic things within our local community, and by partnering up with MK Dons they are making a real difference to young people and adults that would otherwise never have been possible.”

At the end of the match, FAI attendees headed down to the ballroom of the stadium for a chance to meet the Buzzards and have photos taken.

Junior finance director for FAI, Jennifer Elliott–Rowe said: “It’s such a great day and what a way to celebrate the sponsorship. Meeting the team has been a real highlight for me, they are a credit to all involved in the initiative.”

‘Trap’ vehicles are being placed in the Leighton Buzzard area as the police try a new tactic to combat thefts from motor vehicles.

The Leighton Buzzard Community Policing team has launched the operation as a direct response to local concerns regarding recent thefts, from vans in particular.

They describe Operation Kane as a complex operation, which involves placing ‘trap’ vehicles in affected communities. The vehicles, and the items placed inside them, are fitted with a tracker and are fully traceable.

Therefore offenders who attempt to steal the vehicle or the tools inside it can be quickly identified and apprehended.

They say the operation has been carefully planned between a number of the force’s departments and the local community team.

PC James Bonney, community policing officer who initiated this operation, said: “We are placing trap vehicles in neighbourhoods within Leighton Buzzard and surrounding rural areas to tackle this crime which can have a crippling effect on victims, costing them thousands and impacting their ability to do their job.

“We want to send a clear message to the perpetrators. If you are planning to commit a crime and steal a vehicle or anything in it – think twice.

“Your next target may be one of our traps and police officers are just around the corner.

“Local residents can also help us by removing tools, equipment and other valuables from their vehicles overnight.”

More information on how to property mark your tools and advice around protecting your vehicle can be found on the Beds Police website https://www.bedfordshire.police.uk/.

The Co-op food stores in Leighton Buzzard have joined forces with Salvation Army in a bid to help keep the homeless warm this winter.

The appeal is calling for donations of coats, gloves, hats and scarves which can be dropped off at any Co-op food store up until Saturday, December 22.

There are stores on Clarence Road, Stanbridge Road and Waterdell, the donated items will then be collected by the Co-op’s Logistic team and distributed to charities that help the homeless.

Shaun Doran, National Contracts Manager, Co-op Logistics, said: “The weather presents many challenges for the homeless, whatever the season, but especially during these colder, winter, months. Those sleeping rough – for whatever reason – face many challenges and need access to vital support and services.

“Connecting communities and bringing people together is at the heart of the Co-op, and a donation can help to make a difference to those in our community who are desperately in need of support through both practical help and, guidance towards accessing the right support and services.

“We are really grateful for the generous support – it is amazing what we can achieve when we work together and, every donation, no matter how small, will add up to make a big difference.

“Helping to let vulnerable people know that they are not alone, and that someone is thinking of them, this Christmastime.”

The Secretary of State for Transport has officially opened London Luton Airport’s newly-upgraded terminal.

Rt Hon Chris Grayling marked the completion of LLA’s three-year transformation project on Thursday. The £160m redevelopment focused on making passengers’ journeys easier and quicker, with improvements being made in the terminal and to the ways in which people get to and from the airport.

The transformation will increase its annual capacity by 50% to 18 million passengers by 2020.

Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Secretary of State for Transport, said: “London Luton’s investment firmly puts passengers at the heart of development and will improve the experience of those using the airport for business or holidays. Supporting thriving airports like London Luton will form a part of the Government’s Aviation 2050 consultation, ensuring the benefits of transformation are felt across the local area.”

Since work began passenger numbers have increased by 25%, making it London’s fastest growing airport, with more than 16.5 million passengers expected to fly in 2018.

Nick Barton, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: “2018 has been a milestone year for LLA. We celebrated our 80th anniversary in the summer and now we have completed our three-year transformation which brings a host of benefits to passengers. We are the fastest-growing major London airport and are now in a position to play an increasingly important role in the UK’s aviation network.”

There are 30 new stores at the airport, over 1,000 more seats, a new boarding pier with eight extra boarding gates, an expanded security search area and a new dual carriageway, bus interchange and multi-storey car park.

Gavin Shuker, MP for Luton South, said: “Today is a very exciting day not just for the airport but also for Luton. The significant improvements not only bring benefits for the passenger but also for the local economy. I’m grateful to all those who’ve worked on this major redevelopment and look forward to the remaining pieces of the jigsaw, like the DART, helping London Luton Airport grow from strength to strength.”

The leader of Luton Council, cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, said: “The operator’s successful transformation programme is another pivotal moment in London Luton Airport’s development. Together with our own investment in the £225m Luton DART, a world-class passenger experience is being created and setting the bar for how our own airport company wants to take the airport’s growth forward in a responsible way and ensure that everyone can benefit from the economic and social opportunities this will create.”

Johan Lundgren, CEO, easyJet, said: “As the largest airline operating to and from London Luton Airport, we are excited that the airport’s transformation will benefit the seven million easyJet customers who use the airport every year. This transformation project was a key factor in our commitment to long term growth at the airport, so it’s great to see its completion.”

Justin Richardson, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The culmination of LLA’s redevelopment marks a significant moment for the local community, which is set to benefit from the creation of 10,000 new jobs. The redevelopment will also increase the airport’s economic contribution to the local economy to £1.4 billion by 2030, allowing local residents to share in the benefits of a fast-growing and successful international airport.”

South West Beds MP Andrew Selous visited Leighton Buzzard Sorting Office to see first-hand the operation of delivering Christmas post and to pass on early season’s greetings to its dedicated, hardworking staff.

Mr Selous was shown around the office by Delivery Office Manager, Nazam Ali and was introduced to the postmen and women, who will be pulling out all the stops to sort and deliver mail in his constituency in the forthcoming busy Christmas period.

The festive season is Royal Mail’s busiest period, as millions of people shop online for gifts as well as sending Christmas cards and parcels.

The MP said: “At no other time is the hard work and dedication of postmen and women clearer than during the festive period. There is a huge amount of effort and dedication that goes into delivering a first class Christmas all over the country.

“It was great to meet the team here at Leighton Buzzard and thank them for the extraordinary lengths they will go to ensure Christmas parcels and cards are delivered to loved ones on time, as well as thanking them for delivering our mail services all through the year, in all weathers.”

Mr Ali said: “Our postmen and women will be working extremely hard to deliver Christmas parcels, cards, letters and parcels to people in South West Bedfordshire. We are grateful that Andrew Selous visited the office to see our operation and to support the team.

“We’d like to remind our customers to post early this Christmas and to ensure all their mail is posted by the recommended dates, so that friends and family can enjoy their Christmas greetings and parcels .

“If everyone uses the postcode on every item of mail, this also helps us greatly in the job that we do at this very busy time.”

Customers do not need to travel to a Royal Mail Delivery office to pick up parcels if they can’t or do not want to. They can arrange a redelivery free of charge on a day that is convenient for them (including Saturdays), or Royal Mail can deliver the item to a different address within the same postcode area. This service can be arranged by calling the number on the “Something for You” card that is left or by visiting the website at www.royalmail.com/redelivery.

Royal Mail can also now leave many mail items with a neighbour if customers are not at home when we attempt delivery. Customers can nominate a dedicated neighbour to take in their parcels by filling in a form at their delivery office.

The last recommended posting dates for Christmas are:

Second Class – Tuesday 18 December 2018

First Class – Thursday 20 December 2018

Special Delivery – Saturday 22 December 2018

Customers can also help Royal Mail ensure that all their letters, cards and parcels are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible by taking a few easy steps:

> Post early – Avoid disappointment by posting your cards and parcels early.

> Use the postcode – A clearly addressed card or parcel, with a postcode, and return address on the back of the envelope, will ensure quick and efficient delivery.

> Use Special Delivery – For valuable and important packages and parcels guarantee delivery with Royal Mail’s Special Delivery, which means your gift is tracked, traced and insured against loss.

> Wrap parcels well and always give a return address.

For more information about Royal Mail’s last recommended posting dates, visit: https://www.royalmail.com/greetings or call 03457 740 740.

Plans to develop part of Leighton Buzzard’s South Side area with 20 flats were unveiled to Leighton-Linslade Town Council’s planning committee last week.

On Wednesday, December 12, developer Mayfair 500 conducted a display of plans for 20 one and two-bedroom flats behind the Post Office site in Church Square.

A formal planning application has not yet been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council and the town council has not yet been called to give its view.

Committee chairman Cllr Amanda Dodwell said: “The town council planning committee received a presentation in advance of them putting in a formal application for the site behind the Post Office.

“Unfortunately, as a member of the committee, I am not able to comment until the formal application is presented to committee.

“We have to approach the application with an open mind and if we have expressed views prior to this then we are unable to vote on the matter.”

Historic pub The Golden Bell has announced it plans to object to Mayfair 500 proposals and community group LB First is also opposed to the development.

> Last week’s committee also discussed plans for an extension to the Aldi superstore in Vimy Road.

Cllr Dodwell said: “The planning committee were delighted to see the proposed expansion of the store.

“We were hopeful that the expansion would increase the range of goods on offer and secure jobs at the store.

“Some concern was expressed about parking capacity but the feeling was that this was outweighed by its proximity to the town centre and other car parks.”

Christmas spirit is in short supply after some of Leighton Buzzard’s new festive decorations had to be taken down due to Central Beds Council’s “ill-timed” lamppost maintenance programme.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council was told on Thursday that Central Beds Council was starting testing on the street lights in the town centre.

Within hours several of the columns in West Street were deemed defective meaning they had to be removed – complete with the decorations adorning them.

That has left the town council, who recently entered a three-year £30,000 deal to provide the town with a new set of illuminations, furious over that their sparkling new display had been “comprimised. They fear more lampposts may end up being removed in the coming days.

They have also questioned why the six-year cycle for checking the lampposts needed to coincide with Christmas, and believe for safety reasons the tests would be better carried out in the summer when the nights are shorter.

Speaking to the LBO on Friday, a council spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed to have been notified yesterday morning that Central Bedfordshire Council was in the process of carrying out structural and electrical tests to its lamp columns within the town.

“The testing programme which is carried out on a six-year cycle has so far found three lamp columns in West Street and one in Millbank unsound.

“Consequently, the lamp columns are in the process of being removed together with the Christmas decorations and banners which adorn them.

“We fear that as part of this on-going survey, more light columns may well be found defective thereby further compromising the Christmas lights display.”

He added: “As the town council, we are saddened that we were never informed that the survey was to take place and if we were, we could have made clear that December was not a good time for the parish for this work to take place.

“Moreover, we find it peculiar that street lights are removed at a time when they are most needed from a highway safety perspective.

“Finally, for the town, it is deeply frustrating and disappointing that the Christmas lights display that we have spent so much time, effort and money on their design have been so badly compromised to the detriment of our residents and visitors.

“The new display which has been largely well received is important to the town as it encourages people to visit the town centre thereby increasing their dwell time and spend within the town.

The new display has moved away from multi colours to soft white and gold. At the end of the contract the council says it may decide to carry on the same theme and add more to the existing lights or change it entirely as fashion changes and new products emerge.

Chairman of LB First Gennaro Borrelli was equally miffed about Central Beds Council’s poor timing that had impacted on town’s festive display. He said: “I agree with the council. It’s poor planning, no consideration and a lack of respect for the town council. They are treating the town council with contempt. They are arrogant and do what they like, when they like. It’s no different to Hockliffe Road being closed for resurfacing at this time of year. I’ve not seen any work going on. It’s the major arterial route into town.”

A spokesman for Central Beds Council said: “As part of our programme of safety inspections, we found structural issues on four old lampposts which were removed to protect public safety.

“We have tested over 4,000 lampposts this year across the region. Checks are still in progress in the Leighton-Linslade area, which are due to be finished by mid-January.”

The spokesman confirmed lampposts are tested on a six-year cycle and that, so far, four had needed removing in the town.

She added: “We cannot give a specific time when these will be replaced.

“The lampposts used in Leighton-Linslade are not standard items. We are getting new bespoke lampposts designed that should match the old lampposts in the town.”

> What’s your view? Email news@lbobserver.co.uk

Thieves made off with thousands of pounds’ worth of equipment in a late night sweep on three businesses in Leighton Buzzard last week.

The thefts were carried out on the night of Wednesday, December 12 at three businesses on the No. 7 Grovebury Road factory site.

Batteries were stolen from 15 vehicles – eight from MM Fork Truck Services, three from QA and a further four from Get It Shifted removals.

CCTV shows four young men breaking open lorry doors at around 9.30pm. They are believed to have accessed the site via the neighbouring Grovebury Road Retail Park, with fencing removed.

Mario Marrone, of MM Fork Truck Services, said: “I came in early and where the retail park fence is, I noticed one of the panels of fencing had been cut away.

“The was a pallet truck in the middle, which they must have used to move the equipment.

“I drove around the back, where I could see the lorries had been vandalised.”

It’s not the first time MM Fork Trucks Services has been targeted by thieves and Mr Marrone said he was disappointed by police inaction.

He said: “An officer was supposed to come on Thursday but then we got a message that they couldn’t find us.

“No-one phoned to ask for directions!”

A Beds Police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a break-in at a number of industrial premises in Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard at around 6.50am on Wednesday, December 12.

“Officers went to the area that morning to carry out further enquiries but were unable to make contact with the owner at the time.

“As soon as contact was made the following day (Thursday) officers attended the site and our enquiries are ongoing.”

> Anyone with any information can contact police through the online reporting centre or 101, quoting reference 51 of December 12.

Young carers in Bedfordshire will receive an extra gift this year after an appeal by a woman from Kensworth sparked a flood of donations.

Diane Adams, from the East London Foundation Trust’s Bedfordshire Wellbeing Service in Leighton Buzzard, decided to ask her colleagues to donate a present to children from the age of six to 17 who are carers for their disabled parents, instead of doing secret Santa at work.

Diane went on to ask her family and friends to donate presents to the cause and she has been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response. She said: “I want to thank everyone who has donated, we have had a lot of donations from the Luton, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard colleagues and their families and friends. I thought we might get maybe 20 presents but we have around 85, which is amazing. I did not expect this response from people when I suggested it, I have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

“We had so many donations from local businesses, in particular, I would like to thank Luton Town Football Club, Wilko, Halfords, Aldi, TK Max, Studio J, Papa Johns, Market Cross, Chez Jerome in Dunstable, both local shops in Kensworth, and Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Halfords in Leighton Buzzard. I am really glad I suggested it and I will definitely do it again next year.”

Diane also organised a raffle to raise money for presents.

Carers in Bedfordshire support unpaid family carers in the county.

Around fifty ‘dashers’ took part in the Dagnall Santa Dash to help raise over £800 for new playground equipment.

The two-mile course around Dagnall took place on Sunday, December 9, and included participants aged from just a few months old to 72-years-old, with many dressed in Santa jumpers and hats.

Edlesborough Runners organised the event and the money raised will go towards helping the Dagnall Village Hall Committee buy new equipment for the recreation ground.

Trisha Owens, Santa Dash organiser and chairperson of the committee, said: “Over £800 was raised for charity - this year the cause being new playground equipment on Dagnall Recreation ground.

“Sadly the old, and somewhat decaying, previous equipment had to be removed after failing its safety test.

“The village are hoping to start installing new equipment in the spring. They have raised over £13,000 already but still have a long way to go!

“The event was superbly marshaled by volunteers, with refreshments donated by the Red Lion pub, dished up by volunteers from the Dagnall Under Fives team. Once again, MW Agri sponsored the now annual event.

“A raffle was held with donations from villagers and local businesses.

“Berkhamsted Sports, Marbled Meats of Northall, the Swan in Northall and the Red Lion pub in Dagnall and Gina Flitton all donated prizes.”

To make a donation visit: www.mydonate.bt.com/events/dvhplay or contact the organiser trisho41@gmail.com for more information.

Highways England has proposed to make changes to make the A5 safer through Hockliffe.

Highways England carried out a safety review of the road through the village after residents called for them to make it safer after there was a fourth fatality in six months on that stretch of road. At a meeting on Monday, December 10, they presented their proposals to Hockliffe Parish Council.

During the meeting Highways England discussed reducing the speed limit within the village gateways from 40mph to 30mph and extending the current 40mph limit to the north of the village, subject to a statutory consultation period.

They also discussed adding and improving signage on the road and adding Keep Clear markings to the entrance to White Horse Close, The BT exchange road, The Blackbirds and Birches Close.

A spokesman for Highways England said: “Following our comprehensive safety review, we will now be progressing its recommendations to detailed design.

“This will include a proposed reduction of the speed limit on the A5 through the village, improved signage and road markings, including warning signs on the approach to the village, keep clear road markings at key junctions, and further vegetation clearance where it is obscuring road signs.

“We expect the design stage to be completed by April 2019 and those measures will then be programmed for implementation in Summer 2019.”

Cllr Rachel Capstick, from Hockliffe Parish Council, said: “It was a positive meeting and things are progressing with regards to making the road safer. Hopefully it all gets the go ahead after consultation. It is positive news.”

Residents are calling for traffic calming measures on a Leighton Buzzard street before someone is killed in an accident.

They want speed humps along a section of Clarence Road, which is a popular route for pedestrians including schoolchildren.

A petition from people living in the lower part of the road has been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council’s traffic management team. Clarence Road is a predominantly residential 20mph street linking Vandyke Road to Heath Road, said a report to councillors.

“There are currently three mini-roundabouts along Clarence Road and a raised zebra crossing next to the retail area,” it added.

“The highways officer proposal is to commission traffic surveys for Clarence Road and investigate the feasibility of implementing traffic calming measures. There is currently insufficient speed data available for this road.”

Although the speed limit has been reduced to 20mph it has done nothing to slow down vehicle speeds, according to a resident’s letter backing the petition.

The letter describes Clarence Road as a small residential road with vehicles parked on both sides.

There is one speed hump outside the shops in the upper part of the road, as well as two in an adjoining road.

“The residents of the lower part of Clarence Road are concerned a fatality could happen,” said the letter.

“We desperately need some traffic calming measures put in place very soon before a fatality does occur.”

A new housing estate built off Churchill Road has increased the volume of traffic using Clarence Road.

Team leader traffic management Paul Salmon said the available evidence suggested speeds were averaging just over 20mph in the area.

But Conservative Leighton Buzzard North councillor Brian Spurr said: “I agree, the average speed is 20mph, but it’s not the average speed we want to reduce in the area.

“It’s the fast boys who go down there at some excessive speeds. People are coming down that road at 30mph, which is ten miles above the average, and quite often it’s nearer to 40mph.

“I would ask you to look again at the excessive speed of some of the cars going down there, and the mileage.

“It’s a 20mph zone, or should be, as it is in most parts of Leighton Buzzard.”

Councillor Spurr presented the petition to the traffic management team on behalf of two residents, who were unable to attend Tuesday’s (Dec 18) meeting.

Conservative councillor Ian Dalgarno, who chairs the team meeting, said: “We don’t have specific data on this road. While we have the average figure, I am mindful there are higher speeds that are being travelled down that road. We will commission a traffic speed survey in Clarence Road and investigate the implementation of speeding measures down there, which are to include a revision of the speed limit.

“Once we’ve done that and seen the extent of the issues, we’ll bring a report back to this traffic management meeting.”

History is coming to life for Leighton-Linslade pupils, as they can travel back in time to meet Roman gods, Egyptian mummies, Tudor sea monsters, and more...

Katey Aylward, 48, of Heath and Reach, and Jen Wright, 49, of Linslade, have started their new business Wow Days, which offers one-day historical themed lessons to schools, involving, art, dance, quizzes and plenty of fun.

Classes can be transported back to one of four different periods, choosing from the Egyptians, Romans, Tudors, and World War Two, promising a creative day they will never forget.

Teachers and business directors, Katey and Jen, said: “The premise is that we go into schools as part of the enrichment of the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

“We used to work at Greenleas and would get companies in offering experiences for the children, so we were trawling the web and bringing people down from say, Norfolk, and paying for their B&Bs!

“There was nothing local.

“We came up with the idea about two years ago and have been working on it ever since; we recently showcased our Tudor Wow Day at Dovery Down and they absolutely loved it!”

Each day will begin with a ‘Stunning Start’, involving an orienteering exercise - a hands on fact-finding activity.

The staff will then have selected two out of four topics; for Tudors they could choose between: Herbs and Medicines, Calligraphy Illuminated Lettering, Tudor Sea Monsters and Tudor Entertainment. Finally, there will be a ‘Fabulous Finish’ - a Tudor dance and banquet!

Katey and Jen said: “When we were teaching full time, at the end of the year we would ask the children to remember their favourite moments and they would always recall the days we had people in - ‘do you remember when we did the scarab beetles?’

“It’s about starting them on that journey of learning and letting them live the experience, so they really absorb it; if you are actually doing something hands on you are immersed in it. That’s what teaching is about. It’s not about data and statistics, it’s about starting a lifelong journey of learning and passion.”

The duo hope to run history holiday clubs next.

www.wowdays.co.uk

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service “needs to make improvements” in the year ahead, according to its watchdog.

In its recent inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Consabulary and Fire and rescue Service (HMICFRS), the local fire service was rated ‘Requires improvement’ in two of its three key areas, ‘Efficiency’ and ‘People’.

It was rated ‘Good’ in one key areas, ‘Effectiveness’.

The report stated that the force was good at understanding fire risks and priorities, and that this was reflected in station plans.

It went on: “The service uses social media more and more often to communicate with local people. But it should engage better with local minority communities.

“The service has taken limited steps to bring about efficient working practices. Its plans are largely based on what it did previously.”

Inefficient working practices at stations included:

• duplication;

• too much bureaucracy;

• reliance on paper-based systems.

The report added: “Turnover of on-call staff is high. A project started in 2015 has yet to improve this.

“The service should make its workforce more representative of the communities it serves. Some staff do not understand the value of this, or the case for taking positive action to increase diversity.”

Speaking in response to the inspection, Bedfordshire Chief Fire Officer Paul Fuller CBE said; “I am delighted that the HMICFRS recognise we are good at effectively delivering services to local communities. I also welcome the areas for improvement identified within the report, which is an important part of gaining learning from the process.

“These will be acted on to drive and direct our process of continuous improvement across the organisation. I believe that this report demonstrates areas of strength that our staff should be rightly proud of.

“Over the coming months the Service will work, with support from its partners to address the areas of improvement identified within the report. I would like to thank all staff and partners who participated in the inspection process for their support and hard work, now and going forward.”

A Leighton Buzzard daughter is appealing for help to solve a mystery about her father’s George V police medal, which was lost in a field in Stewkley.

Maureen Stanton, 76, received the surprise of her lifetime when she was informed in 2015 that her father, Arthur Foulkes (1898-1972) had received the king’s medal for ‘Faithful Service in the Special Constabulary’.

The family knew their father had been a policeman in Stewkley, but didn’t know that he’d been ‘a special’ – or that he’d received a medal!

Arthur would have received his award in the 1920s or 30s but the family knew nothing about it because Arthur had lost it in a field in Stewkley during the 30s.

It lay undisturbed until 2003, when it was found by amateur historian, George Bardrick, who happened to be the gardener for Maureen’s family friend, Nancy Chapel.

In 2015, Nancy happened to mention the find to Maureen’s sister, Monica, and realising that the medal belonged to their family, George was more than happy to return it.

Maureen said: “To have that medal was quite something after all these years; to think it had been lost and then found! My older sister just remembers him being there a fair bit and then suddenly disappearing. It wasn’t like a proper job; he was sometimes out early and it was not a nine to five type of thing. Then suddenly he stopped that, as his family was growing.

“We don’t even know how he lost it. Was it on his coat? Was he on call of duty?

“He never talked about it. There were a lot of us, and growing up, we were just coming through the war. The main concern was working and providing food for the family.”

During the war, Arthur worked at Mr Coleman’s farm, Mursley, and afterwards, he joined Stonehenge Brickworks, Vandyke Road.

After having no luck finding the answers to their questions, Maureen’s family are now appealing to see if anyone knows how Arthur lost it, why he was awarded it (and where/when), or any information about his career.

Call 01582 798505 or email: joanna.gravett@jpimedia.co.uk.

A Leighton Buzzard mother who forgot to take a payment card to the petrol station claims she was horrified to be told that if she left the compound to fetch it then staff would dial 999!

Denise Morgan, 35, of Sandhills, was on her way to a job interview on the morning of December 13, when she visited Shell Grovebury, Billington Road, and put £20 worth of diesel in her vehicle.

However, when she arrived at the counter and realised she had forgotten her card, Denise claims she was shocked to be told that if she went home to fetch it, the petrol station would call the police.

She claims: “I told a staff member behind the counter that I was just going to pop home and get my card, as I didn’t realise that I had not brought it.

“Their response - in front of all the other customers - was: ‘I must inform you that if you leave this compound I am going to call the police and report you for theft’.

“I started laughing, thinking they were joking, and said, ‘Well, you can keep my driving licence and keys as ransom until I come back in two minutes!’ But they repeated that if I left they would call the police.

“I then got pretty cross, and explained that I was on my way to an interview – I was wearing a suit, not dressed like some gangster! – how was I suppose to pay if they wouldn’t let me leave the compound?

“The response was ‘You should have thought of that before you put petrol in, I am just following the rules’.

“I have honestly never been so humiliated and was shook up and upset in the interview.”

Thankfully, another member of staff stepped in, and said that it was OK so long as Denise returned with her card before the end of their shift.

However, when Denise complained to the store manager, she alleges she was shrugged off, as the Shell manager asked: “Are you going to be long because there are people waiting?”

A Shell spokeswoman, said: “At Shell, customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We are very sorry to hear the customer had a bad experience and we are seriously investigating with the service station.”

A three-hour time limit introduced at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre’s car park to tackle commuters clogging up spaces appears to have moved the problem elsewhere.

Leighton-Linslade Town Council has agreed to contact Central Beds Council, who introduced the Tiddenfoot restrictions earlier this year, after being alerted to parking difficulties being experienced in Cedars Way, Linslade.

A resident who contacted the town council said: “Following the introduction of charges at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre which has deterred commuters from parking there, the problem appears to have moved to Cedars Way.

“There are a significant number of cars now parked along the street making it difficult to drive down, which is made more

dangerous at school times – due to traffic for two schools and the Cedars nursery. I have seen numerous examples recently of cars mounting the pavement to get through!

“If restrictions and resident parking zones are to be implemented, then they really should be implemented for the whole of Linslade, as the problem is just constantly being moved around. The council should also think about this new approving new developments in town, as no new infrastructure to support commuters or schools are being built where new families are actually living. Alternatively, could the council not create a car park for commuters at a discount rate somewhere is town, as parking at the station is unaffordable for many.”

Cllr Amanda Dodwell, chairman of the town council’s planning and transport committee told the LBO that as well as the resident, local Streetwatch volunteers had also raised concerns about the situation.

She said: “The planning committee are writing to Central Bedfordshire Council to highlight the dangerous parking on and around Cedars Way, and the congestion it is causing.

“I understand that CBC about to undertake a town-wide parking study – they are aware of the problems that looking at small areas in isolation can cause, and are therefore looking at the problem across Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.”

“Although there are no current plans for a commuter car park, I would be sympathetic towards any such proposals should a suitable scheme come along.”

The LBO reported back in April that the three-hour limit would be introduced at the leisure centre on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

A CBC consultation brought no objections, although there were comments that the limit could inconvenience users of the leisure centre.

But Central Beds Council stated: “The concern regarding a 3-hour time limit is not considered a major issue by the on-site management team. Classes are typically 60 minutes in duration. Back-to-back sessions would therefore leave ample time for participants to shower and change.”

A Little Billington mother and daughter are appealing for toys to donate to Keech Hospice Care this Christmas.

Lisa Lucken, 49, and her daughter Gracie, 15, are planning to take the gifts over to the hospice, which cares for youngsters who are terminally ill or have life-limiting conditions.

The duo are hoping to deliver the toys on Sunday, December 23 or on Christmas Eve, and you can arrange to meet up with Lisa to give her your items or drop toys off at The Suntrap, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard.

Lisa said: “Every year my daughter and I gather up items for the local hospice. We moved here in 2016 from Blackpool and chose Keech, so we could give to children who are not so fortunate.

“When my daughter was little she said to me: ‘I don’t like this, can you give all my birthday money to homeless people and families?’

“Every year when she was small we used to wrap up her toys that she had grown out of and take them to the local hospice to give the children something nice.

“She loved to see them open the presents!

“This year, we’re hoping to take them in a big sack, and any that can’t be used at the hospice will go to the Keech charity shops.”

Lisa and Gracie would like to say a big thank you to The Suntrap for agreeing to be a drop off point.

They are also happy to supply people with a copy of the letter that Keech Hospice Care will send as a thank you.

Lisa added: “It will be lovely for the children, so please donate what you can. We will be very grateful.”

The last day to drop off toys to Lisa or The Suntrap is Saturday (December 22).

>To arrange to drop off toys to Lisa, email: loopsy@post.com

The Leighton Buzzard family whose beautiful Christmas lights display was destroyed in a suspected arson attack is sending out a heartfelt thank you to the community.

Amanda Rigby, 51, and Robert Pugh, 47, had been adorning their house with brightly lit decorations for nearly two decades, but had their plans for this year’s display shattered when their caravan (which stored the lights), car, and electric boxes were obliterated during a suspected arson attack on November 25.

However, thanks to their kind daughter, Joni Rigby, who is running a JustGiving appeal, and family friend, Sophie Stone, who asked the community for festive decorations, Robert and Amanda are still bringing Christmas cheer to their Richmond Road home.

Robert said: “The response has been quite phenomenal really, regarding the donations. We’ve got reindeer, snowmen, Santas, and one couple donated all the way from Heath Road.

“A lady called Fiona even offered to buy us our shopping in Iceland. People’s generosity has left us speechless.

“The biggest headache now is getting new electric boxes for the display - I had six and four got damaged. But we’ll get there - we’ll come back bigger and better next year!”

Robert wished to say a big thank you to neighbours, friends, family and colleagues, and especially to his sister and “rock”, Beverley Roff.

Beverley said: “On behalf on my brother Robert Pugh and my sister in law Amanda Rigby I would like to say a massive thank you to the kind hearted people of the town who have donated lights and money to us. As you can see we have some lights up, which bring joy to the children and the elderly. Once again, a massive thank you.”

A long-standing member of staff at a Leighton Buzzard health food shop has said a big ‘thank you’ to all the customers who have wished her well in her retirement.

Rose Gibbs, pictured, has worked at Nature’s Harvest in North Street for two decades and was delighted by all the kind words in her leaving card and for contributions to her leaving gift from colleagues and customers.

Owner Mandy Ryder said: “Although she has now officially left after being part of the team at different periods for some 20 years, she has offered to be our ‘cover girl’ when needed, so says we haven’t seen the last of her.”

Mandy added: “Her input, knowledge, advice and creativity is always welcome.

“From helping and advising thousands of customers with natural remedies on their myriad of ailments and health questions, to her creative artistic window displays, innovative ideas to support local charities – with sales from making recycled fabric shopping bags for Jackie Burke of the local hedgehog hospital, to her Granny Zipwire challenge for local boy Kye and his recovery from meningitis. These are just some of the many reasons she will be missed!

“We wish her all the best in her future projects as she is a keen and talented crafts lady and loves being part of the community in all ways – she loves to be busy so it won’t be a quiet or restful retirement!”