A world premiere marking the 80th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War begins its UK tour in Bedford.

Dare Devil Rides to Jarama is based on the experiences of The International Brigades during the war and also looks at the powerful political and economic forces that engulfed Europe in the 1930s.

The play also looks at why so many ordinary people made the extraordinary choice to leave family and livelihoods and fight in a brutal war so far from home.

When Spaniards rose up to resist General Franco’s military rebellion in 1936, it was an inspiration to millions of people worldwide. Their heroic struggle alerted the rest of the world to the threat of fascism. Dare Devil Rides To Jarama commemorates and celebrates the contribution and sacrifice of the Volunteer International Brigades, including two and a half thousand from Britain and Ireland.

Compelling and humorous, Dare Devil Rides To Jarama focuses on the contrasting lives of Clem Beckett, a Lancashire blacksmith and famous star of the speedway track, and Christopher Caudwell, a renowned writer, poet and philosopher. Both men were killed together at Jarama in February 1937, having become friends as members of the British Battalion’s machine-gun company.

Through stirring song, poetry and compelling movement and dance, Dare Devil Rides To Jarama aims to captures the raw passions and emotions of the time.

It can be seen at The Place in Bedford on Saturday September 24. To book visit www.theplacebedford.org.uk or call 01234 354321.

A motorist who took pictures on his mobile phone of a collision on the M1 as he drove past it has been fined more than £700.

Abdel Rahman Zaky aged 22, of High Street, Brentwood, was driving past the scene of an accident on the M1 between junctions 12-11 on November 30 last year, when he was spotted taking pictures or video on his phone.

Magistrates at Luton found him guilty of not being in proper control of his Vauxhall when he appeared before them on August 26.

He was fined a total of £710 and received three penalty points on his licence.

Stotfold were desperately unlucky to exit the FA Cup First Qualifying Round 2-1 at Waltham Forest on Saturday.

They dominated the second half and had more chances than their hosts but were forced to come back from two goals behind.

The first half was a pretty even affair. For Stotfold, Tom Oran was denied when a defender intercepted before he had a chance to shoot, while Daniel Bond shot weakly when well place.

Price Madu gave the home side the lead on 35 minutes when he latched onto a through ball from Correy Davidson and claming slotted the ball past the Stotfold keeper Harry Pilsworth.

It could have been worse by half time when Moses had the ball in the back of the Stotfold net but it was disallowed for a foul.

In the second half Stotfold came out all guns blazing and had numerous chances to level. Oran, Ashley Fitton, Jonny Butler and sub Luke Burkett all went close. The nearest Forest came was a goalmouth scramble that the Eagles defence eventually cleared.

However Stotfold were then hit by a sucker punch. Davidson ran on to a through ball but was bundled over on the edge of the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Davidson got up to convert and give Forest a two goal cushion.

With five minutes left Stotfold gave themselves late hope when Oran was tumbled over in the area and Ben L’Honore stepped up to pull one back.

Madu had a late chance to seal the win for Forest when he went racing through but Pilsworth was out quickly to smother on the edge of the box.

A much-changed Stotfold side exited the Dudley Latham Premier Division Cup on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 at home to London Colney.

They host North Greenford United in the FA Vase on Saturday

Potton were left rueing missed chances as they lost 3-1 at home to Bugbrooke St Michaels in

Although this was a fairly even match Bugbrooke deserved the win for their fast counter attacking style of play. That said, defensive errors and missed goalscoring opportunities at the other end did not help Potton’s cause.

Player availability and commitment continues to be a problem. Added to Darren’s selection problems he will now miss Stuart Gillies for about two months as he is going to the USA.

Both teams observed a minutes silence before the game in respect of Chris Dance, a much respected match official who passed away suddenly at the age of 64.

As the action got underway Gary Ansell-Carter shot weakly, then Calum Forster did well to intercept a strong run by Nat Liburd. Niall Duffy proved to be a threat throught the match with his strong runs and shot wide when well placed.

Bugbrooke had a shot blocked and their appeals for a penalty were turned down.

In the 22nd minute Bugbrooke took the lead when a strong run by Duffy ended with him shooting into the net.

Matt Chapman had a shot deflected over the bar for a corner and then George Kiely was presented with a good chance but shot wide with only the keeper to beat.

From a centre from Jack Weeden keeper Harry Oldham managed to get his finger tips to the ball and push it to safety.

In the 32nd minute Bugbrooke increased their lead when Nathan Bobowicz headed in from a corner. Potton’s defence made another mistake and allowed Jonny Joyce to shoot before Duffy centred for Jack O’Connor to put over the bar when well placed.

Just before the interval Gary Ansell-Carter saw his centre go wide of the post and a good run by Forster saw his final ball cleared.

Sam Davidson made an early run in the second half and saw his shot well saved by Oldham.

In the 51st minute Duffy made yet another good run that took him clear of the defence and he rolled the ball past Will Cook for goal number three. Forster had a shot that went wide and Weeden deflected a shot from Ansell-Carter that Oldham did well to save.

Forster cleared off the line an effort by Liburd.Kiely played the ball to Weeden and his effort beat the goalie but went inches wide. From a Forster free kick Sam Kelly headed wide.

Weeden was put through and the keeper saved at his feet and moments later Weeden wasted another opportunity. In the second minute of added time the referee gave a soft penalty for a push on Forster and Gary Ansell-Carter scored from the spot.

The Bugbrooke players would not release the ball to restart the match and in his attempt to retrieve the ball Sam Kelly was shown a red card on the words of the Referee’s Assistant.

This was a game played at quite a pace in a reasonable atmosphere but the referee still managed to show five yellow cards — two to Potton and three to Bugbrooke.

Potton United: Will Cook, Calum Forster, Shaun Flack, Shaun Faulkner, Stuart Gillies, James Meredith, Sam Davidson (Sam Kelly), Matthew Chapman, Gary Ansell-Carter, Jack Weeden, George Kiely (Kenny Smith)

Biggleswade suffered their first SSML Division One defeat after two controversial penalty decisions gave Broadfields a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Biggleswade started the stronger with Ryan Vale having two half chances.

In what became an evenly matched game both sides had opportunities. Sam Wyer made two good saves where as at the other end Biggleswade had plenty of possession but could not turn it into the openings they needed.

On 28 minutes came the first of the penalties as what looked a perfect challenge ending with the referee pointing to the spot. Josh Warren converted the spot kick.

The second half was much like the first saw very little between the sides until Ryan Inskip produced something special floating the ball in from the edge of the box to level things.

With the game now back in their grasp Biggleswade dominated play with both George Riley and Mark Franklin testing the home keeper.

All though was to change on 67 minutes with the poorest of decisions as a long ball into the Biggleswade half. With Nathan Lee-George and the Broadfields striker chasing the ball, the striker went to ground and to the amazement of everyone including the Broadfields manager the ref again pointed to the spot.

Josh warren stepped up and scored his sixth penalty of the season.

With Biggleswade throwing caution to the wind Ryan Inskip almost conjured up another equaliser whilst Sam Wyer was called to make three fabulous saves to keep the score at two.

It was disappointing for Biggleswade who will look to make amends this Saturday at home against Brimsdown Rovers – they then travel to Brimsdown two days later in the league cup.

A company which has moved to The Knowledge Centre at Wyboston Lakes is looking for apprentices.

Originally based in Letchworth, ACTON Security Ltd is fully accredited by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and has grown dramatically, having experienced a four-fold increase in turnover during the last five years and a 55% growth in the last year alone.

The company provides intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, gate automation and barriers and wired and wireless data networks for both domestic and commercial customers.

Director Mark Bosch said: “We wanted to stay fairly local, but with our success both locally and nationally, we needed a prestigious base which would give us easy access to the major trunk routes.

“Wyboston Lakes is ideally placed and not only provides the high quality offices in impressive surroundings that we wanted, but flexibility so we can take additional space as the business grows. With all the services that are included, it offers excellent value, and we didn’t even realise all the additional facilities that were on-site, like the gym, restaurants, training rooms and the golf course until we had actually moved in.”

He added: “What we now need are dedicated and ambitious young apprentices who are keen to learn and can help us grow the business. Previous experience in security is not necessary, in fact we would prefer people without experience so that we can train them properly from the ground up.

“It’s far more important that we find people who are willing and eager to learn and are committed to the company ethos in going that extra mile to ensure all our customers receive outstanding service.”

Contact 01480 451420.

Training which could help save lives has been carried out at a school in Henlow.

Raynsford Church of England Academy, which has been supporting the national cardiac charity SADS UK Big Shock campaign, was keen to place a defibrillator on their premises.

A defibrillator is lifesaving equipment that works to restore the heart rhythm if a person goes into cardiac arrest and the earlier one is used the better the chance of survival.

SADS UK charity member Brenda Irons helped the school to place an automated external defibrillator which has voice prompts to aid a rescuer.

Training on the new equipment was carried out by the East of England Ambulance Service on Monday, September 5.

Anne Jolly, founder of SADS UK, the Ashley Jolly SAD Trust, said: “SADS UK is grateful to Brenda Irons for her continued support.

“We are pleased that Raynsford Church of England Academy will benefit from having a defibrillator on the premises.

“Last year, two more teenage boys were saved by teachers at their school. This demonstrates how important it is to have this lifesaving equipment on school premises.”

SADS UK Big Shock Campaign to make defibrillators available in all schools has the support of the ambulance services.

The Department for Education are advising schools of the lifesaving potential of the equipment and SADS UK is assisting many schools to put the defibrillator and training in place.

Copies of ‘The Warning Signs’ leaflets have been provided to the academy to assist people who may have an underlying cardiac condition to be identified and treated.

SADS UK is holding a seminar for cardiac arrest survivors and their families on Saturday, November 19 in London. The seminar will be attended by cardiac professionals and will give attendees the opportunity to speak with cardiologists and other survivors. Visit http://sadsuk.org.uk/newsite/

If you would like further information about funding research into SADS or placing a defibrillator in your community, contact Anne Jolly, SADS UK on 01277 811215, email info@sadsuk.org or visit www.sadsuk.org

St Mary’s Church in Potton is hosting a gospel outreach evening with a top singer later this month.

Helen Shapiro who has been performning since the age of 14 hosts the event on Saturday September 17 starrting at 7.30pm.

Her singles Don’t Treat Me Like a Child, You Don’t Know, Walking Back to Happiness, and Tell Me What He Said sent her soaring to international stardom at the tender age of fourteen, has been going strong ever since 1961.

She became a highly respected jazz singer, performing with Humphrey Lyttelton and his band from 1983 to 2001, and also with the BBC Big Band.

Helen was also been in demand as a panto principal boy and appeared in many stage musicals.

In August 1987 Helen became a committed believer in Jesus. Several months of searching the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, and seeing their fulfilment in the New Testament, culminated in her being opened to the truth of Jesus as saviour of the world and the promised Messiah of her own Jewish people.

Her 1995 Gospel Album entitled ‘Nothing But The Best’ includes a duet with Cliff Richard and her fourth Gospel album, entitled ‘Enter Into His Gates’ was also a big seller.

Helen now devotes herself solely to her Gospel Outreaches, having come out of show business at the end of 2002, after 42 years of touring.

Tickets for the show cost £5. To book in advance visit Tysoes or Camerons on Potton Market Square, or from the church by ringing 01767 260782.

The risks of suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in Bedfordshire are on the rise according to a latest Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Known as the silent killer, there has been a 17% rise in recorded incidents of suspected poisonings at NHS Trusts in Bedfordshire says campaign group Project Shout.

The group, dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide, says the young and elderly are most at risk with cases of suspected poisonings up by 44% in children for recorded cases year on year from July 2014 to June 2016.

In the over 60s it has increased by 150%.

There were 88 incidents in 2015/16 (compared to 75 the previous year), with an average of nearly 2 people attending A&E every single week with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

On a national level, there was a 10% rise in recorded incidents of suspected CO poisoning.

Rob Lyon, campaign director for Project SHOUT, said: “Carbon monoxide poisoning can only be detected by an alarm as you can’t see, smell or taste it.

“Children and older people are particularly at risk because their bodies are more susceptible and in the case of some older people, are less likely to keep their appliances serviced.”

Around 50 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be prevented by fitting an alarm.

For further information and advice on being carbon monoxide safe, visit www.projectshout.com.

Two bridges over the M1 will be demolished this month - and motorists have been warned to allow extra time for their journeys.

The work is part of the A5-M1 Link scheme, a £162million road project to boost Bedfordshire’s economy.

It follows the construction of two new bridges over the M1.

Work will start at 8pm on Saturday, September 10, with the old B579 Luton Road bridge, which has been closed for almost a year. Contractors will work throughout the weekend on behalf of Highways England to demolish the structure, clear the debris, and prepare the M1 for reopening on Sunday, September 11, at 2pm.

The demolition of the old Houghton Road bridge will follow the same pattern, starting at 8pm on Saturday, September 24, and completing by 2pm on Sunday, September 25.

Highways England project manager Karen Green said: “We will be using hydraulic breakers to demolish the bridges, which will create a lot of rubble, so it is essential we close the M1 to ensure maximum safety for road workers and road users. We have worked with Central Bedfordshire Council and other stakeholders to ensure we minimise disruption during the work.

“Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as the M1 between junctions 11 and 12 will be closed in both directions during the work. Significant delays are expected so drivers are advised to consider alternative routes if possible.”

Detailed and updated information about the closures will be published every Friday in the East Planned Roadworks Weekly Summary on Highways England’s website.

AFC Oakley M&DH began their defence of the Bedfordshire League Premier Division crown by opening the 2016-17 season with a 1-0. victory at Marston Shelton Rovers

The victory came courtesy of a 62nd minute own goal.

However for last season’s silver medalists Renhold United the season begun with a 3-4 home defeat at the hands of Flitwick Town. Martin Byrne, Andy Dadd, Daniel Stafford and Phil Matthews all marked the Town scoresheet against home replies via Ashley Drummond twice and Shaqiel Quailey.

The result of the afternoon however perhaps belonged to newly promoted Stevington who ran out 2-1 winners at Ampthill Town Reserves. Lawrence Bentham and Kieran Souter netting the vital goals against a lone reply from Town’s Nial Murray.

Whilst Wootton Blue Cross began life back in the Bedfordshire County League by being defeated 2-0 at Wilstead for whom Kevin Butler and Tom Stonehouse both found the back of the net.

The day’s third away win of the afternoon brought about a 3-0 win for AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College at Sandy where strikes from Ben Luke and Courtney Boughton plus an own goal did the damage.

It sees them lead the league standings at the end of day one alongside Ickwell & Old Warden who were 3-0 home winners over Cranfield United thanks to goals from Sheldon Washington, Andrew Vallom and Harry Askham.

The only game of the day to end all square saw Sharnbrook share the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Shefford Town & Campton. Andrew Hayday netting for the home side and Louis Green for the visitors.

Division One supported by Wests Citroen Bedford.

In Division One the clash between the two ex Spartan South Midlands League sides, The 61 FC Luton Reserves and Crawley Green Reserves, was to end 5-1 in the favour of the visiting Crawley Green.

Thanasis Dimauspouros scored the lone home goal against a brace from George Nven plus single strikes from Valentino Quhu, Jack Randall and Jason McDonagh bringing up the visitors’ nap hand.

Whilst for the other two ex SSML teams life began in the County league for Tottenhoe Reserves with a 3-2 home win over Cople & Bedford SA where Johnny Clarke netted all three goals against a brace in reply from Ollie Hughes, but Old Bradwell United Reserves had to settle for a share of the points when drawing 3-3 at home against Ickleford. Aaron Jones, Dan Coyle and Ben Head were on their scoresheet against visiting replies via Sean Duignan twice and Adam Pearson.

Also finishing all square but at 1-1 was the clash between newly promoted and now renamed M&DH Clapham Sports and Shefford Town & Campton Reserves. Liam Bolton was the home marksman with Mark Claridge netting for the Town.

Whilst Meltis Albion kicked off their season with a 2-0 home win over Westoning thanks to goals from Alexis Kamenan and Sahr Sherriff-Songa.

Division Two

Having run away with the Division Three title last season Wixams began life in Division Two this season with an 8-0 home victory over Kempston Hammers Sports. Gareth White netted four goals and Iain Hall twice to go alongside single strikes from Jack Perry and Jonny Cockram. Whilst there were also home wins for Atletico Europa and Cranfield United Resrves. F

or Europa it was a 2-1 win over Flitwick Town Reserves thanks to strikes from Tadej Jankrovic and Mo Banda against a lone reply from Ryan Short.

Whilst United saw off Caldecote Reserves 4-2, Joe Sames leading the way with a brace and joined on the United scoresheet by Daniel McLaren and Luke Gray against replies via Jack Stagg and Jack Brue.

Elsewhere it was a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw between the clash of the two relegated clubs Houghton Athletic and Potton Town. Sam Martin and Alexandlu Sabou were on the Athletic scoresheet against Town replies via Chris Moore and Tom Grinstead.

Division Three

The game of the day in this division saw Kempston Athletic and Wilstead Reserves play out a 5-5 draw. Gary Whitbread with a hat-trick plus Sean Lawrence and Danny Bibby were on the Athletic scoresheet whilst netting for the visitors were Liam Philip with a brace plus Luke Prietzel, Sam Ward and Simon Jenkins.

There was also a nap hand of goals for Sandy Albion (formerly Mid Beds Tigers) who won 5-2 at Wootton Village. Daniel Bailey and Luke Rudd both netted twice and Alex Wiltshire once to bring up the Albion nap hand against Village replies via Adam Flynn and Oliver Jun.

Whilst the lone home win of the day came the way of Bedford Albion with a 4-0 victory over White Eagles where both Shaun Challi and Vinny Mattu helped themselves to braces.

Also, like Sandy Albion, enjoying life on the road were Marston Shelton Rovers Reserves who won 4-1 at Shefford Town & Campton A. Garry Russon led the way with a hat-trick, joined on the scoresheet by George Rogers against a lone home reply from Jimmy Jacobs.

Whilst AFC Dunton, with a goal from Tony Norman, opened their Horseshoes Close season with a 1-1 draw against Caldecote A for whom Adam Legate netted.

Division Four

League newcomers CS Rovers gave early notice that they will be a force to reckon with this season when running out 6-1 home winners over Stevington Reserves. Daniel Mcnamara and Lorrel Smith both netted twice to go alongside single strikes from Connor Darocha and Jamie Gray.

Whilst life on the road began well for both Dinamo Flitwick and Sandy Reserves, each winning 2-1. Dinamo with goals from Dale Goldie and Joshua Pearson against a lone reply from Joe Carles at Clifton whilst goals from Andy Barker and Recardo Mackay took Sandy Reserves to the three points at Lidlington United Sports.

Meantime AFC Kempston Town & Bedford College A ran out 3-2 home winners over Flitwick Town A. Scott Dummett, Giovanni Moscaritto and Kurtis Alleyne on their scoresheet against Town replies from Jack Garnish and Joe Kwarcinski.

This is the moment a giant hay bale load erupted in flames turning an entire lorry into a moving fireball and sending burning hay flying throughout a quiet suburb.

The heart-stopping clip shows the hay bales start to smoulder and then lumps of the flaming straw drop into the road before bursting into a raging inferno that the driver was ‘lucky to escape’.

Professional driver John Coleman, from Leighton Buzzard, captured the chaos unfold as he drove in Everton, on Thursday last week at around 3pm.

John, 48, said: “I could smell burning as I was travelling down the road but I couldn’t tell where it was coming from at first – it smelled like a bonfire.

“There were about ten cars between me and the trailer but people started to slowly overtake and get out of the way – that’s when I spotted the flames and the smell got stronger.

“As I was growing up I saw fires when they burned the fields – but I’ve never seen anything that big before.

“When it was fully alight you could feel the heat through the glass, it was like a furnace.”

The footage shows a silver car and a tractor travelling behind the smouldering trailer, before the silver car overtakes.

John commentates on the clip, saying: “I don’t know if he knows but that load of straw is on fire, yep it’s on fire – flames at the front.

“I wonder if he can see that, he can see it’s on fire? Oh man this is mental.”

The footage then shows the tractor appearing to overtake while blasting his horn in a desperate bid to alert the driver.

John said that cars travelling in the opposite direction could be seen slowing down, beeping their horns and frantically waving at the driver, however he was none-the-wiser and continued driving.

John said: “The driver was in his own little world, it was only when the tractor carried on blowing his horn and the ratchet straps burned away and the load landed in the road that he spotted it.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing – I just thought ‘wow!’

“I was really caught up in the moment but was worried about getting too close, at one point in the video I sound like a proper chicken, and then I start swearing.”

He can be heard on the clip saying: “I’ve got to get out of here, I’ve got to get out of here.”

Once the driver realises his load is ablaze he pulls over at the junction of Warden Hill and Sandy Road and leaps out of the driver’s seat to assess the situation.

The tractor driver also pulls over and jumps out of the vehicle and within seconds the trailer is engulfed in flames.

As the bales burn and tumble to the floor John continues to narrate and is heard saying: “Right, it’s alight.”

John reversed the flatbed Hiab crane lorry away from the scene at the same time as the tractor and captured the pyre burning and sending plumes of black smoke into the air.

A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the brigade was called at 3.03pm and firefighters from Potton and Gamlingay (from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service) were on the scene at 3.14pm and were supported by the water carrier from Kempston.

Crews fought the fire with three water jets and a hose reel using the farmer’s fork-lift to help break up and disperse the hay.

The blaze was finally extinguished at 5.25pm.

The invitations are out for a party fundraiser where you can wear your wedding dress once more.

The wedding party of the year is being organised by Becky Chaney and her colleagues from the Cancer Research UK Biggleswade shop and anyone is welcome to join the fun.

The group is raising money for Stand Up To Cancer, an event hosted by Cancer Research UK.

The party is at The Lounge in Biggleswade on Saturday, September 24, from 7pm, with dinner, raffle, auction, games and entertainment.

Becky said: The Wear Your Wedding Dress Again Party gives you the chance to get that amazing dress out of the loft, wardrobe, box under the bed and showcase it again on a great night out. If you do not want to wear one or you don’t have one, you can wear anything - a bridesmaid dress, a wedding guest outfit, as long as you’re wedding ready.

Everyone loves a good wedding so the night will be packed with fun, live entertainment, a sit-down buffet, welcome reception drinks and lots more.”

Tickets are £25 and tables are for 6 to 10 people. Tickets can be purchased by contacting becky.catmur@gmail.com or The Lounge on 01767 221063.

The annual Sutton flower festival and exhibition of local art will take place in All Saints’ Church.

The church will be open on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18, from 10am to 5.30pm, and the theme is Ninety Glorious Years to mark the Queen’s special birthday.

Visitors can enjoy refreshment, cream teas in the afternoons, and some stalls. Admission is free with donations welcome.

Sutton School will be open on the Sunday between 12.30pm amd 4pm. The duck race will be held on Sunday at 3pm, with first prize of £150. Tickets are £2 and will be available on the day.

To buy ducks, please contact Derek or Fay on 01767 261742, or Sutton Lower School on 01767 260334.

A woman is to be sent for trial on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Ms Rebecca Fitzgibbon aged 44 of Anne Street, Biggleswade, appeared before Luton Magistrates on Thursday last week.

She is charged with causing the death of Malcolm Larman, aged 35, from Langford, on Langford Road on September 15, last year.

On August 23

> Mrs Stacey Buckland aged 29 of Winston Crescent, Biggleswade, was fined a total of £604 for using a colour TV without a licence.

On August 24

>Ryan Collins aged 22, currently at HMP Peterborough, was jailed for two weeks for handling stolen goods in Biggleswade in May 2016. He was also fined a total of £240.

>James O’Driscoll aged 54 of Holme Crescent, Biggleswade, was fined a total of £390 for stealing goods from Asda in the town on December 15 last year.

>Ben Rowley, aged 33 of Ripon Court, Biggleswade, received a community order and a restraining order after pleading guilty to harrassing a woman in Potton.

He pleaded guilty to sending texts and WhatsApp messages and making phone calls which were offensive and distressing. He was also fined a total of £220.

> Daniel Pocock aged 24 of Nine Lands, Hockliffe, was fined a total of £377 and received four penalty points for speeding at 14mph over the speed limit at Moggerhanger on October 30 last year.

On August 26

> Dean Aylott aged 30, of Hoover Place, Chicksands, was issued with a community order and must attend a sexual offending treatment programme for 69 session after pleading guilty to attempting to get a child to look at sexually explicit pictures. He must also register with police at Kempston for five years and pay fines totalling £145.

> Karl Atkinson aged 32 of Lawrence Road, Biggleswade, was fined a total of £338 and received six penalty points after driving without insurance and a full driving licence on Caldecote Road, Ickwell, on February 6.

> Philip Brailsford aged 39 of Maple Grove, Sheffield, was fined a total of £250 and recieved three penalty points for speeding on the A1 at Beeston on February 11.

> Nicholas Brookes aged 43 of Pinemead, Shefford, was fined a total of £225 for driving a car in Bedford on February 2 without insurance. He received six penalty points on his licence.

> Michael Cowdell aged 54 of Grove Road, Wath-upon-Dearne, Rotherham, was fined a total of £415 and received three penalty points for speeding on the A1 at Caldecote on February 2.

> Kyle Joyce aged 20 of Goldington Road, Bedford, was fined a total of £569 and given six penalty poiints for driving without insurance on the A1 atBiggleswade on January 30.

> Vijay Kumar aged 33 of Hardwick Road, Bedford, was finead a total of £280 and received four penalty points for speeding at 11 miles over the speed limit at the A603 at Willington on February 9.

> Daniel Lancaster aged 34, Great Hill, Shefford, was fined a total of £569 and received three penalty points for driving with insufficient tyre tread and driving without an MOT in Luton on February 2.

> Connor Macmillan aged 24 of Vaughan Road, Stotfold, was fined a total of £225 and received six penalty points for driving without insurance and a valid licence in Cotton End on February 2.

> Michael Porter aged 41 of St Johns Road, Arlesey, was fined a total of £327 and received three penalty points for driving without a licence inHigh Street, Arlesey, on February 4.

> Miss Chanel Ramalingum aged 24 of Goldington Road, Bedford, was fined a total of £255 and received six penalty points for driving without insurance on the A1 at Biggleswade on January 30.

On August 25

> John Jack Adam Davis aged 39 of Great North Road, Sandy, was fined a total of £415 after admitting assaulting a man in Sandy on August 6.

On August 30

> Mohammed Islam aged 21 of St Leonards Court, Bedford, has been sent to Luton Crown Court for sentence after pleading guilty to a string of motoring offences on the A1 at Biggleswade on August 28.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving in a BMW series 1, driving without insurance or a licence and failing to stop when asked to do so by a constable in uniform.

He was remanded in custody and has an interim driving disqualification.

Apple has launched its latest generation of iPhones, the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, as the company makes a bold play to claw back valuable smartphone market share.

The new handsets have a renewed focus on photography and waterproofing, and are the first to come in jet black and black finishes, joining rose gold, gold and silver in the colour spectrum.

For the first time, the iPhones are dust- and water-resistant, and will come in 32GB, 128GB and 256GB versions – double the currently available iPhone 6s series.

Improved lens

The iPhone 7 Plus features two 12MP camera lenses to create a 2x zoom effect and composite high-quality images, while the smaller iPhone 7 has a single improved 12MP lens.

Neither phone will feature a headphone jack, meaning traditional wired headphones can’t be used with them.

An adaptor for wired headphones to plug into the lightning charging port will be included with the phone. The decision is a controversial one, given how many of Apple’s millions of customers may be using expensive wired headphones.

Air Pods

A new form of wireless headphones called AirPods will be sold separately. They can be charged within their own small portable case, and aren’t joined together with a wire as are many currently available wireless headphones.

The handsets will go on sale in the UK from 16 September, even though the UK pricing has yet to be announced. Apple will be hoping both phones will breathe life into falling iPhone sales, amid general smartphone market saturation.

Apple has sold more than a billion iPhones in the nine years the device has been on sale, but customer demand has waned in recent months: iPhone sales fell 15 per cent during the second financial quarter of the year.

The Californian company also unveiled a new version of its Apple Watch smartwatch, marketed as Apple Watch Series 2. It is water-resistant to 50 metres and can track swimming laps for the first time.

A total of £3,327 was raised at the annual walk and fundraiser held at the Royal Oak, Potton for Rethink Mental Illness.

Sue Sheppard, who organises the event in memory of her daughter Charlotte, said: “I would like to thank all the walkers the sponsors and raffle donations from local business without who I could not raise this amount of money, especially all my family, extended family and friends who support me and are with me every step of the way, and the Royal Oak for hosting. They are all awesome!”

Charlotte, who suffered a personality disorder, died aged 19 in 2009.

Three friends are to tackle two tough trails to raise funds for charities helping families cope with autism.

Andy Newton’s family has been given vital support by The Avenue in Biggleswade, which supports families with autism, and Outside In Solutions in Clifton, helping with ADHD.

Along with friends Rob Hughes and Keith Purslow, Andy has been training over the summer and their first outing is a trail marathon, the Farnham Pilgrim at 2,000ft, on Sunday, September 11.

Andy said: “Living with a child on the autistic spectrum and ADHD is tough on a family. It has many challenges to overcome, way above and beyond that of regular parenting. Finding help from Outside-In and later from The Avenue saved our family. No-one else had the skills or experience to really change what felt like a doomed life, into one of hope. I’m a super-proud dad of two great kids, and husband to a strong caring wife. We’ve all benefited from Outside-In and The Avenue and it’s time to give a bit back.”

On Sunday, September 18, the trio are off again, this time on a 4000ft trail at The Purbeck. Visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/run4autismADHD

https://outsidein-solutions.org.uk

http://theavenuesupport.co.uk

A Biggleswade school under fire for charging the East Anglia Air Ambulance £50 to land its helicopter at a charity fundraiser has said it will not be invoicing the charity.

Stratton Upper School headteacher Rob Watson said there had been ‘miscommunication’ over the planned event after the school was asked for the use of its playing fields.

The school had come under heavy fire on social media after news broke that the charity had been forced to pay the cash to attend a fundraiser in Biggleswade on Sunday - ironically for the EAAA.

Mr Watson said: “All of us at Stratton Upper School recognise the enormous value of the air ambulance service and the impact it makes in its vital work across our region. We have been in contact with the regional headquarters of the air ambulance who have assured us that Sunday’s event was a success.

“ I think the issues are best summed up as follows:

“The Weatherly Centre and the school are entirely separate organisations. The booking of the school field is therefore a completely separate matter to booking the Weatherly Centre and vice versa. We would urge any organisation interested in using our school field to make direct contact with the school to avoid confusion and disappointment.

“There are legitimate costs associated with any school based event to ensure the site is safe and secure. In late July the school was made aware of what was being planned and how integral our field would be. Ensuring these costs were covered meant we could allow the event to proceed. The fee was kept to a bare minimum and agreed with the East Anglian Air Ambulance in the middle of August.

“Our relationship with the East Anglian Air Ambulance remains strong and we have been discussing about how we could work closely together in the future.”

Organiser of the fundraiser Jim Brady said earlier this week that the Weatherley Centre, where the main body of events was held on Sunday, had reimbursed the charity after hearing it had been charged.

He said he had had to cancel several of the planned events, which would have taken place on the Stratton school fields, after finding out three weeks ago there wa s an issue with access.

“It wound me right up,” he said, “It was all for a good cause. I was very disappointed.”

Mr Brady said the air ambulance helicopter had proved a big attraction with people taking pictures and youngsters being able to sit in the pilot’s seat.

The ambulance was there for around two hours before it had to go out on an emergency.

Biggleswade start their league campaign in Midlands 3 East (South) on Saturday with a trip to neighbours St Neots.

A good first result is what is needed from the Biggy Boys following last year’s disastrous campaign that saw a long losing run ending in relegation from Midlands 2 East (South).

Meanwhile St Neots won just five of their games last season and finished bottom of the table – however a reorganisation of the league structure saw them remain at the same level.

But Biggy should expect a tough game as St Neots are never easy to beat on their home turf.

In their final warm up game at the weekend Biggleswade did everything right for the first 50 minutes but faded in the last quarter, losing 29-17 to Ampthill Extras.

The older, more experienced outfit took advantage to run in some easy tries to run out victors.

Club Captain Dom Nott looked on from the sidelines, as he will have to all season due to injury, and reported that many aspects of Biggleswade’s game looked good.

He said: “The structures of the play looked sound especially the line outs and the scrums. Shane (Manning the new coach) has drilled the boys well. We only lost it in the last quarter.”

Two men who earned special praise from the skipper were newcomers Paul in the second row and Tom on the wing.

But it was the old hands who scored Biggleswade’s points. Michael Hall, who is approaching a century of games for the first XV, crossed the line for one try and an unknown forward was at the bottom of the pile after a forward catch and drive.

George Tiley, making his first team debut, scored the third five-pointer. Scrum-half Luke Haverley added two points with a conversion.

St Neots are gathering a larger crowd than usual on Saturday so have organised a VP Lunch on Saturday to intimidate the visitors.

The Development XV is at home to Hendon in their first league match while the Thirds travel the short distance to play Letchworth 4th XV. Both matches kick off at 3pm.