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Nov/Dec 2017

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The newsletter for residents of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade Published by Leighton-Linslade Town Council

Christmas Festival Our Chistmas Festival is on Friday 1 December until Sunday 3 December. More information on the event can be found inside this issue on page 2.

In this issue

Christmas Festival Weekend

Astral Park Wedding Fayre

Shop Local for Christmas

2

5

7

Visit your New Look Market ...for inspirational Christmas Gift ideas

Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN 2

COUNCIL NEWS

Responsible for:• Allotments• Bus shelters• Cemeteries• Christmas illuminations• Community events & promotions• Grants to voluntary organisations• Markets• Parks and open spaces• Pavilions – Astral, Pages Park & Mentmore• TACTIC, Teenage Advice & Information Centre• Multi-Storey Car Park Toilets

COUNCIL COMMITTEE DATESCommittee meetings start at 1930hrs and are held in the Town Council Offices unless otherwise shown below. Please note these may be subject to change, please check our website.

November 2017Thur 02 Market Sub-Committee (1030)Wed 08 Planning & Transport CommitteeMon 13 Grants & Awards Sub-CommitteeMon 20 Policy & Finance CommitteeThur 30 Partnership Committee

December 2017Mon 04 Grounds & Environmental Services CommitteeWeds 06 Planning & Transport CommitteeMon 11 Cultural & Economic Services Committee

Contact your local Councillor via our websitewww.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/your-council/councillor-profiles

or telephone 01525 631920

The Meanderthals

Friday 1 December until Sunday 3 December

Our Christmas Festival weekend returns on Friday 1 December, with our traditional Christmas Craft & Gift Fair in the High Street, alongside our food court and Santa’s Grotto in Church Square. The ever popular Funfair will be situated in the High Street and North Street. The entertainment starts at 16:00 hours on the main stage with local choirs and dance groups performing, culminating in the Christmas Lights Switch On and Firework Display at 19:00 hours.

Saturday 2 December sees the return of the Kids Out Santa Dash from Church

Square at 11:00 hours, with the Charter Market and Pop Up market taking place in the High Street from 10:00 hours, offering visitors the perfect chance to browse our regular traders and grab a Christmas bargain. Make sure you look out for our walk-about snowman making appearances throughout the day.

Fancy a coffee ? The Mayor of Leighton-Linslade is holding his annual Charity Coffee Morning at Pizza Express from 10:00 - 12:00 hours, why not pop in and say hello.

On Sunday 3 December the traditional family fun-day is back in the High Street with our festive funfair, extended craft and gift market, along with street theatre performances throughout the day. Jelly Roller is bringing his Dickensian Ding Dong to town, with traditional brass bands playing all of the festive favourites and Matt Barnard’s Period Prestidigitation as well as Victorian workshops offering something for everyone.

More information can be found at www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/christmas-festival/

Dickensian Ding Dong

Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN 3

New Year’s Day WalkJoin us for a walk on New Year’s Day and blow the cobwebs away.Date: Monday 1 January 2018Times: 10:00 - 10:45 and/or 11:00 - 12:45 hoursStart Point: Hockliffe Street Car Park (Library end)

Section 1: suitable for all ages & abilities, on hard surfacing suitable for pushchairs. Starts at 10:00 hours & return to car park by 10:45 hours.

Section 2: will depart the Library car park at 11:00 hours, returning by approximately 12:45 hours.

Welcome to this festive edition of About Town. We hope that this issue will give you some helpful information and advice about staying safe during the winter, as well as a run-down of what’s happening in the town in the next few weeks.

I hope to see many of you at the free Rock of Ages concert on

Friday, 10 November at the Hockliffe Street Baptist Church. There is no need to book and no charge to attend, but we will be holding a retiring collection on behalf of this year’s charities. Please do come along for a fantastic night out.

I know that for many, the run-up to the Christmas period truly begins once Remembrance Day has been marked – a time for reflection before the festivities begin. I look forward to playing a part in the commemorative services this year.

The annual Christmas Festival will take place during the weekend of 1-3 December and we hope to see the High Street full of residents and visitors. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 19:00 hours on Friday 1 December, to be immediately followed by a fantastic display of fireworks. The celebrations will continue over the weekend – please keep an eye on the Town Council website or social media channels for more detailed information. The weekend will be a great opportunity to shop local for your Christmas gifts. If you need an energy boost after all that, please drop in to my Charity Coffee Morning between

10:00-12:00 hours on 2 December to enjoy a hot drink and some cake.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy festive season.

ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews

EVENTS

NOVEMBERSat 4 Pop-Up Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)

Sat 4 Firework Display, Brooklands School (1800 - 2030 hours)

Sat 18 Farmers’ Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)Fri 24 - 26

Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church visit www.allsaintslb.org.uk

Sun 26 Christmas Open Day, Astral Park (1300 - 1600 hours)

DECEMBERFri 1 - Sun 3

Christmas Festival, Town Centre visit www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk / www.lbfirst.org/

Sat 2 Santa Dash, Church Square (1100 hours)

Sat 2 Mayor's Coffee Morning (1000 - 1200 hours)

Sat 2 Pop-Up Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)

Sun 3, 10 & 17

Christmas Craft and Curio Season (1100-1500 hours) visit www.greensandtrust.org/RushPark.html

Sat 9 Mayor’s Christmas Carol Concert, All Saints Church (1930 hours)

Sat 16 Farmers’ Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)Sat 23 Christmas Eve Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1400 hours)Sun 24 Christmas Carols in the High Street from (1900 hours)

News from the Mayor

For further details contact Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service T: Bedford (01234) 845000 E: contact@bedsfire.com

BE CONSIDERATE don't park along a busy street ! Dates for the Diary 2017

Rock of Ages Concert 10 November

Bucket Collection at Tesco 25 November

Coffee Morning 02 December

Carol Concert 09 December

Contact Tom Henrick for any further information. T: 07970479007 or E: tom_henrick@yahoo.co.uk

Mon 25 Dec – CLOSEDTues 26 Dec – CLOSEDWed 28 - Fri 29 Dec 10:00 - 15:00 hoursMon 1 Jan - CLOSED

TOWN COUNCIL

Christmas & New Year

Opening times

4

NEWS

Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN

Places are limited, please contact TACTIC on 01525-373838 for more details.

Senior Citizens' Christmas Lunch Do you know of a local senior citizen aged 65+ who would enjoy a Christmas Lunch?

The TACTIC Youth Forum are cooking up a treat for this year’s lucky elderly residents on 20th December 2017. A traditional lunch with all the trimmings and a sing along. Want to meet new friends then come along to our friendly social lunch at Astral Park Sports and Community Centre.

FreeFlowA Complete Drainage Service

A Division of UK traders INC Limited

Leighton Buzzard’s Drainage Company

Blocked Drain Clearance . Drain JettingColour CCTV Inspection

Excavation & RepairFree Quotation Service

Drain Clearance £55ph+VAT(most jobs completed under 1hr)

No Call Out Charge(within 10 miles of Leighton Buzzard)

24hr Emergency Drain Clearance

Please call us onTel: 01525 634070 or 07928 652013

Fax: 01525 376094

Company No. 04730483 - VAT No. 829 5367 90Church Road, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard

Beds. LU7 2LR

FULLY INSURED

Blooming Marvellous Results! We are thrilled to announce that 2017 has been a fantastic year for the annual “In Bloom” campaign, with the town being awarded no less than 9 Gold awards, 2 Silver Gilts and 1 Silver.

The Town Council and the Friends of Leighton-Linslade in Bloom would like to thank everyone involved, including local businesses, young people, local schools and the many volunteers who have given up their time to help make our town a greener place to live.

A highlight of this year’s campaign was the photographic competition for young people and a number of the fantastic photos submitted are featured in the 2018 In Bloom calendar (on sale now at the White House for £4.00).

If you would like to get involved with the Friends of Leighton-Linslade in Bloom, please contact the White House.

Chairman of Anglia In Bloom, Bob Ollier, presenting an award to Deputy Mayor Clive Palmer and Rosie Palmer, Friend of Leighton-Linslade In Bloom.

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5ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNewsABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews

COMMUNITYCommunity Venue for all OccasionsSports Weddings Conferences Parties

Christmas Open DaySunday 26 November 1pm - 4pm

• Pop in to browse the stalls• Opportunity to look for Christmas Gifts• Cafe Astral open serving refreshments• Keep your eyes peeled for a very special visit

from the one and only… Santa! • Take a look around and see what Astral Park has

to offer

Astral Park Sports & Community Centre is a multi-functional facility able to cater for a vast array of different activities and events. Astral Park already has a timetable of regular activities from specialist children interaction classes through to fitness classes that cover all ages weekly. The timetable of these activities is available on Facebook, on our website or pick up a copy from the Centre.

The staff at Astral Park have a wealth of knowledge and experience in hospitality, catering and management, to ensure you receive a first class service and experience during your hire.

Please feel free to contact us should you wish to get involved in any of our events or require more information on hire details or availability.

01525 851019

astral.park@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

Visit our website for more information www.astralpark.co.uk

WEDDING FAYRE25 February 2018

Our first ever Wedding Fayre will welcome a host of local suppliers to ensure every aspect of your day is magical. Visit the venue and facilities, sample the canapes and bubbly and see how Astral Park can be a perfect venue to say "I do"!

Download our wedding brochure by visiting www.astralpark.co.uk/weddings.

Astral Park is also the perfect venue for awards evenings, charitable events, open days, local group activities, meetings and much more.

Wedding Fayre

6 Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official6 Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN

COMMUNITY

DON’T advertise your

home to burglars!

As the clocks have gone back, burglars may take advantage of shorter daylight hours to operate. However, there are simple steps you can take to protect your home at night, and during the day when it may be unoccupied.

• Use your lights at home – keep them on a timer when you are out so it looks like someone is home.

• Make sure all doors on your house and vehicle are securely locked at all times. If you have a UPVC door at home, make sure it is double locked.

• Keep all valuables and keys safely out of sight from windows, both in your home and car.

• Never leave garages or sheds unlocked – not only can valuable tools be appealing to thieves, they can also be used to force entry to your home.

• Don’t hide your keys under a doormat or in a flowerpot – it’s the first place a would-be offender will look.

• Ask a friend to keep an eye on your house when you go away, and do the same for neighbours by remaining alert to suspicious activity in your street.

• If you spot someone behaving suspiciously, contact police immediately.

• Don’t forget to security mark your property and register it on www.immobilise.com.

Bedfordshire Police takes all reports of crime seriously. Call 101 to report an incident, or 999 if a crime is in progress. Alternatively you can give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For information on joining your local Neighbourhood Watch team visit www.ourwatch.org.uk

Yes I Can The Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade has teamed up with partners including Leighton Buzzard Mencap and Friends United Network to increase sport opportunities for disabled youngsters aged 25 and under in the town. The new sessions include football on Tuesdays, archery on Wednesdays and swimming on Saturdays. The Rotary Club is looking for more partners with the aim of increasing the variety of sport on offer, providing training for instructors and offering adult sessions.

Mayor Councillor Syed Rahman with Jess Stretton MBE at the launch of the 'Yes I Can' initiative

All Saints Church

Tree Festival 24-26 November

Advent Carol Service by candlelight on

Sunday 3 December

Firework DisplaySaturday 4 November, 18:00 - 20:30 hours.Bonfire & Firework Night at Brooklands School, Brooklands Drive, LU7 3PFA special fundraising event with the Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade

JUST FOR FUN

Where is this ? Answer can be found on page 8.

To find out more, please visit: www.leightonlinsladerotary.com

ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews 7

MARKET

Yes I Can The Rotary Club of Leighton-Linslade has teamed up with partners including Leighton Buzzard Mencap and Friends United Network to increase sport opportunities for disabled youngsters aged 25 and under in the town. The new sessions include football on Tuesdays, archery on Wednesdays and swimming on Saturdays. The Rotary Club is looking for more partners with the aim of increasing the variety of sport on offer, providing training for instructors and offering adult sessions.

Shop Local for ChristmasThank you to everyone who has supported the recent relaunch of the twice weekly street market. The majority of feedback from traders and shoppers alike is very positive about the revised layout and the new look gazebos. We will be continuing to work with and support our loyal traders over the coming weeks and months, as well as seeking new traders to enhance the offer at the market.

Market Prize Draw winner Reginald Kinnaird receiving his winning vouchers to spend on our market. Reginald is 96 years old and he still uses our Leighton Buzzard Market regularly. Thank you Reginald.

Our second prize draw winner wrote to say “I’m writing to say how delighted I was to win £20 voucher in the Leighton Buzzard Market Draw. Much appreciated, Joan M”

Representatives from the National Federation of Market Traders, along with The Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Market RelaunchNational Market Trader's Federation President John Dyson said he was delighted to attend the Leighton Buzzard relaunch with President-Elect Michael. Nicholson.

“We both spent some considerable time walking round the

market and chatting to the traders and on the whole we felt there was a positive response from them to the changes that have

been introduced. Certainly the market looked

smart and tidy and the decision to hold additional special events on market days can only enhance its

appeal.Michael and I congratulate the

Town Council on its initiative and wish everyone well for the future.”

Visit the new look market website www.leightonbuzzardmarket.co.uk

Follow us on facebook @LeightonBuzzardMarket

Alternatively tweet us at #LBMarket

W: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.ukW: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk8

NEWSNEWS

Leighton-Linslade Town Council,The White House, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 1HD Main switchboard: 01525 631920 info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

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info@shanshuicottage.com

For Christmas 2017, we offer an upgradedbuffet menu in 4 courses from £24.80 pp. All our dishes are freshly cooked after your

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We would welcome your comments on the services we provide. Please cut out and post in the box provided at the Multi Storey car park (West Street) or Town Council Offices (Hockliffe Street).

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ABOUT TOWN

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ABOUT TOWN to Straight to your e-mail box every time, visit www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/your-council/about-town/

For more information contact: Vivien Cannon on 01525 631924

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