FANCY DRESS COMPETITION

FOR HEROES & HEROINES  (8yrs.& Under)

Your hero or heroine can be factual, fictional or even imaginary!

Please enter on the day (free) at the competition gazebo near the

race lines before 1.15 – parade time 1.30 p.m. at the Maypole rings.

2 Trophies will be awarded in each category.

Timetable for the rest of the day

• 12.00 Crowning of 2012 May Queen by our Green Man
• 12.10 Maypole dancing: join in, lots of fun for everyone!
• 12.30 Entertainment by the Great Horwood Silver Band
• 12.30 Tugs-of-War : Under 5's, up to Ladies' and Gents'
• 2.00 A musical selection : by Dagnall Community Choir
• 1.30 Judging of Heroes and Heroines –8 yrs. & under
• 2.30 Our Diamond Jubilee Cream Teas will be served
• 2.30 Entertainment by the Great Horwood Silver Band
• 2.30 EDaN Mini-Olympics –free entry to all children
• 3.30 Presentation of gold, silver and bronze medals on the podium in the Maypole rings
• 4.00 The Raffle Draw

Also: B-B-Q, Refreshments, Tombola, Books, Segways
Bouncy Castle, Jousting Mat, Stocks, Cake & Craft Stalls

Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Police are appealing for information following the illegal poisoning of two rare red kites less than a mile apart in the Chilterns. The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

In January 2012, Hertfordshire Police assisted by officers from the RSPB recovered a dead red kite just south of the village of Hexton. The bird had been found by a member of the public out with her young family close to a public footpath.

In March, following a second report from the public, officers from the RSPB recovered a second dead red kite hanging in a bush less than a mile away on the Pegsdon Hills Nature Reserve which is run by the Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust.

Subsequent toxicological tests confirmed both birds had been poisoned with a highly toxic banned pesticide.  It is suspected both birds had been feeding on carrion placed in the countryside and illegally laced with the chemical.

On May 2, 2012, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Police, in conjunction with officers from Natural England, the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU), Trading Standards and the RSPB, undertook a search in the area including a number of outbuildings. A number of samples were taken and will be submitted for further toxicological tests.

Sergeant Jamie Bartlett from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Rural Operational Support Team said: We are appealing to anybody who may have more information about the deaths of these birds. The use of poison in these circumstances is highly irresponsible and indiscriminate. The pesticide used is highly toxic and the potential for injury to members of the public or their pets could have been high.

"We take matters such as this very seriously and urge people to come forward with any information that could assist us to progress this matter. Working with various partner agencies in this case is proving to be very useful."

Guy Shorrock, Investigations Officer with the RSPB added: "The reintroduction of red kites has been a fantastic success story and the expansion of the population into Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire has allowed more people to see these amazing birds.  Unfortunately, every year we get tragic incidents like this.  Illegally placing poison in the countryside puts wildlife, domestic animals and potentially members of the public at risk.  We would urge anyone with information about this or other wildlife crime to contact the police".

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Sergeant Jamie Bartlett on the non-emergency number 101.  Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You do not have to give your name and you could be entitled to a cash reward.

In recent week there has been a slight increase in burglaries across the county where thieves are looking for car keys to steal the homeowner's vehicle. 

For most people, a car is the most expensive possession that they own and for this reason it is important to take steps to combat car theft and reduce the chances of being a victim of crime.

Newer cars generally have a security system in place which makes it almost impossible for the vehicle to be stolen without the keys. For that reason, thieves are committing burglaries specifically to steal car keys and any other valuables that are nearby.

To help reduce the risk of car theft, Bedfordshire Police is urging motorists not to leave their car keys or valuables anywhere where they can be easily seen from outside or within range to be 'fished' through the letterbox.

Number plates are also a target for criminals who then attach them to their own vehicles to commit offences like the theft of fuel from filling stations that are covered by CCTV. Bedfordshire Police regularly hosts 'Your Number's Up' events where tamper-proof screws can be installed to vehicles free of charge thereby reducing the threat of theft.

Residents are also being urged to register with the UK National Property Register at www.immobilise.com where they can log any items such as mobile phones, computers, bicycles, appliances and jewellery. Immobilise will record serial numbers and also allows the user to upload pictures and a brief description of the item.

The Immobilise database is linked directly to a number of police systems across the UK which makes it easier for officers to trace the owners of any recovered items as well as identifying items that have been found on suspected criminals.

Another measure that residents can consider is security marking their property with Ultra-Violet (UV) pens or chemical DNA marking solutions which can also be used on jewellery.

Bedfordshire Police and Crime Reduction co-ordinators continue to actively target the problem at the moment but anything that can be done to prevent the problem in the first place is invaluable.

Other measures that residents can take to reduce the threat of burglary include:

• If you have a garage, use it
• Ensure security lights are working and your car is locked and alarmed
• Ensure all doors and windows are locked
• If you see someone acting suspiciously, telephone the police
• Join a Neighbourhood Watch or Street Watch scheme

If you have information relating to any burglaries or vehicle crime, please contact Bedfordshire Police, in confidence, on the non-emergency number 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

Seeing rain stream down the window and the swollen rivers, it's hard to believe there can still be a shortage of water.  But after such a long period of dry weather we are going to need more than a few wet weeks to cancel out the deficit caused by many months of below average rainfall.

Mike Cook, Head of Water Resources explains why;

"We operate in the driest part of the country and have to carefully manage water resources to ensure we have enough for our 4.2 million customers.

"Up until the end of March, we had experienced the driest 18 months for 100 years, only receiving between 60 and 80 per cent of the rainfall we normally expect."

"This exceptionally dry period spanned two winter periods during which reservoirs and rivers would normally refill and recover."

What happens when it rains, where does the water go?

After a lot of rain the rivers look a lot higher, but this change only lasts as long as the rain does. Anglian Water captures a lot of the rain that flows into the rivers, and pumps it into reservoirs. Most of these are recovering well following the recent rainfall – but reservoirs only supply half of the drinking water we need in our region.

The graph below shows just how much below average rainfall we have had in the past few years compared to what we would normally expect.

Data source: Met Office 

Around half of the drinking water we supply comes from ground water sources, such as wells and boreholes. These are holes drilled into the ground into layers of permeable rock which hold water. These layers of rock (aquifers) recharge very slowly and so are less affected by small fluctuations in rainfall.

After a long dry period, it can take some time for the ground to soak through before rain can filter down to the rock. Aquifers are normally replenished between October and April, but sadly because the last two winters have been so dry, replenishment has been very low.

Of the water that soaks into the ground some is used by plants and some evaporates, instead of soaking into our aquifers where we need it.

The recent heavy rainfall has led to some recharge in shallow aquifers but the response in deeper aquifers will be slower and will take another year to recover fully. In some areas, the rainfall needs to travel down more than 50 metres before it reaches the water table.

To find out more about drought and ground water resources see Who, What, Why: How much rain is needed to ease the drought?

There will be a PA system and keyboard provided if necessary. All music must be live - no backing tracks allowed!

If you would like to be considered for a half hour slot, please contact Barbara Morton.

On Friday 18th May we are supporting the National Spinal Injury association (SIA) with a fish and chip super being held in Edlesborough village hall. One of our members will be delivering a talk on spinal injuries and the work the association do based on his own personal experience. Whilst Lions are often regarded as supporting worldwide causes, our primary focus is much closer to home and as this charity has helped one of our members significantly we feel we want to do something for them now. Every year in the UK over 1000 people experience a spinal cord injury. There are an estimated 40,000 spinal cord injured people in the UK alone !

Most spinal cord injuries result in paralysis and the impact of an injury can turn lives upside down. Injured people and their families are faced with the challenge of coming to terms with their injury and rebuilding their lives with a disability.

SIA offers support to individuals who become paralysed and their families from the moment the injury occurs and for the rest of their lives. Their members find this an invaluable service. So come along to support this worthy, national cause and find out more. Tickets are £12.50 which includes your fish and chips and a £5.00 donation per ticket to the charity. Tea and coffee will be available to purchase but please bring along your own soft and alcoholic beverages. Tickets for this event need to be purchased in advance so that we can order the fish and chips. Please book by no later than Tuesday 15th May. Call Rachel for more details on 01525 229 656.

On Saturday 19th May, PARADOX are coming to Eaton Bray. The cracking covers band will be recreating classic cuts like Clapton and The Culture Club through to contemporary contenders such as Coldplay, the Chilli Peppers and The Kaiser Chief's!!! Paradox is a 6-piece covers band based in Leighton Buzzard. Formed ten years ago, their mission is to get people rocking. To support this, we have a full bar license for the event to make your evening really go with a swing.

Tickets are on sale NOW and are already selling well. Priced at just £10.00 per person, bought in advance or £15.00 on the night. Doors open at 7pm. To make sure you don't miss your opportunity of a night to remember, get your tickets early by calling Rachel on 01525 229 656 or email president@ebelions.org.uk. For a sneak preview of their latest line up or for more details in general, please go to our website www.ebelions.org.uk

On Saturday 9th June we are running a unique day trip to Foulness island, off the coast of Essex. This island is probably more familiar to some of you as the proposed site for the third London airport during the early 1970's which was up against Wing, much closer to our homes. Thankfully talk of the airport has now ceased and in reality, Foulness island is a haven for wildlife. Situated off the east coast of Essex, separated from the mainland, Foulness reported 212 residents in the last census.

Foulness Island is predominantly farm land and is protected from the sea by a sea wall. The island's name is derived from the Old English for wild birds, and is an internationally important site for migrating and breeding birds, including avocets. During the North Sea floods of 1953, almost the entire island was flooded, and two people died.

Prior to 1922, when the military road was built, access was only available across the Maplin Sands via the Broomway, a tidal path said to pre-date the Romans, or by boat. Although public rights of way exist, the island is run behalf of the Ministry of Defence and access to the island is only permitted on a limited basis.

Through some family connections we have been grated permission to run a one day trip to the island with a luxury coach departing from Eaton Bray. The coach will take you to the island where you will be met at the 'boarder control' and given access. From here, the coach will proceed onto the island and will use the Heritage centre as its base for the day. The package includes two separate wildlife tours, one is a walking tour, the other covers a wider area of the island via a tractor and trailor – both will have wildlife experts available to answer any questions and point out sites as you tour. The Heritage centre will be open all day and a light lunch is also included. Tickets are priced at £35.00 per person and spaces are limited to 60. The MOD require a list of names for everyone attending the trip one week in advance so tickets must be purchased no later than 1st June using the booking form in this magazine or by calling Rachel on 01525 229 656. Please note, access around the island is limited to the two organised tours, you will not be able to conduct any tours without approved island guides. This really is a unique offer and one we can't guarantee we will be able to run again in the future.

Ordinary people doing amazing things

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) were alerted shortly after 2.30pm to Harling Road. A fast response car, ambulance and an operations manager attended the scene, and due to the nature of the call, an air ambulance from South Central Ambulance Service was also sent to assist at the scene.

Ambulance spokesman Gary Sanderson said: "First and foremost our thoughts are firmly with the man's family at this tragic time." He added: "It was evident that nothing could be done on our arrival and the man was pronounced dead shortly after."

Bedfordshire Police said they were alerted by the ambulance service just after 2.30pm, and a road block was set up in the area. A force spokeswoman confirmed the Air Accidents Investigation Branch had launched an investigation.

Speaking this afternoon, Andrew Selous MP said: "I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the man who was killed when his glider crashed in Eaton Bray this afternoon, and I will be looking to see that all lessons are learnt from this sad incident so that we can avoid any sad tragedy in future"

To All Residents of Eaton Bray Parish

NOTICE OF VISIT BY ANDREW SELOUS MP

30 MAY 2012, 11:30AM-12NOON

AT THE COFFEE TAVERN (1st Floor), EATON BRAY

Andrew Selous MP looks forward to meeting as many constituents as possible

As well as two or three firearms officers, each Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) currently has to carry a mobile armoury in the cabin which houses the firearms when not in use; and a vast array of equipment in the boot of the car.

Using his experience as a firearms officer and position as the unit's Head of Collaborative Fleet,
Sgt Matt Stein of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Firearms Support Unit has worked with Thames Valley Police, Volvo and an engineering company, Safeguard, to design and produce a new purpose built load carrier for the ARV's.

The load carrier system will have modular storage for all the equipment firearms officers carry and an integral safe for the weapons - all stowed in the boot.

As well as Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, Thames Valley Police and Cambridgeshire Constabulary will also use the new carriers.

Not only is the new design easier to use, it is Volvo approved and fully compliant with health and safety by having the mobile armoury more securely stored in the boot. The modular design can be dismantled and re-built into any vehicles likely to be used by the Armed Policing Unit – saving each of the four participating forces £30,000 over the next ten years.   

The load carrier system will start appearing very soon as it gets built into the high performance diesel Volvo V70 D5's, which will be gradually coming on line to serve as ARV's across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Thames Valley. These forces are part of the Chiltern Transport Consortium who also assisted in the design process.

Although Cambridgeshire are currently using Volvos, the other forces have a variety of petrol vehicles in use as ARVs and the change to diesel is coming to Beds, Herts and TVP to cut both fuel costs and carbon footprint.