Girls of the 1st Flore Brownies made their special promise at the new look Holiday Inn Northampton West.

Two girls made their promise in front of their parents and fellow Brownies, vowing to do their best, be true to themselves and serve their Queen and community.

The ceremony was followed with some tasty treats for the girls and a look around the revitalised hotel.

Brown Owl, Sally Redfern worked in partnership with Holiday Inn Northampton West’s, Cluster Sales Executive, Julia Kock, to make the event extra special for the girls.

Sally and the two promise girls thanked Julia for her hospitality.

Plans to demolish the existing buildings and build a new prison in the county have been approved.

Members of Wellingborough Council’s planning committee unanimously approved the plans at a meeting last night (Wednesday).

They gave the go-ahead for outline planning permission for demolition of the existing buildings and construction of a prison within a secure perimeter fence with access, parking, energy centre, landscaping and associated engineering works.

HMP Wellingborough operated as a young offenders institute when it opened in 1963 and changed to a Category C male adults prison in 1990.

It was extended over its previous operational lifetime and had a maximum operational capacity of about 650 adult male inmates.

It was closed in 2012 due to its age, lack of fire regulation compliance and inefficiency of its infrastructure and certain accommodation blocks.

The new prison has a projected build cost of £143 million and a construction period of 18 months.

The MOJ has said it would result in about 800 staff directly being employed at the prison.

To read more about the plans, click here

A popstar-turned-vicar and broadcaster from Northamptonshire is set to take on a new role - as chancellor of the town's university.

BBC radio broadcaster, television presenter, Church of England priest and half of 80s pop duo The Communards - the Rev Richard Coles has accepted the ceremonial three-year role at the University of Northampton.

The presenter of Saturday Morning Live - who was born in Northamptonshire and is the vicar of Finedon, where he lives with his partner David - had three UK Top 10 hits in the 1980s.

The Rev Coles was one of the advisers for the BBC hit comedy Rev, and in the summer of 2016 took part in the BBC's prime-time programme Celebrity Masterchef. Most recently he co-presented The Big Painting Challenge on BBC One.

In addition he has an interest in social enterprise, particularly in the field of housing. He serves as a board member of Wellingborough Homes, which provides social and affordable housing in the area.

The Rev Coles - whose own father studied for a degree in Northampton after he retired - said: “I’m very excited about the role of chancellor and the opportunity to build relationships with staff, management and students at the University of Northampton which has a considerable track record in the field of social enterprise, a special interest of mine.

“The university is of particular significance in the lives of people who may be the first in their family to go to University and who come from a wide range of backgrounds - and in that sense it is a gateway to opportunity for people who have never really had that before.

“I am really keen on helping people make that step up into tertiary education through my work with the University of Northampton.”

University of Northampton vice chancellor Nick Petford, said: “As the only university in Northamptonshire, Richard's commitment to the county through recognition of the role higher education has to play in its future, both at home and internationally, is singularly impressive.

"The chancellorship demands an inspirational figure who shares our values and encapsulates our vision and mission to transform lives and inspire change. The Rev Richard Coles fits the bill perfectly and we are thrilled he has joined us.

“As the university prepares to make the move to our new Waterside campus at the heart of Northampton, myself and colleagues are immensely looking forward to working with Richard - who brings an unrivaled enthusiasm for the county and the role that higher education has to play in its future.”

Generous members of a Northampton Scout group have clubbed together to provide eggs for an Easter egg- travaganza.

Since 2015 the Grange Park Scout Group has donated Easter Eggs to the Northamptonshire Young Carers.

The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been busy collecting the chocolate eggs to be used as part of an annual Easter egg hunt for young carers.

The children and leaders of the Scout group have been inspired to help Northamptonshire Young Carers, as one of their number is a young carer.

The Scout helps at home to care for one of their parents, and attends the Northamptonshire Young Carers group.

Catherine Hemmington, Young Carer Worker at Northamptonshire Young Carers said: “Northamptonshire Young Carers supports children who have a significant caring responsibility for someone in their family with long term illness or disability.

“The donated eggs will enable us to hold an Easter Egg Hunt, combined with picnic and games, which is a great opportunity for young carers to have time to relax, have fun and enjoy being children”.

Catherine added, “It is a real buzz seeing the smiles on the faces of some children.”

A sick cat, dandruff and someone who wanted the ambulance service to do their shopping are just some of the inappropriate 999 calls East Midlands emergency call handlers have taken in the last month.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service answer over 2,000 emergency calls a day from people requiring urgent medical assistance for cardiac arrests, strokes, breathing difficulties and serious injuries.

Some of the 999 calls are, however, not for emergency situations and therefore prevent someone in an urgent situation from receiving the help they need.

Inappropriate calls made to EMAS in March included a man who was kicked out of a club after a night out but had no money to get home, and someone who had been waiting in A&E for an hour and a half and called 999 rather than speak to the hospital reception.

Simon Tomlinson, general manager of the Emergency Operations Centres, has stressed that people only dial 999 in the event of a serious emergency and that there are other options available, such as calling NHS 111, contacting your GP or pharmacist, or visiting an NHS Walk in Centre.

He said: “When you call 999 because someone is unconscious, not breathing, having chest pains or has the symptoms of a stroke, you are making the right call.

“Our emergency call handlers are trained to deliver life-saving instructions over the phone and we will get help to you as quickly as possible.

“Every 999 call is assessed so that the right help is provided to the right people, so you could receive the right treatment for you more quickly by contacting an alternative NHS service particularly if your call is not a serious emergency.”

Of the 66,621 999 calls received in March, 6,450 of them were ‘unknown’ calls. These are often calls made by people who are not near the patient and so do not know what is wrong with them but are calling to report ‘something they think they have seen’.

Last month emergency call handlers were able to help many people in a genuine emergency, including 765 calls for people in cardiac or respiratory arrest, 5,417 calls for people with chest pain, 1,756 calls to report a stroke, and 5,498 calls for assistance with breathing difficulties.

In order to raise awareness, EMAS will be live tweeting from the 999 control room from 2pm tomorrow (April 7) to raise awareness about the emergency calls they receive on a daily basis.

10 inappropriate 999 calls received by EMAS in March

1. A dead cat

2. Dandruff

3. Wants us to go shopping for her

4. Took dressing off blister on foot and now hurts to walk

5.Man called to say bitten by dog – but the incident was two months ago

6. Angry man kicked out of a club and has no money to get home as he spent all his money on night out

7. Bitten by hamster– Minor injury and plaster needed.

8. Sore on nose and waiting for GP to call back

9. Waiting in A&E for 1.5 hours so called 999

10. Man called for ambulance for his cat

A ride-on lawn mower was stolen from a shed in south Northampton last week.

The theft of the John Deere mower happened at a property in London Road sometime between midday March 28 and midday March 31.

The machinery is green with a yellow seat and wheel hubs.

Witnesses can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.

A car and other items were stolen in a burglary in Corby.

Between 9pm last night (Wednesday, April 5) and 9am this morning a gold watch, money and car keys were taken from a property in Horsham Walk.

The car keys were for an Astra Elite which was also taken.

Witnesses can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man was left with a cut to the head after being assaulted near Corby Boating Lake.

The assault happened sometime between midnight and 1.45am on Saturday (April 1) in the wooded area between George Street and Cottingham Road.

A police spokesman said: “The victim, who was in his 30s, suffered a cut to the head which required medical treatment.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the attack are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A Northamptonshire schoolgirl, nicknamed The Pocket Rocket, will take to her saddle to pedal around the race track at Silverstone - all for charity.

Eight-year-old Ruby Isaac will join hundreds of cyclists taking on the challenge of biking 40km around the Silverstone Race Circuit in aid of the Northamptonshire Parent Infant Partnership (NorPIP).

Ruby has been cycling since September 2015 and through her own Just Giving page hopes to raise £500 for the local charity event on Bank Holiday Monday, May 1,

NorPIP work with young families and children to provide therapy and the annual event organised by University of Northampton students, is their biggest fundraiser.

‘Pocket Rocket’ Ruby, from Kettering, whose idols include Laura Kenny, Helen Wyman, Becky James and Peter Sagan, is hoping to complete the 40km around Grand Prix circuit in an hour and a half - equivalent to seven laps of the 3.66 mile circuit.

Ruby hopes to inspire everyone to come and cycle with her on the day for the charity, she said: “It’s a great charity and I want people to come and support me on the day.”

Sharing her tips for new and experienced cyclists, she added: “My biggest tip for any cyclist is to just keep trying your hardest - ride lots and keep getting faster.”

The event including a family fun day, with bouncy castle, fairground games, food, and soft play takes place on Monday May 1.

Tickets start from £20 (adults) and £5 (children) and are available from the NorPIP.

Officers are trying to trace the owners of a number of items of jewellery recovered in recent weeks following two separate burglaries.

Two stolen cars were recovered following separate burglaries.

One was in Rushden on Friday, December 2, 2016 and the other in Stanion on Monday, January 30 this year.

A police spokesman said: “Stolen items were found inside both of the cars, however some of these did not relate to the burglaries and police are trying to reunite these pieces with the rightful owners.”

Anybody who recognises any of the jewellery pictured can call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 16000396922.

Proof of ownership will be required.

A popular store will make its return to Northampton this June with a new 1,800 square foot outlet.

Gifts and gadget store Menkind is set to open in late May, leaving plenty of time for shopping before Father's Day on June 18.

The new store, located on the ground floor of the Grosvenor Centre, opposite the iStore, has been signed a 10-year lease after joining the centre, originally on a temporary basis, back in August 2015.

It follows the recent relocation of the shopping centre's Trespass store to make way for a Cardsdirect greeting card supplier.

James Whitehill, Senior Fund Manager, LGIM Real Assets said: “This new letting is another example of how we are providing our shoppers with more variety than ever before and demonstrates the Grosvenor Centre continued position as a competitive regional centre.”

Peter Gaynor, Grosvenor Centre Manager, said: “We are thrilled to have Menkind re-joining the Grosvenor Centre on a permanent basis. We are working hard to offer our shoppers an attractive tenant mix.

"It has been a very exciting time for the Grosvenor Centre in recent months, with several stores having undertaken works to enhance or extend their units and a number of new brands announcing their arrival in Northampton.”

Exactly a year on from the day he sealed promotion from Sky Bet League Two with the Cobblers at Sixfields, Chris Wilder is aiming to be celebrating in Northampton again this Saturday - but this time with the visiting supporters.

It was April 9 last year when a 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers saw Town seal a top three finish, and Wilder’s Sheffield United travel south down the M1 this weekend knowing promotion to the Championship is a whisker away.

Wilder will be making his first return to Sixfields as a manager since leaving the Cobblers at the end of that memorable title-winning campaign, unable to resist the lure of managing his hometown club, and the team he has supported all of his life.

The in-form Blades have been galvanised by Wilder and need one more win to guarantee promotion from Sky Bet League One, but it could be that a draw, or even a defeat to Justin Edinburgh’s revitalised Town, could be enough.

Wilder admits he would have rather sealed the deal in midweek after United beat Coventry City at Bramall Lane, but Fleetwood’s win at Oxford United kept Uwe Rosler’s men, who travel to Oldham Athletic on Saturday, in the hunt for a few more days at least.

It means Wilder travels to a club where he enjoyed a ‘special part’ of his career needing to try and upset the locals who used to adore him, and he knows all too well just how much the Cobblers players and supporters relish a big occasion at Sixfields.

Wilder and assistant Alan Knill are sure to get a warm reception from the Town faithful pre and post-match - but once the action starts it will be all about the Cobblers.

Indeed, Wilder thinks the fact he and assistant Knill are returning to their old stomping ground makes things harder for Sheffield United.

Asked if he wishes the Blades had gone up in midweek, Wilder said: “Yes, I do, but it’s on to Saturday now.

“Both sets of supporters are tremendous, there is no animosity there, there is a rivalry but no animosity, and I fully expect a very, very competitive game.

“It doesn’t do us any favours that we are playing Northampton, because I know how professional they are, and how professional Justin and his players are.

“It is going to be a full-house, and it should be a cracking atmosphere, and of course these are the games you want to be involved in.

“But it certainly doesn’t make it any easier for myself and Alan going back there, it doesn’t make it an easier proposition, far from it.

“But you have to go and get a result wherever it is, you have to try and get over the line and we certainly want to do that on Saturday.”

If the Blades do win promotion a year on from Wilder achieving a similar feat with the Cobblers, it would be an added remarkable twist to what has been a dream spell in the 49-year-old’s managerial career.

“It’s quite amazing the way it has worked out,” admitted Wilder, who also won promotion from the Conference with Oxford.

“Last season against Bristol Rovers it was a funny old day, because we played outstandingly well and went 2-0 up, and I remember John-Joe (O’Tooe) hitting the bar when he should score, and then we got pulled back to 2-2.

“The mentality in me meant I came off the pitch and was really disappointed, but then people started saying ‘listen, you are up’, and then it started to sink in.”

From where the Cobblers were when Wilder took over in January, 2014, six points adrift at the bottom of the Football League, the promotion just 28 months later was remarkable in itself.

The fact Town went on to win the league two title by 13 points, ending the season with a 23-match unbeaten run, made it even more special, but Wilder admits the achievement of keeping the team in the Football League in his first few months in charge ranks right up there alongside the glory days of the spring of 2016.

“Going to Northampton is one of the first fixtures I looked for,” admitted Wilder.

“I am really looking forward to Saturday, as it was obviously a special part of my career, and one I will look back on fondly, even looking back to when we walked in there and the position the club was in.

“The season we had last year was obviously outstanding to get 99 points and win the league by the margin we did and the way we played, but I think it is pretty close between that and the first few months.

“The day we had at Dagenham, the day we had against Oxford on the last day of the season.

“The support we had back then, at Dagenham, in the the games we had, against Southend at home, it was special that season.

“The attitude of the players, and the way we turned it round and survived was an achievement not up there with winning the league, but it was not a million miles off.”

Another achievement that was not a million miles off winning the league, and indeed, might even surpass it, is the fact the club came through the financial turmoil that engulfed it in the autumn of 2015.

Many, many people played their part in ensuring the Cobblers not only got through that crisis to come out the other side, but to prosper and progress as well.

But when it comes down to the main players in that roller-coaster ride of an emotional drama, Wilder is right up there.

It goes without saying his management of the team was outstanding, but his leadership and management of the club and its staff was just as impressive.

He made sure it was a ‘we’re in this together’ spirit, and I doubt the club as a whole, right from the match day staff, to office staff to the players, the manager himself and the supporters has ever been as close.

Wilder was key in that, and as he prepares to return to Sixfields, people from all departments of the club and supporters too will be queing up to shake his hand.

And Wilder hasn’t forgotten what they did either.

“I will never forget what happened, and what people did,” said the former Town boss.

“For us to have days like we did at the end of the season, days like the matches against Luton and Portsmouth, the icing on the cake.

“That was down to the days where the likes of Nick (Ancell), and James (Whiting), Gareth (Willsher), the people in the club shop and all the staff that weren’t getting paid.

“There were the supporters that took us out for tea, and I’m not saying we were hungry and starving or anything, but just the whole attitude of everybody.

“The day at Coventry City where we won in the FA Cup, and then at Notts County where it all came to a head, and there was a real possibility that would be one of the last games.

“Those days are up there alongside the Portsmouth and Luton days, they weren’t the glamour days but they are ones people will remember.”

Ah yes, Notts County.

A day and post-match interview that has gone down in Cobblers folklore, and one that, it is no exaggeration to say, went a long way to saving the football club from extinction.

Wilder always plays down what happened at Meadow Lane down, insisting that he did it because his was the voice that could be heard.

He memorably made it clear he was not ‘appeh’, and the rant aimed at then chairman David Cardoza to sell the club, which he did to Kelvin Thomas just days later, was inspired by the plight of the people Wilder was working with day in, day out at Sixfields, as well as the club’s loyal support.

“For people to come into work and not get paid for three months, and go and do their job and beyond was something special,” said Wilder.

“Put that on top of the players and what they did, then that is the mark of a proper football club.

“The supporters recognised that and they got right behind the team, and right behind the staff.

“They didn’t have to do that, but they did because it is their club.

“They don’t support Chelsea, they don’t support Manchester United, they don’t support Tottenham, they support their local club.

“And along with the highs they had last season, the days we had and some of the moments we had, like at Leyton Orient or at Stevenage where Ricky (Holmes) scored in the last minute, as a supporter of at team like Northampton Town, or even Sheffield United to a certain extent, you have to suffer the lows.

“That makes the highs all the more memorable, and Northampton was a great place to work for me, I really enjoyed it and those memories will stay long with me, and I am speaking for Alan and Matt (Prestridge, fitness coach) as well.

“I spent two-and-a-half years in the car with Al going to work every day, and I know what Northampton means to him.”

Wilder has been back to Sixfields this season, working as a Sky Sports pundit for the Cobblers’ EFL Cup showdown with Manchester United.

At that time, Rob Page was the manager and things were going well for the Cobblers, which delighted Wilder as he was willing the club to succeed.

Things obviously went awry in the months that followed and Page was sacked in January, but Wilder believes Thomas has appointed very wisely in bringing in Edinburgh.

“I was at Northampton for the Manchester United game and the reception I got was great, and quite humbling,” said Wilder.

“I know Matt and Al keep in touch with the staff at Northampton, and from my point of view, some managers leave and they aren’t really bothered about how the club goes, but that’s not the case for me.

“The club apppointed Rob and when they had the consistent results at the start of the season I was delighted, because there is a lot of people at the club that I know, and a lot of players, and Kelvin is still there.

“I always wanted them to do well, and it was disappointing when the team had a bit of a slide, but Justin has come in and done fantastically well.

“I have known Justin a long time, from when he was at Rushden and I was at Halifax, and then right the way through, and he is a proper manager, who has managed at all levels.

“As we found out in 2014, it is difficult when you take over in January and to take over mid-season, with not really a window to work with, but the way he has turned the results around, and the team is difficult to beat is excellent.

“Northampton have got some important results and I think they will comfortably finish mid-table in the division, and I am delighted for Justin, Kelvin and the club, and I am delighted for everybody.

“The points total they have got under Justin has been outstanding, and they are up there in the form table.”

Top of that form table though is Sheffield United, and it is going to be a big ask for the Cobblers to stop them in their tracks on Saturday.

The way they are playing, Edinburgh’s team are capable of doing just that though.

It is going to be a great occasion, and the Cobblers supporters are sure to show their appreciation of what Wilder and Knill did for their club, but they will also want to see them beaten.

This is no testimonial match and Town still need points themselves guarantee their safety in Sky Bet League One.

So how about a scenario that sees a win for the Cobblers, and Fleetwood slipping up at Oldham as well?

That would see Town safe and also see the Blades promoted... surely even Wilder would be ‘appeh’ with that?

Jamie Spence this month tops the bill on what he calls “the biggest show in Northampton for years.”

The 32-year-old fans’ favourite fights a six rounder at The Deco on Friday, April 21 and also in action are unbeaten Drew Brown, boxing brothers Curtis and Dominic 
Felix, former Kings Heath amateur Leo D’Erlanger and Kettering debutant Domenic Specchio.

Spence said: “I can’t remember the last time we had four lads from Northampton on the same show.

“For me it’s the biggest show in Northampton for years, probably since Alan Bosworth fought Junior Witter for the British title at the Derngate in 2002.”

There’s the promise of further big shows in the town, providing Spence wins.

He said: “I still think I can win the English title – and get a shot at the British.

“I wouldn’t bother boxing if I didn’t think I could win the Midlands title – at least. I want to win the Midlands title – then move on from there.”

The Midlands title is currently held by Leek southpaw Andy Keates and Spence could well challenge him later this year.

Both are managed by Errol Johnson and Spence said: “That would bea good fight and because we’re both managed by Errol, it’s easy to make.

“I’ve got to get this next fight out of the way and then re evaluate.

“I might need a couple of fights before I look at stepping up to fight for another title, but it all depends how I feel after this fight.”

Spence has some rust to shed having been inactive since a points win over Daniel Bazo at The Deco 12 months ago.

Bazo had a weight advantage and was a handful, but Spence figured him out, then got on top of him and won on points over four rounds.

He said: “A few shows have fallen through since then and I put on a bit of weight, but I still enjoy boxing and I just needed a date for a fight to motivate me.

“Fighters are fighting into their forties these days, but I think I’ve only got a couple of years left in boxing and if I want to get anywhere, I have to get my career moving soon.

“I’ve got a lot going on with work and everything else, but I want to put boxing first for the next couple of years if I can.”

Tickets for the show at The Deco are available from 07718 324102.

Kings Heath ABC’s reigning national champions Ben Vaughan and Eithan James take on the cream of Scotland and Wales in this weekend’s Multi-Nations competition.

Southpaw Vaughan, who fights at 64kg, stood out in this year’s Youth Championships and will be looking to claim a third Multi-Nations title.

He will have to overcome the highly-rated Tyler Jolly, from Scotland, or Welsh champion Reece Edwards.

Equally impressive European silver medallist James (52kg) is likely to face fellow champions Tommy Orr (Scotland) or Jake Harrison in a bid for his second GB title.

“Both lads have prepared quietly and diligently for this and have attended three England camps,” said Kings Heath head coach Arthur Daly.

“They have both put it in very solid gym work and we have taken nothing for granted.

“On paper, they are the ones to beat, and their recent performances have been top class, but it is ultimately about what happens on the day.

“Eithan and Ben are now vastly experienced lads and they handle the big occasions well.

“Both boxers have also made it to the final selection stage for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Barbados so the stakes are high and winning this tournament will put forward a very strong case to establish the Kings Heath boxers as the No.1 choice.”

Meanwhile, Kings Heath featherweight Liam Davies automatically reaches the last eight of this year’s Elite Championships later this month as he has been given the ranking of No.2 seed by England ABA for the final eight.

Far Cotton ABC brothers Ben and Aaron Fail head to Doncaster this weekend looking to reach the quarter finals of the England Boxing Elite championships.

Both were crowned East Midlands champions in Grantham last weekend, at middleweight and welterweight respectively, after unanimous points wins.

Ben was a points winner over Clifton southpaw Stan Stannard and Aaron produced his best performance yet to outpoint Jordan Cameron (Empire).

Cameron is a crowding, pressure fighter who’s won gold at the Haringey Box Cup – and Fail said: “I beat him at his own game. I fought with him up close – and got the better of it.

“That’s probably the best I’ve boxed and I’m feeling really confident I can go all the way now.”

Ben also has ambitions to follow in the footsteps of his twin brother Carl, crowned welterweight champion last year.

He said: “I’m here to win it.

“We saw what Carl did last year and I have no doubt we can do the same.”

Fail says there’s more to come from him after his points win over Stannard.

“I was jabbing, blocking and coming back with uppercuts,” he said, “and won well enough.

“But I know I can do better than that. On my day, I would have stopped him.”

Coach John Daly said: “They were two great performances and I’m proud of them both.

“Aaron’s stomach was playing up before the fight.

“He could have pulled out, but he went in there and boxed beautifully.”

Cole Connolly had his first fight for Far Cotton ABC on Friday at Mansfield.

And Connolly was able to celebrate as he won on a unanimous decision.

Connolly travels three nights a week from Rugby to train at the club and his hard work paid off last weekend.

Rugby & Northampton Athletic Club were welcoming hosts on Saturday (April 1), when more than 300 athletes descended on Warwickshire for an action-packed Rugby Spring Open Meeting.

A full programme of events were made more testing due to the breezy conditions, but that could not prevent the club’s athletes impressing around the track and in the field. Arthur Tilt was one of those to impress, continuing his excellent start to the season with a huge win in the 600 metres, crossing the line in one minute and 49.7 seconds.

Not content with just that, the under-11 athlete added a personal best in the long jump – his leap of 4.34 metres just six centimetres shy of the long-standing club record. In the same event, but in the U13G category, Florence Matthews recorded a distance of 4.47, beating her existing PB by 23 centimetres.

Under-17M Connor Dadge narrowly missed out on two personal bests, but recorded impressive efforts of 5.69 in the long jump and 11.8 seconds over the 100-metre sprint. Ruby Wood (U13G) also went close to a PB with 10.8 in the 75m, while Eloise Nowill (1.50) and Zoe Gardner (1.45) performed admirably in the U15G high jump.

It was a very good day in the throwing events, particularly for Lily-May Pursey. She threw a season’s best 36.55m in the hammer, before adding PBs in the shot put (11.09) and discus (27.33), and fellow U17W Olivia Witts hammer throw of 34.57 was her best ever attempt.

In the shot put, U15G Maia Reynolds produced another strong showing with a distance of 9.40, while Parisse Linton-Shaw’s U17W debut went well, putting 8.96. Georgi Jones was also competing as an U17W for the first time – she threw 28.33 in the discus – and U15B Connor Cooke set a PB of 24.85 in the same event.

There were several top performances in the javelin, with Abigail Ward moving to third in the U15G UK rankings thanks to a fine throw of 34.01. Ben Gidley matched that feat in the U17M, launching a massive effort of 49.07 to climb the standings.

His fellow U17M, Fenton Bishop-Timings, set two PBs, one in the javelin (43.35) and another in the shot (9.92).

Luke Turner caught the eye in what was only his second ever throws competition – the U13B throwing 25.41 to round off a fine day for the club.

Hat-trick of Silson PBs in Buckingham run

THERE were many reasons for Silson to celebrate at this week’s Buckingham parkrun on Saturday.

Firstly, it was James Darcy’s 100th parkrun and then Angus Morris (JM10), Alfie Long (JM15-17) and Julie Long all grabbed their third parkrun personal bests in a row.

The Bedford Harriers Oakley 20 was the scene of much excitement for Silson AC on Sunday with seven of the club’s runners taking part.

First home for Silson was Simon Woodward who finished 17th out of over 800 runners with a time of 2:10.

Woodward was followed by his team-mates. James Darcy scored high in his age category and received a medal for his efforts (2:19), and he was follwed by Alex Douglas (2:36), David Morris, who managed a negative split (2:48), David Jarrett (3:17), David Morley (3:25) and Caroline MacKenzie (3:33).

Bob Kellam had a fantastic time completing the Dorney Lake 20 mile event on Sunday.

He said: “The weather was stunning and the race was very well organised”. He ran 3:09.

Sunshine and carp! That was the weekend for many as brownfish upped their feed-rate in tune with rising water temperatures.

And that meant needing well over 100lb to make the top four in Sunday’s Meadowlands’ individual spring league second round.

Neil Russell had almost twice that – 193-7 to be precise – for top spot. Stuart Pulsar 124-5 followed by Reuben Samson on 122-15. Dean Young leads the league on three points.

WHITE Hart Flore didn’t do so bad on Tofts, either, as Dave Cleaver won with 91llb ahead of Pete Scott 77-8 and Mick Howkins 77lb.

The club’s old geezers had done even better midweek as Tom Griffiths netted 150lb, Glen Tilson 82-12 and John Tee 73-13.

FINEDON, Shearsby Valley, Nigel Roberts 73-2, Bill Boyne 48-8, Barry Lawrence 30-14.

BISHOPS Bowl: Sunday’s pairs final, Shaun Smart 71-1, Dave Gibbs 53-4, Chris Campling 52-11 – series top pair Smart and Kev Green with 355-4; Sat. open Rob Bassnett 85-12, Dave Smart 68-8, Greg Satchell 44lb.

GLEBE, Dog Lane: Dave Haddon 41-10, Russ Lay, 35-2, Martin Shaul 23-7.

CASTLE Ashby opens: midweek, Brickyard, Chris Camplin 42-12, Ron Bull 26-8, Frank Pizamenti 22-12; Sat, Brickyard, Courtney Hewlett 26-4, Chris Garret 26lb, Pizamenti 22-12; Sun., Grendon, Hewlett 39-14, Bob Reed 18-14, Keith Garrett 15-8.

WILLOWBROOK open: Bill Underwood 20-4 (mostly roach) Paul Brand 15-4, Rob Heely 14-14.

FLORE & Brockhall, Barby Mill: Rob Rawlins (while flying his pigs, LoL) 19lb, Steve Smith 16lb, Terry Smith 13lb.

TOWCESTER Vets, club cut, Castlethorpe: Graham Martin 17-8, Kevin Nightingale 14-4, Tosh Saunders 10-8.

CASTLE spring league, Canons: Jeff Rice 14-12, Ben Bell 12-1, Bob Spencer 11-4.

ABINGTON AC, park lake, Chris Howe memorial: Alan Lee 10-7, Vince Battams 10-5, Andy Weatherley 5-14.

TOWCESTER, Silver Lake: Tony Hirst 2-13, Barry Eales 1-12. A carper had a 14-pounder.

IT’s rod licence renewal time. The EA has already apologised for the (now seemingly traditional) delay in sending them out to those who applied early...

THE Angling Trust – fronting all forms of angling in England and Wales – has shed three people following a £110,000 a year cut in the money it gets from Sport England.

Previously employing 59 full and part-timers, it has made one full-timer redundant and not renewed two other’s fixed-term contracts, while restructuring its crucial efforts to get more people into the sport.

The trust is now looking for additional funding, as anglers obviously don’t cough up enough to support their own national body...

AGMs: Nene, Monday 19.30, Yeoman of England, Wootton; Castle, Tuesday, 20.00 Far Cotton WMC.

FIXTURES: also MKAA canal spring league teams-of-four opener, 01234 713144.

Northampton & District IBA’s Louise Haladij can be proud at her achievement of reaching the quarter-finals of the ladies singles competition at the National Championships at Melton & District IBC.

Haladij played her most consistent and best bowls over the past few weeks to achieve success, with some excellent wins against a number of international players on the way.

In the Area 6 Group stage she beat Desborough’’s Rebecca Wigfield in the fourth round and followed that up by beating England international Amy Stanton of Welford-on-Avon IBC 21-19 shots in the Area 6 Zone 1 Final.

That win put her one match away from appearing in the National Championships, and in that match, the Area 6 Final, she beat Julie Morgan of Malvern Hills IBC 21-14.

That meant Haladij qualified for the national finals for the first time and in the last 16 she played Sue Evans of Taunton Deane IBC and won 21-16.

In the last eight, Haladij then came up against Michelle Barlow of St Neots & District IBC, a player of extensive international experience, having been first selected for the England Junior side in 1998, and since then has been an ever-present member of the England Team.

Haladij fought well but Barlow just had a bit too much expertise for her and she lost 21-14. Barlow went on to lift the national title.

County men are too good for Oxfordshire

NORTHANTS Men beat Oxfordshire in a friendly at Northampton & District IBA 124-109.

The County won four rinks, and lost two, with the highest scoring of the County rinks the one skipped by Bernard Spreadbury, which posted an 18 shots victory.

Rink scores, Oxon skips only, as follows:

Rink 1: Trevor Tilley, Peter Gilkes, Brian Diver & Mick Worthington 27 – Tony Chamberlain 24

Rink 2: Alan Diver, Keith Pick, Brian Langton & Terry James 17 – Mel Mansell 13

Rink 3: Roger Summers, Kip Franksom, Geoff Hunt & Tony Weston 23 – Stan Ponting 11

Rink 4: Don Scott, Alan Baulch, Alan Watts & Bernard Spreadbury 28 – Robin McStay 10

Rink 5: Colin Barnes, Dave Garland, Dick Upton & George Warren 17 – Alex Fleming 30

Rink 6: Keith Howlett, John Elphee, Geoff Harris & Reg Jones 12 – Bill Turner 21

Northampton are pipped by Borough

IN the County League, Desborough IBC (4 points) beat Northampton & District IBA (2 points) 77-69.

Rink details as follows, Desborough names first:

At Desborough: Triple 1: Jim McCamley, Dougie McGivern & Norman Gibb 24 – David Cox, Simon Coles & Mark Dickens 13

Triple 2: Jim Diver, Dougie Cooper & John Haines 19 – Tony Ellis, David Jones & Dave Fage 15

At Northampton: Triple 3: Trevor Anderson, Chris Aitken & Carl Wigfield 17 – Peter Gilkes, Terry Brown & Chris Bland 19

Triple 4: John Pickaver, Pete Mellor & Richard Mann 17 – John Clarke, Roger Summers & Tony Weston 22

Wellingborough BC (5 points) beat Brackley (1 point) 91-54 shots.

Rink details as follows, Wellingborough names first:

At Wellingborough: Triple 1: Dennis Collins, Richard Horrell & Walt Winsor 29 – Ian Dunn, Dick Upton & Mike Smith 11

Triple 2: Nigel Sanders, Tony Asher & Nigel Hawkins 32 – Charlie Greig, Dave Blencowe & Ross Vicars 7

At Brackley: Triple 3: David Bailey, Malc Chambers & Steve Norman 18 – Don Scott, Lindsay Urquhart & Alan Dunkley 17

Triple 4: Pete Boulden, Dave Love & Terry Falkner 12 – Roger Driver, Trevor Gregory & Graham Prior 19

County results

LATEST county results.

Men’s fours: Semi-Final: Jim McKee’s rink, Kingsthorpe BC beat Mark Turner’s rink, Kettering Lodge BC 28-12

Men’s pairs: Semi-Finals: Jamie Walker & partner, Kingsthorpe BC beat Conor Bryan & Connor Cinato, Kingsthorpe BC 17-5

Men’s singles: Semi-Final: Andy Smith, Northampton & District IBA beat Tom Wellburn, Kingsthorpe BC 21-20

Johnson and Swift secure crucial wins

IN the Northants Bowls Youth Development Scheme competitions, there were wins for a couple of Northampton & District bowlers.

In the under-15 singles, Cauly Swift beat Harvey Johnson of Rushden Town BC 21-14, and in the 15-18 singles, Kieran Rollings beat club-mate Maisie Lee 21-13.

Youngsters show elders how to do it

NORTHANTS Under-25s took on Northants Men in a friendly and were 74-62 winners at Desborough IBC.

The highest scoring of the Under 25s’ winning rinks was the triple skipped by Kieran Rollings which had a 13 shots victory.

The highest triple winning for the County men was that skipped by County president Geoff Hunt which won by eight shots.

Rink details, Under 25s names first, as follows:

Triple 1: Cauly Swift, Tay O’Neill & Kieran Rollings 27 – Eddie Short, Peter Kitchener & Brian Langton 14

Triple 2: Shannon Swift, Billie Swift & Tom Wellburn 12 - Kip Franksom, Dave Fage & Geoff Hunt 20

Triple 3: Max Milner, Jack Botterill & Kyle Buckley 16 – Don Scott, Stuart Lowe & Brian Sherwood 16

Triple 4: Tom Manderson, David Iddles & Conor Bryan 19 – Keith Howlett, Malcolm White & John Streather 12

A class of students from Northampton College have created a series of paintings and drawings which they have donated to Northampton General Hospital.

The spring-inspired artwork will brighten up the walls of waiting rooms so families can have something visually appealing to look at during their visits.

Each painting shows a different type of spring flower in a variety of different styles such as paint, pastel, pen and ink.

Art student Hannah Evans said: “I feel really proud that our work is going to be displayed in the hospital.

“Hopefully it will brighten up the waiting rooms and make them look more inviting.”

Fellow art student Raqeeb Ali said: “I’m really excited to see my artwork up in the hospital.

“My piece was inspired by roses and lilies which are my mum’s favourite flowers so they have sentimental significance to me.”

Emma Wimpress, customer services manager at Northampton General Hospital said how impressed she was with the students’ donation.

She added: “I would like to thank all of the students for taking the time to create such beautiful work for the hospital, it’s amazing.”

Students will be invited back to see their artwork up on the walls at the end of April.

A group of about five teenagers threw stones at a car driving between the Carlsberg factory and the railway bridge.

The incident happened at about 4pm along Mill Lane on Tuesday, March 28, Northamptonshire Police today revealed.

They are described as secondary school age boys, one around 14 years old, black, with a "square cut hairstyle" and wearing a black blazer.

Two others are described as short, black and wearing hooded tops and the other as two as white "boys."

Witnesses can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555.

Thrill-seekers are being sought to jump out of a plane to raise money for the RSPCA’s Northamptonshire branch - and to be part of a world record.

The hair-raising stunt will see brave participants jump out of a plane at 10,000ft - hitting speeds of 120mph.

Brave participants will be given the option to skydive on Saturday June 17, when the organisers - called Skyline - will be attempting to break a world record by getting the most tandem skydives in England in 24 hours.

Jaymi Wilmin, the branch’s fundraising manager, said: “You will be strapped to your qualified instructor who does all the hard work for you, leaving you to enjoy the invigorating feeling of freefalling before gliding to the ground.”

To take part in a tandem skydive at Brackley email fundraising@rspca-northamptonshire.org.uk or call 01604 881317.

A minimum of £395 must be raised but the skydive is free. Training will be given before the jump.

Two county schoolgirls have been offered senior roles in the Easter panto, Aladdin, at The Deco theatre in Northampton.

Two county schoolgirls have been offered senior roles in the Easter panto, Aladdin, at The Deco theatre in Northampton.

They made such a big impression in their lead roles in a junior production at theatre last year that they were approached to perform in their first senior roles.

Daisy Ward, from Brackley, and Tayla-Jayde Sherman, from Northampton, were spotted when they appeared in the production of Annie last summer.

Tayla-Jayde appeared as a dancer in five Deco pantos and her progress, and the potential the casting staff saw in Daisy, led to their offered roles in Aladdin, which runs from April 7-9.

They will perform alongside panto favourites Nick Cochrane, David McClelland and Colin Ridgewell.

Fifteen-year-old Daisy, who will play Princess So Shy, said: “I am delighted to be given this role.

“For both me and Tayla-Jade it’s our first senior role in a professional production, and it’s not only going to be great fun, but it gives us a chance to work with, and learn from, such talented performers as Nick, Colin and David, who are all brilliant in Panto.

“All the cast and staff have been so kind and helpful, they’re all great fun, and we’re loving every minute of rehearsals.”

Tayla-Jayde, 14, who will play The Royal Courtier, said: “I’m just so excited. It was such a big thrill to be offered this roles, and it’s going to be a great experience for me.”

Tickets for Aladdin – there are five performances over the three days – can be bought via the box office between 10am and 4pm, on 01604 491005, or at http://thedeco.co.uk/event/aladdin-easter-spectacular/