A woman who was being treated for breast cancer at Northampton General Hospital used a pioneering scalp cooling treatment to keep her hair during chemotherapy.

In July 2016, Debbie Charles, of Greens Norton, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially one tumour was discovered, but a MRI scan later confirmed that she had two, both over five centimetres long.

Debbie had to undergo chemotherapy to shrink the tumours before surgery but when she was told she had to have chemotherapy she was mortified at the thought of losing her hair.

“I was absolutely mortified at the thought of losing my hair. I knew I could cope with most things but losing my hair was something else.

“Then I remembered about a TV movie about American actress Ann Jillian who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ann had used a cold cap during her chemotherapy so I immediately set about researching ‘cold cap' on the internet.”

Hair loss is a well-known side effect of many chemotherapy regimens, with many patients reporting it to be the most traumatic aspect of their treatment.

According to experts, scalp cooling provides the only real alternative to hair loss, resulting in a high level of retention or even complete hair preservation, improving patients’ self-confidence and creating positive attitudes towards treatment.

Debbie started her chemotherapy at Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and used the Paxman Scalp Cooling System before and during each chemotherapy session. As a result, Debbie kept her hair throughout chemotherapy.

She added: “On the first day of my treatment, the lady in the chemotherapy department that covered all beauty therapy and hair care came to fit my cap. Initially, she wet my hair and put a thin layer of conditioner on. When everything was in place the button was pushed. I could hear a gush coming up the tube that was attached from the machine to the cap. Within seconds I could hear a crackling and instant coldness."

The cooling cap works by lowering scalp temperature before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. Liquid coolant passes through the cap extracting heat from the patient's scalp, ensuring the scalp remains at an even, constant temperature to minimise hair loss. The cap is made from lightweight, silicone tubing, which feels soft and flexible, moulding to the patient’s head, providing a snug yet comfortable fit during treatment.

Debbie added: “I did lose a little bit of hair at the back of my ears and my neck where the cap did not touch, other than that though I had no bald patches and kept a full covering of hair. I was given a wig following my second chemo session but I never had to wear it.

“Overall though, nobody would have ever known that I’d had six rounds of chemotherapy treatment. It was incredible to keep my hair and meant so much to me. It meant I could retain my femininity.”

Leon Barnett believes the pre-season campaign has been a positive one for the Cobblers.

Town wrapped up their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sky Bet League Two side Newport County at Sixfields on Saurday, with central defender Barnett scoring the winner seven minutes from time.

It wasn’t the most thrilling of performances from the Cobblers, but it came off the back of an excellent 1-0 win over Championship outfit Derby County last Tuesday.

The Cobblers also beat Sileby Rangers, Birmingham City Under-23s and Frome Town, and drew 1-1 with Kettering Town in the NFA Maunsell Cup Final, losing the resultant penalty shootout.

The only defeat over the course 90 minutes was at AFC Rushden & Diamonds, and the former Norwich City and Bury man believes that is a satisfactory return.

“I think pre-season has gone well. We only lost two games, kept some clean sheets, and I think it was a positive outcome overall,” said Barnett.

“It is all about everybody getting the minutes in without getting any injuries, and that is what we managed on Saturday.

“For everybody, pre-season is the worst part but you have to do it, you have to get the minutes in.

“You have to get your fitness levels up, but we are coming to the back end of it now and there is a lot of football coming up.”

On the Newport victory, Barnett added: “It is a positive to get a good win, although it would have been nice to have kept a clean sheet.

“But it is the last pre-season game, everybody gets their minutes in, and that is what it is there for.

“I am going to take the positives out of it, we got the goals, won the game and hopefully we can take that into Shrewsbury at the weekend.”

Barnett’s goal against the Exiles was his second of pre-season, he also scored in the 8-2 rout of Sileby back on July 8, and he has looked a real threat at set-pieces in every game, and he is hoping to do his bit when it comes to goals when the real action starts.

“The main thing is the team winning games, but if I can help and chip in with goals here and there that is definitely a positive,” he said.

Barnett is one of four new central defenders at the club after Justin Edinburgh’s clearout at the end of last season, and he admits he is still getting to know his new team-mates.

The team is also playing with a back three which the players are working hard at perfecting, and Barnett believes things are going well so far.

“I think we are doing well, although there is still a lot of work to be done,” he said. “We are all gelling as a team, and that is what friendlies are for.

“I am still learning about Ash, Ash is still learning about me, and hopefully we can get the clean sheets that we need and push on.”

Birmingham Bears all-rounder Grant Elliott says he and his team-mates ‘owe’ Northants Steelbacks ahead of Tuesday night’s NatWest T20 Blast clash at the County Ground (start 6.30pm).

David Ripley’s side secured a last-ball victory at Edgbaston when the teams met three weeks ago, with Rob Keogh crashing the winning boundary.

That was the Steelbacks’ fourth straight T20 win against the Bears, and New Zealander Elliott believes it was a match his team should have won.

The Bears have certainly found their form since losing to the Steelbacks, and they travel to Northampton boosted by three wins on the bounce and with a little bit of revenge on their minds.

“We’ve played some good cricket in the last week and it was another great win over Lancashire Lightning,” said Elliott.

“But now we move on to Northants which will be a tough game, and we know we have to be right on it again.

“They beat us at Edgbaston in a game we probably should have won, so we owe them one.

“It will be another good atmosphere at Northampton because this T20 comp has been brilliant and, the way it is structured, the games come thick and fast, so if you get on a roll, like we are, you can’t wait for the next game to come.

“We just have to rest up, not get complacent and go out there tomorrow and play the same aggressive cricket we have been playing.”

Steelbacks have won each of the four previous T20 meetings between them and the Bears, a run that stretches back to the semi-final win at Edgbaston in 2015.

Only one of those wins has come at the County Ground, and that was last July when Steelbacks secured a 74-run victory after hitting 200 for five and then bowling out the Bears for 126.

Steelbacks go into Tuesday’s game in fourth place in the North table, with a game in hand on the teams above them.

Bears are third, one point better off than Northants, and whoever wins at the County Ground will go top of the table.

It’s the first game in a hectic little spell for Steelbacks, who are at home again on Thursday when they enertain Lancashire Lightning, before going to New Road to take on Worcestershire Rapids on Saturday.

The Drapery and the are a surrounding Northampton bus station are to be declared air quality management areas after breaches of emissions standards.

Buses have been operating out of the Northgate Bus Station and The Drapery since 2014 with shopkeepers and passengers complaining ever since about traffic jams and pollution.

But Northampton Borough Council insists it is taking measures to address matters.

Councillor Mike Hallam, cabinet member for environment, said: ““Since monitoring at the bus station indicates that air quality standards are being breached, we will be declaring it an air quality management area.”

Councillor Hallam said the site has had to be re-added to its schedule of regular emissions monitoring after the process was halted near the bus station for the whole of 2016.

The hiatus was uncovered by the Liberal Democrat group but the council has since refused to say what happened.

It was yesterday forced to clarify another statement given to the Lib Dems that said it has not collected any car emissions data near the bus station since January 2017 - contravening a pledge leaders made last year. Yesterday, the administration insisted what it told the Lib Dems was an actually incorrect and it was simply unable to provide the data it had indeed collected because it is now released at the end of the calendar year

Sally Beardsworth, leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said it was vitally important that emissions were tested properly and regularly otherwise officers would never know the size of the problem they faced.

She said business owners are very unhappy about the level of bus fumes, which they believe put off visitors.

“I have spoken to shopkeepers in the Drapery and they have told me that their staff and their customers can smell the pollution and feel it in their throats.

“It’s no wonder that shoppers are avoiding our town centre.”

DMA’s bring their UK tour to a close at the Roadmender on Sunday night.

The Aussie trio head to Northampton on the back of a tour which has taken them across the country and featured gigs at festivals including Kendal Calling and the Secret Garden Party.

DMA’s comprise Johnny Took, Matt Mason and Tommy O’Dell with the trio bolstering their live line up. They released their debut album Hills End in 2016 and have been busy in the last couple of years picking up fans across the UK and Europe. In April, they received recognition after their single Delete went gold in their native Australia.

Following Sunday’s gig at the Roadmender, DMA’s head to New Zealand before returning in November to open for The Kooks at arenas across the country. DMA’s alternative sound is influenced by mid 1990s indie. The band have also been working on the follow up to their debut. It’s the second time at the Roadmender for DMA’s following sell out gigs in both Bedford and Milton Keynes in recent years. Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £13 in advance before fees.

Next Friday Northampton alternative quartet Garden headline the venue. The band recently played the One2 festival in London and at Islington Academy as part of the A Shot At Discovery series. Support is by The Autumn Saints and Flatlands. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 in advance before fees. Tickets are also on sale for Fox Chapel who headline the venue on September 1.

London alternative quartet Flyte area headlining the Garden Open Mike Festival at the Black Prince in Northampton on August 13.

Currently signed to Island Records, Flyte have amassed more than 1.5 million streams on Spotify for tracks including We Are The Rain, Closer Together and Light Me Up in the last couple of years.

They comprise singer and guitarist Will Taylor, bassist Nick Hill, keyboard player and guitarist Sam Berridge and drummer Jon Supran. Flyte are currently working on their debut album which is due out later this year.

Joining them will be The Barratts, The Red Triangle, Sarpa Salpa and 12 other acoustic acts from across the county.

The Garden Open Mike Festival started as a small music showcase at The Sun Inn in Hardingstone and has become a mini one-day festival. There will also be a close up magician performing. Music is from 3pm to 11.30pm, tickets cost £15.

http://bit.ly/2hgqEqm

Multi-platinum Australian singer Guy Sebastian will be joining Shane Filan on his Love Always tour which heads to Royal and Derngate in October.

Australia’s first ever ‘Idol’ winner in 2003, Guy’s decade and a half long career has seen 42 platinum and three gold certifications. He has sold three million records and performed a string of arena tours.

Sebastian’s 2013 single Battle Scars went platinum in the US - one of only a few artists in Australian music history to ever achieve this. Last year saw the release of his tenth album Conscious. Originally from Malaysia, Guy moved to Australia aged six, first to Melbourne, then to Adelaide and has been singing since his early teens.

He will join Filan at the Northampton venue on Tuesday, October 3. Doors 7.30pm, tickets cost from £28.50 before fees.

royalandderngate.co.uk

A woman tried to bite a teenage girl after getting into an argument with her and her friends in Kettering.

The 15-year-old victim was assaulted in Kettering town centre on Tuesday, July 25.

The teenager was with a group of friends who were near the water fountains in Market Place, between 7pm and 7.30pm.

An argument between the teenagers and an older woman also in Market Place took place which resulted in the woman punching the 15-year-old in the face, grabbing at her neck and attempting to bite her.

The offender was white, about 40, of large build and with blonde hair, with black extensions.

She wore a black top with a flower on and black leggings.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have any information regarding it.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The 64-year-old woman declared missing yesterday afternoon has been found.

Northamptonshire Police confirmed Catherine Clarke was found last night (July 31) and is now safe.

They also thanked the public for their support with the appeal.

After successfully restoring a derelict brewery and then opening a bar, the managing director of Phipps in Northampton is now turning his attention to a 200-capacity music venue on the site.

Work is already under way on the first floor of the building in Kingswell Street, with Alaric Neville hoping, when open, it will help promoters bring more touring acts to the town and provide a home for other creative arts.

However, despite progress, more investment and building work is required before the venue could open.

“The plan for a venue has been there from the beginning,” he explains.

“When I first walked into the building, my initial thoughts were ‘what a great venue this could be’.

“The original plan was for a large 500 capacity room and a small micro brewery but after speaking to various people we decided to concentrate on the brewery and bar which I think in hindsight was correct.

“There was always the intention to make this building more than just a brewery, more of an arts centre and creative hub.”

After years as a tannery, Phipps brought brewing back to the old Albion Brewery in 2014 with the bar opening the following year.

Since then, artists, photographers, film makers and a creative media company have moved into parts of the building which also houses a print shop and small gallery.

“Even if we grow the brewery to be twice the size we are now, we’ll never need all the space the old company did,” Alaric explains.

“Brewing is more efficient now and the space you need is much smaller.”

“Our attention is turning to the two floors above the bar.

“The aim is going to be offering something that adds to the town’s existing cultural capital.

“The Soundhaus is closed, The Picturedrome has a different feel and our capacity will be well below the Roadmender but well above The Lab.

“There’s some great Northampton bands, but we need to step outside and look from a wider vantage point.

“Scenes in towns, music and anything creative, flourishes and grows when you measure yourself against people further on than you.

“A town like Northampton needs to be attracting more touring national and international bands.

“I lived for a long time in Leeds and saw how the music scene works there and in other cities, even in towns smaller than Northampton.

“Most places have that hub. We’re going to be entry level – I hate the phrase the ‘toilet circuit’ – but it’s that kind of idea, a dedicated performance venue not a pub back room”.

“The capacity will depend how we build the stage, but we’re looking at about 180 or 200 which is a good working audience.

“At that size, you get the up and coming touring bands I want to bring to the town.”

Originally from Rushden, Alaric played in local Northampton bands before attending university in Leeds.

For more than 30 years he recorded and produced bands in the Manchester and Leeds area, running a record label, working with acts including Chumbawamba, Oysterband, CUD and The Ukrainians.

Since moving into the brewery and re-establishing the Phipps brand, he has also helped organise the Northampton Beer Festival and the music for the Town Festival. In between he has reintroduced gin to Phipps’ range.

Although the Phipps brand has grown and prospered as a “financially sound” business, Alaric admits more money will be needed before the venue can open.

He has been talking to the University of Northampton about providing a shared home for its theatre and drama students and the potential that has for unlocking grants.

“We don’t get funding at the moment, we’re not like an arts centre which gets revenue,” he explains.

“To potentially have the university and then bands, comedy and functions here, you can see the place being used every day and paying for the work which needs doing.”

“We need to put a second stairwell and lift in and there will be a stage and small bar upstairs.

“It will take serious money but we’re talking to the university who are also going to help me navigate the shark infested waters of funding.

“Phipps can provide some hard cash, but we will only achieve this as part of a collective.

“It is not going to open any time soon as planning and fund-raising will be lengthy processes but at least we’ve started on the journey.”

Explaining his hopes for the venue, Alaric added: “The model for this venue is not that it’s exclusively ours. I want promoters to know it’s here and to know the terms are as easy and straight as forward as they can be; ‘bring it here, it’s yours, it’s an open access space’.

“I think the day of standalone venues may have gone, but there’s been theatre, comedy and music in pubs and inns since before Shakespeare’s time - rock and roll is just the latest incarnation of what people do to entertain each other.

“Music and merriment and theatre and laughter go together, you’d find them all in ale houses and music halls.

“If Northampton is going to grow and thrive it will be through its cultural scene - eating drinking, watching plays and films and listening to live music.”

“Northampton needs to have a vibrant cultural scene - because it doesn’t look like it’s going to have a thriving, large scale shopping scene!”

Police and fire officers were called after reports of someone seen standing on the bridge over the River Nene in Wellingborough today (Tuesday).

They received a call at 7.20am from motorists who were concerned about a person who was seen standing on a bridge over the River Nene, near the slip road off the A45 westbound at Wellingborough.

A police spokesman said: “An extensive search of the area has taken place of the area, including the river, but the person has not been found.”

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101.

Witness, Heather, who wants her surname to remain anonymous, was on the approach to Black Lion Hill, in a taxi with a friend, at 1.15am this morning (Tuesday, August 1).

She said: "A mugging happened on the road between Westbridge and the train station.

"Two black males were seen fleeing the scene after leaving a woman unconscious and bleeding from the head.

"They took her bag, which had all her belongings in.

"She was laying in the middle of the road so we got out and helped her until police and an ambulance arrived, she is in the hospital now and all the nurse could tell me is that she is stable."

A spokeswoman for Northamptonshire Police said: "We were called to an incident in Black Lion Hill that took place at about 1.15am this morning, where a woman was assaulted and had items stolen.

"The lady was taken to hospital for treatment and is not believed to have serious injuries.

"An investigation into the incident is taking place and we would like to speak anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information regarding it."

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

In July, fans said goodbye to long-time steward, Les Arnold and more recently supporter Andy Tebbutt who passed away over the weekend.

A spokesman for the club said: “We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of Andy’s passing and our thoughts are with Andy’s family and friends at this sad time.

“We understand those supporters travelling to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday are planning to pay tribute to him at the game.

“We have had to say goodbye to a number of loyal supporters this summer and a few weeks ago club staff attended the funeral of long time supporter and steward Les Arnold. We will be printing a tribute to Les in the Fleetwood Town programme.

“In addition, the club will recognise and remember supporters with a period of applause and a montage on the big screen twice a season, at the final home game of the calendar year and the final home game of each season."

To have a loved one included, friends and family are asked to email a photo and details to gareth.willsher@ntfc.co.uk.

The county council has removed the set of lights in Towcester Road, near the junction with Rothersthorpe Road, after they were damaged in a crash at 2:10am on Sunday (July 30).

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: “Two poles at a pedestrian crossing in Towcester Road, Northampton, have been damaged in a collision.

“Repairs will be carried out this evening (August 1)."

Boss Justin Edinburgh says it is crucial the Cobblers hold their nerve and show patience to ensure they get the right man in to rival David Cornell to be the first choice goalkeeper at Sixfields.

Town have been looking to strengthen the shot-stopping position all summer following the decision to allow Adam Smith to leave the club at the end of last season.

Former Wales Under-21 international Cornell, who made 10 starts for the Cobblers last season, is currently the number one at Sixfields with the back-up being 18-year-old first year professional James Goff.

Edinburgh and the Cobblers have to date been left frustrated in their attempts to get the man they want, but the Town manager says he is willing to bide his time even longer.

He believes it is imperative they sign the right man for the job, and has also made it clear he is happy for Cornell to start when the Sky Bet League One campaign kicks off at Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.

Asked if there has been any developments on the goalkeeper front, Edinburgh, who has enjoyed an excellent summer of recruitment signing 12 outfield players, said: “There is nothing as we stand here.

“We are continuing to try and bring competition in for Dai, and we are hopeful we can do that before the start of the season, but it has been a tough one.

“We have had some disappointments, and we have some that are still ongoing, but we haven’t been able to find the right competition and the right player as yet, but we are working hard to put that right.”

The Cobblers have been linked with a loan deal for Newcastle United’s England Under-20 goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, while Edinburgh has said he has three or four targets in mind, and he is still keeping his options open.

“There are goalkeepers out there that are still unattached, there are players we have looked at and spoken to their clubs about loans, so I think it is going to be whatever one we feel is right for us,” said the Town manager.

“There are some experienced goalkeepers still unattached, maybe training or looking to secure a contract at clubs in the higher levels.

“So it is about being patient and holding our nerve, but more importantly getting the right goalkeeper in, with the right character and one that we feel will make us a better team.”

Cornell is now almost certain to start the season as the Cobblers number one, and that is not an issue for Edinburgh.

“I have said that Dai came back in great shape, and I have no qualms about him,” said the Cobblers boss.

“I think he has been excellent in pre-season, and I will have no hesitation in playing him from the start of the season and going forward.”

Justin Edinburgh will undoubtedly face a few selection quandaries over the course of the forthcoming campaign given the squad he has assembled, but if there is one scenario that all football managers crave, it’s being spoilt for choice.

Whilst it may cause some sleepless nights and result in a few disgruntled players, constructing a squad that provides competition for places across every position can only be healthy in the long run; it prevents standards from dropping and guards against players from falling into a comfort zone.

It is a vital ingredient that has been and will always be a hallmark of any successful side, including Northampton Town in 2015/16 when Chris Wilder would regularly tinker with his team, both in terms of personnel and tactically, despite stumbling on a winning formula very early on.

Since then, and following a disappointing first year back in Sky Bet League One, the Cobblers squad has undergone major reconstruction and given a makeover by manager Justin Edinburgh during a frenzied summer of transfer activity, with 12 faces having now made the switch to Sixfields and more set to come.

It’s been a remarkable few months. A busy summer on the transfer front was expected following the disappointing manner in which last season fizzled out, but few anticipated such a high turnover of players.

And it’s not only the quantity of signings that has transformed the mood around Sixtields, it is also the quality Edinburgh has managed to attract, boosted by investment from Chinese company 5USport.

That is no better illustrated than two of his most recent recruits in Matt Crooks and Aaron Pierre, both of whom opted for Sixfields over several rival clubs, while the pace of Billy Waters, the nous of Dean Bowditch and the physicality of Ash Taylor are all valuable attributes that had previously been missing.

The lack of strength in depth became a serious issue last season when the Cobblers were caught out for a poor recruitment strategy the previous summer, with several players discarded from a very early stage.

This time that should not be the case and instead of having such slim-pickings to choose from, one of Edinburgh’s greatest challenges will be to keep all of his players happy.

He has a wealth of options at his disposal in most positions across the park and, with two players competing for each spot – providing a goalkeeper is signed – that’s exactly what is needed over the course of nine long, relentless months in four different competitions.

But signing players is the easy bit, and now he’s brought in the desired quality, Edinburgh’s task is to find the most effective system that will bring the best out of his players.

And given the quality he can select each week, he has the flexibility to play a variety of formation, from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 to 3-5-2.

How will he go? And how should he go? We explore the options below, and vote for your favourite! (Note: this was written prior to Chris Long’s signing).

4-3-3

Given the wealth of options in midfield, 4-3-3 arguably looks the best bet. It offers balance and versatility and with Powell and Waters playing slightly narrower and protection provided by the three in midfield, the two full-backs would have the freedom to push on.

It could also be argued that midfield, with the likes of John-Joe O’Toole, Matty Taylor, Sam Foley, Yaser Kasim and Matt Crooks all batting it out, is where Town boast the most quality. This system would, in theory, maximise the potential of those players by playing three at once and in any combination.

4-4-2

Whether it was with the diamond or a flat midfield four, 4-4-2 was regularly deployed by both Page and Edinburgh last season, with Marc Richards and Alex Revell invariably partnered together when both were fit. The problem with this, however, was that the Cobblers often became one-dimensional and predictable in games, as well as regularly being outnumbered and overrun in midfield.

The squad’s better balance this time around should guard against that, although the one position of the pitch that still causes slight concern is on the wing where Powell is arguably the only natural winger in the squad, despite both Lobjoit and Waters playing out wide in pre-season.

Nevertheless, 4-4-2 could still be a profitable system for Edinburgh who may go with a holding player in Crooks or Kasim in partnership with a more box-to-box midfielder such as O’Toole or Foley.

3-5-2

One of Northampton’s greatest strengths over the past two seasons, especially during Chris Wilder’s remarkably successful reign, has been the defensive and attacking capabilities of the full-backs. Brendan Moloney and, to a lesser extent, David Buchanan are regularly seen motoring down the wings at Sixfields, and there’s no reason why deputies George Smith and Aaron Phillips can’t do the same - or even someone like Daniel Powell who Edinburgh has earmarked to potentially play that role.

With that in mind, and allied to the lack of natural wingers in the squad, 3-5-2 may well become a very handy system, in fact Edinburgh has already stated this is the formation he intends to go with for now.

A combination of any two or three of O’Toole, Taylor, Foley, Kasim, McWilliams and Crooks will play in midfield, while it would be a battle between Bowditch, Richards, Lobjoit, Waters, Long and Revell for the forward positions.

4-2-3-1

A popular among Cobblers fans for the part it played in their title triumph two years ago, this is a system that could work well with the current squad. It was a favourite among Chris Wilder who deployed it to maximum effect, although he enjoyed the benefit of having two excellent wide players in Nicky Adams and Ricky Holmes.

As previously noted, Northampton do not quite possess the same quality in this squad, which therefore weakens the argument for 4-2-3-1 but, if more emphasis is placed on the full-backs, it could still be an viable option.

Strength in depth

It’s also worth noting how deep this Cobblers squad is with almost every position covered by two players. For example, pictured at the bottom of this page are two potential teams made up of entirely different players that Edinburgh could field, assuming a new goalkeeper is signed before next week’s opener at Shrewsbury Town.

Northampton celebrated the life of town hero Edgar Mobbs at a service in Abington Square memorial gardens.

The Mayor of Northampton, Cllr Gareth Eales, and David Parish from the Western Front Association laid wreaths, and read out the names of fallen soldiers before leading a two-minute silence.

Edgar Mobbs, who is well known for raising his own ‘sportsman’ company after being turned down for being too old to join the Army in World War I, was killed on July 31, 1917 and this week marked the centenary anniversary of his passing.

After the service a series of talks were given at Abington Park Museum in collaboration with the Western Front Association.

Historians gave five lectures about Edgar and the Northamptonshire Regiment at the Battle of Ypres, will including a key note speech titled ‘1917 and the Third Battle of Ypres’ from Dr Jim Beach, the senior lecturer in 20th century history at the University of Northampton.

Courtney Flanagan was sentenced today (Tuesday, August 1) after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Paul Smith.

Mr Smith suffered a head injury in an assault at the Edge of Town pub in Regent Square, Northampton, on July 10 last year.

He died in hospital nearly two months later, on September 4, 2016.

Flanagan was also convicted of one count of attempted GBH with intent on one of Mr Smith's friends and one count of ABH, which took place at the Edge of Town pub on July 10, 2016, and one count of GBH that took place on June 19, 2015 in St Leonards Road, Northampton.

His Honour Judge Thomas QC gave Flanagan a 10-year custodial sentence with a three-year extension, having found him to be a ‘dangerous person’ in law.

Detective Inspector Mark Hopkinson from Northamptonshire Police CID said: “I am pleased with the outcome of the case today and welcome the sentence handed down.

“This was a tragic and extremely complex case. Mr Smith had a serious pre-existing heart condition which he had been managing well for more than 10 years. On the night of the assault, he was out enjoying a drink with his father.

“Our detailed and lengthy investigation involved a hugely complex medical enquiry, which ultimately established a clinical causal link between the assault and his death.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Smith’s family for their support and understanding during the investigation and I hope today’s sentencing helps to bring some comfort and closure for them.”

The Steelbacks just ran out of steam as they were beaten by two runs by Birmingham Bears at the County Ground on Tuesday night.

Richard Levi (33) and Adam Rossington (43) had got the Northants reply off to a flying start, with the home side reaching 51 without loss after just four overs.

But the Bears pulled things back brilliantly to defend their 172 for nine, with Jeetan Patel the star of the show, claiming two for 27.

Alex Wakely looked like he could lead the Steelbacks to victory with his fantastic 52, but he was run out from the final ball with his team needing three runs to win.

The Bears celebrated wildly as they pulled a dramatic victory out of the bag, claiming revenge for their final-ball defeat to the Steelbacks at Edgbaston last month.

The win sent the Bears top of the NatWest T20 Blast North Group, with the Steelbacks missing the chance to hit the summit.

Wakely had won the toss, putting the opposition into bat as Northants looked to chase successfully, as they did against Worcestershire Rapids last time out.

The Bears took nine runs from the opening over, but there was a close shave for Ian Bell at the end of it as an inside edge raced past the stumps for four.

Bell continued to face a threat in the second over as Rory Kleinveldt sent down some fizzing deliveries that both batsmen struggled to deal with.

Ed Pollock did manage to smash a six off Richard Gleeson, but aside from that, the Steelbacks were keeping it tight in front of the television cameras.

And the pressure was to pay off in the fourth over as Pollock top edged one and was caught behind for 13 off the bowling of Kleinveldt.

Gleeson thought he also had a wicket in the next over, but Rossington saw the ball spill from his grasp as he dived forward.

The Bears were to end the powerplay on 40 for one and when the spin of Rob Keogh was introduced, another wicket was to fall as Bell was bowled for a sluggish 16.

Adam Hose came in and hit two fours and a six before finding the safe hands of Wakely off the bowling of Keogh to go for 19 off 10 balls.

The Bears were 79 for three at the halfway point and they soon saw another batsman heading back to the dressing room as Hain was run out off the bowling of Saif Zaib for 28.

But Colin De Grandhomme helped to lead a fightback for the men in yellow and navy blue, taking the bowling of Ben Sanderson to task to register 21 runs from the 14th over.

The Steelbacks needed a wicket and they were to get the one they wanted as Nathan Buck had De Grandhomme caught in the deep by Gleeson for a valuable 37 off 16.

And Gleeson then did some more good fielding, running out Aaron Thomason for five off his own bowling.

With three overs to go, the Bears were 144 for six, but after Grant Elliott hit a six, he was to depart, being bowled by a slower ball from Buck for 23.

Keith Barker became the next man to see his stumps go flying as Gleeson grabbed his wicket for nine.

And the Steelbacks bowler repeated the trick soon after, bowling Alex Mellor for one as the Bears went on to finish their innings on 172 for nine.

Gleeson finished with fine figures of two for 27, with Keogh the same and Kleinveldt taking one for 20.

The reply started slowly, with only two runs coming from the first over, but 21 off the second got the Steelbacks up and running.

The 50 came up in just four overs and Levi lashed another six into the bar, but he was to go next ball, being bowled by Aaron Thomason for 33 from 13 balls.

Rossington kept going until he tried to launch a Patel delivery over the ropes and went for 43 off 28 balls.

And spinner Patel struck again next ball, brilliantly bowling Ben Duckett for nine.

But there was to be no hat-trick for the Kiwi bowler when he returned in the 15th over and in between, Wakely had hit three successive fours off Boyd Rankin to kick-start his side.

However, De Grandhomme then produced a fine over, bowling Keogh for 18 from the final ball of it.

That left the Steelbacks needing 36 runs from the final four overs.

Wakely smashed a six, but Steven Crook was soon departing for just two, finding the hands of De Grandhomme off Barker.

The tension was increasing by the second, with youngster Zaib being asked to perform under pressure.

And when the final over came, the Steelbacks needed 13 runs to win.

Zaib was to go from the first ball of it, being caught by Patel off the bowling of Thomason.

Wakely reached his 50 with a six from the next ball and the Steelbacks needed seven runs from the final four balls.

Wakely ended up on strike for the final ball, needing three runs to win it, but he could only find the hands of the bowler, who ran him out to earn victory for the jubilant Bears.

Steelbacks: Levi, Rossington, Duckett, Wakely (c), Keogh, Zaib, Crook, Kleinveldt, Sanderson, Buck, Gleeson.

Birmingham Bears: Pollock, Hain, Bell (c), Elliott, Hose, De Grandhomme, Thomason, Barker, Mellor (wk), Patel, Rankin.

Head coach David Ripley admitted it was one that got away for the Steelbacks after they suffered a two-run defeat at home to Birmingham Bears on Tuesday night.

Ripley's men couldn't quite chase down the Bears' 172 for nine, in which Richard Gleeson and Rob Keogh both took two for 27 and Rory Kleinveldt claimed one for 20.

Richard Levi (33) and Adam Rossington (43) did get the Steelbacks off to a flyer in reply, with the NatWest T20 Blast champions reaching 51 without loss in just four overs.

But Jeetan Patel (2-27) turned the screw and Aaron Thomason held his nerve in the final over to run out Alex Wakely, who had made a fine 52, from the last ball of the match.

The victory sent the Bears top of the North Group, while the Steelbacks missed the chance to hit the summit and remain fourth ahead of Thursday's home game against Lancashire Lightning.

"I don't think it was a bad performance," Ripley said.

"We did a lot of good things, it's just that when it's so close, it's a tough call.

"We've been winning those games and when you lose one it hits you hard.

"Our performance in terms of restricting them to what we thought was a par score and being in a position to win the game was good.

"We came out of the powerplay well and this was a night where we felt we should win, but this is a night we haven't won and that's disappointing.

"They fought back, they took wickets at key times.

"Losing Adam (Rossington), who was well set, and then Ben (Duckett) next ball was a bit of a dent, but we got so far ahead of the rate, I still felt we would get home.

"But to be fair, they kept fighting, they squeezed us and we just couldn't quite get over the line."