THURSDAY, June 26

MUSIC

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm

Jazz Cafe at Black Bottom Club, George Row, Npton, 8pm. £1

All That Jazz at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free.

Dave Manington’s Riff Raff at Castle Theatre, W’boro, 8pm. £12.50 (£10.50 concessions)

Karaoke with Luke Marlow at O’Neill’s, the Drapery, Npton, 9pm

Open Mic, at The Obelisk Centre, Kingsthorpe, 8.30pm

70s & 80s Night at Kingsthorpe Bowls Club, Kingsthorpe Recreation Ground, 7.30pm. Tickets £5.

THEATRE

Murdered To Death, performed by Brixworth Drama Group at Brixworth Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 otd or 01604 880672

OTHER

County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am–noon.

New WI at Kingsley Park Methodist Church, Kettering Road, N’pton, 10.30am–noon.www.thewi.org.uk/northamptonshire. Free entry.

Painting workshop in gardens of Kelmarsh Hall. Sessions 11am–noon and 1pm–2pm. Cost £7.50 or £12 for both sessions.Some materials provided. Email visitors@kelmarsh.com

Evening Walk with Waendel Walkers Club, circular route from The Dukes Arms, Woodford (choice of 6 or 12 miles), 6pm.www.waendel.org.uk. 50p entry fee

Evening Walk with Northampton Ramblers (4 miles). Meet 7pm Wooden Walls of Old England, High Street, Collingtree.

Garden bouquet half day workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

NAB Mobile Sight Centre visits McDonalds in Wellingborough town centre, 10am–1pm.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (15 miles). Start Swans Nest Lane CP, Stratford-upon-Avon, 10am. 01604 403597

Charity Fashion Show by students from Tresham College’s Kettering campus at Windmill Avenue campus, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 from college’s reception.

FRIDAY, June 27

MUSIC

Disco and Karaoke at The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden

Rhythm & Roots at Bootleggers, W’boro Rd, Npton, 9pm

Twin Fest music festival of music from the twin towns of Marburg, Poitiers & Northampton at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton.

Mod Story at Harlequin, Kettering, 9.30pm

Lorenzo Renda at O’Neill’s, the Drapery, Npton, 9pm

Sean Grews Acoustic Lounge at Lord Byron, Kingsley Pk, N’pton

PushPop 90s Night at Barratts Club, Barrack Rd, Npton, 8pm

Corrine Lucy at Behind The Bus Stop, W’boro Rd, Npton, 8pm.

All Things Musical, silent auction with musical entertainment, The Bee Hive Centre, Harborough Road, Npton, 7pm. Tickets £5 from 01933 622497 orthomas@nsg.northants.sch.uk

Armed Forces Sing-Along at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton, 1pm–4pm; John Burrows Band, 8pm–11pm.

Midsummer Jazz with Dave Gladdish All Stars at Burton Latimer Hall. Tickets £10. For details 07796 467166.

THEATRE

Murdered To Death, performed by Brixworth Drama Group at Brixworth Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6 or 01604 880672

Story Hunt, Walking Tour of Northampton, 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm & 7.30pm. Royal & Derngate box office 01604 624811

OTHER

Quiz at Brafield WMC, A428.

Coffee Morning at Whittlebury Reading Room, 10am–noon.

Fitsteps Class, Kingsthorpe Baptist Church Hall, behind Waitrose, 10am

R-Zone Club for ages 8-13 years at the Community Centre, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm–6pm. 07979 152746.

St James Church Flower Festival in Gretton, 2pm–5pm (also June 28 & 29, 10am–5pm). Floral displays on a theme of Anniversarys. Refreshments in the Old School House.

Antipasti evening workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Comedy Club Express at The Hind Hotel, Sheep Street, W’boro. Headline act is Otiz Cannelloni. Tickets £11 (inc free burger and chips).

NAB Mobile Sight Centre visits Queen’s Square, Corby, 10am–2pm.

Nucleus Weekend of Sport at Boughton House, inc running, cycling, triathlons and music. (until Sunday).

SATURDAY, June 28

MUSIC

Billy Delaine, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, from 8pm.

50s/60s Disco Party at Great Houghton Village Hall, 7.30pm. £10 (inc barbecue food).

Johnboy’s Disco at British Rail Club, St Andrew’s Road, Npton, 8pm

VIP Party Part 2 at Black Bottom Club, George Row, Npton. 80s funk, soul, 90s RnB, 9pm–3am. £5 early bird ticket, £10 thereafter. www.richardsonsevents.com

Twin Fest music at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton

Mod Story at Sunnyside, Boughton Green Rd, Npton, 8pm

Thems Thebrakes at O’Neill’s, the Drapery, Npton, 10pm

Memphis Blue at Lord Byron, Kingsley Pk, Npton

Guy Surtees at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Phil Allen at Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

Towcester Studio Band concert at St Mary’s Church, Whittlebury, 7.30pm. Tickets £8 adults/£4 under 16s. 01327 857236.

Northampton Philharmonic Choir concert in St Mary’s Church, Finedon. Also features music by the Lincoln Noel Jazz Trio. Starts 6.30pm. Tickets £12 adults/£5 students/under 12s free. 07958 768661

The Pat South Band at Thomas A Becket, St James, N’pton

Concert by New England Chorale at St Barnabas Church, W’boro, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 (children free) 01933 226730 or sfo@mypiano.com

THEATRE

Murdered To Death, performed by Brixworth Drama Group at Brixworth Village Hall, 7.30pm. Tickets £6. 01604 880672

Story Hunt, Walking Tour in Northampton, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm. Royal & Derngate box office 01604 624811

OTHER

Slapton Church Fete, 2.30pm at Slapton Manor, nearTowcester. Live jazz, stalls and family sports day in aid of Church Funds and the maintenance of our Mediaeval Wall Paintings

Carpetbagger Secret War Museum, Sunnyvale Farm, Harrington, 10am to 4pm. £4 entry,

Newton Hall Indoor Market, Newton Road, Rushden, 9am–5pm (& Sun 10am to 3pm). 07954 179299

Flower Festival with a Dickensian Theme at St Leonard’s Church, Rockingham (& June 29), 11am –5pm. Adults £5 (inc access to Rockingham Castle gardens

Afternoon Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (5.5 miles). 2pm from Tyringham Church.

Kettering & District Ramblers Club (4 miles). 01536 514390 or 01536 513163

Gretton Art Group Exhibition in Village Hall, Kirby Road, Gretton, 10.30am–4pm (& June 29).

Finedon Independent Wesleyan Chapel Flower Festival, 10am–5pm (& June 29, noon–4pm).

Hellidon Summer Fete & Dog Show from noon, opposite the Red Lion. Various stalls and aerobatic display (weather permitting). www.heartofenglanddogshows.co.uk

Summer Market, St Mary’s Church, Knox Road, W’boro, 11am. Free admission.

Eight open Gardens in Walgrave, plus plants for sale. Art & wedding dress exhibitions in chapel and church. www.walgrave-village.co.uk. £4 entry (children free).

Family Day, Reading Room, Whittlebury, 2pm. Ice creams, play areas, bar and music; take a picnic.

Evening of Clairvoyance at Kettering Spiritualist Church, St Peters Avenue, 7.30pm. Members £2.50, Guest £3. www.ketteringspirit.org.uk

Quinton Village Church Fete , stalls, owl displays and morefrom 2.30pm on Village Green.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (9 miles). Start Calverton Road car park, Stony Stratford, 10am. 07740 995707

Desborough Carnival – Parade assembles 1.15pm in Dunkirk Avenue, moving off 2pm.

Artists Tamsin Edwards and Marlene Snee have joint exhibition showcasing their work at Chichele College, Higham Ferrers, 9am–5pm (& June 29, 10am–4pm.

SUNDAY, June 29

MUSIC

Dave Johnson Band at Three Horseshoes, Ecton, 2.30pm.

Bullit’s Karaoke at The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden

Karaoke at Jekyll & Hyde, W’boro Road, Npton, 8pm

The Cinqui Jam at Thomas A Becket, St James, Npton, 9pm

Alan Black, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, 8pm.

Colm Lyons at British Rail Club, St Andrew’s Road, Npton, 2pm

A Night of Acoustic at the Penny Whistle, Abington Sq, Npton, 7.30pm. Free entry.

Dave Johnson Band at Four Pears, Little Houghton, 8pm.

Gretton Silver Band will play 2pm at St James Church Flower Festival in Gretton (festival open 10am–5pm).

THEATRE

Story Hunt, Walking Tour of Northampton, 1.30pm, 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Grand Prix fun day in Abington Street & Market Square , N’pton, 10am–4pm, challenges & displays

Car Boot Sale at Sixfields Stadium, Npton. Sellers 8am, Buyers 9am. www.ntfc.co.uk

Walking Quiz & Cream Tea, St Mary’s Church Hall, Rushden, 3pm. Adults £4, Children £2, just cream tea £3. Proceeds for The Children’s Society.

Higham Ferrers Footpath Group – Riseley, Hardwick End, Hatch End, Keysoe, Riseley (6.5 miles). Meet 9.30am Saffron Road car park, Higham Ferrers or 10am Riseley High Street, nr Bowers Lane

Circular Day Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (14 miles). Meet 8.45am Church Lane, Npton (near Church of Holy Sepulchre or 9.30am East Haddon (opp village pub). Do not park in pub car park.

Open Gardens, in Harrold, Beds, 1.30pm–6pm. Also vintage and classic car display, ukulele band. Proceeds to charity.

Evening Walk with Northampton Ramblers (6.9 miles). Meet 10am Royal Oak, Walgrave.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (6.5 miles). Start near The Crown, Elton, 10am. 01832 732724

MONDAY, June 30

MUSIC

Karaoke at The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm–7pm

THEATRE

Open Audition for Masque Theatre’s October production of Becket, from 7.30pm at 9 Burns Street Studios, N’pton.

OTHER

Lone Survivor, at movie night at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 8pm. Free entry.

COYS Touch Rugby Club training at Dallington Park, Npton, 6.30pm www.pitchero.com/clubs/coystouchrugby

TUESDAY, July 1

MUSIC

Guy Fletcher & Dan Plews at The Old White Hart Inn, Cotton End, Npton, Doors open 8pm. Tickete £8 www.greatknightfolkclub.co.uk

Massy Ferguson, Seattle USA band at Three Horseshoes, Ecton, 7pm. Free entry.

THEATRE

Horrible Histories, Derngate Auditorium, N’pton, 7pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (3.5 miles). Start at Grange Lane car park, Pitsford, 10am. 01604 647096

Families Need Fathers meet at Thorplands Children’s Centre, Npton, 7pm.

Delicious Desserts half day workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Short Morning Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (5 miles). 10am from White Hart, no dogs.

Gretton Village Hall Lunch, 12.30pm ( £4 per serving). Proceeds to village hall repair fund. 01536 772328

WEDNESDAY, July 2

MUSIC

J for Jazz at The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. Free. 01848 463183.

Acoustics Night, Horseshoe Inn, Sheep St, Wellingborough, 9pm. Free entry.

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl st, Npton, 8pm. Free entry.

Jam Night with The Freight Train at Thomas A Becket, St James, Npton, 9pm

THEATRE

Horrible Histories, Derngate Auditorium, 10.30am & 1.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (8 miles), from Red Lion, Denton, 9.30am. 01604 891234.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Guildhall Road, 11am– 1pm. Bring your teddy bear for picnic in the museum. Under 5s only. £2.50, booking essential. Call 01604 837937.

NAB Mobile Sight Centre visits Town Hall, Brackley, 10am–12.30pm; then Waitrose car park, Water Lane, Towcester, 1.30pm–3.30pm.

Northamptonshire Alliance monthly caged birds meeting at Athletics Club, Rockingham Road, Kettering, 8pm.

Prepare-Ahead Dinner Partieshalf day workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Morning Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (6.75 miles), 9.30am outside Duke’s Arms, Woodford.

Evening Walk with Northampton Ramblers (circa 4 miles). Meet 7pm Kislingbury Sports Ground.

The husband of a young mother who died from breast cancer after she was advised by Northampton doctors to treat a lump in her breast with primrose oil has urged women to demand a biopsy if they are worried about a piece of skin tissue.

Mohammed Chaudhry, of Weston Favell, lost his wife Samina, aged 34, after it took repeated hospital appointments over a two-year period before Northampton General Hospital agreed to a biopsy of her breast.

The results revealed Samina had advanced breast cancer and she survived just four more years after the cancer spread to her brain.

Figures from the Cancer Research charity show survival rates improve with early diagnosis and show Samina would have stood a 77 per cent chance of surviving another 10 years.

Mr Chaudhry, who lost his wife in November 2008, said he believes they were “fobbed off” by doctors at Northampton General Hospital who diagnosed the painful lump on his wife’s breast as an eczema-like skin complaint and told her to treat it with primrose oil ointment.

He said: “The first time she mentioned it she knew something seriously was wrong.

“I’m not saying she would not have got cancer but potentially she could have lived to her mid-40s or longer if she had been diagnosed quicker.

“I would just advise people not to take no for an answer if they believe there is something seriously wrong.”

Following his wife’s death Mr Chaudhry took legal action against Northampton General Hospital NHS and he was awarded £525,000 plus costs in June 2013.

Andrea Rusbridge, who handled the case for Shoosmiths, said: “This was a tragic case that should not have happened. If our client had been taken seriously at the outset and a follow up biopsy been taken she would have in all probability, been here now.”

A spokesman for Northampton General Hospital said: “We very much regret that the care we provided to Mrs Chaudhry fell below the standard she was reasonably entitled to expect and that we strive to provide. The importance of learning from mistakes of this nature is fully recognised so that we can ensure a similar incident does not occur in the future.”

Scientists at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) who voted for industrial action, have claimed staff sent in to cover their potential strike will jeopardise safety.

Bosses from the Unite union allege that over the past few weeks, NGH has been bringing in inexperienced staff to the pathology department in anticipation of a strike, which was due to start today.

The hospital has hired four agency biomedical scientists to begin operating what the union says are “very complex” blood grouping machines within a week.

Training normally takes at least three weeks, it was said.

Clerical staff and nurses have also been transferred from other departments, but the union claims they have no laboratory experience at all.

The potential strike action is about a reduction in out-of- hours payment rates, which NGH says are being brought in to line with similar pay grades as it seeks to save money.

A spokesman for Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust said the four locum biomedical scientists recruited were all Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered. He said they have experience of working in many different hospitals around the country, were familiar with the laboratory equipment and stressed clerical staff would not be operating complex machinery.

The spokesman said: “We have well-developed plans to ensure patient safety will not be compromised as a result of any industrial action.”

Corby metalers Ragin Speedhorn headline The Zombie Hut next Thursday.

The band has reunited with original frontman Frank Regan for a series of shows including this year’s Sonisphere and Damnation festivals. Thursday will be the band’s first shows for six years. Raging Speedhorn formed in the late 1990s. They released their self titled debut in 2000.

Support is by Heart of a Coward and The Darkhorse.

In August, The Darkhorse – which has members from Wellingborough and Rushden – will play at the Bloodstock Open Air festival.

The band formed in December last year and played at the Luton leg of Metal 2 The Masses competition.

They went on to win a place on the Jagermeister stage at the festival.

For ticket availability, visit www.thezombiehut.co.uk

Lexi Green and the Indigo Blue headline Kontra Roots Club tomorrow night.

It has taken Cambridge- based Lexie Green eight years from her first song, Bored Housewife, to becoming the kind of act who makes a big impact whenever she appears, performing her Americana folk, roots and blues.

Along the way she has gained international songwriting awards, achieved regular worldwide radio plays and shared the stage with many top names.

Her third album, Good Morning America, is due to be released this year.

For more details, visit www.lexiegreen.com

Support is by folk duo Jinski who play a mix of contemporary songs, folk, and rugged country blues. Making up the bill is multi-instrumentalist Bernard Hoskin.

Kontra is at Kennedy’s Bar, Irthlingbourgh, Finedon.Doors open 8pm.

Electronic and industrial pioneer Gary Numan returns to the region this weekend.

Since his debut album at the end of the 1970s, Numan has been championed by the likes of Lady Gaga, Trent Reznor and Prince.

He released his 12th album, Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind) in October last year.

The record went on to become his highest charting album since 1983’s Warriors.

Numan headlines The Assembly in Leamington Spa on Wednesday, July 2.

He will also be playing on the main stage at Alt-Fest in Northamptonshire in August.

Tickets for next week’s show cost £25 in advance. Doors open at 7.30pm.

For more information, visit www.leamingtonassembly.com

Three-time Brit Award winners, Kaiser Chiefs, begin this year’s British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone next Thursday, playing the first date of a summer tour at the Northamptonshire venue.

The Leeds indie outfit, swept to fame in the mid-noughties with hits including I Predict a Riot and The Modern Way.

The band released their latest album, Education, Education, Education & War in March.

The event precedes the British Grand Prix weekend, which takes place from Friday, July 4, to Sunday, July 6.

Tickets for the concert, overlooking the famous circuit, are on general sale now.

The Kaiser Chiefs last visited Silverstone in 2006, when they were the guests of the Honda Formula 1 team.

Tickets are £37.50 each, and are available by calling 0844 3728 300.

Vandals damaged a car after they threw stones from a bridge over the A45 in Northampton.

A black Ford Fiesta, driven by a 28-year-old woman, was travelling westbound along the A45 between Billing and Riverside on Monday, when it was hit by a large stone, believed to have been thrown from a bridge over the dual carriageway.

The incident happened between 3.45pm and 4pm.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Developers who had to stop work on a new housing development in Northamptonshire because of the mud left on nearby roads has pledged to spend £350,000 on village facilities.

Persimmon Homes was ordered to stop building 80 new homes at Johns Road in Bugbrooke after complaints from residents about the amount of mud left on the road. The firm was issued with a 28-day temporary stop notice by South Northamptonshire Council in April.

The development was given the go-ahead two years ago after the firm won an appeal against refusal of the scheme by the council.

Now, the developers have said they will invest £350,000 in new infrastructure and facilities in the village, a condition of planning permission being given.

The company said the money would be spent on “education, health facilities, public transport, highway improvements, library provision, public open space and other village schemes”.

Claire Davidson, sales manager, said: “As a responsible builder, whenever we start working within a community, we look at ways to support local people and infrastructure. The Section 106 agreement is part of the planning application, and in the case of The Paddocks this will deliver a significant amount of funding to improve and enhance village life.

“We are also directly supporting local social activity, with a donation towards the primary school fete taking place on July 7, where we look forward to meeting lots of village residents.

“And we were delighted that our nominated charity for 2014, Medical Detection Dogs, was able to join us for the launch of our show home at The Paddocks, to receive the first cheque of the year towards this very worthwhile cause. We raised more than £2,000 from a sale of old show home furniture, and we have lots more fund-raising activity planned for the year.”

At the appeal hearing in 2012, Bugbrooke resident Andrew Bodman spoke out against the application, saying it would destroy an area of countryside popular with walkers.

“It is a very popular area for walkers and there are three official footpaths.

“If the land was developed walkers would have to walk several hundred yards around the development. It is such a great area of countryside we don’t want to destroy it,” he said.

Popular family attraction, Cadbury World, has unveiled an exciting new Chocolate Adventure zone.

The new zone features a 4D interactive cinema experience which invites visitors to join a host of familiar Cadbury characters on an adventurous chocolate journey. Visitors will get the opportunity to experience the feeling of diving into a pot of melted Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, riding the Crunchie Rollercoaster and taking to the skies in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship piloted by the Caramel Bunny.

Seating 60 visitors, the auditorium offers the full 4D experience including a state of the art production, motion seats, surround sound and effects.

The new zone, entitled ‘4D Chocolate Adventure’ also features a number of interactive digital games including a ‘Joy-O-Meter’ and ‘chocolate tracing’ game. Families can also have a go at creating their own futuristic bar of virtual 3D Cadbury chocolate featuring exciting new ingredients including glow in the dark chocolate and ever-morphing fondant.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager at Cadbury World, said: “The attraction’s main aim has always been to bring chocolate to life for our visitors and so we’re particularly excited that we’ve now been able to take this to the next level and really give families a Chocolate Adventure they won’t forget! The effects are fantastic and I really felt like I was riding the Crunchie Rollercoaster!”

Based in Bournville, Birmingham the attraction offers over 600,000 annual visitors the chance to explore the magic and making of Cadbury chocolate through its fourteen amazing zones including the Aztec Jungle and popular Cadabra ride. Earlier this year it also unveiled a newly revamped Chocolate Making zone where visitors can choose from a range of sweet treats to add to a delicious pot of warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate, and enjoy traditional chocolate making demonstrations.

Cadbury World also hosts a number of themed weekends throughout the year and this summer will be welcoming popular children’s characters Sooty and Zippy to entertain visitors on selected weekends.

For more information about the new zone at Cadbury World or how to book a visit please go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk

Organisers of this year’s Honour Walk for the Northampton Poppy Appeal are hoping for a record turnout on Sunday.

The event, which takes place at The Racecourse, raised £3,000 last year.

A spokesman for the Northampton Poppy Appeal said: “There is a recommended donation for the walk of £5 for adults, £2.50 for 5-16 years, five and under are free.

“There is no charge to enter the event village where there will be rides, fun and games, military vehicles, refreshments and much much more.”

The event runs from 11am to 4pm. Registration and stalls open from 10am.

For details, visit www.northamptonpoppyappeal.co.uk/#!events/c21kz

James Barker was forced to find his very best form on and around the greens as he retained his Overstone Park Club Championship title with a three shot success over the weekend.

With the course conditions making it difficult to get the ball close to the flags, the county second team player produced two scrambling rounds of 75 to grab his third victory in the event.

After finishing one ahead of Matthew Evans in the battle for the runners-up spot, Peter Gasson also collected the net prize. Daniel Fletcher (net 70) won the Handicap Plate on countback from Tony White.

The Ladies Club Championship witnessed a debut victory for Becky Gee as she carded scores of 80 and 79 to finish clear of former champion Gill Osborne.

Shires Junior Golf Tour

Kingsthorpe’s Jason McGuinness lost on countback to Thomas Mead (Beds & County) in the fifth round of the Shires Junior Golf Tour after they both carded 41 points at Kilworth Springs GC. Alex Sexton (Silverstone) was third on 36.

The nine-hole competition for the younger Tour members went to Kai Williams (The Bedford) by two shots from Kingsthorpe duo Callum Sainsbury and Harry Withrington (both gross 63).

Amelia Humphries (Brampton Heath) finished a very respectable fourth whilst playing her first round of golf on the main course at the Leicestershire club.

Northants County

Teenager Ben Jones was crowned club champion for the first time after shooting scores of 74 and 75 in the 36-hole event.

Fellow junior member Charlie Salter was three shots back as he collected the George Mobbs Trophy for the leading net score.

Salter had to settle for second spot in the gross and net competitions of the Junior Club Championships the previous day.

Matt Myers won the gross prize by three strokes with a 72, while Dan Brightmore enjoyed an eight shot victory in the net comp after shooting a brilliant net 65.

Jones came into the event in good touch after bagging 38 points in the June Midweek Stableford to finish third behind Mike Marriott (41) and Tom Garrett (40).

Silverstone

Club pro Rodney Holt enjoyed the early start for the Summer Solstice Comp as he successfully joined forces with Mel Toms, Natalie Toms and Ian Bradley to card the best score of net 53.7.

Cris Turvey and Denise Turvey combined perfectly in the Members Greensomes as the husband and wife duo beat another set of siblings Mick Lomas and Bob Lomas on countback with 41 points.

Paul Vidler led the way in the Flag Comp as he came out on top ahead of runner-up David Noughton and third-placed Michael Ridley.

Whittlebury

A brilliant two-under-par front nine set the tone for Michael Hancock’s victory in the Reg Loomes Trophy as the 10-handicapper bagged 44 points to nudge one ahead of Tracey Heavey.

The same points tally also secured a single point margin of victory in the Reg Loomes Fourball Betterball as Brian Aitken and Phil Heavey finished ahead of three pairings.

Carole Kane and Andy Rusk were standout performers in the Reg Loomes Foursomes as their tally of 42 points lifted them three clear of five pairings.

Hellidon Lakes

A stunning burst of five consecutive birdies from the eighth hole onwards secured the top prize for Tom Lever on Captains Day.

The six-handicapper, who also birdied the fourth and 16th holes, nudged a single point ahead of Peter Sadler and Paul Fuller (both 39).

Cold Ashby

Cathy Newman showed the men how to be successful in a World Cup competition as she clinched the Stableford by four points.

On the day when England’s men lost to Uruguay to signal their exit from the football tournament in Brazil, the 34-handicapper carded 22 points over nine holes to beat Andy Aveyard and Bob Clayton.

John Frommont was also in good form in the White Tee Stableford as he grabbed 41 points to squeeze one ahead of David Cater and Dale Robertson.

Collingtree

Pars on the last four holes proved vital for Capper Rose in the Seniors Stableford as he clinched a countback victory from Gilbert Turner.

In the seventh event of the series, both men finished two points ahead of Anthony Langley (38).

Delapre

Mohammed Khan came out on top in the June Stableford as a total of 39 points gave the 23-handicapper a comfortable cushion from Anthony Alborough (36).

Two shots was the difference between first and second in the

Foursomes Medal as Anthony James and Alan Picketts (net 78) grabbed the honours ahead of Stephen Connolly and Bill McAree.

Kingsthorpe

James Armson, Mark Fowkes, Mark Colston and Wes Houghton wasted little time in finding their best form as they won the Early Bird competition.

With all competitors teeing off in the early hours of the morning, the quartet bagged 89 points to finish three clear of Dave Alcock, Mick Ward, Ian Wilmer and Tim Johnson.

Staverton

James Woolgrove scored on every hole in the June Stableford as he bagged 42 points to beat fellow high-handicapper Alan Franklin by two.

Kevin Cope (39) won the second division by a single point from Fraser Quinn, the top section went to Christopher Walton (36) on countback, while the leading lady was Michele Bate on 37.

Brampton Heath

Forty seven points was a stunning winning tally in the June Stableford as Paul Rooney finished seven clear of the chasing pack. Andrew Haines was second on countback from Sam Digby.

The leading score in the June Midweek Stableford was 40 points as David Moore took the plaudits ahead of Paul Wong and Rickey Stockwell (both 36).

Cherwell Edge

Dave Druce kept the big numbers off his scorecard in the June Stableford as she compiled the best round of 41 points. Lee Phillips, Matt Baldwin, Dave Newby and Gary Ayres all bagged 39 points.

Northampton

Margaret Nutt (36) won the Ladies Stableford by one point from Elizabeth Mulliner and Diane Heard. Countback was needed in the Colbourne Salvers as Christine Beeby edged out Elizabeth Wilmer after both shot 34.

Kingsthorpe took five of the six ties against Cold Ashby as they leapfrogged into first position in Group B with a 16-1 home victory.

In a group which has only witnessed home wins this year, the hosts made a solid start as they took the first tie by three holes, the next by one before clinching game three by a five hole margin.

Although Mike Ockenden and Younus Nabi replied with a narrow win, it made no difference as Chris Caswell and Dave Allcock (five holes) and Barry Crowl and Robbie McKenzie (three holes) completed the scoring for Kingsthorpe.

Group A

Four Wellingborough pairings secured big wins against Oundle as the team recorded a convincing 30-1 home victory.

Steve Bailey and Paul Redding (six holes), Glen Gulla and Peter Clarke, Chris Herring and Ashley Connolly (both seven holes) and Carl Martin and Steven Hammond (eight holes) were in superb touch for the hosts.

Priors moved level on points with Wellingborough after defeating local rivals Kettering 11-4 at home.

Darren Buchan and Pete Dee clinched the opening tie for Priors by five holes, while Paul Briggs and Trevor Shiells and the final pairing of Matt McLean and Steve Shiells both triumphed by three.

Group C

Rushden enjoyed contrasting emotions on consecutive evenings as they lost 22-2 at Northampton on Wednesday before winning 25-0 at Embankment just 24 hours later.

Despite a two hole success for Jack Coleman and Robert Price in the opening tie at Harlestone, any hope of a good result for Rushden disappeared with two heavy losses in games two and four.

Home youngsters Tom Philbin and Harry Williams triumphed by nine holes, while Duncan Foster and Cameron Wilson went one better to virtually guarantee the Northampton win.

Rushden bounced back in stunning fashion on Thursday by clinching all six games as Paul Robinson and David Patrick recorded a good early win at Embankment, before David Newell and Callum Gant wrapped up the perfect display.

Group D

Hellidon Lakes maintained their perfect start to the season as they made it five wins out of five with a single point victory at Overstone Park.

The reigning champions took the opening tie by two holes, but the hosts replied with a three hole win for George Marston and Dan Fowkes and a one hole success for Dave Watson and Pete Softley.

Duncan Childs and Simon Keyte leveled the overall match score, before Michael Canning and Len Edwards edged the visitors 5-4 ahead with a narrow win in the penultimate tie.

With the final tie finishing all square, Hellidon secured their 29th victory in 34 Handicap League outings over the last four years.

Delapre remain pointless after crashing to a 28-0 reverse at Brampton Heath, for whom Kevin Reeson and Dale York grabbed an impressive nine hole win.

Brampton missed the chance to maintain their title challenge however as they crashed to a 16-4 away reverse at Cherwell Edge as the hosts secured two big wins in games four and five.

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder has made a contract offer to a central midfield player who was released by a Sky Bet League One club this summer.

The player in question has spent time under Wilder previously in his career and, if he were to sign, the club’s midfield recruitment for the 2014/15 campaign would be complete.

Wilder is hopeful the player will accept the contract and join up with the squad in time for their first full day of pre-season training on Monday.

The manager has also reached advanced stages of negotiations with a left-back while a Premier League right-back is also on the verge of agreeing to a season-long loan deal at Sixfields.

When those signings are completed, the final piece in the jigsaw will be a ‘big, number nine’, although as it stands some of the budget is being held back for that addition.

Town already have five strikers under contract for next season - Emile Sinclair, Marc Richards, Ivan Toney, David Moyo and Alex Nicholls - but Wilder wants a more physical player to complete his attacking options.

“We have to make sure we have that different option,” he said.

“We want to be able to play through teams and around teams but we also want to be able to play over teams.

“It goes without saying that we’re after a number nine.

“You can’t be an idealistic manager in this league and that’s the case possibly in the Premier League.

“The manager that gets the best results there is (Jose) Mourinho and he mixes his game up, he doesn’t say we’re always playing like this.

“If Chelsea have to get it into the box and get the centre-halves up, that’s what they do.

“We have to be like that, we have to find a way of winning a game of football.

“Our season will ultimately be defined by that. We don’t play direct football, we want to play productive football and be good in both boxes with control in between.”

Never work with children and animals has become a well chorused maxim over many years but rarely before Sunday had it raised an issue with world renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri.

After all, in collusion with the late Arthur Ashe, he was once responsible for over 100,000 young players getting the chance to hit tennis balls as part of an inner-city programme in America, which ran for 13 years.

However, all that changed when the 82 year-old was a special guest at the King’s Park Tennis Centre in Northampton where he provided star billing with an absorbing half hour lecture before stepping on court to pass on a dozen aspiring stars and their coaches the benefit of some of his wisdom.

Italian-born Bollettieri is famous in tennis circles for coaching the likes of Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Monica Seles and Mary Pierce as well as working closely with Maria Sharapova, Danielle Hantuchova, Jelena Jankovic, Sabine Lisicki and Tommy Haas, and the event had been organised by King’s Park Centre coach Paul Braithwaite, who is chairman of the British Tennis Coaches Association.

An undeniable coup all were agreed, the day before Wimbledon 2014 took its grip on the nation...

For such is the vast array of experience of Bollettieri, who was accompanied by his eighth wife Cindi, that the assembled gathering clung to his every word before youngsters were ‘fed’ balls; unleashing a range of forehand, backhand and double-handed strokes to prompt comment from random coaches as well as Bollettieri himself, on whether improvement in technique would be beneficial in their game.

Bollettieri had been booked in for several hours activity yet barely had the process warmed up than the great man strayed too close to a practise swing from a young tousle-haired blonde aspirant and took full impact on the side of the face.

Blood immediately began pouring from the wound and startled onlookers instantly began ferreting for plasters and bandages to eventually stem the flow.

With admirable ‘show must go on’ spirit, Bollettieri hardly paused for breath at this unexpected hiccup. A self-confessed risk taker, he had emphasised the need to always try something ‘different’ en route to success, so in some respect, events fitted in with this mantle.

“I am embarrassed to ever be introduced as the world’s best tennis coach but I do have an acceptance of being called the craziest,” he said.

The Silson Joggers have had another exciting week, which started with the Harborough 5.

On Tuesday evening, round six of the East Midlands Grand Prix series took place.

With 17 Silson runners taking part, all in all the team had a great night.

The ladies teams, in particular, were on brilliant form with Heather Kirk coming home in a fantastic sixth place in the FS category and Linda Lytollis claiming fourth place in the F40 category.

The Silson men’s team, saw Simon Woodward put on a stunning performance, which earned him sixth place in the M40 category.

In other team news this week, Brian Gray took part in the Marston Forest 5k (a race organised by Ampthill & Flitwick Flyers) and finished with a time of 17:42.

Silson’s juniors took on a timed one-mile club challenge, and didn’t disappoint – Alfie Long steaming around the course in 5:52 minutes, beating his previous time by nine seconds.

Then to finish off the week, Jay Fletcher chose to run not one, but two, marathons in one day!

Fletcher took part in a challenge which saw him completing 52.4 miles round Caldecotte Lake, in Milton Keynes on Saturday.

He earned his two medals after running the first marathon in 4 hours and 41 minutes and the second in 5 hours and 44 minutes, with only a short rest in between.

R&N vets seal team win at Harborough

Rugby & Northampton AC’s veteran men were team winners at last Tuesday’s East Midlands Grand Prix series road race at Harborough.

The group of Paul Birch (fifth in M40 category, 29.44), Mike Andrews (11th in M40, 30.41), Brendan Moen (fourth in M45, 29.00), Peter Thomas (third in M50, 32.06), Alan Mould (sixth in M50, 32.55) and Richard Franklin (fifth in M55, 34.33) put in a string of good runs over the five-mile course to help secure top spot.

R&N’s senior men finished seventh in the standings thanks to the performances of Daniel Mould (19th, 29.57), Dean Shears (54th, 35.43) and Paul Baxter (81st, 42.49).

The club’s female runners also did well, finishing third in the senior women’s while the veterans finished fifth. Rosanna Andrews finished second in the main race with a time of 31.30, backed up by Kirstan Boynton (13th in F35, 43.27), Penny Andrews (third in F50, 35.40), Valerie Cross (fourth in F60, 51.42) and Angela Copson (first in F65, 34.55).

With six of the eight EMGP series races now complete, R&N’s veteran men sit second in the team standings with the senior men in fourth. The club’s senior women are ninth while the veteran women are 10th.

A serial hoax 999 caller has been given a suspended prison sentence after a prosecution by Northamptonshire’s Fire and Rescue Service.

Rizwan Ahmed Bashir, of Abbots Way, Northampton, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and received three concurrent six-month custodial sentences, suspended for two years, plus a 12-month supervision order and £580 costs.

The court heard recordings of the calls made by Bashir, who had continually contacted the fire and rescue service insisting that he was reporting genuine emergencies.

Chief Fire Officer Martyn Emberson said: “Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service takes this type of activity very seriously and I am extremely pleased that we have been able to successfully prosecute this prolific hoax caller.

“Making hoax calls is simply not acceptable. It means that fire crews and other resources are diverted from where they are really needed, such as a road traffic collisions or genuine fires. This not only puts people’s lives at risk but wastes both time and money.”

Councillor André González De Savage, county council cabinet member for dtrategic infrastructure, economic growth and public protection, said: “Hoax callers are extremely irresponsible and this behaviour will not be tolerated. Modern technology means we can trace every call.

“We can have a phone cut off where we can prove it’s been used for a hoax and, as has happened in this case, we can refer to the police for a prosecution.”A

A man indecently exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl and a group of her friends in Northampton.

The incident happened in Redhill Park, Hunsbury, at 4.30pm on Wednesday June 25.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “A 13-year-old girl and her friends had walked through the park towards a circular stone monument when the man walked up to them exposing himself.

“The teenagers ran away from the man, who was white, 5ft 8ins, of medium build, aged between 20 and 30.

“He was wearing a black baseball cap, wore white earphones, a black tee-shirt with white writing on it and black three-quarter length shorts which were baggy,” he added.

Witnesses or anyone who may recognise the description of the offender is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The cat owner who has lost seven of her pets after they were poisoned with anti-freeze says their deaths have been “horrendous”.

Six cats belonging to Tracy Benjamin, of Obelsisk Rise, died between May 10 and June 8.

A post mortem test on one of the cats found dead in May revealed that it had died of kidney failure due to ingesting antifreeze. The other cats all displayed the same symptoms and it is believed they must have come into contact with antifreeze too.

Today (Thursday), dog walkers found another cat belonging to Mrs Benjamin lying dead in a field near her garden.

Mrs Benjamin said: “Penny was an fit and healthy cat a few days ago and now she has suddenly died.

“It is absolutely horrendous. Everytime I think it is safe to let the cats out another one dies.

“The poisoning is just so unnecessary. I know not everyone is a cat lover but my pets have suffered, horrific, painful deaths.”

Sergeants Wyn Hughes, who is leading the investigation into the cat poisonings, has advised cat owners to be particularly vigilant and appealed for householders in the area to check for any accidental spillage of antifreeze.

Mr Hughes said: “If anybody sees or has seen anything suspicious in the Obelisk Rise area, I urge them to come forward and contact us on 101.”

The longest – and hottest – days of the year, and soaring weekend temperatures really hampered sport on many waters.

But there are always exceptions... and Lakeside near Towcester was in sizzling form as Osprey had a ball with Keiran Chavder winning their match with 150lb.

Rob Napper netted 126lb and Chris Lovelock 95lb.

And – despite parked-car temperature gauges reading into the 30s (90s in old money) – that was the day after the small venue had hosted a Crockett & Jones match won by Gerry Wilmott on 66-12 with Phil Brown getting 46-7 and Max Romane 42-12.

DAVENTRY didn’t do too bad with Tofts’ brown fish, either. Carl Hulley had 113-6 followed by Josh Palmer 112lb and Kevin Ross 90-12.

CARP fed for Castle on Canons Top as Alf Gillard weighed in 102-12 with Dave Smart 98-12 and Pat Neil 86-4.

ROYAL Oak had a share of low weights at Barby Banks, but Gary Stanley still found 82-12 with Ben Taylor on 67-9 and Wayne Sharman 62-4.

FLORE & Brockhall’s day – ALSO on Barby Banks – hit a new low, even for them. Steve Smith won with just 9lb, ahead of Rob Rawlins 7lb and Ken Cadd 4lb...

TOWCESTER’s Flecknoe match went to John Broughton, 68lb. Jim Walsh caught 44lb and Bob Eales 43-12.

LITTLE Harrowden’s Waterloo sweep saw Stuart Cheetham net 65-14 with Dave Chamberlain 59-10 and Stan Atter 50-12.

FINEDON’s Dennetts do was won by John Sumpter, 56lb of carp to 16lb. Barry Lawrence had 39lb and Roger Brain 30-11.

WHITE Hart Flore found it hard at Bishops Bowl as Mick Wheeler topped on 50-8. Chris Camplin had 42-4 and Joe Adams 42lb.

CASTLE Ashby: Brickyard, midweek, Joe Roberts 35-10, Steve Gee 35lb, Phil Wintle 
19-14; Saturday, Brickyard, Kevin Taylor 35-12, Pete 
Gibson 27-14, Frank Pizamenti 22-8; Sunday, Grendon, 
Bob Reed 99-12 (14 carp 
off the top), Courtney 
Hewlett 76-10, Chris Garrett 45-12.

ON Towcester’s Astwell Mill, midweek, Les Goodridge 
had 14 tench and four good bream.

Mike Sando caught tench and TWO rudd topping 2lb each on worm and corn.

AT Stanwick, Martin Warner banked carp of 36 and 23lb on Elsons while Dave Adams 
had a trio of 20s to 24-6 on Swan.

There are some places going on the Kislingbury syndicate water – 07974 300015 – which has produced three different 30s in six weeks.

TROUT: Northants Flyfishers’ annual Julian Davies pairs trophy at Pitsford, Sunday, went to Barry Jones and Les Pickett with five trout for 10-2. Terry Bayes and John Mills had 9-3 with Grant Gibson and Ash Cooper 9-2.

FIXTURES: Sunday, Family Fishing Day at Barnwell Country Park 11am to 4pm – introduce a friend to fishing – 07791 786251; Tuesday, Olney river open, call 01234 240061.