A 24-year-old man was held by the throat and punched in the face several times during a robbery in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

The victim had been to the Co-op in Newnham Road and was walking along Brockhall Road, when he was stopped by three men who came out of an alleyway.

One of the men held the victim by the throat while the other two men searched him, stealing cash, bank cards and a mobile phone.

The robbers then demanded the victim tell them his PIN and punched him several times in the face before running off.

The robbery happened on Thursday, August 21, between 9.45pm and 10.10pm.

The robbers are described as between 5ft 6in and 5ft 8in, with a medium build. They were wearing dark clothing, gloves and had hoods up.

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

Officers would particularly like to speak to a man believed to have been parked in a vehicle a few metres from where the offence took place and who may have witnessed the incident.

Northamptonshire Police has signed up to a scheme that will result in a “significant reduction” in the use of stop and search.

From today, the county force will only be using stop and search when approved by a chief police officer who believes violence will take place.

To increase transparency, Northamptonshire Police will also be recording all outcomes of stop and search and whether there is a connection between the grounds for the search and the outcome.

In total, 43 police forces in England and Wales have signed up to the scheme.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Nobody wins when stop and search is misused, it can be an enormous waste of police time and damage the relationship between the public and police.

“That is why I am delighted Northamptonshire Police will from today reform their use of stop and search powers under the new Best Use of Stop and Search scheme. It will increase transparency, give us a better understanding of how stop and search is actually being used and help local communities hold the police to account for their use of the powers.

Superintendent Andy Cox from Northamptonshire Police said: “Stop search can be a very useful tool, helping to reduce crime and make our communities safer. But we recognise that it can be a contentious tactic and can affect public confidence in policing.

“Northamptonshire Police has worked hard to improve the way it handles stop and search, however, we know there is more we can do and we welcome the opportunity to be part of the new Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme.”

Data on stop and search data is now available on data.police.uk. The additional information which forces will capture as a result of the Scheme will be published on this website in the next few months.

Thieves broke into a Northampton house and stole a mobile phone while the occupant slept on the sofa.

The house in Poole Street in the town centre was broken into sometime between 11.30pm on Wednesday, August 20 and 7am the following morning.

It is believed the thieves got into the property through an unlocked door. Once inside, they took a Samsung Galaxy S5 phone.

Witnesses, or anyone with information about this theft, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A woman was hit in the face and had her handbag snatched during a robbery in Daventry.

The victim was walking through the alleyway between Kingsley Avenue and Windsor Close on Saturday when she was hit in the face which caused her to fall. Her handbag was snatched as she fell.

The handbag was later recovered nearby and a quantity of cash had been stolen.

The robber is described as white and was wearing white trainers.

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

An attempted burglary took place at a house in Kettering Road North in Northampton after two men with ‘Irish accents’ told the homeowner they were there to check the radiators.

The householder let one of the men in on Sunday, August 24, shortly after 6.20pm while the other walked back up the road.

The man who went into the house checked one of the radiators and looked into other rooms in the property. He then left saying he would be back, however, he did not return and nothing was stolen.

The men are described as white, with Irish accents. One of the men was about 6ft and the other about 5ft 7in.

Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously or any suspicious vehicles in the area around the time of the incident, or anyone with information, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Two laptop computers and an engagement ring were stolen from a house in Northampton while the occupants slept.

It is believed burglars got into the property in Clarke Road, Abington, through an unlocked front door.

The incident happened sometime between 1.30am and 6.15am on Thursday, August 21.

As well as the stolen Dell and Fujitsu computers, a number of bank cards, two mobile phones and an engagement ring were stolen.

Witnesses, or anyone who knows anything about this incident, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Christian Day says the ideas have been flowing in the Saints camp as the squad look to improve on last season’s heroics.

Jim Mallinder’s men grabbed Amlin Challenge Cup and Aviva Premiership glory at the end of a memorable campaign.

But the talk this summer has been about improving to make sure what happened last time round was not simply a one-off.

And the squad have been throwing fresh plans into the mix as they bid to avoid being knocked off their perch.

“We had a debrief as a squad where everyone can put forward their suggestions for the season and a lot of players came forward with way we need to improve,” explained experienced lock Day.

“The coaches have been fantastic in taking that on board.

“We know other teams have strengthened, we know they will be coming at us hard because we’re at the top of the tree now and we’re the first person everyone’s going to be looking to knock off.

“There’s five or six teams who will all have their eyes on the trophy for next season and having had the success we’ve had for the past few years we want to make sure we’re up there again contesting the big finals and playing in the big occasions.”

Day has been at Saints since the summer of 2008, when he moved from Stade Francais.

And last season was the culmination of plenty of hard graft as Northampton finally ended their wait for a Premiership title.

“It’s obviously a big deal for the town that we’ve got that honour,” said Day.

“We’ve built over the years, taken some flak for that and it’s great that we’ve finally got across the line with one of the big ones.”

A former accounts assistant who stole more than £13,000 from a Northampton opticians to fuel his gambling addiction has avoided jail.

Jamie Wixon, of Winchester Close in Delapre, has been given a suspended prison sentence of 16 months after he pleaded guilty to stealing £13,111.24 while he was employed at Sheinman Opticians in Abington Street in Northampton.

The 31-year-old said the money, which he siphoned off the shop’s takings, was “too easy not to take”.

During a sentencing hearing at Northampton Crown Court yesterday, Rachel Law, prosecuting, said Wixon had designed special spreadsheets to automatically calculate the company’s daily accounts.

But a colleague discovered he had created a “hidden cell” on one of the sheets, containing sums of money that had been earned by the company but that he had failed to bank.

A statement by Sheinman practice manager, Jane Smith, read out in court, said that Wixon’s position required utmost trust and complete responsibility over the shop’s finances and his following suspension from work was “essential”,

She said there was an “instant impact” following Wixon’s dismissal, both in terms of no more money going missing from the company accounts, but also a further loss of £3,000 to the company in investigating the situation.

Cameron Brown, defending, said that Wixon had a gambling addiction since he was 20, starting online and then later moving on to casinos, which he couldn’t afford to keep up.

Mr Brown said: “He said the money was “too easy not to take” and did not realise the effect it would have on his colleagues; he even tried to find other employment while at Sheinman to avoid the temptation.

“He has been attending Gambling Anonymous and has done his best to stop his addiction.”

Wixon, who has already started to pay the money he stole back to Sheinman, was ordered to fully compensate the company and was given a prison sentence of 16 months, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and was put under a three month curfew between 10pm - 7.30am.

A Northampton man who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving after he chased a pedestrian three times in his car, said he “just wanted to scare” the victim.

The incident happened following a dispute which broke out after the defendant accidentally damaged the victim’s wing mirror while at a petrol station in Weedon.

At a sentencing hearing at Northampton Crown Court yesterday, defendant, Andrew Noonan, was given a six month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for dangerous driving, after he repeatedly drove towards a man on a road in Weedon.

Summarising the chain of events leading to the incident, Rachel Law, prosecuting, said the defendant accidentally damaged the victim’s wing mirror when opening his own door at a Shell garage in Weedon and agreed to compensate him.

Ms Law said: “The victim then saw the defendant driving again, in his Renault Megane, while he was walking outside a shop in New Croft Weedon in July. He waved at the defendant to get his attention and asked where his wing mirror was, but Noonan responded by swearing at him and beginning to drive off.

“The victim returned to his own car and then said he heard a car revving and turned to see Noonan “roaring” towards him.

“At that moment, a bus also joined the road and Noonan had to swerve onto a grass verge to avoid it.

“The victim got out of his car and approached Noonan to try to calm him down, but he drove at him again, stopping only inches away from his legs. During interview, he said that he had just wanted to scare him and not hit him.”

“At this point, the victim took a welding hammer from his car boot and, when Noonan drove towards him again, he hit the corner of the car windscreen.”

A statement by the victim, read out in court, said: “I left a shaking wreck and couldn’t understand how the wing mirror dispute escalated to this. I had to go to the hospital after hitting the windscreen caused my hand to swell up.”

Michael Smith, defending, said the argument was out of character for the defendant and went “out of control” very quickly.

He said: “The defendant accepts responsibility and would not repeat such a childish argument. He accepts that his driving was well below his usual standard at the time and has since given up his car.”

As well as a suspended prison sentence, Noonan received an 18-month driving ban. He was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, as well as £360 in court costs, and must complete 150 hours community work.

A man was left with a sore face after an unknown liquid was thrown at him as he walked his dogs along a Northampton street.

The man was walking along St Leonards Road in Far Cotton at about 11.25pm on Friday, August 22 when two cars full of people shouting abuse at pedestrians passed him.

As one of the vehicles passed, the man felt a liquid hit him in the face and an immediate stinging sensation.

He was left with a sore face, but no lasting injuries. It is not yet known what the liquid was.

It is believed the car which drove past the man was an N registration Rover, which was either black or blue.

Officers investigating the case would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the incident.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Two men stole a man’s laptop after they hit him in the side during a robbery on the canal path between B&Q and St Leonards Road in Far Cotton, Northampton.

The victim was walking along the path between 11:30pm and midnight on Thursday, August 21, when he was confronted by two men from behind.

The men stole his bag, which contained a laptop and some notebooks. They ran off in the direction of KFC.

The first robber is described as 5ft 4in, with a medium build, wearing a black hoodie.

The second male was 5ft, with a stocky build and was wearing a grey hoodie.

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

There were probably only four objectives for the Cobblers at Bournemouth on Tuesday night and none of them was to win the game.

It would have been nice, of course, to have put another Championship side out and enter the draw for the third round.

But it was never a realistic proposition against a powerful club both on the pitch and in the finance department - and anyway what would have been the point?

There is no prize money in the Capital One Cup and while each club gets 45 per cent of the gate receipts, teams invariably struggle to draw decent crowds in the early rounds and the whole exercise becomes a bit of a fool’s errand.

Aside from a night of fleeting glory, what good did the win at Wolves actually do?

Not that manager Chris Wilder had a choice, but I bet he’d rather have lost there and won at York City in the following game.

So we can strip it down to four targets for the Dean Court assignment - to avoid an embarrassing defeat, to avoid any more injuries, to rest some players so they are fit for Saturday, and to get some game time into some others that need it.

All four of those boxes can be ticked and a line can be drawn under the first batch of fixtures.

This has been a particularly difficult start to the season for the Cobblers, who have played on every Tuesday night and for whom the schedule eases slightly going into September.

Mansfield aside, their opponents have all been teams who are expected to be involved in promotion campaigns this season and Bournemouth looked every inch the contenders at Dean Court on Tuesday night.

For long periods of the game it felt like a keep-ball session on the training ground - conservative estimates of one particular piece of first-half possession have the number of uninterrupted Bournemouth passes at between 40 and 50.

The gulf between the two sides was clear for all to see, and only an improved second-half performance and the efforts of Jordan Archer in goal prevented the Cherries from adding to their tally, although a three-goal margin of victory was about right.

Archer’s performance and the industry of Emile Sinclair were two positives to take from the game in playing terms, while on the personnel front it is pleasing that Alex Nicholls is back playing competitive football.

The striker took last night fully in his stride and with the professional air that has been characterised his long journey back to full fitness.

All of those things bode well for the Cobblers, for whom the Capital One Cup has been a decent distraction this season, but has also exacerbated the toughness of their first run of games.

Match ratings

JORDAN ARCHER

Can be very pleased with his Cobblers debut because he kept the score down and made some good saves, especially in the second half as the Cobblers defence began to tire ...6

BEN TOZER

Saw a lot of the ball, especially in the first half, and generally used it well but was up against a class opponent in Pugh, who had a good night ...5

LEE COLLINS

Booked for a reckless challenge that could easily have resulted in a sending-off but his frustration can be forgiven considering the circumstances ...6

ZANDER DIAMOND

Had his name taken for a bit of a chop on the edge of the box and is unlikely to play against a centre-forward of the calibre of Pitman again this season ...6

GREGOR ROBERTSON

Lost his timing on one or two occasions on what was a difficult night for the full-backs as Bournemouth used their width to excellent effect ...5

RICKY RAVENHILL

Bad mistake for the second goal and was chasing shadows in the midfield battleground, where the home side really seized control ...5

LAWSON D’ATH

Showed he can be a decent player in a central role but was unable to capture the magic with which he lit up the first-round tie at Wolves ...5

JOEL BYROM

Worked tirelessly to track players and cover positions as Bournemouth passed and moved for long spells of the game ...5

KAID MOHAMED

Did well in spells on the right wing but looks better when used on the other side as it enables him to cut inside and run at defenders more ...5

MARC RICHARDS

Had perhaps the Cobblers’ best chance of the night with a header that failed to hit the target. Largely fed off scraps other than that ...5

EMILE SINCLAIR

The striker has always had pace, of that there is no doubt, and in this game he married that pace to an industry and willingness to track back that suggest he can have a role going forward ...6 STAR MAN

Substitutes:

JOHN-JOE O’TOOLE (for Ravenhill 57)

Definitely added something to the side in terms of ball retention of movement but the game was lost when he came on ...6

DAVID MOYO (for Sinclair 72)

Had a couple of nice runs and played with enthusiasm but saw very little of the ball ...5

ALEX NICHOLLS (for D’Ath 76)

An appearance that was more about the final act of an individual recovery than anything else. Did little wrong but very marginalised ...5

Not used: Duke, Hackett, Warburton, Jackson

Saints boss Jim Mallinder is expecting another tight Aviva Premiership title tussle this season.

Mallinder’s men went to the wire to claim their first Premiership crown in May, seeing off Saracens in the final play of extra-time at Twickenham.

They also left it late to beat Leicester Tigers in the semi-final at Franklin’s Gardens, with Tom Wood’s try securing a memorable 21-20 success.

And Mallinder is predicting another enthralling title race in the forthcoming campaign, which begins with Saints’ game against Gloucester at the Gardens next Friday.

“It’s nice being the reigning champions but I don’t think things really change,” said Mallinder.

“I think everyone knows that when you’re playing Northampton it is like playing Leicester or Saracens - you are going to have a difficult game.

“There are a lot of good sides.

“The top four sides are strong but there are also some unknown quantities coming up as well and we have got one of those in the first game in Gloucester.

“It shows what a tight competition it is, really, and it could have gone either way.

“We did well to get through the semis at home, which was right at the death.

“To score that against Leicester, down to 14 men as well which made it even more exciting and then the Saracens game to go into extra time and win after 100 minutes is incredible.

“It shows how close the teams are and I think it will be very, very similar this year.”

Mallinder arrived at Saints back in 2007 and steered them to promotion from England’s second tier in an unbeaten first season.

He has since gone on to win the LV= Cup, the Challenge Cup - twice - and the Premiership, and he has enjoyed the progress the club has made under his stewardship.

“It (the Premiership title) is always something that you strive for,” Mallinder said.

“We were in the first division when I first came in so it seemed quite a long way off but we have steadily progressed.

“We got through to the Premiership final the season before last and a Heineken Cup final a few of seasons ago (in 2011) so we have been making really good progress.

“To win the Premiership - it doesn’t happen many times and it is certainly the first time it has happened in my career as a coach - and of course we got the double.

“It was a special season, we really enjoyed it, we have had a good summer and now it is full-on and ready for the season.”

The father of a Northampton student, who is accused of murder, says he believes new evidence could see his son return home for Christmas.

Myles Litchmore-Dunbar has been imprisoned in Crete since July last year after he was charged with stabbing Tyrell Matthews-Burton during a fight in Malia. A trial date has been set for October 17.

Mr Dunbar’s legal team has now been given full access to files which, they say, show no evidence to link the 20-year-old to the murder.

Mr Dunbar’s father, Chris, said he believes there is “no case to answer” and that his son, who is studying for a degree in economics at the University of Northampton, should be home for Christmas.

He said: “This is what we have argued all along, but the Crete judiciary has disregarded everything we have said.

“It’s a relief to have a court date and, if it is a fair trial, the truth will finally come to light, despite the failings by the Crete police.”

A spokesperson for Mr Dunbar’s legal team, Virgo Consultancy Services, said the new evidence contained “a number of shocking discrepancies, including no physical or forensic evidence linking him to the murder; false and contradictory statements from others; and insufficient pictures of the crime scene.

“Substantial CCTV footage of the incident is being analysed by a UK expert and potential witnesses who filmed the altercation from balconies are urged to come forward.”

Hilary Brown, of Virgo Consultancy Services, said: “We are astonished he was ever charged. There was obviously little or no investigation conducted, yet a young man has spent a year in a foreign jail.

“We are not here to do the job of the Crete police, but we feel they have not done their job at all.”

The legal team also expressed “dismay” at a lack of involvement by British authorities.

THURSDAY, August 28

MUSIC

Ed Arm Trio, at Jazz Cafe in Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, N’pton, 8pm. £1.

Roy Forbes with the Graham Dent Trio at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free.

Open Mic, hosted by Hannah Faulkner at The Obelisk Centre, Npton, 8.30pm

OTHER

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

Animals Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, Guildhall Rd, 10am–noon & 1pm–3pm. Drop-in suitable for all ages.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (10 miles) from Church Lane, Great Comberton, Worcs, 10am. 01604 403597

Painting In The Garden workshop at Kelmarsh Hall. Sessions 11am–noon and 1pm–2pm. Cost £7.50 or £12 for both sessions. Booking essential 01604 686543

Northamptonshire Association for the Blind’s Mobile Sight Centre, outside McDonalds, Wellingborough town centre, 10am–1pm. .

FRIDAY, August 29

MUSIC

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

Friday Feeling at Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, Npton, 9pm.

IF & Troubleman at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton, 9pm.

Salsa Estrellas presents Saints & Sinners Party at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton. www.salsaestrellas.com

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

Point Blank at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

OTHER

Quiz at Brafield WMC, A428.

Street Dance Class, Stanwick Village Hall, 3.45pm. £4.

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

SATURDAY, August 30

MUSIC

Jed Seager, Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, 8pm.

Jamie Neale at British Rail Club, St Andrews Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Wordsworth at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton, 8pm. Tickets £1

Miss Mics & Neil Harrison spin the decks at Auntie Ruth’s, Npton, 9pm. Also Whiteroom return.

UK South Summer Tour featuring Kevin Minney & Della Lupa at Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton, 7pm

Cider & Music Festival, The Abington, W’boro Rd, Npton, featuring The Cloud, 8.30pm

After The Lights at The Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 9.30pm

Moulin Rouge at Aspers Casino, Commercial St, Npton, 8pm. Evening of Parisian pleasures from award-winning London-based burlesque group, The Folly Mixtures. £25 inc meal.

Mod Story at Conservative Club, Corby, 9pm

John Holly at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Proms In The Park – Rushden Town Council event at Rushden Hall Park, 7pm.

Gabbo at Kettering Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

Hub Whipley at Great Doddington WMC, Lower Street

The Silhouettes at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Soul Sounds of the 70s & 80s Disco at Far Cotton WMC, Npton, 7.30pm. £5 on the door.

Music & Bingo at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

OTHER

Northamptonshire Food Show at Holdenby House, 10am–5pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £6, child £3.50, family (2+2) £18.

Towcester Sausage and Cider festival takes place at Towcester Racecourse, noon–midnight, Adults £5, under-18s free.

Military Fitness Class for adults and children at Delapre Park, N’pton, 9.30am to 11am. For info www.bpt-uk.com

Carpetbagger Secret War Museum, Sunnyvale Farm, Harrington (and bank holiday), 10am–4pm. £4 entry,

Network Arts Annual Exhibition (until Sept 30) at The Alfred East Gallery, Sheep Street, Kettering, 10am–4.45 pm (Tues-Sat). Free entry. More info www.networkarts.co.uk

Evening of Clairvoyance with Liz Fuller, Kettering Spiritualist Church, St Peter’s Avenue, Kettering, 7.30pm. Members £2.50, Guests £3. www.ketteringspirit.org.uk

World War One Family Day, Northampton Museum & Art Gallery and Royal & Derngate, 11am–4pm. Activities, stalls, exhibitions. Free entry.

Afternoon Walk with Northampton Ramblers (5.5 miles). Meet 2pm in the car park nr the visitor centre, Harrold Country Park. Circular walk via Odell.

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

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7.5 miles). Start at Calverton Road car park, Stony Stratford, 10am. 01604 717947

Vinyl, CD and DVD Fair, Parish Hall, Market Place, Kettering, 9am–3pm.

Bats, Moths and Night Time Creature Walk at Sywell Country Park. Join the Rangers and local wildlife experts. Adults £3, £2.50 children. Booking essential on 01604 810970 or email sywell@

northamptonshire.gov.uk

Wellingborough & District Horticultural Society Flower & Produce Show, Bosworth’s Nurseries and Garden Centre. Finedon Road, Burton Latimer, noon–6pm (& August 31, 10.30am–3.30pm)

Annual Village Show at Geddington Village Hall. Adm 50p. Sale of produce starts at 2pm.

Neighbourhood Sale, visit the Market Square, Higham Ferrers to pick up a map of homes taking part from 9am. Cost £1

SUNDAY, August 31

MUSIC

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

Cider & Music Festival, The Abington, W’boro Rd, Npton, featuring Rapscallion, 4pm

Ma Browns Groove Box at Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton

Gretton Silver Band performing at the bandstand in Abington Park, 2pm–5pm, as part of the Bands In The Park season.

Sonny and the Honey Dippers perform at the latest Cransley Hospice Bands in the Park concert, Rockingham Road Pleasure Park, Kettering, 3pm.

Donnybrook Fair at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

OTHER

Northamptonshire Food Show at Holdenby House, 10am–5pm. Adults £7.50, concessions £6, child £3.50, family (2+2) £18.

Craft, Gift & Vintage Market, Indoor Market, Newton Road, Rushden, 10am–3pm.

Tea & Cake, Fotheringhay Village Hall, 3pm–5.30pm. Cost £2 (free concerts at the church some Sundays. villagehall fotheringhay@gmail.com

Summer teas with home-made cakes and scones with cream and jam at Kingscliffe Village Hall, 2pm (last orders 4.30pm).

Car Boot Sale at Nene Park Stadium, Irthlingborough. Sellers 7am, Buyers 8am. www.neneparkcarboot.info

Medieval/Elizabethan manor with exhibitions/grounds/refreshments at Southwick Hall, nr Oundle, 2pm to 5pm. Admission £7, Child £3.50

Walk with Waendel Walkers Club, circular routes from St John’s Arms, Melchbourne (choice of 6 or 12 miles), 10am. www.waendel.org.uk. 50p

Circular Day Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (11.5 miles), 8.45am Church Lane (near Church of the Holy Sepulchre Church) for 9.30am start from Greatworth Sports & Social Club.

All Saints Community Hall, William Street, Kettering, serving refreshments when bands are playing in Rockingham Road Pleasure Park between 3pm and 4.30pm.

Car Boot Sale at Sixfields Stadium, N’pton, 8am for sellers, 9am for buyers. Cars £6, people carriers & small vans £8, vans, cars with trailers £10. Parking for buyers for donation to Multi Disabled Football Team. No Traders. www.ntfc.co.uk

Family Fun Day at The Woolpack, Rothwell. Music by Double Trouble, barbecue & bouncy castle. Also walk round Rowell Rally from 1pm, in aid of Sam Swingler.

Cream teas, Pitsford Village Hall, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

Church Fete, St Mary the Virgin, Weekley, noon–3pm, barbecue, cream teas, fun and games.

MONDAY, September 1

MUSIC

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

Acoustic Open Mic night with Jim Hale at The Woolpack, Rothwell, 9pm.

Live Light Music Concert, Friends’ Meeting House, Wellington St, Npton, 7.30pm, feat Junior Prizewinners from the Northampton Music Festival.

OTHER

Pub Quiz, Charles Bradlaugh, Earl St, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1 or £5 for 5+

COYS Touch Rugby Club training at Dallington Park, Npton, 6.30pm–8.30pm (& Mon). www.pitchero.com/clubs/coystouchrugby

TUESDAY, September 2

THEATRE

Brian’s Big Band at the Wig & Pen, St Giles St, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

OTHER

Yoga for Well-Being at Spencer Dallington Community Centre, N’pton (every Tue), 9.30am to 11.30am.

Salsa Tuesday, at The Picturedrome, Kettering Rd, Npton. Various classes from 7pm, 01604 230777

Bingo at Monks Park WMC, N’pton, 8pm

Classic Movies Afternoon at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

“Entertainment in Northampton”, discussion by Ruth Thomas at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am to 11.45am. 01604 858252.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (6.5 miles), start nr The Half Moon, Grendon, 10am. 01604 408499

Monthly Lunch at Gretton Village Hall, 12.30pm. £4 per serving. Proceeds in support of the village hall repair fund. For more info call Liz Watt 01536 772328

WEDNESDAY, September 3

MUSIC

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

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

Rhythm Roots ‘n’ Rhyme at Thomas A Becket, St James, Npton, 9pm

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

Wednesday Country Scene at The Headland, Longland Road, Npton. Tonight Jefferson Kane Band

The Spike Drivers, Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton, 8.45pm.

OTHER

“What Does The Picture Hold” by Cynthia Campbell, discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 7.30pm to 9pm. 01604 858252.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (7.5 miles). Start at Green Man pub, Lavendon, 9.30am. 01234 713526

Mobile Sight Centreoutside Town Hall, Brackley town centre piazza, 10am–12.30pm; then at Waitrose car park, Water Lane, Towcester, 1.30pm–3.30pm.

Pub Quiz at The Woolpack, Rothwell, 8.30pm. Free to enter, max 4 per team.

THURSDAY, September 4

MUSIC

Acoustic Jazz, Blues, Indie & Soul, Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance at the Picturedrome, N’pton, 1pm. Free entry.

A K Disco’s Karaoke, O’Malleys Bar, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm till late

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm

Ed Arm Trio, Jazz Café at Auntie Ruth’s, George Row, Npton, 8pm. £1 admission.

The Great Birmingham Trombone Company at the Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm. Free entry.

Open Mic hosted by Hannah Faulkner at Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 8.30pm

Bluegrass Jam Session at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Northants golfer Meghan MacLaren clinched the best victory in her fledgling career as she won the British Ladies Strokeplay Championship by one shot at Ashburnham in Wales.

Despite making a slow start to the event as she took 44 strokes to cover the front nine on the first day, an eagle on the 10th hole helped the 20-year-old card an opening score of 78.

A second round 75 left the Wellingborough member in 16th place going into the final 36 holes on the last day, when she stormed through the field with two stunning performances.

Three birdies and an eagle followed in a four-under-par 70 in the morning, before the plus-three handicapper bagged six more birdies and yet another eagle on the 10th hole in a superb winning 69.

The England international said: “This means such a lot. I’ve been waiting to win something like this for a while and it proves to me that my game is good enough to compete at the highest level.

“I’ve made a few changes to my swing this summer, which was something I felt I needed to do to get to the next level. I had to make it count. It’s a nice way to end the summer.

“I didn’t play as badly as the score suggests (on the first day), which was why I didn’t lose confidence. I got into trouble and everything that could go wrong went wrong, but I knew I wasn’t playing badly so I kept plugging away.

“I just played really, really solid all day and gave myself chances. I missed some, it could have been better – but I also holed a lot to keep the momentum going.”

NGU Stableford Cup

Peterborough Milton duo Tom Burgh and Adrian Randall snatched the 36-hole NGU Stableford Cup as they grabbed a dramatic countback victory with a stunning finish at Kingsthorpe.

The duo, who sat one off the pace after the greensomes, found their form over the closing stretch in the afternoon betterball as they birdied the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes to bag top spot on 80 points.

Andrew Pell (Overstone) and home club member Gary Malin had looked set for victory when they carded 42 points in the afternoon to hold the clubhouse lead by two from Kingsthorpe’s Jason Spence and Mark Bazeley.

Ryan Jaffray and Alun Genner (Priors Hall) won the betterball prize with 42 points, while Jack Walding and Ian Townsend (Kingsthorpe) were the best pairing in the morning greensomes on 39.

Faldo Series

County boys champion Matt Myers came close to adding another title to his collection as he finished third in the under-18s category of the Faldo Series Midlands Championship at Hollinwell GC, Notts.

The Northants County member, who recently made the last 16 at the British Boys Championships, carded 72, 73 and 74 as he came up two strokes short of a place in the Grand Final in West Virginia, USA.

Northampton

Hannah Mulliner was crowned Ladies Club Champion for the first time after finishing three strokes clear of Alison Irvine in the 36-hole tournament.

After shooting 78 to sit joint top after the opening round, the five-handicapper took control with a solid front nine on the second day, before closing out victory with a 79.

Linda Sherry picked up the net prize in the silver section on 146, while

Diane Heard (95) and Divya Wilson (net 72) claimed the gross and net honours in the bronze category.

Ross Garlick (net 70) won the August Junior Medal by a single stroke from Max Smith.

Overstone Park

Luke Barney and Oliver Timms claimed the gross (162) and net (145) prizes in the Junior Club Championships over 36 holes.

Countback was required in the August Midweek Yellow Tee Stableford after Mark Newton and Anthony Richardson bagged the leading tally of 40 points. The former gained the verdict.

Northants County

Forty points was the leading mark in the August Midweek Stableford as David Kerr grabbed the plaudits ahead of Fergus Robinson (38).

Ben Smith (37) was third in the top section, Tom Bullough bagged the leading gross prize on 35, while Peter Carter won the second division with the same score.

Brampton Heath

A stunning start made all the difference for Alec Francis in the August Midweek Stableford as the 2013 club champion took the plaudits with 43 points.

Francis, who saw his handicap drop to one, picked up five shots in his first six holes as he finished four points clear of runner-up John Faulkner, with Andrew Stirling in third position.

Cold Ashby

Harry Lockwood lifted the John Phipps Vets Trophy after he carded a winning mark of 42 points in the August Seniors Stableford.

Fifteen points over the last five holes helped the 15-handicapper grab a countback victory from David Butler after both finished two ahead of Paul Angus and Brian Webber.

Collingtree

Countback was needed in the 14th round of the Seniors Stableford after Peter Bretherton and David Wiggins both carded 42 points.

Bretherton’s brilliant run of seven gross pars over the last nine holes proved decisive after the two men finished four points clear of Ken Souster and Terry Morgan.

Staverton

Mike Grey scored on every hole in the Vets August Stableford as the nine-handicapper snared a winning tally of 40 points.

The runners-up prize went to John Shakespeare (38) by one point from Clifford Patch, Michael Richards and Graham Jefferies.

Whittlebury

Robert Gingell, Ian Leeman and Peter Patten were the trio to beat in the Reg Hodgkins Memorial Grand Prix Cup as they took the chequered flag with 83 points.

Ken Hignett, Barbara Hignett and Lindsay Kepple (79) finished runners-up by two points from a couple of teams.

Kingsthorpe

Brothers Kris Spence and Jason Spence were victorious in the Battle of Britain Comp as they fired 43 betterball point to edge out Guy Loveland and Vern Goodes on countback.

Delapre

Stephen Connolly and William McAree combined to perfection in the Gary Heavey Pairs Comp as they hit an excellent winning tally of 45 points.

Jeremy Clough and Donald Barrett (42) were runners-up by one point from Brian Seal and Steven Strange.

Farthingstone

Five net birdies on the inward half proved vital for Glen Moore in the Anniversary Trophy as he beat Alan Bosher on countback.

Both men fired superb rounds of net 66 to finish two ahead of gross prize winner Ian Donald, with Bradley Wardell and Michael Albone a further shot off the lead.

Cherwell Edge

George Weaver dropped just three shots on the back nine in the August Seniors Stableford as the 19-handicapper edged out Daniel Berry on countback with 42 points. Michael Mogridge was one of three players one point off the pace.

Daventry

Derek Lucas had just enough to beat Geoff Snelson on countback in the August Nine-hole Qualifier after both men shot 19 points. Nick Blunt and Dave Newey came in with 18 apiece.

Boston R&B-infused rockers, Bad Rabbits, headline The Craufurd Arms in Wolverton next week.

Fresh from playing the Reading and Leeds Festivals and a handful of European dates, the band is returning to tour in support of their latest album, American Love, which was released earlier this year.

Described as lying somewhere between Sly Stone fronting Bad Brains, Bad Rabbits began creating a buzz in 2009 with their self-released EP, Stick Up Kids.

Their sweaty, intense live shows solidified an impressive following and saw them share stages with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Deftones, T-Pain and GlassJaw.

They comprise singer Fredua Boakye, drummer Sheel Davé, guitarists Salim Akram and Santi Araujo and bassist Graham Masser.

Akram said: “We wanted to bridge the gap between the two musical worlds we come from. One of them is classic R&B, and the other is rock.”

Bad Rabbits play on Tuesday, September 2.

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £6. To book visit www.thecraufurdarms.com

Daventry backed up their NGU Hollingsworth Trophy Group A win at Cold Ashby last week with another positive result as they made the most of local knowledge with a 4-1 victory over Priors Hall.

The home win rarely looked in doubt once Paul Read and Adam Tarbox (6&5) and Chris Jackson and Tom Orcherton (6&5) collected the first two points.

Alun Genner and Ryan Jaffray pulled one back for the Corby club, but it was merely a consolation as Ray Lewis and Martin James secured a narrow win for Daventry, before Chris Eveleigh and Daniel Haynes (3&2) completed the scoring.

Group B

Comfortable wins for Collingtree Park’s Trevor Twelftree and Dick Underwood (7&6) and Martin Flowers and Iain Tait (6&4) provided the foundation for their team’s 3-2 home victory against Brampton Heath.

Lee Bellham and Andrew Sewell (5&3) helped pull Brampton back on level terms, but Andy Billson and Andy Castell sealed the home success with a narrow win in the last tie.

Cherwell Edge proved too strong for reigning champions Staverton Park as they used home advantage to secure a 4-1 victory.

Although John Singleton and Miles Mudge picked up the first point for the visitors with a 3&2 success, it was the only negative for Cherwell as they clinched a tight opener before bagging the final three games.

Group C

Kettering moved to the top of the standings after recording their second victory of the campaign with a 4-1 home success against Farthingstone.

Despite the visitors taking the opening tie, Kettering took control thanks to wins from Dean McIntyre and Rob Stevenson (2&1) and Stuart Bell and Andy Robinson (5&3).

Although both of the final two matches went the distance, the home side came out on top on both occasions to go two points clear of Peterborough Milton and Overstone, who whitewashed Stoke Albany.

James Barker and Steve Warren (6&4) and Lewis Hill and Ryan Hill (5&4) were the most impressive home victors as all five ties were completed before reaching the 18th tee.

Group D

Kingsthorpe A made it two wins out of two this season as they fought back from losing the opening couple of games to defeat Wellingborough 3-2 at home.

Kris Spence and Mark Bazeley triumphed 4&3, before Taylor Sargeant and Jason McGuinness drew the visitors level with a 2&1 victory.

With the final match going into extra time, Kingsthorpe’s Jason Spence produced a magnificent chip from under a bush to set up a winning birdie for Louis Wixon on the first additional hole.

The visitors had started brightly thanks to wins from Sam Waite and Michael Garside (4&3) and Thomas Cheevers and Duncan Cornish (2&1).

Northampton also made it back-to-back victories as they enjoyed a more convincing home win as they defeated Whittlebury Park 4-1.

The damage was inflicted early on as Lewis White and Ross Skidmore (4&3), Keith Heard and Brad Jarvis (4&2) and Sam White and Lawrence Ryan (4&2) sealed the win.

Lloyd Skidmore and Dean Roberts added another home success with two holes to spare, before Whittlebury grabbed a consolation point in the final tie.

NGU Junior League

Peterborough Milton booked a place in the semi-finals after getting the better of Cold Ashby in a thrilling double head-to-head Group C decider last week.

With both sides having already beaten Wellingborough twice this year, Ashby appeared to have taken a significant advantage over their rivals when they grabbed a 3-3 draw in the away match.

Although Milton enjoyed three good wins, visiting brothers Harvey Entwistle and Lewis Entwistle both triumphed down the 18th, before Adam Kerr grabbed a draw with a 2&1 victory in the last tie.

Kerr and Tom Langsford were also successful for Ashby in the return fixture 24 hours later, but Milton weren’t to be denied as William Firman, Matthew Reed and Owen Howard collected wins, before Vincent Blackmore claimed the final point for the away side.

In Group A, Collingtree Park recorded a 4-2 success at Kingsthorpe, thanks to a narrow win from Liam McNeela and three comprehensive victories from Ben Jones, Jack McGuinness and Ryan McGuinness.

Ladies Scratch League

Reigning champions Wellingborough set up a Scratch League decider with fellow unbeaten outfit Whittlebury Park after edging past Northampton 2-1 at Kingsthorpe GC.

Although Alison Irvine won for Staverton, Carol Gibbs avenged her loss to Megan Liddington in the Ladies County Championship Final, before Wellingborough captain Mary MacLaren wrapped up the win on the first extra hole against Liz Wilmer.

Whittlebury made it three wins out of three this season with a 2-1 victory against Northants County as Kerry Sumner and Christina Hancock grabbed the decisive points.

The two unbeaten sides will face each other next month at Northampton GC.

Northants star bowler Jamie Walker has claimed another national title after winning the Mixed Pairs with Leicestershire’s Katie Smith in Leamington.

The duo started in the last 16 against the Devon pairing of Lorraine and Phil Hackett and found themselves 5-1 down before battling back to make it 11-11.

But Walker and Smith stepped things up from there and they accelerated to a 25-12 victory.

Next up was a clash with Sue Davies and Andrew Walters (Broadway, Worcestershire) and once again, the eventual winners started slowly and looked in trouble when they trailed 11-3. But they soon settled down and got back on level terms and an even contest in a match consisting of four England internationals was all-square at 16-16 after 21 ends.

It meant an extra end and Walters was unable to dislodge the shot bowl as Walker and Smith edged to a 17-16 success.

That set up a last-four meeting with Alan Dent and Amy Gowshall (Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire) and, after some even early exchanges, Walker and Smith went to town and took a 15-shot lead after 16 ends.

There was a brief fightback but Smith and Walker saw things out to seal their place in the final by a 28-16 scoreline.

And they produced a terrific performance to take the crown as they beat Marilyn Gozna and Ian Chapman (Somerset) 22-13 in the showpiece.

Walker and Smith were always in front after they had taken three shots on the first end. Their lead had grown to 10 shots after seven ends and while the Somerset duo did fightback at various points, the Northamptonshire/Leicestershire partnership complete the victory after 20 ends.

It made it a second national title for the county at the Championships and Northants men’s president John Cooper was on hand to congratulate the duo on their superb victory.

Walker went on to feature in the Men’s Champion of Champions national competition and, having beaten James Amery of Somerset 21-13 in the first round, it set up a quarter-final with Essex County’s Ed Morris. And that was where the run ended for the Northampton West End bowler as he suffered a 21-9 defeat.

Express team bow out at first hurdle

The Northampton Express team of Rob White, Ashley Linnell, Ian Bland and Dominic Graham suffered a first-round exit in the Men’s Fours at the National Championships in Leamington.

The county champions didn’t start well but hit back to lead 14-12 at one stage against Dan Holloway, William Rowe, Damian Stacey and Tony Main (United Services, Devon).

However, they were kept on 14 as the Devon quartet battled back to secure a 17-14 victory.

No nationals joy for West End trio

In the Men’s triples, the Northampton West End trio of Will Walker, Shaun Marriott and Jamie Walker lost at the first round stage of the nationals.

They lost to Harry Brownsdon, Peter Furmidge and Darren Griffith of Cowes Medina BC from the Isle of Wight 16-13.

The Northants team actually did well to get so close to victory, as they were 10-1 down after six ends.

Walker and Marriott progress in pairs

Jamie Walker and his partner Shaun Marriott are into the first round proper of the pairs nationals at Leamington after winning their preliminary round.

The pair beat John Harthen and Richard Train from Gosforth BC from Northumberland 22-14.

It was a tough match for the Northants duo, who were still two shots adrift as late as the 13th end.

Kingsthorpe closing in on Top Club Finals

In the Top Club competition, Kingsthorpe BC are one match away from the National Finals.

Their semi-final will be at Newmarket Avenue BC on Sunday, August 31.

The winners of that will play in the National Finals at Victoria Park in Leamington on the weeked of September 13 and 14.

Kingsthorpe progressed thanks to their 3-1 win over Swanspool BC 3-1.

Details, Swanspool skip’s names only, as follows

Singles: Hilary Sharpe beat Heather Golding 21-14 shots

Pairs: Maggie Edwards & Brenda Bishop beat Jan Hunt 19-18 shots

Triples: Sally Row, Michelle Harris & Sharon Tansley beat Pam Gayton 16-14 shots

Fours: Megan Rolfe, Jane Maloy, Barbara Astl & Di Brumwell lost to E Fairbairn 12-30 shots

Pete Fij and Terry Bickers play at the NN Café in Northampton next week.

The former Creation Records label mates released their debut album, Broken Heart Surgery, via Broadcast Recordings earlier this year.

The predominantly acoustic album celebrates the downbeat and melancholic with a wry humour and lyrical wit.

The single, Out Of Time, won both the BBC 6 Music Roundtable Single of the Week and the station’s Rebel Playlist listener vote.

Their album was released to rave reviews from the likes of The Guardian, Mojo and Q.

Fij formerly played in bands including Adorable and Polak, Bickers in House Of Love and Levitation.

They pair play NN Café in Guildhall Road on Thursday, September 4.

Doors open at 8pm.

Tickets costs £7 in advance or £9 on the door.

They are available in advance via www.wegottickets.com.

For more details visit http://on.fb.me/VMD8pk