Students had a surprise when the Prime Minister joined them for the first assembly of the new school year.

It’s not every day that David Cameron visits your school, but that is what happened at Corby Technical School this morning (Wednesday).

The Prime Minister paid a visit to the school in Cottingham Road, Corby, on the day that he announced the Government’s plans to open 500 new free schools over the next five years.

Two free schools are to open in Corby and Northampton as part of the first wave of free schools to be announced this Parliament, with Corby Free Special School addressing the need for more special places in Corby and Catch22 Northamptonshire Academy in Northampton providing a new alternative provision school for four to 16-year-olds.

During his visit, Mr Cameron spoke of how the school was a great example of a free school and also took several questions from pupils.

Topics covered during the question and answer session included what was the General Election like, what is the hardest decision he’s ever had to make, when did he realise he wanted a life in politics, what is it like being Prime Minister and how does he deal with criticism.

At the end of the assembly, Mr Cameron said: “Can I thank you for your excellent questions, I have really enjoyed coming here today.

“I am so proud to be here on your first day.”

He congratulated the headteacher, staff, parents and supporters for making the school what it is today and added: “You are really lucky to be here at this outstanding school.

“This is a great opportunity to fulfil your dreams and achieve what you want to achieve in life.”

Speaking afterwards, 13-year-old pupil Cameron Callaghan said: “It was really good to see him in person and to meet a really famous person like him.”

Daniela Mendes, also 13, said: “I thought the questions were good because we have just done politics to get people interested in it.”

Corby Technical School principal Angela Reynolds said: “It was a huge honour for us to welcome the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Education here today.

“We are very proud of our school and were delighted that we were able to share the work we do here with the Prime Minister.

“It was an incredible start to the year for all our staff and students, especially our new Year 7 students who joined us for the first time today.”

Do you, or anyone you know, have a ‘Horror Home’? If so Channel 5 want to hear from you about featuring in the next series of a TV hit show.

The channel is currently casting for series two of Horror Homes, a hugely successful show by Crackit Productions.

The programme reveals the stories of people whose lives have been turned upside-down when their home becomes a living nightmare.

From houses left swimming in raw sewage to homes about to fall into the sea, properties destroyed by acts of God to new-build nightmares and holiday home hellholes.

A spokesman for the TV show said: “Did you have the perfect home until something out of your control ruined it? Have you once felt the force of Mother Nature damaging the house you love so much?

“Perhaps you have had someone ruin your home and you are trying to put it back together. Or is there something paranormal in your home that is ruining your life? If so we here at Horror Homes wants to hear from you.”

If you or someone you know has a horror story to share and would like to apply to feature in the new series email horrorhomes2@crackitproductions.co.uk or call Jade on 0203 761 4714.

Thousands of people attended the first Wellingborough Balloon Festival on Saturday and Sunday morning before adverse weather led to an early finish for the event.

A total of 10 balloons took to the skies on Saturday evening, flying over Orlingbury, Pytchley and Kettering, where many of the balloons landed.

On Sunday morning, the pilots of six balloons decided to take a chance on the weather and enjoyed a flight over Overstone, Kingsthorpe and Northampton town centre before many of the balloons landed close to the Grand Union Canal at Bugbroke.

In addition to the two flights, visitors to the event at Sywell Aerodrome were treated to a night glow which saw balloons illuminated to the sound of music.

Steph Roberts from SRPR managed the communications and social media for the festival, and said she was delighted with the response from the public.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted with the great feedback that has been sent in, alongside the many photographs and video footage.

“There were some things that could be improved upon next year and we urge anyone who attended to send their comments to the Facebook page or our website.

“With the weather forecast so marginal on Saturday and Sunday morning, we were lucky to get any flying and we wholeheartedly thank the pilots who did fly for putting on such a great show.”

She added: “This event was for the county, and to see the views of the Northamptonshire countryside and landmarks from the air is one thing, but to then see pictures of balloons landing in parks with many local residents coming out to meet the pilots and help pack the balloons away, it just gives us a real feeling of achievement after working on event plans for so long.

“We will be back next year.

“Sywell is a great venue, but we do really need to look at how we manage admission so that we give everybody who attends the best value, and so that we also raise a good amount of money for the organisations we support.”

Michelle Tomkins, of Chelsea’s Angels, reported on social media that their Irthlingborough-based charity which raises money and awareness to fight childhood cancers including neuroblastoma had raised more than £300 on Saturday.

While Saturday turned out well, organisers were faced with a difficult decision on Sunday when the heavens opened, leaving the ground saturated and the forecast predicting further heavy rain for the remainder of the event.

Richard Garvie, who organised the event, said that although it left some people unhappy, the decision to cancel was the right thing to do for those who had pre-booked tickets to the event.

He said: “The weather on Sunday and forecasted weather on Monday meant there would be zero chance of any further flying.

“With stalls starting to pack away and with some of the fun fair packing up, it just wasn’t right for people to turn up to walk around a wet field in the heavy rain with nothing really going on.

“Full refunds will be issued to those with tickets for Sunday and Monday, and stallholders will receive a partial refund as they were unable to trade on Sunday or Monday.”

“The feedback from Saturday was amazing, and once everything is straightened out in terms of refunding those who need refunding, we will announce our plans for our 2016 event.

“If anyone is able to predict the future and/or the weather, please send us an email as we would love to add you to our team.”

Shortly after the announcement to close the event, the road from Wellingborough to Sywell was closed near Beckworth Emporium after a tree fell onto a car in the bad weather.

Anyone with pre-booked tickets to attend on Sunday or Monday can send an email to info@wellingboroughballoons.com to claim a refund.

Organisers expect the process to take about 28 days, although organisers say the bulk of refunds have already been processed.

A vulnerable 60-year-old man from Northampton has been reported missing.

Graham Andrews has not been seen since 2.30pm this afternoon (Wednesday) and was last seen on the Old Bedford Road, Northampton.

He is described as white, slim build and smartly dressed. He was last seen wearing brown trousers, black shoes and a black jacket. He has brown/grey hair and was wearing glasses.

Anyone with any information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

James Foster led an Essex recovery in their LV-County Championship Division Two match with Northamptonshire at Chelmsford. The home side were eventually dismissed for 360 before their opponents ended the second day on 143 for 3 to leave the match evenly poised.

Essex skipper Foster improved the home side’s fortunes with an innings of 98 whilst Mark Pettini and Aron Nijjar also contributed half-centuries after the home side had been reduced to 119 for 6 earlier in the game. Foster and Pettini combined to post 146 for the seventh wicket to ease their side out of troubled waters.

Both played with assurance on a wicket that had lost the moisture of the first day as the negated the threat of the visitors attack with a series of well-timed strokes and judicious shot selection.

Pettini, playing only his second Championship match in a year, was the first to reach his fifty, having faced 117 balls to reach the milestone with the seventh boundary of his innings.

Foster’s half-century spanned 89 balls of which he steered 6 to the ropes and the pair seemed set to bat throughout the morning session only for Pettini to fall to the final ball before the interval.

Having scored 68, he was undone by a back of a length delivery from Rory Kleinveldt that swung and caught the edge of the bat to give wicket-keeper David Murphy a straight-forward catch.

Nijjar, the emerging 20 year-old all rounder, then joined his skipper with the total on 265 for 7, to add 74 runs in 21 overs. He prospered by virtue of an uncomplicated approach playing sensibly and punishing effortlessly the unworthy delivery.

Spinner Rob Keogh ended the stand with the first delivery of a new spell when Foster, seeking the 2 runs he needed to reach his first century of the season, picked out long-on to leave the home side 339 for 8 but Nijjar, was not to be denied a maiden first-class half-century.

That arrived from 79 balls with 7 fours before he fell to paceman Ollie Stone for 53 who had earlier twice beaten the batsman outside off stump before getting his reward. Stone found a delivery that flew off the edge and into the gloves of Murphy.

The keeper pouched his fourth catch of the innings when Azahrullah wrapped up the innings to dismiss Jamie Porter for 10. The bowler ended with excellent figures of 4 for 74 from 30.1 overs with his chief support coming from Kleinveldt with 3 for 88.

Essex had the encouragement of an early wicket when Murphy, having scored half of the 16 runs on the board fended at a ball from Porter and was caught by Dan Lawrence at short leg with the fielder completing the catch at the second attempt.

Fellow opener Ben Duckett slashed at a delivery of width from Ravi Bopara and was caught by wicket-keeper Foster for 32 and then with the total on 115, Alex Wakely (43) drove Nijjar to mid-on.

Keogh, with 37, and Richard Levi, 13, settled in and took their side through to the close without any further concerns. They will resume in the morning with the responsibility of avoiding any early loss of wickets and passing the initiative to the home side.

Earlier in the day, it was confirmed by Essex County Cricket Club that its head coach Paul Grayson had left the Club by mutual consent.

Cobblers loanee Ryan Watson is keen to chip in with more goals from midfield following his spectacular strike in the 3-2 win over Colchester United on Tuesday evening.

Having never previously scored in senior football, the 22-year-old opened his account in memorable fashion during Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy first round tie.

Shortly after half-time, with his side level at 1-1 against Colchester, Watson picked the ball up in his own half, drove forward, skipped past several challenges and then lashed into the bottom corner from 20 yards, giving Elliot Parish no chance.

The Leicester City loanee said afterwards: “I’m obviously delighted with the goal and it was even better that we got the win and made it through to the next round.

“When I was running it had opened up for me so I just carried on going and I then saw I was close enough to goal to have a shot. I tried my luck and thankfully it went in!

“It’ll definitely give me more confidence. I feel I need to add that to my game and chip in with a few more goals from midfield. I’ve done that against Colchester and we’ve got the win.

“The lads showed good spirit especially when they equalised so late on and then Marc came on and got the winner.”

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder was equally delighted with the strike, adding: “It was a great goal from Ryan.

“I’m delighted for him – that’s the reason why we brought him to the club. He brings that powerful driving midfield play, and hopefully that’ll give him the confidence to push on.”

Watson is currently in his second loan stint at Sixfields having had his previous spell cut short when he picked up a cruciate ligament injury.

The box-to-box midfielder is keen to prove himself this time around as he tries to nail down a regular starting spot with the likes of Joel Bryom, Jason Taylor and Paul Corry all competing against each other.

“I’ve just got to concentrate on my own game and keep playing like the way I have,” he added.

“Hopefully I’ll get myself in the team more and then if I do get in the team I want to keep my place and stay there.

“Of course I want to prove myself here. It was very frustration going back to Leicester with the injury last season but I’m back now and I’m keen to kick-on.

“My first game we got beaten and the draw away at Accrington lifted us a bit and now Tuesday’s win will give us a big lift for Saturday so hopefully we can continue and take that into the game against Dagenham.”

Northampton will discover their JPT second round opponents when the draw takes place on Saturday morning. The Cobblers have been placed in the south east section which means possible opponents for the next round include Crawley, Dagenham & Redbridge, Gillingham, Luton, Millwall, Southend and Stevenage, and Watson is keen to take the competition seriously.

He added: “For us we want to do well in the competition and go as far as we can. It would be brilliant to play at Wembley and I think all the lads are keen to do that and push on in this competition.”

Veteran British pop group The Hollies return to the region for a rescheduled show next week.

The band were due to play the Milton Keynes theatre in March, but the show was cancelled after lead singer Peter Howarth became ill and collapsed outside the venue.

Having now fully recovered, the band will make their return to play dozens of their classic hits, including Carrie Anne, Bus Stop, Long Cool Woman, On A Carousel, and Hollies anthems He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother and The Air That I Breathe.

Since emerging as an important component of the 60s British pop revolution, The Hollies’ hallmark sound has not wavered during their 50 years of recording and performing around the world.

In 2010, they were honoured by the American Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame for their impact on the evolution, development, and perpetuation of the genre.

Having undergone numerous line-up changes during their career, The Hollies currently comprise of Howarth on vocals and guitar who is joined by guitarists and singers Steve Lauri and Tony Hicks, bassist and singer Ray Stiles, drummer Bobby Elliott and keyboard player Ian Parker.

The Hollies play the Milton Keynes theatre on Thursday, September 10.

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost from £28.90 to £31.40 excluding fees.

Tickets are also now on sale for Jackson Live which is at the venue on Sunday, September 13.

The two hour show by Jackson impersonator Ben will feature all of the hits by the King Of Pop and include a live band and dancers.

Tickets cost £25.40 in advance before fees.

Doors for the show open at 7.30pm.

Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is is at the venue on Sunday, October 4.

Tickets cost £28.65 in advance before fees.

For more information and details about all forthcoming shows at the venue, visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/
milton-keynes-theatre

Venus Fly Trap will be celebrating the release of their new ‘best of’ album Metamorphosis at the Lamplighter on Saturday.

Combining elements of post-punk, dark electronica and psychedelia, Metamorphosis features music recorded by the band between 1987 and 2010.

Venus Fly Trap are led by Alex Novak, with numerous members have passing through the band’s ranks during the years.

Following 1989’s debut mini album Mars, Venus Fly Trap released several albums during the 1990s, the most recent been 2011’s Nemesis.

Novak will be DJ-ing at the Northampton venue and joined by a number of guests which are still to be announced.

There will also be limited edition red vinyl version of the album available on the night.

Music at the Overstone Road pub is from 8pm, admission is free.

For more information, visit www.thelamplighter.co.uk and www.facebook.com/the
venusflytrapuk

Here’s your guide to what’s on where around Northamptonshire in the coming week. Please email whatson@northantsnews.co.uk with details of your events at least a week before publication date. Thank you.

THURSDAY

MUSIC

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

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance. Picturedrome, N’pton, 1pm

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

Jam Night. The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm to 12am

Open Mic Night. The Artizan, Artizan Road, Npton, NN1 4HR, 8pm

Bluegrass Jam Session. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Acoustic Sessions. Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm.

OTHER

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Kettering Leisure Village. 7pm – 9pm www.tangsoo.net

Towcester County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am to 12noon.

Quiz. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm. Free entry.

Quiz Night. The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Bingo. (every Thurs) at Brafield WMC, located on A428, from 8.30pm

Yoga. Stanwick Village Hall, 6.30pm to 8pm. 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Whist Drive. (every Thu), Boothville Community Ctr, Npton, 7.30pm. Tea & biscuits provided at half time. £3 otd.

Craft & Gift Fair. Towcester Town Hall, 86 Watling Street, 10am to 3pm. Stalls £12, contact coulterlyons@yahoo.co.uk or call 01536 675000.

Kettering Stamp & Philatelic Society meeting. Philatelic Auction Held at St Mary’s Primary School, Fuller Street, Kettering, 7.30pm.

Burton Latimer Shops & Shopkeepers Exhibition. (until Sept 5), 10am to 1pm, in Burton Latimer Heritage Museum. Civic Centre, High Street

FRIDAY

MUSIC

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

Rhythm & Roots. Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm

The Acoustic Lounge. (every Friday) at the Lord Byron, Kingsley, 8.30pm.

Disco. The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Vibe@Baroque Bar. Npton (every Friday) with DJ Barney B and DJ Clue playing the best of soul, rnb, & club classics

Ale Festival/Charity Weekend. (until Sept 6th) at Old Kings Head, Long Buckby. 14 real ales on sale, six traditional ciders, craft stalls, kid’s games & live music.

Ricky Swann. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

THEATRE

Brave New World. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Street Dance Class. Stanwick Village Hall, 3.45pm to 4.45pm. £4 per session.

Quiz Night. Shoulder of Mutton, Weldon, 8pm.

Bingo. Liburd Room, Whilton Road, Kingsthorpe, 7.30pm to 9.45pm

Free English and American Ballroom, Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. (every Fri), 12.30pm. James Lewis Courts, Cherry Orchard,

Free Dance – From Swing to Rock. (every Fri), 1.30-3.30pm. James Lewis Courts, Cherry Orchard,

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Ringstead Village Hall, 6.30pm – 7.30pm. www.tangsoo.net

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

Tai Chi. (every Fri), Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Road, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Beginners welcome. £4.

R-Zone Club. recommences for young people aged 8-13 years at the Community Ctr, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm to 6pm. Contact Mel 07979 152746 for more details.

Keep Fit & Coffee Morning. Weston Favell Parish Hall, 10am to 12pm (every Mon & Fri)

Gentle Yoga. Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm to 3.15pm. 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Craft Club. (every Fri), 11am to 3pm, Church Hall, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Kettering. Bring your own craft project or take part in a demonstration workshop. For info call Sue Shipham 07733 341674. Admission £3 inc tea & coffee.

Whitefriars Church Retireds’ Group. will meet 1.30-3pm Bridge Community Office, Whitefriars Junior School, Boughton Drive, Rushden, NN10 9HX. It will be a quiz afternoon. Free admission. Details from John & Celia Underwood 01933 676989

The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Northampton Abington Street, Close to Central Library, 9.30am to 1pm

SATURDAY

MUSIC

Karaoke Disco. Vocal Club, Bailiff Street, Npton, 8pm till late

Live DJ. Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

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

Southside Jimmy. Red Lion, Brackley, 9.30pm

SOUL-ar ENERGY. The Wayfarers Inn, London Road, Kettering, 9pm. Modern Soul Music 70s – Today

Dance Til Dawn. Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Hub Whipley. (Indie/Rock) at Great Doddington Club, Lower Street, Great Doddington, Wellingborough, NN29 7TL

An Evening with Joshua Daniel. All Saints Church, William Street, Kettering, 7.30pm. Tickets £6/£5 concessions. For tickets/info call Angela 01536 522158

Revisited. at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

THEATRE

Mister Maker. Derngate Auditorium, 10am,1pm & 4pm. 01604 624811

Brave New World. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

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

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Kingsley School, 10am to 11.15am, Children & family class. www.tangsoo.net

English and American Ballroom, Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. St Albans Church, Broadmead Ave, N’pton, 2pm. 01604 787246.

Saturday Stage Stars. for 5-8 years at Stanwick Village Hall, 11.15am. £10.50 per week. 45 mins drama, 45 mins Jazz dance, 45 mins singing. Call Lucy 07788 983403

Quiz Night. Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

Harrington Aviation Museum. – come and learn about Spies, Supplies & Dangerous Skies. Covert Warfare in World War 2. Open 10am to 5pm (Sundays also)

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (7.5 miles). Start nr the Kings Head PH, Syresham, NN13 5HW, 10am. Ring leader 01604 450946

Race Night. Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton.

Jumble Sale. Boughton Village Hall, 2pm to 4pm. Admission 30p. All proceeds to the Village Hall.

Summer Fete. St John’s Home, Wellingborough Road, Npton. Adults £1, children free.

Whittlebury Country Fair. Cavalier Fields (A413 north of Whittlebury, noon. Fun for all the family inc Classic Cars and Companion Dog Show. Vehicle entry £2.

The Northampton Food Show. Holdenby, Holdenby House, NN6 8DJ (& Sept 6), 10am to 5pm. Food & Cookery demos from Celebrity Chef Matt Tebbutt & compered by Masterchef Indine Hartgroves. www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/holdenby

Produce & Craft Show. Long Buckby Community Ctr, 1pm to 4pm. Adults 50p, accompanied children free. Tea, coffee and cakes.

Collingtree St Columba Fete. Collingtree Playing Field, Watering Lane, 2-5pm. BBQ, Bar, Cream Teas, live band Jazz Numbers, Dance Show, stalls & fete games. All proceeds to the Church.

Wellingborough & District Garden Club. Annual Flower Show, Bosworth’s Nurseries & Garden Centre, 12noon-6pm (& Sept 6, 10.30am-3.30pm). Schedules available, ring 01933 678545

Whist Drive. Great Easton Village Hall in the Welland Valley, cards dealt from 7.30pm. 01536 770784

Arthingworth Street Fayre. 1-5pm. Traditional street fayre with stalls, games, refreshments. Free entry, £3 for parking.

Afternoon Walk. The Ramblers Association (6 miles). 1.30pm start from the junction of Vyse Road and Church Street, Boughton. Unsuitable for dogs. A few stiles.

All Saints All Sorts Sale. Midland Road, Wellingborough, 9am to 11am. Bric-brac, toys, books etc.

RHTS 2015 Model Show. (Brake Van), Rushden Station, Station Approach, NN10 0AW (& Sept 6). Trains, planes and automobiles. First train – 11am, Last train – 4pm (depending on demand). Fares apply. More info www.rhts.co.uk or 01933 353111

Car Boot/Table Top Sale. All Saints Church, William Street, Kettering, 8.30am to 12noon. Cost £6 Booking essential. Call/text 07887 617978

Ecton Village Fete. noon. Fun for everyone. Craft fair, children’s games, dog show, sale of books, cakes and home grown produce, raffle, tombola and much more. Refreshments at the church & the village hall.

Antiques, Collectables & Book Fair. Abington Church Rooms, Park Avenue North, 10am-4pm. Free admission. Money raised is for Abington Church.

SUNDAY

MUSIC

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

Karaoke. Jekyll & Hyde, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm

Bingo and Hoy. Queens Park WMC, Npton

Brafield Working Mens Club. A428, Dominic Niven from 8pm.

Raunds Temperance Band. Orlingbury’s green at 2.30pm. Free

Ruben James. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

THEATRE

Mister Maker. Derngate Auditorium, 10am, 1pm & 4pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Morning Worship and children’s activity. Whitefriars Junior School, Rushden, 10.15am.

Badminton Club. (16+) – Every Sunday at Duston Sports Centre, Npton. For more info call Jay 07946 631449

Bingo. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm.

Bingo. British Rail Club, St Andrews Road, Npton (every Sun)

Fotheringhay Village Hall. Sunday Tea, 3pm to 5.30pm. Tea and Cake £2.50.

Quiz. The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, 8pm. Teams of 4, £1 admission pp. Cash prize.

Book Sale & Cream Teas. (Sundays thru August), 3pm to 5.30pm. Great Billing Methodist Church. Chapel Recipe Book now on sale. Evening service at 6pm

King’s Cliffe Village Hall. Teas, open 2pm to last orders 4.30pm. Homemade cakes & scones, tea & coffee, fruit squashes.

Yoga Class. The Elgar Centre, 1A High Street, Upton, 10am to 11.15am (every Sun). Please bring yoga mat, water and blanket. £7, £5.50 concessions for students and those on a pension.

Circular Day Walk. The Ramblers Association (10.5 miles). 8.45am Church Lane (adj to rear entrance to Holy Sepulchre Church) or meet leader 9.30am start from High Street, Stoke Goldington, nr to The Malthouse. Parking on High Street. Lunch alfresco, but may visit Salcey Forest. Food available or bring own lunch.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (7 miles). Start nr the Village Hall, Deene, 10am. Ring leader 01536 205260

Higham Ferrers Footpath Group walk. (6.25 miles) – Milton Malsor, Blisworth, Collingtree. Meet 9.10am Saffron Road car park, Higham Ferrers or 10am just east of the Church, Milton Malsor.

Morning Walk. Northampton Ramblers (5 miles). Meet 10am Dane’s Camp Leisure Centre, Clannel Road, East Hunsbury, 3 stiles. Please note there are occurrences of Giant Hogweed along this walk which will be pointed out in order that it may be avoided. It may be prudent to wear long trousers! More info www.

northamptonramblers.co.uk

Holcot Flower & Vegetable Show. Holcot Village Hall, Back Lane. Opens 3pm with grand auction of produce at 4pm

Car Boot Sale. Nene Park Stadium, Irthlingborough, Sellers 7am, Buyers 8am. www.neneparkcarboot.info. Tel 07712 114819

Mazda MX5 Owners Club. will be at Kelmarsh Hall, 10.30am-4pm. Fantastic line up of owners’vehicles, displays from regional clubs, the all new Mazda MX5 MK4, Medieval Jousting, trade stalls and driving challenge. www.nationalrally.co.uk £5 admission.

Our Royal Occasions. Flowers & Exhibition with Cream Teas, 2-5pm, St Andrews Church, Yardley Hastings. Also Sept 7th to 11th, 2-4.30pm

MONDAY

MUSIC

Karaoke. The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm to 7pm

Acoustic Open Mic. The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm.

THEATRE

The Mousetrap. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Brave New World. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Pub Quiz. Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1pp

Movie Night. The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm. Free entry.

Bingo. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton, 2.30pm

Just Voices. Meet Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (every Mon), 7-8.15pm. No need to be an expert singers as all “voices” are welcome. stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866

Iyengar Yoga. 9.30am to 10.45am, Perry Street – 07759 152986

Northampton Morris Men. practice nights every Monday 8pm to 10pm. Ages 18 to 80. www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk

Keep Fit & Coffee Morning. Weston Favell Parish Hall, 10am to 12pm (every Mon & Fri)

TUESDAY

MUSIC

Just Voices. Community Choir meet (every Tues), 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, entrance from rear of Waitrose. New members very welcome. You don’t need to be able to read music, just enjoy singing. Details – Stuart Jenkins 01604 455682

Northampton Male Voice Choir. (every Tues), 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall (opp St Matthews Church), visitors always welcome to come along and join us. For details www.nmvc.co.uk

Live Acoustic Night. (every Tue & Wed) at Picnic Lounge, 37 High Street, Corby Old Village, 7pm.

THEATRE

Brave New World. Royal Auditorium, 7pm. 01604 624811

The Mousetrap. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Yoga. Well-Being at Spencer Dallington Community Ctr, Npton (every Tue), 9.30am to 11.30am. Free yoga for the local community

Salsa Estrellas. The Picturedrome, Npton. An evening of pure dancing and fitness, from 7.30pm.

Classic Movies Afternoon. brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Body Balance. (every Tues) at Stanwick Village Hall, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £4 a session. More info call Loraine 07958 382720

Iyengar Yoga. 7pm to 8.30pm, Perry Street – 07759 152986

Free English & American Ballroom, Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. (every Tues), 1.30pm. Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview, 01604 787246

Ukelele Club. (every Tue), Old Cherry Tree PH, Great Houghton. 6-7pm beginners, 7-8pm improvers, 8-9pm intermediate. Email saraspadmusic@outlook.com to see which group will suit your needs or call 0203 004 6770

Absolute Beginners Dance Class – Ballroom and Latin. Weston Favell CE Primary School, Westwood Way (off Wellingborough Road), Npton, 7-8pm. £7pp, singles welcome.

My Life Experiences. with John Cox. Very friendly weekly meeting & discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.45am to 12noon. 01604 858252.

Friends of Victoria Park. Open Meeting, Foundry PH, St James, Npton, 7.30pm.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (3.5 miles). Meet 1.30pm in Rugby Club car park, off East Street, 01604 810810

Tea at Two. All Saints Church Hall, Midland Road, Wellingborough, 2-4pm.

Painted Volcanoes. A place where writers can meet, read out and discuss their latest work.Meet fortnightly upstairs at The Lamplighter, Overstone Road, Npton, 7.30pm. www.paintedvolcanoes.weebly.com

Craft Tutorial. (every fortnight) at The Meeting Room, St Matthews Church, Kingsley, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Kit and and project for the craft that week will be covered by the small fee (£10), with a demo and support to make the kit during the session.

WEDNESDAY

MUSIC

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

Jazz & Blues. Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8.30pm. Free entry

Acoustic Session. The Cuckoos Nest, Clare Street, Npton, 8.30pm.

Freight Train Jam Night. Thomas A Beckett, St James Rd, Npton, 9pm.

Legends Open Mic. Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm (every Wed)

3rd & Lindsley, Country Music Scene. The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm. Free.

J for Jazz. plays “trad” (every Wed) at The Locks Inn, Foxton Locks, Nr Market Harborough, Gig & parking are free.

Early Mac Band. Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton 8.45pm. Free entry

THEATRE

The Mousetrap. Derngate Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. 01604 624811

Brave New World. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Craft Club. knitting, stitching and cardmaking (every Wed). Hazlewood Community Ctr, Gainsborough Road, Corby, 7pm to 9pm. 07910 989410

Mums, Grannies, Childminders & Toddlers. meet (every Wed) in the Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, NN2 6PH, 1.30pm to 3pm. Nursery Rhymes and play.

Play Reading with Members. Come along to one of our friendly, weekly chats & make new friends. From 7.30pm NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton. 01604 858252.

Morning Walk. The Ramblers Association (7.5 miles). 10am The Countryman PH, A428, Staverton.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (7 miles). Start Coach & Horses PH, Lubenham, 9.30am. 01536 205260

Enrolment Day at KCU. 9.30-11.30am at Fuller Baptist Church, 41 Gold Street, Kettering. Variety of courses on offer. 01536 481989 or www.wea.org.uk

The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Visits Northampton Town Centre, Market Square, 10am to 1pm

Rock duo Royal Blood have been announced as the second band which will support Foo Fighters at the National Bowl this weekend.

The duo (pictured) who recently played the Reading and Leeds festivals, broke through into the mainstream last year with their debut LP topping the charts in the UK.

Bassist and singer Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher will join Iggy Pop at the Milton Keynes venue.

Foo Fighters last headlined the National Bowl in 2011 and announced the gigs after they were forced to cancel their Wembley Stadium date in June after front man Dave Grohl fractured his leg when falling from a stage in Sweden.

They head to the Milton Keynes venue on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6. Tickets are available via www.gigsandtours.com, www.seetickets.com, www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.ticket
line.co.uk, www.theticket
factory.com, www.axs.com/uk, www.gigantic.com and www.stargreen.com

They cost £71.50 which includes a service charge.

Car parking passes are also available for £15.

Much-loved Yorkshire folk duo, Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow bring their Summat’s Brewin’ tour to the Albion Brewery Bar on Sunday.

The pair are currently travelling country in Birgitte, their trusty old camper van with, the aim of playing 30 micro gigs in 30 real ale venues.

Both are known for their exquisite harmonies, sublime musicality and cheeky northern banter.

They will be performing a new show of contemporary and traditional drinking songs in celebration of real ale, real music and real people in intimate venues.

O’Hooley and Tidow featured in MOJO’s top 10 folk albums of 2014 for their LP The Hum. They also received a nomination for best duo at this year’s BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The Albion Brewery Bar is Kingswell Street, Northampton. Tickets cost £12 in advance or £12 on the door. For more information visit www.ohooleyandtidow.com and www.wegottickets.com/event/322157

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after a crash on the A43 near Northampton.

Emergency services were called following a collision between the motorcyclist and a car just before 8am today (Thursday) on the A43 near to the Holcot roundabout.

Police closed a section of the southbound lane heading towards Northampton, which re-opened about an hour later.

A police spokesman said: “The motorcyclist was taken to hospital to be checked over as a precautionary measure.”

The accident is the second accident on the A43 between Northampton and Kettering this week.

Drivers faced delays after an accident involving three vehicles at 7.45am on Tuesday on the stretch between Moulton and Sywell.

No-one was injured in the crash earlier this week.

A 30-year-old man has died after his car crashed on the crest of a hill near Silverstone.

Officers were called at about 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday), after a vehicle, for reasons yet unknown, lost control on the A413 Brackley Road at Silverstone.

The 30-year-old driver of the car, a green Rover Metro GTi, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the car was airlifted to the University Hospital in Coventry but is not believed to have serious injuries.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A moped rider who was seriously injured in a collision in Woodnewton at the end of July has died.

The 83-year-old man was involved in the collision on July 31 and was taken by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry, where he died last Friday.

Police would still like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place in Nassington Road at about 2.20pm.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call the Northamptonshire Police Drivewatch hotline on 0800 174615.

Police are appealing for witnesses after thieves stole two chainsaws and a hedge trimmer from a house in Northamptonshire.

The incident happened between 1pm and 5pm on Wednesday, September 2, in Doddington Crossing, Wollaston.

Witnesses, or anyone who knows anything about this incident, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder admits the latest injury to central defender Zander Diamond ‘is a bit of a worry’.

The Scotsman picked up a dead leg during the first half of the 2-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle at Sixfields on August 22, and he hasn’t played since.

Hopes that the player would just be able to shake the problem off have seemingly been dashed, and he has undergone scans to measure the extent of the injury.

Wilder is still confident it will be a shorter term problem rather than a longer one, but when asked if Diamond will be available for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two clash with Dagenham & Redbridge at Sixfields, the Town boss revealed: “Zander won’t make it, and we are waiting for results on the scan.

“That (the injury) has took it’s time, and is a little bit of a worry if we’re honest.”

Diamond has picked up a series of niggling muscle injuries since signing for the Cobblers from Burton Albion early last year, but has made 38 starts in that time.

The 30-year-old is a key man for the Cobblers when fit, and Wilder says the latest injury was an unavoidable one for a player he sees as one of the main leaders in his squad.

“You can’t have a team full of kids, you have to keep the experienced lads in,” said the Cobblers boss.

“It was an impact injury, a contact injury, and there’s not a lot you can do about that. But he is disappointed.”

As well as Diamond being out, another defender is also fighting to be fit for the weekend, with right-back Adam Yates struggling to shake of a thigh strain picked up in Tuesday’s 3-2 win over Colchester United.

“Adam came off at half-time on Tuesday, so we are assessing him but hopefully he will be okay,” said Wilder, who confirmed Josh Lelan will start at right-back if Yates doesn’t make it.

Attacker Ricky Holmes will miss the Sixfields date with the Daggers, but the news is more encouraging on his progress after he suffered a back spasm in the warm-up of the 2-0 defeat at Barnet back on August 18.

“Ricky is another one that has been slow going, and we are disappointed because Ricky is a big player for us,” said Wilder.

“Hopefully though we will get Ricky back, and may be even for the Oxford game.”

The early-season injuries picked up by Town are a massive cause of frustration for Wilder, with Diamond, Holmes and Yates joining long-term injury casualties Brendan Moloney and Evan Horwood in the treatment room.

“It is disappointing we have three or four players out at the moment, because they were all brought in to play a part for the club,” said the Cobblers boss, who admitted it is going be a while before Moloney and Horwood will be able to play.

“They are both a little way off, and obviously they haven’t done any pre-season either,” said Wilder.

“So they have to first get themselves back into full training, and then get themselves into a condition to start first team football.

“Even when they are back in full training, it will be two or three weeks before they play because they will have to do a mini pre-season.”

A 43-year-old man has admitted pleasuring himself and sexually assaulting a woman on a train in Northampton.

David Robinson appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday) after he was charged with sexual assault and committing an act of outraging public decency on June 20 this year.

The court heard that a woman was on a train travelling to Northampton when Robinson sat next to her and touched her leg.

After being told to leave her alone, Robinson then sat opposite the woman and spread his legs either side of her and pleasured himself.

When the train stopped at Northampton, the woman got off and alerted a member of staff at the station. Police were called and Robinson, of Rowan Close, Coventry, was arrested.

The case was adjourned to allow for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.

There will be joy for gourmands across the local area as a food show comes to Holdenby House at the weekend.

The Northamptonshire Food Show will be coming to the stately home between 10am and 5pm on both Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6.

The ninth Northamptonshire Food & Craft Show is designed to be a celebration of all that is good to eat and drink from across the region and far beyond.

A full programme of food and cookery demonstrations from Celebrity Chef Matt Tebbutt and compered by Masterchef Ondine Hartgroves.

Matt has appeared on programmes including Good Unwrapped on Channel 4, Great British Food Revival on BBC2 and has also filled in as a guest presenter on the popular BBC1 show Saturday Kitchen.

Admission for the show is £7.50 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3.50 for children aged between five and 16. Accompanied children under 5 are free. A family ticket costs £18. To book tickets in advance for the show at discounted rates visit www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/holdenby/

A family comedy musical revue set during the four days leading up to the opening of a new West End show comes to Irchester next week.

Alberto is back after saving Tiddlybottoms Independent Theatrical Society in Irchester Players’ new show The Final Curtain.

He recruits a diva that is returning to the stage after years, actresses who will do just about anything for a part, and if the kids are right – a serial killer.

The show is a fast paced comedy, with songs from musicals old and new, including Oklahoma, Fame, Sunset Boulevard, Spamalot, Chicago, Hairspray, the Producers, Mamma Mia and the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The show runs from Wednesday, September 9, to Saturday, September 12, with doors opening at 6.45pm and performances starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets for the show at Parsons Hall in the High Street are £8 for adults and £6 for children, concessions and OAPs Wednesday to Friday. All tickets for Saturday are £8.

To book visit www.irchester
players.co.uk/boxoffice/ or by calling the box office on 01933 800374.

The greatest spectacle in motorsport returns to Santa Pod Raceway this weekend.

Tomorrow (Friday) is the date for Nitro At Night. Officially, it is listed as Pro qualifying session number two for the weekend’s FIA/FIM European Finals, but the decision last year to schedule the session as the daylight faded in the run-up to the track’s evening curfew proved a treat for the fans.

The European Finals takes place at Santa Pod Raceway near Wellingborough from today to Sunday. The event includes open access to the paddockand a full programme of off-track entertainment alongside the racing.