House music duo Son Of 8 will be playing at Elysium in Northampton on Saturday night.
The DJs released their new single In & Out on Armada Deep this week. It follows their debut track Future House Lovers. Following their Northampton show, the pair will head to London for We Are Festival before heading to Mallorca then onto Ibiza for a summer residency at Judgement. They also host a weekly house music show called Our House. Elysium is in Horseshoe Street. Visit http://bit.ly/1U9SMF2
A talented brother and sister who suffer from crippling disabilities are walking tall - after being tipped to become the UK’s next top child models.
Eight-year-old Keelan Beech and his ten-year-old sister Aimee-Lee have beaten thousands of other children to represent the country in a national beauty pageant.
Keelan suffers from Perthes which means his hip joint is constantly being worn away, making walking excruciatingly painful while Aimee-Lee suffers from cerebral palsy
But judges were so impressed with their performances at the Top High Street Model UK contest earlier this month they secured a place in the national finals in October.
If they win the star-studded event in Blackpool, they will represent the UK in a world final in Orlando Florida later in the year.
Despite their disabilities, the siblings showed early potential and Aimee-Lee was even head-hunted by Naomi Campbell’s modelling agency when she was seven.
Proud dad Lee Beech, 42, a HGV driver from Northampton, said: “I am immensely proud of my children. They are true role models.
“The live for modelling. They are so hungry for it and they love competing.
“It all started when Aimee-Lee won a baby contest to be the face of Northampton which was run by the local paper
“Representatives visited the hospital when Aimee-Lee was just days old and they were looking for potential babies.
“They asked me if I would be happy with Aimee-Lee being the face of Northampton, and I agreed.
“She held that title for two years.
“Three years ago, I received an anonymous phone call from someone claiming to be from Apple Models in London, which is Naomi Campbell’s agency.
“They said they were really interested in doing a photoshoot with Aimee-Lee, so I called the head office to check it was legitimate, and it was.
“They took 48 photos of her, and decided to use 45 of them professionally.
“They put her on the books and it started from there.
“From then, I have been bombarded with phone calls, and Aimee-Lee is now on the books at BIzzyKidz modelling agency,
“Keelan would come along with us to the photoshoots, and one day I was asked if I would consider allowing Keelan and Aimee-Lee to be twin models.
“They aren’t the same age, but they are the spitting image of each other.
“That’s where it all started, and their passion has grown ever since.
“Their physical conditions don’t hold either of them back and they don’t even notice they are different.
“Aimee-Lee has suffered from cerebral palsy since birth, and she has therapy on her legs to help her as she often loses balance.
“She wears a splint day and night, but doesn’t when she models.
“Aimee-Lee just wants to show everyone that having a disability doesn’t have to hold you back.
“As long as you’re prepared to work hard at it, anything is achievable.
“Keelan was diagnosed with Perthes two years ago, and it knocked him for six.
“He uses a wheelchair most of the time, so it’s really quite painful for him sometimes because of the specific way you’re expected to walk and position yourself.
“He does it with a bit of a hobble, bless him. He does struggle, but he is determined to overcome it.
“Modelling for him is so special he’s so determined that this what he wants to do in his life. I’m so proud of him.
“He’s already had an operation to sever the tendons in his groins to make it easier for him to walk, but he still needs another operation.
“The doctors said he might need to have new hips, but he’s just too young.”
The family and partner of Brogan Warren, a Northampton woman who died along with three friends in a car accident, have spoken about how special she was to them.
Brogan, aged 21, died in a head-on traffic collision near Swindon on Sunday night, an accident that also claimed the live of Krop Jones, Sam Kay and Nicoletta Tocco.
This afternoon the first statement from a family member came from Brogan’s mum, Deborah Byrne.
She said: “I have no words to explain the pain I’m feeling, my heart and soul have been torn away and it hurts so much I can barely breathe. My beautiful special girl you touched everyone around you with your magical soul and your glittery ways.
“You had so much still to do!
“I can’t believe now that I’ll never see your beautiful little face again, no chats about the universe before bed and hugs so tight they warmed you so.”
The statement said her dad, Joff, and boyfriend Grant were both on holiday together and she was excited about them coming back.
Brogan was due to be her older sister Taylia’s birthing partner in July and was due to travel to Italy in August with Nicoletta.
In September, she had been due to volunteer at a child orphanage in Kenya in September for three months working with street children.
Mrs Byrne described how loving Brogan was with her family.
She said: “You had a saying with your hugs ‘never let go first, as you don’t know how much that person needs one’ sometimes we’d stand and hug for hours saying goodnight and good morning.
“Your little sister Tia used to creep into your bed every morning and you’d sing songs, cover her in glitter and send snap chats and make her do all sorts of things to make you both laugh. If Tia and I slept in you would sneak into our bed for morning cuddles and by the time we got up there would always be glitter in the bed and a song in our head to start the day.”
“You had a special bond with everyone that knew you and I’m so proud you are mine. The sheer volume of messages I’ve received from family and friends is overwhelming but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Mrs Byrne said she hope the friends had “found paradise together”.
I’m hoping the four of you quickly found each other on the spirit side and walked together to eternity, I can picture you all holding hands, skipping and dancing up into the clouds and rainbows knowing that you truly have found paradise together.
She added: “I love you ‘Brogan Emily Lovely’. You came into my life on a rainbow and spent 21 years turning me upside down with your spiritual awareness right from when you could barely talk and you’ve left in a whirlwind just as dramatically, leaving happy memories and broken hearts scattered all around you xxx Goodnight and Godbless My Beautiful Angel xxx Mummy xxx”
A statement from Grant issued by Thames Valley Police, said: “To My Darling Brogan....my heart hurts for you and aches to see your smiling face.
“You gave the world such joy and you showed us all that the world has magic.
“You were such a caring and happy soul with a simple message of glitter and laughter.
“I’ll forever keep you close and you will never wander far from me. I love you baby forever and always xxx Grant xxx”
A crash involving two vehicles is causing delays on the A43 in Towcester this afternoon.
The road is partially blocked and there is queuing traffic on the A43 at the junction with the Hulcote turn.
PCSO Jen7041 @PCSO7041 tweeted just before 5pm: “Towcester A43 at junction with Hulcote Turn. Emergency Services are dealing with a collision. One lane open
“Now awaiting vehicles to be recovered.”
Skipper Alex Wakely hailed the spirit shown by centurions Rob Newton and Steven Crook as Northants secured a draw at Gloucestershire.
Newton hit 108 and Crook, who made 60 in his side’s first innings 176 all out, was unbeaten on 103 as the County ensured they would not be beaten on the final day at Bristol.
Northants had gone into the final day on 120 for three, 122 runs behind, knowing they faced an uphill task to avoid defeat.
But Newton dug in and Crook then showed his skill as he kept the innings together to frustrate the home side and earn a fifth draw in six County Championship Division Two matches for Northants.
“It was really pleasing to see us bat with so much spirit today,” said Wakely.
“Rob Newton played superbly and Steven Crook produced exactly the type of innings we needed.
“A draw feels like a small victory from the position we were in. But we cannot forget that we again batted poorly in our first innings, giving wickets away through poor shots.
“Chris Dent and Michael Klinger showed for Gloucestershire the benefits of playing late and not pushing at the ball.
“We need to learn from that because we are nicking too many catches behind the wicket.”
Tributes have been paid to a woman from Northampton who was killed in a car crash her way home from a festival, along with three friends.
Brogan Warren, Krop Jones, Nicoletta Tocco and Sam Kay were involved in a head-on collision on the A420 near Swindon on Sunday night which also left three others, including a three-year-old boy, seriously injured in hospital.
Nicoletta has been remembered by Nick Sage, a sociology lecturer at the University of Northampton, who knew her as his student until she graduated in July 2014.
“Nicoletta impressed me and her other tutors with her well-informed and perceptive views on contemporary social issues.
“It is such a sad loss that a young person with so much ability was unable to fulfil her potential in her work and in her life because of a tragic accident.
“She achieved a great deal while at the University of Northampton, but could have achieved so much more given the opportunity to do so. She will be greatly missed.”
Meanwhile Katy Seymour, aged 29, from Roade, a friend of all four, said the loss of good friends, all of whom were well known in Northampton, is still a shock for those who knew them.
She told the Chron: “They were all such close friends and the hardest part is they were such beautiful people,” she said.
“They all had a heart of gold.
“It’s always the good ones that are taken early.”
An “opulent” mahogany toilet that was once warmed by the upper classes at a Northamptonshire manor is to go on sale.
Christie’s in London is auctioning the mahogany, sycamore and fruitwood commode described as ‘the property of a gentleman’ and having origins that relate to Fermyn Woods Hall near Brigstock.
It expects buyers to part with between £12,000 and £18,000 to own the piece.
Daniel Etherton of Christie’s said: “The present commode is a faithful replica of the original by Jean-Henri Riesener supplied in 1776 to Louis XVI for his cabinet intérieur at Fontainebleau.
“Like many of the most famous models created for the Ancien Régime, this commode was reproduced by some of the 19th century’s preeminent ébénistes including Henry Dasson and François Linke.
“Although apparently unsigned, the present commode is a fine example dating to the last quarter of the 19th Century.”
The auction will take place on June 7.
An evening of mediumship with TV psychic Tony Stockwell can be seen at The Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering.
Tony has been working tirelessly for more than 25 years to demonstrate his belief that those who have passed can communicate with their loved ones.
The theatre says that “Tony’s insight into the lives of total strangers is inexplicable and remarkable as he attempts to offer fascinating revelations from the other side”.
His show can be seen at 7.30pm on Thursday, June 2.
Tickets cost from £19.
For more details call the box office on 01536 414141.
Thursday
MUSIC
A K Disco’s Karaoke. O’Malleys Bar, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm till late
Jam Night. The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm to 12am
Corby Male Voice Choir 7.30pm, St Andrews Church of Scotland (Church Hall), Occupation Road, Corby. www.corbymalevoicechoir.co.uk
Karaoke. The Fox & Quill, Npton, 8pm-late
The Chris Watson Sound. The Stirrup Cup, Woodlands Avenue, Barton Seagrave, 9-11pm. Free
Shelly Care + Dynamix. Carpenters Arms, Irchester, NN29 7AB
THEATRE
Chicago. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811
Soul. Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.45pm. 01604 624811
The Importance of Being Earnest. The Core at Corby Cube, 7.30pm. Box Office 01536 470470
OTHER
Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Kettering Leisure Village, 7pm – 9pm www.tangsoo.net
Towcester County Market. The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am to 12noon. Prices start at 50p
Table Tennis for adults. 7.30-9.15pm NASO, St Michael’s Road, Npton. 07813 575264
Clubbercise Northampton. with Marie. New dance fitness class set in a darkened room with disco lights & glow sticks. Caroline Chisholm School, 7.30-8.15pm. £6 a class. www.facebook.com/Mariesclubbercise
Northampton Ramblers Evening Walk. 7pm at The Pastures Community Ctr, Acre Lane, A walk to Grange Farm and then along the track to Kingsthorpe Nature Reserve and along the Brampton Valley Way.
Exploring Watercolour Techniques. with Richard Allen – Art course at Lamport Hall, 1-4pm. Booking essential 01536 724866 or richard388allen@btinternet.com
Funhouse Comedy Club. Walnut Tree Inn, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, doors open 8pm for 8.30pm start. For info & tickets (£9 adv) www.funhousecomedy.co.uk
Quiz & Raffle. Red Lion, Bozeat, 7pm. All proceeds go to providing care and treatment for animals until they can go to a loving home of their own. 01933 278080
Bingo. Brafield Working Mens Club, A428
Free Quiz. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton
Sushi Made Simple. Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Farthingstone, www.btcworkshops.co.uk
The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Wellingborough Town Centre, pedestrian area opp The Hind Hotel & Colemans stationery shop, 10am-1pm
Africa Day Celebrations. Cripps Recreation Ctr, Cliftonville Road, 7pm-12am. £10pp, inc 3 course meal, dance, music, fashion show, www.uaassociation.org/events
Damain. Stags Head, Gt Donnington. In aid of Shelter – free entry donations only
Friday
MUSIC
Disco and Karaoke. The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden
Live Music. Malt + Bass, 37 High Street, Corby Old Village, 7pm.
J for Jazz. play “trad” at The Locks Inn, Foxton Locks, Nr Market Harborough, LE16 7RA, 12.30-2.30pm. Gig is free. 01162 791 515 to book a table if eating.
Disco. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton.
PushPop 90s Night. Barratts Club, Npton, 8pm
Cellist Poppy Walshaw. talks to Fiori Musicali Director Penelope Rapson and together they perform music. Followed by buffet lunch, tickets £14. The Castle, Wellingborough, 12.30pm. www.fiori-musicali.com or 0333 666 3366
Pommygranites. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton
THEATRE
Chicago. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811
Soul. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811
Screaming Blue Murder. Underground, 8.15pm. 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
8-16 Yrs Kingsthorpe Kobras Badminton Club. (Coaching), 5-6.30pm. £4, Kingsthorpe College, Boughton Green Road. 07708 679452
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. Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Road, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £4.
R-Zone Club. For young people aged 8-13 years at the Community Ctr, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm to 6pm. 07979 152746
Keep Fit & Coffee Morning. Weston Favell Parish Hall, 10am to 12pm
Gentle Yoga. Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm to 3.15pm. 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com
Craft Club. 11am to 3pm, Church Hall, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Kettering. 07733 341674. £3
Relax Kids. New course at Stanwick Village Hall, 10-11am. Songs to sing, games to play, dance, stretch and relax. 07972 680411.
Free Dance Lessons. – Lindy Swing, English & American Ballroom and Latin, Cats Dance Club, James Lewis Court, Cherry Orchard, 1-3pm
Beer Festival. Pomfret Arms, Cotton End, Npton. Showcasing our own beers as well as some of Northamptonshire favourites from Hart, Phipps, Great Oakley and others.
Gretton Local History Society. Gretton Village Hall. Subject is Waterloo-Myths and Reality, a presentation given by guest Roger Edwards. Starts 7.30pm with GLHS members admitted free. Visitors £3 entry. 01536 771102
Evening of Clairvoyance. Corby Spiritualist Church at The Autumn Centre, Counts Farm Road, Corby, 7-10pm. £5 otd.
Luna Flix Outdoor Cinema. Showing “Jaws” (12A) at Stanwick Lakes, 8pm. www.lunaflix.co.uk
Walk Away the Cares of the Week. Northampton Unitarians Meeting House, 5-6.30pm, at NUMH, St Katherine’s Terrace, www.northamptonunitarians.org.uk
The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. At Northampton Abington Street, Close to Central Library, 9.30am-1pm
Damain. NN Café, Northampton. In aid of Shelter – free entry donations only
Saturday
MUSIC
Karaoke Disco. Vocal Club, Bailiff Street, Npton, 8pm till late
Live Music. Malt + Bass, 7 High Street, Corby Old Village, 7pm
Brafield Working Mens Club. A428, Bob James from 8pm.
Paul Strummer + Behind The Settee + Myjaike. Hare & Hounds, Gt Addington,
Shaun E B. Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton
Repro Jam Squad, Funk/Soul. Walnut Tree, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, 9.15pm. Free entry.
Detours. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton
Northampton Male Voice Choir. plus guest soloist perform at St James’ the Great Church, Paulerspury, 7.30pm. Tickets £10 01327 811109, 01327 811605, 01327 811486 or Coleman’s Stationers, Towcester
Whistle Stop Tour Around the West End. – 6 (nearly) complete musicals in one night! Cripps Hall Theatre at Northampton School for Boys, Biling Road, Npton, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets £8-£14. Box Office 01604 712651 www.nmtc.me.uk
Tony Gee’s Motown & Soul Disco. The Romany, Npton
The Bighead. (7 piece ska band) at Red Lion, Brackley, 9.30pm
Phil Allen. Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering, 8.45-11.30am. Doors open 7pm. Free.
Skatoon. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton
THEATRE
Chicago. Derngate Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. 01604 624811
Soul. Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/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
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
Harrington Aviation Museum. – come and learn about Spies, Supplies & Dangerous Skies. Covert Warfare in World War 2. Open 10am to 5pm (Sundays also)
Africa Day Celebrations. Cripps Recreation Centre, Northampton General Hospital, Cliftonville Road, Npton, 7pm-12am. African cuisine, music and dancers. Fashion Show, speakers, raffle, crafts, exhibition and more. www.uaassociation.org or tel 01604 779008/07974 257389
Quiz. Semilong WMC, Npton
Network Arts Summer Exhibition 2016. Abington Park Museum, Park Avenue South, (until June 26). Open Thu-Sun & Bank Holiday Monday, 1-4pm. Free entry. www.networkarts.co.uk
Luna Flix Outdoor Cinema. Star Wars: The Force Awakens (12A) at Stanwick Lakes, 8pm. Tickets www.lunaflix.co.uk
Sewing Bee. social group encompassing all kinds of sewing. Kingsthorpe Community Ctr, Mill Lane, Npton, (opp Kingswell Road), 2-4.30pm. £5 per session inc tea & homemade cake. 07766 376460 or email rosekealy.ward@virgin.net
Damain. Witch & Sow, Guilsborough. In aid of Shelter – free entry donations only
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
Navy and Marine Club. Lorne Road, Northampton. Entertainment every Sunday from 8pm. Free
Brafield Working Mens Club. A428, Rita Pereria from 8pm.
Tony Gee’s Motown & Soul Disco. St James WMC, Npton, 4pm until late
Disco. The Picturedrome, Kettering Road, Npton, 8pm-1am. Celebrating 30 years of Club Classics & Dance Anthems. £5 – www.thepicturedrome.com
Red Thunder. Sunday Sessions, Headland Pub, Longland Road, Npton, 2-5pm
Phoenix 3. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton
Johnny Red. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton
THEATRE
The World’s Greatest Drummber Concert. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811
OTHER
Badminton Club. (16+) Duston Sports Centre, Npton. 07946 631449
Fotheringhay Village Hall. Sunday Tea, 3pm to 5.30pm. Tea and Cake £2.50.
Quiz. The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth, 8pm. Teams of 4, £1pp admission. Cash prize.
Yoga Class. The Elgar Centre, 1A High Street, Upton, 10am to 11.15am Bring yoga mat, water and blanket. £7, £5.50 concessions for students and those on a pension.
Tried skinny dipping on holiday?. Join us in Northampton on a Sunday evening for naturist swimming, steam & sauna. 0870 765 4326 or email nsg@nsgswim.org.uk
Luna Flix Outdoor Cinema. Showing Mamma Mia! (PG) at Stanwick Lakes, 8pm. Tickets www.lunaflix.co.uk
Cottesbrooke Village Gardens. 2-5.30pm. 9 gardens open with cream teas served in the village Hall. £3.
Northampton Ramblers Morning Walk. Meet 10am Coffee Pot, Yardley Gobion, Walk fromYardley Gobion to Pottersbury and Cosgrove, following part of Grafton Way, the MK Boundary walk & Grand Union Canal.
Festival of Country Life. Lamport Hall, 10am-5pm (& May 30). A fantastic day out for all the family – something for everyone! www.lamporthall.co.uk
Aspers Wedding Fair. 11am-3pm. Free entry to anyone aged over 18 yrs. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of bubbly. www.aspersnorthampton.co.uk
Higham Ferrers Footpath Group walk. (5.5 miles) – Hemington circular. Meet 9.15am Saffron Road car park, Higham Ferrers or 10am nr Hemington Church
Quiz. Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 8pm. Teams of 4, £1 admission pp. Cash & drinks prizes
CTC Northampton. Moderate cycle ride to scenic Welland Valley. 45 miles at moderate pace (11-12mph). Coffee/lunch stop at Weltons Deli, Great Bowden. Meet 9.30am Brampton Valley Way, Welford Road, (nr Windhover pub). New riders welcome. Philip Gray 07557 670831.
Monday
MUSIC
Karaoke. The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm to 7pm
Acoustic Open Mic. The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm.
THEATRE
The Doodle Dance Show. Underground, 11am/2pm. 01604 624811
We’ve Only Just Begun. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811
Soul. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811
OTHER
TCB Pub Quiz. Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1pp
Bingo. Rifle Band Club, Kettering, 8.30-11.15pm. All welcome.
Just Voices. Meet Kingsthorpe Baptist Church 7-8.15pm. stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866
Iyengar Yoga. 9.30am to 10.45am, Perry Street – 07759 152986
Northampton Morris Men. 8pm to 10pm. Ages 18 to 80. Instruction is given. More info www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk
Gretton Netball. plays purely for recreational purposes, is non-league based and is a fun way to exercise. Multi Use Games Area at Recreation Ground, off Kirby Road, 7.25-8.30pm. Cost £1 per session.
Keep Fit & Coffee Morning. Weston Favell Parish Hall, 10am to 12pm
Mums & Tots Group. St Mary’s Church, Little Harrowden, 9.30am.
Monday Lunch Club & Bingo. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton. 2.30pm.
Medieval/Elizabethan Manor with exhibitions/grounds/refreshments. Southwick Hall nr Oundle. Ope 2-5pm. Admission £8 adult/£3.50 child. 01832 274064
Jumble Sale. Holy Trinity Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, Npton
Tuesday
MUSIC
Just Voices Community Choir. 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, entrance from rear of Waitrose. Details – Stuart Jenkins 01604 455682
Northampton Male Voice Choir. 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall www.nmvc.co.uk
The Chris Parker Band. Wig & Pen, St Giles Street, Npton, 9-11pm. Free.
Robert Barnett & Ruby Doos. Althorp Coaching Inn, Gt Brington.
THEATRE
Soul, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811
OTHER
Yoga for Well-Being. Spencer Dallington Community Ctr, Npton 9.30am to 11.30am. Free
Body Balance. Stanwick Village Hall, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £4. 07958 382720
Iyengar Yoga. 7pm to 8.30pm, Perry Street – 07759 152986
Line Dancing. Stanwick Village Hall 7.30pm.
Ukelele Club. 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
Natter Morning. Grange Resource Centre, Grange Shops, Stamford Road, Kettering, 10am-12noon. Breaks, teas, coffees all available to purchase..
Absolute Beginners Dance Class. Ballroom and Latin, Weston Favell CE Primary School, Westwood Way Npton, 7-8pm. £7pp.
Piccolos Music Club. Stanwick Village Hall, 1045-2.45pm. Singing, stories, games, dancing, puppets and learning. £4 entry, £2 for any extra siblings. www.piccolosmusicclub.co.uk or call 07990 615359.
Painted Volcanoes. 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.
Flying For Life. Led by Ron Sivers. 10.30-11.45am, NASO, St Michaels Road, Northampton. 01604 858252
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 Road, Npton, 9pm.
Legends Open Mic. Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm
Cherry Lee Mewis. Malt Shovel Tavern, 121 Bridge Street, Npton, 9pm. Free entry
Just Country. Country Scene, Headland Pub, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.
THEATRE
Soul. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 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. Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, 1.30pm to 3pm. Nursery Rhymes and play.
Apollo Badminton Club. Playing at Moulton School, 7.30-9.30pm. 07425 171724
Kingsthorpe Kobras Badminton Club. 7.30-9.30pm. Kingsthorpe College on Boughton Green road. £5.
Phil Hollis’ Mighty Music Quiz. The Lord Byron, Kingsley Park Terrace, Npton, 9pm
Pilates for Beginners. Abington Bowling Club, 1.50-2.50pm. £5.
Over 30s Sports Sessions. Multi Use Games Area, Gretton Recreational Ground, 7-8pm. Open to adults who would like to get fitter and meet other people. £2
Meet New People. Grange Resource Centre, 10am-12noon. Grange Shops, Stamford Road, Kettering.
Bellydance Classes. with Fulya. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Church Rooms, 1 Church Lane. Beginners, 6.45-7.45pm £5 otd or £4 in a block in advance OR Advanced, 8-9.30pm £6 otd or £5 in a block in advance.
Venture Autism Monthly Meeting. (1st Wed of each month, exc Oct), 7-9pm, Oakley Vale Community Ctr, Butland Road, Corby, £1.50 entry.
Northamptonshire Boys’ Brigade. Free Taster Session at Towcester Road Methodist Church, Npton, 2-3.30pm. For boys aged 5-11. . 22northampton@boys-brigade.org.uk or call 07764 429957
Painting Impressionism with Richard Allen. Lamport Hall, 1-4pm. Booking essential 01536 724866 or richard388allen@btinternet.com
Snowdrops and Spring Gardens. Lamport Hall. – an opportunity to explore the gardens and see the snowdrops and spring bulbs. www.lamporthall.co.uk
Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (8 miles) from Thorpe Waterville. Meet at The Fox, Thorpe Waterville, 9.30am. 01536 726851
Popstaz Workshop. For ages 4-8yrs hosted by Ruby Dance Academy. Fun workshop for boys & girls. 10am-3pm at Stanwick Village Hall. £12, half day £7.50.
A suspected thief died after he attempted to run across three lanes of the M1 in Northamptonshire to try to avoid police capture and was struck by several vehicles, an inquest heard.
Liam Mealing, aged 24, was killed after he leapt out of a lorry that had stopped on the motorway after it was followed by two police vehicles in the early hours of December 2 last year.
An inquest in the Court Room at County Hall heard officers were attempting to stop the Iveco lorry as it had triggered an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera as a suspected stolen vehicle.
Giving evidence, PC Lee Walker, who was a passenger in a police car being driven by his colleague PC Paula Foster, said the officers started to follow the lorry shortly after junction 15a northbound at about 3am.
PC Walker said an officer in a dog unit van was also following the lorry, which contained Mr Mealing and another man.
The inquest heard the lorry was travelling at abut 50mph and the officers decided to try to pull the vehicle over at the junction 16 exit.
PC Walker said the officers put on the siren and flashing lights at the 300m exit sign and indicated to the lorry to move off the carriageway.
However, the lorry did not take the exit and continued along the motorway.
The police officers were given authorisation to continue following the lorry and PC Walker said the vehicle was “not driven erratically” and did not exceed 55mph.
However, the lorry then braked sharply and came to a standstill in the outer lane nearest the central reservation.
PC Walker said two men then jumped out of the driver’s side of the vehicle, climbed over the concrete barrier and ran into the southbound carriageway.
The officer, who was visibly upset giving evidence, said he saw one of the men get hit by a lorry and then struck by a number of other vehicles.
PC Walker said the other man managed to get across to the hard shoulder after narrowly avoiding a number of vehicles.
He said the police officer in the dog unit van managed to get across the carriageway to detain the man but he then called for help.
PC Walker said he then put on his high-visibility jacket and crossed the motorway while his colleague attempted to slow traffic down with a high powered torch. He then handcuffed the man who he said was “clearly distressed.”
Giving evidence, PC Paula Foster said she believed Mr Mealing had been struck a glancing blow by one vehicle before being hit by a lorry.
The police officer said the image and sound of what happened would “stay with her forever.”
Collision investigator PC Martin Broughton of Leicestershire Police said analysis of Highways camera footage appeared to show Mr Mealing was clipped by a car before being struck by a lorry and then a number of other vehicles.
The other male managed to survive after he narrowly avoided two lorries.
PC Brougton said he couldn’t say definitively whether Mr Mealing was the driver of the lorry before both men exited the vehicle.
In a statement read to the inquest, Faye Vollans, Mr Mealing’s fiancée and mother of his two children, said he was a caring father who had struggled to maintain regular employment as a warehouse operative.
Ms Vollans said the night before he died, Mr Mealing had received a phone call asking him if he wanted to earn an “easy £500”.
She said Mr Mealing, of Beeston, near Leeds, did not say where he was going or what he was doing.
Ms Vollans said: “When I was told he had died it felt like my world ended.
“He was not perfect but he was my soulmate and I feel like a part of me has been broken and ripped off.”
Mr Mealing’s mother Marie Russell said no words could describe how devastated she felt about her son’s death.
Ms Russell said she knew her son did not have a driving licence but said she had leant him the money to buy a car as she believed he was a “good” driver.
County Coroner Anne Pember recorded a verdict of accidental death. Ms Pember emphasised that none of the drivers of the vehicles that hit Mr Mealing could have done anything to avoid colliding with him.
In a statement released after the inquest, Superintendent Steve Potter, of the East Midlands Operational Support Service said, a 21-year-old man from Leeds who was arrested at the scene of the collision on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle was on police bail, pending further enquiries.
Supt Potter said an Independent Police Complaints Commission and a Professional Standards investigation had determined no action should be taken against the officers involved.
He said: “Firstly, I would like to offer my condolences to Mr Mealing’s family and friends following this tragic incident.
“The coroner has determined that Liam’s death was accidental, as a result of a road traffic collision.
“A referral was made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission; however, following an assessment of the incident they determined not to pursue an investigation. A local Professional Standards investigation has taken place and determined that no action should be taken against those officers involved in this tragic incident.
“Policing the roads is an important part of what we do and our highly trained officers will always respond to what is happening in the best interests of safety.”
A Northamptonshire Police superintendent has welcomed the introduction of a new law that aims to prevent the production and supply of so-called ‘legal highs’.
The Psychoactive Substances Act comes in to force today and will criminalise the supply of any substance intended for human consumption that is capable of producing a psychoactive effect, apart from a few named exceptions such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medical products.
Legal highs are reported as being a problem by 10 per cent of young people in treatment in Northamptonshire, compared to two per cent nationally.
Northamptonshire Police will have a variety of option in enforcing this legislation including prohibition notices, premises notices, prohibition orders and premises orders which allow police or local authorities to require people to stop stocking, selling or supplying psychoactive substances.
Members of the public are being encouraged to let the police know if they believe shops or establishments are continuing to supply psychoactive substances.
Prison sentences of up to seven years and powers for officers to stop and search people, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant and to seize and destroy psychoactive substances are included in the new legislation.
While the new Act does not criminalise simple possession of psychoactive substances it will be an offence to possess them within custodial institutions, or anywhere with intent to supply them to another.
Superintendent Sean Bell, Director of Intelligence, said: “We welcome the introduction of the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. It is recognised that these drugs pose a significant risk to the safety of those that take them and this legislation will provide officers with the powers to take positive action in order to protect the public from harm.
“We want to raise awareness in our communities of the dangers that these illegal substances offer and the penalties that those manufacturing and supplying these drugs may face.”
In September 2014, James Johnstone, former owner of the Misty Haze shop in Northampton town centre, was given a three-month suspended prison sentence after he admitted selling ‘legal highs’ to schoolchildren.
A Northamptonshire County Council spokesman, said: “These substances can be extremely dangerous as people can’t be sure what they contain. They can cause significant damage to the people who take them and in turn hurt the people around them.
“We are keen to work closely with the police to tackle this issue and provide treatment to those who need it. We feel strongly that by sharing intelligence on their use we can implement the legislation more effectively and make Northamptonshire a safer place.”
An iconic Corby pub which has lain derelict for two years looks likely to be converted to housing.
The Open Hearth pub was the first new pub to be built in Northamptonshire after the second world war.
The venue, which sits proudly by a roundabout in Studfall Avenue, first opened its doors in 1950 and was a popular watering hole until it closed its doors in January 2014.
Its frontage has remained relatively unchanged since then.
It has been marketed by several different agents but they have been unable to sell it, and now a planning application has been submitted for it to become seven flats and two houses.
But developers could have a fight on their hands as the pub lies in the Lloyds conservation area so has an extra layer of protection from development.
Neighbours say the building has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour in recent months.
James Bramhall, 34, said: “I don’t think it will ever be a pub again.
“I would like to see it re-open but I don’t think that’s realistic.
“There have been a lot of kids hanging around at the back of it and it’s become a bit of a dump unfortunately.
“I’d rather it was used for something than just being a big eyesore on the roundabout. It doesn’t look great.”
The pub was named after a particular method of steelmaking using an open hearth which was commissioned at Corby steelworks in 1949, just a year before the pub was opened.
During the 1970s it was a hugely popular music venue run by Corby nightlife legend Bip Wetherell.
It was closed for refurbishment in 2007 and had another facelift in 2011 but several management teams failed to make a go of it.
It also became a live music venue but shut permanently in early 2014.
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David Ripley says the Steelbacks can’t wait to feel the buzz of this season’s first Friday night T20 game at the County Ground.
Ripkey’s men, who secured a nail-biting five-wicket win at Leicestershire Foxes in last week’s competition curtain-raiser, return home to face Derbyshire Falcons this week.
Northants had some memorable nights in NatWest T20 Blast matches at the County Ground last season, with big crowds backing them throughout the group stage.
That propelled the Steelbacks into the quarter-finals and they went on to make the Edgbaston showpiece, which they lost to Lancashire Lightning.
And Ripley is now hoping for some more huge home support as Northants look to make it two wins from two in this season’s tournament.
“I can’t wait to get going at home,” Ripley said.
“There’s a good buzz when we play our home games, a nice atmosphere in the ground.
“We hope we can get it somewhere near full and we can entertain them.”
A few Northants fans had made the trip to Grace Road to back Ripley’s men against Leicestershire.
And the head coach said: “We did have one or two fans at Leicester.
“The Leicester fans were in my ear in the dugout, winding me up a bit, so it’s nice to have the last laugh.”
Former Wales defender Andy Melville has been named the Cobblers’ new head of recruitment.
A former Wales team-mate of recently appointed Town boss Rob Page, Melville actually began work at Sixfields in the closing weeks of last season, but his appointment has only now been made public.
Melville, who was assistant manager to Chris Wilder at Oxford United where he also worked with current Town chairman Kelvin Thomas, takes over from John Dreyer.
“Recruitment is always a key area in any football club and when we first arrived we appointed John Dreyer on a short term contract until the end of the season to help Chris Wilder,” said Thomas.
“We thank John for what he did, but we always needed to look longer term and we are looking for Andy to develop the recruitment structure of the club for us.
“I have known Andy for a while and always been impressed by his professionalism, his knowledge of players and his contacts.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience and connections having played and managed at all levels of the game and having held various recruitment positions.”
Melville enjoyed a long and distinguished playing career, winning 64 caps for Wales and making almost 850 senior appearances for Swansea City, Oxford United, Sunderland, Fulham, West Ham United and Nottingham Forest.
Melville has been brought to the club to improve the long-term scouting at the club, but Thomas says his immediate attention will be on strengthening the current first team squad ahead of the Sky Bet League One campaign.
“We will be continuing over time to develop the structure and setting up a network of scouts working on the club’s behalf and identifying potential playing targets for the manager,” said Thomas.
“However the short term focus is on recruitment for next season and the next six to eight weeks are a key time of year which Andy has already been planning for.
“It’s also a positive that Andy and Rob are well known to each other from their playing days with Wales so they have been able to hit the ground running.”
Since leaving Oxford, Melville has worked as a recruitment scout at Birmingham City and Blackpool, was head of recruitment at Portsmouth and, most recently, head of south recruitment for Brighton & Hove Albion.
New head of recruitment Andy Melville has revealed he and Cobblers boss Rob Page are already hard at work trying to bring in the signings that will boost the first team squad at Sixfields.
Melville was officially unveiled as Northampton’s head of recruitment on Thursday morning, but he has been been working at Sixfields since the back end of the club’s Sky Bet League Two title-winning campaign.
A former Wales international team-mate of Page, Melville was brought in to replace John Dreyer, and after seeing the team operate in the final few weeks of the season under Chris Wilder (who he was first team coach to at Oxford United) he is well aware not too much tinkering with the squad is needed.
Like manager Page, Melville says he wants to bring in the extra ‘quality’ for the challenge that lies ahead of playing up a level in Sky Bet League One, and says he and his former team-mate are getting close to making that first signing.
“I always say, that for myself, this is the time I come alive,” said Melville, when asked if the early weeks of the close season are a busy time for him.
“The coaching staff are still involved in it as well, and the season doesn’t really stop for everyone concerned and we are working hard behind the scenes.
“It is pretty quiet at the minute, but hopefully in the coming weeks we can have some signings for Northampton Town, which would be great.
“They were big on team spirit here last season, and the confidence that grew and the momentum, so we are only going to touch base with that a little bit, and fine tune it.
“We are working towards that right now. We are very busy with emails, phone calls and touching base with contacts.
“We are just trying to set up player meetings and stuff like that, so it is all good.
“We are striving towards it, and getting there and making forward movements.”
The only movement at Sixfields so far this summer has been through the exit door, with Nicky Adams’ surprise free transfer to Carlisle United on Tuesday following on from the release of Josh Lelan, Paul Corry, Chris Hackett and Evan Horwood last week.
But Melville and Page are working hard an bringing in players the other way.
Contacts is key to any player recruitment, with coaches and managers needing to be able to trust the views of others as well as judging with their own eyes, and Melville says he and Page are very strong in that department.
“When I was at Oxford for five years as the first team coach, I did a lot of recruitment there as well,” said Melville, who was first team coach at the Kassam, working under Wilder and current chairman Kelvin Thomas.
“You get to know players in and around the lower leagues, so I have a decent knowledge and hopefully I can help the situation we are in at Northampton.
“There’s not a club out there that either myself or Rob won’t have a contact in.
“We always have a contact in each club, and it’s good to know that so you can pick the phone up and you can relate to it, and it makes it a lot easier.”
Another thing that will make things easier is that Melville and Page already enjoy a close relationship, thanks to the fact the pair made up a central defensive partnership for their country.
“We got on well, and I think we had an 18-month period where we played alongside each other for Wales,” said Melville.
“We had a good understanding on the pitch, and so far so good off it.”
The family of a man from Northampton who died in a car crash along with three of his friends has spoken of their love for him.
Sam Kay, who worked as a rehabilitation assistant in Abington among other places, died on Sunday night in a head-on collision near Swindon.
Since then, a huge number of tributes have been paid to Sam and his friends on social media.
This morning his mum and dad - Debra and Stuart - and sister Nicola gave their first public statement via Thames Valley Police,
It read: “There are no words to express the hurt we are feeling at the loss of our son, Sam.
“He was such a happy, loving person that lived life not only to the fullest, but in his own way.
“His infectious smile and urge to give a hug is what made him so memorable.”
His family said Sam’s love for travel led him to lots of unique places, where he met “so many unforgettable friends” and he also had a great love for animals and he would invariably be followed by his dog, Felkica.
His family’s statement said they had discovered just how popular Sam was.
It continued: “After reading a countless amount of tributes, we see that Sam has touched so many lives in such a positive way.
“We are so very proud of the young man that he turned into.
“This tragedy has left a huge hole in our lives. Sam was taken from this world way too early and will be missed dearly, but he will forever be in our hearts. “Goodbye, Darling. We love you. Mum, Dad, and Nicola xxx”
Monty Panesar, the Northamptonshire and former England slow left-armer, has been appointed a Professional Cricketers’ Association Mental Health Ambassador.
Panesar follows Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder who was recently elected as PCA President, as a Mental Health Ambassador and has talked frankly about his own experiences of anxiety and paranoia in a video that will be used in the PCA’s Mind Matters mental wellbeing series to help other players.
“To be a PCA Mental Health Ambassador is really important to me because I feel that I want to help other cricketers who in the future may feel depressed, have anxiety issues or mental health issues so that they are able to come forward,” Panesar said.
“The PCA provide a really good service, they are very supportive in helping you get through your difficult times. Please use the PCA because they are there to help you.”
Panesar has returned to first-class cricket with Northamptonshire, the county where he began his career, this season after he was released by Essex last September.
“Over the last few years I have had some difficult periods in my cricketing life. When my confidence goes quite low I feel that the world is against me, team mates are not with me and that has come through years of being under pressure performing.
“I felt I had low self-esteem and, especially when my confidence went low, I would get into a place of paranoia. Instead of being quiet about it I would get quite aggressive towards umpires and opposition towards my own team- mates.
“People didn’t see me as that when I first started playing my cricket. They saw my enthusiasm for the game and my love for cricket and that’s what I think people wanted to see.
“I got quite paranoid about things. There was nothing there but I felt there was something there. Suddenly you over-think and over-analyse things. I felt I got into a place where I had anxiety and depression issues.
“The way it made me feel was quite low in myself. I was quite angry with other members around me and I can see how people then got quite frustrated with that. It was very difficult for family and friends because they don’t know what is really going on even though they love you and they want the best for you.
“I felt the best thing to do was to get professional advice and professional help. I think I was in denial for quite a long period of time and then eventually I thought: yes, there is something wrong with me.”
Having sought professional help Panesar was prescribed medication which, despite his initial reservations, has been a great help in his recovery.
“I went on medication and it calmed a lot of things down in my mind and it took way the symptoms of being paranoid,” Panesar said.
“I didn’t believe in medication. I have been brought up to say medication isn’t good for you. There are always side effects to every medication you take.
“I would take it for a couple of days and then not take it. I eventually got into a place where I would take it on a regular basis. The people who were helping me did see a change in me. They said to me it would it take three to six months to get back to where I need to be.
“When I first started on the medication I was a lot more patient with myself. You want things to happen very quickly, you want things to improve quickly but you have got to be kind to yourself.
“You have got to take one step at a time and be patient with the whole process and eventually have the faith that things will get better.
“It’s really important that once you get better you engage with people and how you are with your friends and family. They pick up on the positive vibes and it’s comforting to know that they can see a positive change.”
Panesar now hopes that, as a PCA Mental Health Ambassador, that he can use his own experiences to help other players identify possible signs of depression or anxiety in their team mates and encourage them to seek help.
“The signs that you can spot in other people in a dressing room is if they are very isolated and don’t engage with the whole team. On away trips if you are going for team meals are they just going back to their room and ordering room service.
“It’s really important when you feel down that you engage with other human beings and you speak to other people about it. Once a cricketer gets isolated they are signs that you really should look after that person.
“As sports people you pride yourself on being mentally strong and ruthless, all the attributes that lead to competitive performance.
“But when you have a weakness in you, you don’t really want to open up to it. You always want to show that you are strong. It’s really important when you do have a weakness that you really open up to it. The quicker you open up, the quicker you will get the support and the help.”
A major road in Northampton had to be closed after a man placed himself “in a position of danger” on a railway bridge.
The Spencer Bridge Road was shut westbound between the Super Sausage cafe and the Gladstone Road junction shortly before noon.
The road is now reopened after the incident was safely resolved.
A police spokeswoman said: “A man had placed himself in a position of danger over the railway bridge. He is now safely in police custody.”
Queuing traffic had affected Gladstone Road, St Andrews Road and Grafton Street.
Trains leaving Northampton station were also delayed, though operators London Midland had initially tweeted the delays were due to “trespassers on the line.”
Thieves stole a number of electrical items after breaking into a church in Kettering.
Police were called at 5am yesterday (Wednesday) after reports that the Center Of Destiny Ministries Worldwide church in Cunliffe Drive, just off Northfield Avenue, had been broken into.
After forcing a door at some point overnight, the offenders stole electrical items including TVs, tablets and a video camera.
A police spokesman said inquiries into the incident were taking place.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has any information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
An emergency planning officer mingled with Royalty when she was invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace
Joanne Maddams was put forward for the honour by Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire David Laing in recognition of her work in emergency planning.
Joanne, who has worked for the county council for 30 years, also launched and runs the Northamptonshire Emergency Response Corps (NERC), a charity that brings together the various agencies involved in emergency response in the county.
The Garden Party took place on Tuesday, May 24 and was attended not only by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh but also the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
Joanne said: “I was thrilled to receive the invitation to the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was so lovely to be there with other people who have given that little bit extra and be recognised in such a lovely way – over 6,000 people attend each one!
“I met some extraordinary people and it was lovely to see the Royals up close and be able to relax and wander in such elegant surroundings. But one thing I wasn’t sure about were the cucumber and mint sandwiches!”
The Queen hosts three garden parties a year at Buckingham Palace to recognise and reward people for exceptional public service or community work.
People from all sections of the community are invited, usually through organisations such as the Government, Armed Services, police, charities, and Lord-Lieutenants, who nominate guests.