A man has been prosecuted for falsifying details on his housing application.

Dean Wren, 42 of Abbey Grove, Sandy, gave false documents as part of his application, but when a Fraud Officer saw the documents and interviewed Mr Wren, he admitted that he had knowingly falsified the information.

Following Mr Wren’s application in June 2017 and the council’s investigation, Mr Wren was prosecuted and pleaded guilty to one offence of Fraud by False Representation at Luton Magistrates’ Court on 14 August 2018.

The court sentenced him to a conditional discharge for two years and ordered him to pay a costs contribution of £500 and a victim surcharge of £20. If he commits another offence within two years this sentence will be reopened.

Mr Wren now has a criminal offence against his name and will be excluded from the Housing Register for two years.

Councillor Richard Wenham, Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Deputy Leader for the council said: “Council housing is an incredibly valuable resource and there for people who need it.

“Most people apply fairly and honestly but when people commit fraud to try and get a home, they put other’s people’s chances in jeopardy by affecting the waiting lists.

“We simply won’t tolerate this.”

Struggling to keep up to date with the major planning applications currently hitting Chronicle Country?

Welcome to our column of what’s planned, what’s been approved and what’s heading down the pipeline in the area.

Wednesday’s Development Control committee added more homes to the list of new developments in Chronicle country.

24 new homes for land of Barton Road in Gravenhurst were approved despite strong opposition from the parish council and 17 objections from residents.

The parish council was concerned the proposal from Grand Union Housing, which is at the back of houses on Bedford Road, would be overbearing.

August applications:

> Stockbridge Road, Henlow 45 dwellings.

> New Road, Clifton 130 dwellings,

In the pipeline:

> Up to 228 homes Sunderland Road, Sandy.

> Land at Bonds Lane and Foundry Lane Biggleswade, 50 apartments.

> Loft Farm and west of Church Street, Langford, Outline plans for up to 95 dwellings.

> Hitchin Road, Shefford, Outline plans for up to 150 homes.

> Arlesey Road, Stotfold, 161 dwellings.

> Land between 21 and 39 Thorncote Road Northill, outline plans for 10 dwellings.

> Baden Powell Way, Biggleswade, full planning bid for 240 homes plus outline plans for 1,260 dwellings.

Total seeking approval so far in August - 175. Approved 24.

Total seeking approval so far in July – 2,194.

The total of approved homes and outline plans for June/July is 1,010.

Celebrations at Stratton Upper School were well deserved again this year, as A Level results held up against last year’s - which were the best ever in the school’s history and placed the school in the top 15% for progress in the country.

With 1 in 5 grades at A* or A, almost half of all grades a B or above, and three quarters at C or above, students’ hard work has clearly paid off and they are confidently looking forward to the next phase of their education or career.

Interim Headteacher, Roz Hodges said: “Once again we have seen very strong performance in Mathematics and the Sciences, and subjects such as Business and Finance, popular with those pursuing vocational, work-based routes, have also returned excellent results again this year. In these subjects nearly all students achieved at least a grade C at A Level.”

With many subjects still in the process of A Level reform, Sarah Phillips, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, praised the students’ achievements saying that they have coped extremely well and demonstrated strong resilience in their studies.

Top performer this year is William Hyde, who took 4 A Levels and achieved A*A*A*B, and will now go on to read Physics at Durham University.

Further individual success stories include; William Bennett (A*A*A) who will go on to read Mathematics at Warwick, James Day (A*A* A) who intends to join the RAF, Sam Newman (A*A* A) who will go on to read Biochemistry at York, Sam Hogben (A*AA) who will study Management at Leeds and Alfie Oliver (AAA), who will also be going to Leeds, but to read Economics. Jack Bacon will study Computer Science at Warwick having achieved AAAB and Cameron Jones (AAA) will be looking forward to studying Motorsport Engineering at Coventry. Kiran Singh will be studying Economics at Nottingham with AAA and Will Robinson will be taking a work-based training route on a school leaver programme after also achieving AAA.

Stella Ditri achieved a Distinction* AB and will be embarking on a career in Business and Finance. Annabelle Gatward and Clarrie Scott both achieved AAB and will be heading off to university – Annabelle will study Veterinary Science at Liverpool and Clarrie, Sociology at York.

Sarah Phillips said: “Our leavers this year are pursuing a range of different opportunities. All students who applied to university are holding offers, with a number opting for a gap year before starting university.

“Two students are pursuing careers in the RAF and several are opting for work related routes. We have been delighted to hear of some of the confirmed appointments with companies such as Harrisons, MBDA, Mercedes and UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants.

“Most of these appointments have involved our students competing against thousands of others nationally whilst also maintaining their studies. They have been through high pressured selection processes and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

“Whilst we are celebrating the fantastic achievement of our Year 13 leavers, we would also like to celebrate and recognise the successes of our students on the 1 year Foundation (Level 2) Programme. Having completed the year, we are delighted that so many have developed in confidence and skills, such that they have secured apprenticeships already or are holding offers for further study at our Sixth

Form or at college.”

Roz Hodges went on to say: “We were delighted that Stratton Sixth Form was recognised as strongly good in our recent Ofsted inspection and our students’ results and continued successes are a strong endorsement of this.

“We are privileged to be able to share their celebrations and successes.

“They have embraced the spirit of our sixth form, striking the balance betweem work, play and taking advantage of many opportunities along the way. We are immensely proud of all our students and wish them all the very best on the next stage of their journey.”

On July 11

> Miss Lauren Park aged 23 of Campion Edge, Langford, was fined a total of £569 and received six penalty points for driving without insurance on Hitchin Street, Biggleswade on April 4 last year.

On July 13

> Hugh McDonagh aged 26 of Hill Lane, Biggleswade, has been fined a total of £187 and ordered to continue with a post sentence supervision order after failing to comply with its requirements.

On July 17

> Ms Denise Cohn-Brown aged 55 of Sandy Road, Potton, was fined a total of £722.50 for having an unlicensed vehicle which was kept on a public road in Biggleswade on November 7.

On July 18

> Adam Okec aged 20 of Lawrence Road, Biggleswade was fined a total of £413 and received 6 penalty points for driving without insurance on the A603 Sandy on November 26.

On July 20

> Anthony Baker aged 32 of East Road , Sandy, was returned to jail for seven days for committing a crime within the 10 weeks imprisonment already imposed by Bedfordshire Magistatres in that he failed to abide by his post sentence supervision order.

On July 24

>A mother from Biggleswade has been fined a total of £380 for failing to ensure her child attended school regularly over a five month period.

>A father from Arlesey has been fined a total of £380 for failing to ensure his child attended school regularly over a five month period.

>A father from Sandy has been fined a total of £240 for failing to ensure his child attended school regularly over a four month period.

More next week

The archaeological excavation of Sandy’s future cemetery extension and council depot site is to enter its final stage.

The third phase of the excavation will see the final section of the site, closest to Stratford Road, excavated.

Archaeologists have suggested that it is possible this remaining small section of the site may uncover evidence of buildings which would have fronted a Roman road.

After it was revealed the dig so far had uncovered more of Sandy’s Roman past, including the skeleton of a Roman elderly woman, almost 400 members of the public came along to see the site and speak with archaeologists at an open day at the site in July.

The full scale archaeological excavation of the site is a planning requirement which must be undertaken and paid for by the Town Council as part of the cemetery extension and depot build.

The cost of the excavation works, archaeological fieldwork, reinstatement of land, post-excavation analysis, editing and archiving will cost the council £75,595.

Due to the significance of the site the council is required by planning to have the excavation formally written up into an archaeological report which must be publicised.

Indicative costs for the analysis and publication are £25,000.

The council has planned for this expenditure, which will be funded via an internal loan from funds held by the council.

Once the excavation of this final section is completed Central Bedfordshire Council will sign off on the excavation and the Town Council will start work on the building of a much-needed council storage depot and the beginning of the cemetery extension, including a car park for use by visitors.

The Cock Inn Fundraising Society, Gamlingay, have made a donation to St John’s Hospice, Moggerhanger of more than £1,000.

The society raises funds from staff, regulars and other customers from various activities, including monthly quiz nights. At a recent quiz, a cheque for £1,086 was presented to the hospice for the purchase of equipment.

Receiving the cheque, Aimee Jepson, St John’s community fundraiser, said: “This incredible donation will fund a syringe driver. This important piece of medical equipment will provide constant pain relief to our patients which helps us to allow people to live their lives as fully as possible. Thank you to the Cock Inn and their fantastic customers for their kind contributions to this total, your support means the world to us.”

Aimee is pictured right, receiving the cheque from landlady Vanessa Roberts, supported by representative quizmasters.

Members of the Henlow Branch of the Royal British Legion were among thousands at a historic pilgrimage to Ypres.

They joined more than 2,200 standard bearers and wreath layers during a recreation of the pilgrimage made in 1928.

Branch members were among armed forces veterans and supporters from across the UK and worldwide in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of World War 1’s most poignant sites.

A spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial, led by 1,100 standard bearers, was the culmination of the three-day event which saw the 2,200 participants visit the World War 1 trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.

Roger Donnelly and Carol Donnelly attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Henlow Branch, as a standard bearer and wreath layer respectively.

Margaret Major, secretary of the Henlow Branch, said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing Henlow, Stondon and Langford in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”

Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s head of commemorative events, said: “GP90 was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of The Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the conflict in 1928.”

For more information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk or to find our how to get involved with your local branch contact Margaret Major, branch secretary, on 01462 850207.

The Royal British Legion’s work is encapsulated in its motto: Live On – to the memory of the fallen and the future of the living.

The Legion is the nation’s biggest Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families.

The Legion champions Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces.

It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy.

More about the Legion at www.britishlegion.org.uk

A thug who attacked a woman at her Biggleswade home and tried to strangle her, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

Steven Lewis, 30, of Mayling Close, Hitchin, was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Friday (17 August) after being found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm without intent following a trial.

Lewis received an additional six months, to run concurrently, after admitting breaching a previous restraining order. A new indefinite restraining order was put in place.

In the early hours of Monday, 12 March, Lewis assaulted the woman at her home, inflicting broken bones, cuts, and causing severe bruising to her neck and face.

At the hearing, Judge Andrew Bright, said: “This was a sustained attack and a clear attempt to strangle her.

“You have ruined her life in the short term, both physically and psychologically.”

The judge took the decision to sentence Lewis on the same day, rather than remand him for sentencing.

Detective Constable Adam Cave said: “We treat incidents of this nature extremely seriously, and will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice.

“The judge’s decision to sentence Lewis immediately demonstrates that violence will never be tolerated.”

Anyone who has been affected by crime, the Signpost Hub offers free and confidential support to victims in Bedfordshire, whether it has been reported to police or not and irrespective of where and when the crime occurred.

Contact 0800 028 2887 or visit www.signpostforbedfordshire.com for further information.

The 9th Bexhill Scout group have been flying the flag for the local area at an international week-long jamboree known as Norjam.

Around 1,000 Scouts from all over the country attended the event held at the Norfolk Showground. The 9th Bexhill Scouts were the only group representing Sussex and Scout Leader Tracey Plim Group Scout Leader says they had a fantastic time. “The week has been packed with events from dawn to dusk and has been a real opportunity for the youngsters to learn from fellow scouts from around the world,” she said.

“We were pitched along side Scout Groups from Egypt, Thailand, Canada and Ghana. The photo shows the parade banner being displayed by the 9th Bexhill Scouts and earned them a place on the front page of the on-site magazine.”

Activities included trampolining, Zip Wire and Circus Skills held within a real circus tent. A break out day took some Scouts to Pleasurewood Hills theme park whilst others went to Colchester Zoo.

Tracey said: “None of this would have been possible without the support of my fellow leaders who gave up their time for the whole week. The Scouts and I pay tribute to our leaders and thank them for the commitment to the 9th Bexhill. The Scouts were able to attend the Jamboree using monies raised from our Jumble Sale held in November last year. A big thank you to all the people who support our Jumbles by given items to sell and buying items on the day.”

The next Jumble Sale is on November 17. Donations are collected all year. To donate call: 07891 762 747.

A talented singer/songwriter from Sandy has won his way through to the main stage at a major music festival.

Ollie Bond, 22, is studying at the University of Warwick and has also been pursuing his music career alongside the course work.

Ollie recently took part in Coventry’s ‘Godiva Calling’ competition for singer/songwriters.

The winners are offered the opportunity to play alongside acts such as Jake Bugg, Professor Green and Ronan Keating on the main stage at this year’s Godiva Festival in Coventry, the largest free family festival in the UK.

Ollie said: “I was lucky enough to be placed as runner-up in the competition and as a result I will now be playing the main stage on Sunday, September 2 alongside Ronan Keating, Tony Christie, Hazel O’Connor and The Specials’ front man Neville Stapleton.”

He added: “I am very excited to be able to share the stage with such big figures in the music industry.

“As you can imagine, the competition was full of incredible musicians and songwriters, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been selected as runner-up in the competition.

“I am really excited about this opportunity.”

Although away at university, Ollie still has time to perform around his home area during breaks from studies.

If you want to hear Ollie, he will be playing at The Golden Pheasant in Biggleswade tonight, Friday, August 24, as part of a three-day festival with the band ‘Ollie & Will’.

You do not need tickets to attend the Godiva Festival, which is held at the War Memorial Park, Coventry, from Friday, August 31, gates open 6pm, Saturday 1 September 1, and Sunday, September 2, - gates open at noon both days.

More information and conditions of entry are available at www.godivafestival.com

More information about Ollie is at his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olliebondmusic

Residents of villages north of Sandy are gearing up to fight proposals for a rail link on their doorstep.

Campaigners CamBedRailRoad have come up with a possible solution to a scheme which could see new rail lines going through Gamlingay, Sutton and Potton under the Oxford-Cambridge Knowledge ARC.

And they have taken their campaign on the road to drum up support for their proposal, which would see the rail line more aligned to the A428.

More than 70 people turned up to a meeting in Hatley St George on Tuesday to hear action is needed now to put the new proposal in front of Government officials, who are expected to make a decision on the final route early next year.

Chairman of CBRR Sebastian Kindersley said the preferred route from East West Rail, which would involve a rail corridor from Sandy to Cambridge, would not reach the planned communities along the route.

And residents have also expressed their concern. Sally Page of Everton Road, near Potton said the scheme would be “absolutely devastating” in Chronicle country.

“Its going to affect those living in Potton, Gamlingay and Sutton.

“It’s going to affect all of us if they take one of these C routes.”

The CBRR proposed route would take the rail link from Bedford to St Neots, coming into the north of Cambridge.

She added: “We are lobbying MPs and everyone else because what is very clear is that people are very unaware that they [the c routes] travel through villages and homes.

“We are taking our proposal to people who are in a position of influence.”

He said the CBRR preferred option would service the communities already planned along the A428 route, along with four new stations.

The C routes, he said “deliver nothing but blight along the corridor.

“Time is critical, we want to make sure our option does cross the desk of government.

“The C corridor doesn’t give anything, the A428 route gives a lot to millions of people.”

A planning document from East West Rail states: “The corridor via Sandy offered the best value in terms of economic benefits, reduced journey time between Oxford and Cambridge, population growth and employment in the area, operating costs for new services and forecast passenger demand.

“Local infrastructure and the wider impacts of the railway were also considered.

“Work is now continuing to identify a more detailed route within this chosen corridor, and following this work, there will be a full public consultation on the proposals.”

To find out more about the new proposals go to http://www.hatley.info/pc/latest.html

Anyone who would like to discuss the new proposals with CBRR can contact them at cbrr@belljohnson.co.uk

An unfortunate injury sustained by one of our opponents led to the premature end of Biggleswade United’s first match since we re-formed our ladies first team.

We were winning 4-1 when the match was abandoned after 27 minutes when one of the Welwyn Pegasus ladies suffered a suspected broken leg, not the happiest of outcomes to our first ladies first team game which featured a side made up of a mixture of first team players, triallists and under 16s

Despite the unfortunate outcome we certainly showed enough in less than half an hour, especially bearing mind that Welwyn play two divisions above us, to suggest that the future bodes well for the female section of the club.

And things are also looking up for the first team having bounced back from our FA Cup defeat with a 1-0 win over London Tigers, a result much more convincing that the scoreline would suggest.

We have been drawn away in the FA Vase match against Eastern Counties League Division One side Wormley Rovers, although the match will be played at Second Meadow because our opponents can not play on their Recreation Ground pitch until the completion of the cricket season.

Instead of the usual Saturday afternoon kick off we will be playing the game on Friday night (August 31).

I love Friday night football because it allows for a different kind of atmosphere and is, for me, a perfect way to start the weekend. It also gives players and coaches a much welcome opportunity to enjoy a rare free weekend. I would love to be able to play more games on a Friday night although the FA, do not share my enthusiam for them.

Against Tigers, the influence in training of Jimmy Martin and his assistant Emilio Gutierrez was very much in evidence and it is pleasing to see their message beginning to get across. Emilio is a young Pro-licenced Spanish coach who has decided to leave his roots and the comfort zone of his own country, family and friends to try to establish himself in English football.

In addition to his duties with the first team he is also looking after our Elite Development Programme which we are running alongside Stevenage.

I am looking forward very much to seeing the progress being made by Keith Castles and Nyasha Sagwete who are running our Under 23s. The role they play as a team will be vital in helping to create a platform from which the players can show first team coach Jimmy Martin that they are ready to make the final step and graduate into the first team. This has always been the plan and we all need to work together to ensure that it comes to fruition.

On Saturday we have a break from league duties when we visit Tring Corinthians AFC in the League Challenge Trophy. See you there.

Tributes have been paid following the death of a Sandy town councillor last week.

David Sharman, a former deputy mayor, died on August 15.

He was originally elected to the council in May 2003 and served until May 2015.

After a short break, he was co-opted back on to the Council in August 2015.

Councillor Sharman, who was married with two adult children, served as Deputy Mayor in 2014/2015.

He also recently served as Vice Chairman of the Town Council’s Development Scrutiny Committee.

A spokesman for Sandy Town Council said: “Councillor Sharman could always be relied upon to provide considered and solid advice and always acted with the utmost respect and professionalism for his fellow councillors.

“He, in return, was highly regarded and respected by all.”

As well as dedicating his time to the Council, Councillor Sharman served his community by volunteering and working hard for many other community groups, including volunteering for the RSPB.

He had a great love for Sandy’s green spaces and spent considerable time working with the Ivel Valley Conservation volunteers to enhance and protect areas around Sandy, including the Council owned and managed, Riddy nature reserve, a remnant of the flood meadows that once would have bordered much of the River Ivel

Away from politics, Cllr Sharman, of Falcon Close in Sandy, listed his interests as World War Two aircraft, model railways, and choral singing.

Politics has been kept in the family, his son Paul is also a councillor on Sandy Town Coouncil.

Staff at Asda in Biggleswade were threatened during a raid at the store yesterday (Wednesday).

Officers investigating the robbery are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

At around 8.12pm two offenders entered Asda in Church Street. They approached the cigarettes kiosk and took a large amount of cigarettes worth approximately £5,000.

When leaving, the men threatened a member of staff before driving off in a blue, YN registered, BMW Estate, but the number plates are believed to be cloned.

The offenders are described as both wearing hooded jackets and masks and are approximately 5’10’’. A third man was seen driving the vehicle.

Detective Constable David Gordon, investigating, said: “We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry and we are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this robbery or has seen the vehicle matching the description in the area.

“This incident left the victims understandably shaken up and we won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour in our county.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to visit the force’s online reporting centre or call Bedfordshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 40/20064/18.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GCSE students in Chronicle country have done themselves proud as the latest results are released.

This year’s exams were the first results of changes to the system, with a move away from marked coursework and the reintroduction of more exams at the end of the two year courses.

But students at Samuel Whitbread Academy have risen to the occasion and for the second year running, have achieved GCSE results well above the national average. 

An impressive 70% of students gained a grade 4 or above in English and maths, including 42 of the coveted grade 9s.

Individual highlights included Alex Miah, who achieved four grade 9s and said: “I am really happy with my results and I’d like to thank all my teachers, especially science and maths, who really helped me through all the pressure of my exams.”

Melissa Rumbold, who achieved three grade 9s, including two in English, said: “thank you to all my teachers who supported me to achieve these results, especially my English teachers, I can’t quite believe it!” 

Principal Nick Martin said: “The students have worked incredibly hard for these exam results and I am absolutely delighted that their hard work has paid off.

“Following on from the new more challenging GCSEs
that were introduced last year in maths and English, this year group took a whole host of the new 9-1 GCSEs in subjects such as science, geography and history, and I’m pleased to say that they have risen to the challenge and done incredibly well.” 

The CEO of Bedfordshire Schools Trust, Dr Alan Lee, said: “These are another excellent set of exam results, earned by our wonderful, hard- working students, dedicated staff and supportive parents.

Congratulations on a great team effort!”

With the landscape of the newly reformed GCSE grades a very hot national topic, Roz Hodges, Interim Headteacher at Stratton Upper School said she was delighted that their hard working students have been richly rewarded with some very impressive outcomes.

The more rigorous grading system means that students are awarded a grade from 1 to 9 for most subjects, replacing the old system of A*-G and with that in mind Alun Evans, Assistant Headteacher in charge of Key Stage 4, named a number of students who should feel very proud of an incredibly impressive set of results and which are rightly deserved as a result of dedication and commitment to their studies.

Stratton students who achieved an average grade of 8 or higher (equivalent to an old A* grade) across all their subjects include: Emilia Dell’Anno, Jemima Finch, Isobel Frost, James Hogben, Sian Roberts, Daniel Smith, Maria Vasconcelos De Souza, Callum Watson and Jack Welsted.

The following students also deserve a mention for achieving an average grade of 7 or better (equivalent to an old A grade) across all subjects: Andrew Barnes, Sophie Barton, Joanna Binns, Lonyin Chan, Manu Chapman, Euan Docherty, Evelyn Howe, Ava Kernan, Anna Temple, 
Lauren Webb, Kate Welton, Louis Winwood and Harvey Young.

Mr Evans said: “Whilst these students quite rightly deserve to be praised, we would also like to recognise all our students who have worked incredibly hard to obtain the grades they have achieved. It is very true to say that hard work is well rewarded and this has certainly proven to be the case this year. As a school we appreciate the stress and anxiety the new GCSE specifications have placed on our students over the past two years and we are proud of the maturity and resilience that they have shown.’

Roz Hodges said that next year all GCSE subjects will be under the new specifications and grading system and that the school is looking forward to a more stable exams process moving forward.

She went on to say that she and the staff are very excited and motivated to be taking Stratton into a new era which she is certain will see the school move from strength to strength in the future.

Do you recognise these men?

British Transport Police have renewed their appeal after more than £4,500 worth of bikes was stolen from Arlesey train station.

Officers believe that the nine bike thefts – which took place between June and August – could be linked.

Officers would like to speak to the men in these CCTV images as it is believed they may have information which could help the investigation.

If you recognise these men or you have any information which could help the investigation, please call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting 393 of 16 August.

Alternatively, you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Officers would like to remind cyclists about the importance of bicycle security.

Remember to use strong, durable locks and ensure that your bike is registered at www.bikeregister.com.

One of the few remaining World War Two Lancaster bomber pilots has died in Shefford at the age of 95.

John R Ford, who founded John R Ford and Sons Ltd in Shefford in 1958, died peacefully at home on August 9.

The car dealership expanded to Royston in the mid 70s.

In 1990, John retired and handed over the business to two of his sons, Richard and Steven, and the company is still going strong to this day.

John was an active member of many local organisations throughout his life, including The Royal British Legion, Masonic Lodges, Shefford Bowling Club, Robert Lucas Charitable Trust, Shefford Chamber Of Trade, Shefford Christmas Lights, Bedfordshire Sporting Association and The Conservative Association.

In 1941, at the age of 19, John volunteered for the Royal Air Force.

After a brief period flying Tiger Moths with EFTS at Cambridge, he went to Canada to train as a pilot before joining 57 and 630 squadrons where he flew Lancaster bombers.

He completed a full tour in World War II with a total flying experience of 793 hours 50 minutes.

On his return he was awarded the DFC, given to aircrew in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty. John then became a commercial airline pilot and lived in India for 10 years before returning to England.

John leaves behind his devoted wife Brenda, 6 children, 20 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

At the age of 95, John had led a full and enjoyable life and made many friends along the way.

His funeral to be held at St Michaels Church, Shefford on 18 September at 2:30pm. All welcome.

A EuroMillions prize worth £96,827.80 has yet to be claimed from a ticket bought in Central Bedfordshire.

National Lottery players are today being urged to check and double-check their tickets for the chance to claim this life-enhancing prize.

The search is now on to find the owner of the winning ticket, bought in Central Bedfordshire, who matched the five main numbers and one Lucky Star number in the EuroMillions draw on Friday, August 10.

The winning EuroMillions numbers on that date were 18, 20, 36, 43, 44 and the Lucky Star numbers were 3 and 9. The lucky ticket-holder has until February 6, 2019, to claim their prize.

Anyone not in possession of their ticket, for whatever reason, but who believes they have a genuine claim can still make a claim in writing to Camelot, but it must be within 30 days of the draw.

If no-one comes forward with the winning ticket before the prize claim deadline, then the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to help National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.

Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at The National Lottery said: “We’re eager to find the mystery ticket-holder and unite them with their winnings – this amazing prize could really make a huge difference to somebody’s life. We’re urging everyone who bought a EuroMillions ticket in this area to check their old tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding.

“Try checking in the pockets of clothing, in wallets, bags and down the back of the sofa – someone out there could literally be sitting on a fortune! We have the champagne on ice and our fingers crossed that the lucky winner comes forward to claim their win.”

With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk

Struggling to keep up to date with the major planning applications currently hitting Chronicle Country?

Welcome to our column of what’s planned, what’s been approved and what’s heading down the pipeline in the area.

The latest application which was published by Central Bedfordshire Council last week, is for up to 151 new homes at The Lagoon, 197, Hitchin Road, Arlesey.

It brings the total applications for August up to 326.

Last week 24 new homes for land of Barton Road in Gravenhurst were approved despite strong opposition from the parish council and 17 objections from residents.

August applications:

> Stockbridge Road, Henlow 45 dwellings.

> New Road, Clifton 130 dwellings,

In the pipeline:

> Up to 228 homes Sunderland Road, Sandy.

> Land at Bonds Lane and Foundry Lane Biggleswade, 50 apartments.

> Loft Farm and west of Church Street, Langford, Outline plans for up to 95 dwellings.

> Hitchin Road, Shefford, Outline plans for up to 150 homes.

> Arlesey Road, Stotfold, 161 dwellings.

> Land between 21 and 39 Thorncote Road Northill, outline plans for 10 dwellings.

> Baden Powell Way, Biggleswade, full planning bid for 240 homes plus outline plans for 1,260 dwellings.

Total seeking approval so far in August - 326. Approved 24.

Total seeking approval so far in July – 2,194.

The total of approved homes and outline plans for June/July is 1,010.