Big Lunch Food Festival

20 Years Caring for Our Environment

Music In The Park 2019

Celebrating 100 Years - England's Friendly Little Line

The newsletter for residents of Leighton Buzzard and Linslade Published by Leighton-Linslade Town Council

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W: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

Official TownGuide and Map

Look out for the new Town Guide and map being distributed around town in the coming weeks. It includes some photos submitted by residents in our recent photo competition.

Alternatively download the online version here:

www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/publications/

The Council wishes to capture the public’s views on issues relating to the future of Vandyke Road Cemetery. With approximately 8 years of burial capacity remaining, the inability to find and secure suitable burial land either within the parish or outside means that the Council needs to think about ways to maximise burial capacity within its existing site. The public consultation exercise will ask

parish residents to consider options that could provide additional burial capacity in order to meet increasing demand by an ever expanding parish population. Continued on Page 3.

Cemetery Public Consultation

EVENTS

2 Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN

COUNCIL COMMITTEE DATESMay 2019 Mon 20 COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING (Astral Park)Wed 22 Planning & Transport CommitteeThur 23 Market Sub-Committee (1030) June 2019Mon 03 Cultural & Economic Services CommitteeThur 06 Partnership CommitteeMon 10 Grounds & Environmental Services CommitteeWed 12 Planning & Transport CommitteeMon 17 Policy & Finance CommitteeMon 24 COUNCIL

All meetings due to take place at the White House at 1930 hours unless otherwise stated. Meetings may be subject to change so please check the Town Council website before attending.

Gastronomic delights for a seventh year!Leighton Buzzard High Street will come alive on the first weekend in June as the Big Lunch Food Festival returns on Sunday 2 June from 1100 hours.

With over 45 food and drink options representing the four corners of the world, we’re sure you will find something to suit everyone's taste.

Alongside the selection of hot and cold meals, artisan chutneys, hedgerow produce and hand

crafted wooden kitchen items will all be available to purchase.

Our entertainment programme this year incorporates the ever popular main stage, alongside the Comedy Waiters

and Kitsch Kafé providing street theatre throughout the site. Food demonstrations will take place on

the hour every hour with demonstrations covering breakfast, lunch and dinner happening alongside a special children’s participation area, where take away treats can be created for tea.

Keep an eye on our social media channels, for all the latest information about Big Lunch. #LBFoodFest #BigLunch

At the time of going to print, we do not yet have the results of the local elections held

on 2 May. Details about your new Town Councillors will be available

on the Town Council website from early May and further information will be published in the next edition of About

Town.

To our outgoing volunteer Councillors, may we express our thanks for having volunteered many hours of your time over the last four years to serve our community.

Local Election News

Kitsc

h Kafé

Comedy Waiters

Cemetery Public Consultation cont'd/ from front page.

Alongside the traditional methods of public engagement, we will also be using electronic methods for those unable to attend the public engagement sessions.

In order to capture as many comments as we can, we intend holding consultation events at the following locations.

It is hoped that the findings will be presented to the 9th September Grounds and Environmental Services Committee for its consideration.

The issue is both complex and for some, will be a sensitive topic. It is important to be aware that the final decision is made by Council and may not always reflect some of the views expressed during community engagement and consultation. The Council will do its utmost to take all comments into consideration when seeking a workable solution in the interests of the town’s ability to accommodate those wishing to be buried within the parish.

Farewell from the Mayor

Well, what a year (Mayoral

that is!) it has been! On 20 May my year as Town Mayor will come to an end and my successor will take over. It has been an extremely busy time for me (and the Mayoress!) with well over 100 engagements attended (and that is apart from normal Council business). At the same time it has been a privilege to represent the

town at so many functions and places and to meet some truly inspirational individuals.

I must also at this time, reiterate my sincere thanks to the many people who have supported me – and my money raising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support, Kids Out and Autism Bedfordshire - over the past year. I look forward, as my final Mayoral act, to handing over cheques for the money raised to these charities on 20 May and I hope that you will all give my successor every support during his or her Mayoral year.

WHAT'S ON

MAYSat 18 Farmers Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1300 hours)

Sat 25 Handmade & Craft Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)

JUNE

Sat 01Plant Stall (Friends of Leighton-Linslade in Bloom) Fly Past Monument, Bridge St, LU7 1AH (0900 - 1500 hours) visit www.facebook.com/LeightonLinsladeInBloom/

Sun 02 Big Lunch Food Festival, Town Centre (1100 - 1600 hours)

Sun 02 Band Concert, Parson’s Close Recreation Ground (1500 - 1700 hours)

Sat 08 Truck Convoy, Hockliffe Street from (1100 hours) visit www.facebook.com/groups/610553005753304/

Sun 09 Band Concert, Parson’s Close Recreation Ground (1500 - 1700 hours)

Sat 15 Farmers Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1300 hours)

Sun 16 Band Concert, Parson’s Close Recreation Ground (1500 - 1700 hours)

Sun 16 Whisky Festival at Leighton Buzzard Railway visit www.buzzrail.co.uk/static/events.html

Sat 22 Handmade & Craft Market, Town Centre (0900 - 1600 hours)

ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews 3

Comedy Waiters

Responsible for:• Allotments• Bus Shelters• Cemeteries• Christmas Illuminations• Community Events & Promotions• Grants to Voluntary Organisations• Markets• Parks and Open Spaces• Pavilions – Astral, Pages Park & Mentmore• TACTIC, Teenage Advice & Information Centre• Multi-Storey Car Park Toilets

Pricing Guidelines1/4 page 8.7 x 12.7cm (portrait) £52.20+ VAT1/8 page 8.7 x 6cm (landscape) £31.30 + VAT 1/2 page 18 x 12.7cm (landscape) £82.80 + VATFull page 21 x 29.7cm £166.89 + VAT

We reserve the right to review pricing. For more information contact Vivien Cannon on 01525 631924.

LB Market 11 June, 29 June, 9 July (9am – 4pm)

The Town Council Offices 19 June (10am – 5pm) 17 July (6pm – 10pm) 18 August (10am – 3pm)

Vandyke Road Cemetery Chapel 26 June (10am – 4pm) 24 July (6pm – 10pm)

NEWS

4 Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN

20 years caring for the Greensand Ridge

Registered Charity no. 1077055

The Greensand Trust thanks everyone who has helped us raise and invest over £17 million in the local environment since 1999. We receive no core funding, so everything we achieve is thanks to your support!For more information and ways you can support us visit www.greensandtrust.org

Visit www.greensandtrust.org/

On which building does this appear? Answer can be found on back page.

Twenty years of caring for our local environmentIndependent, local environmental charity The Greensand Trust is this year celebrating 20 years of action to protect, conserve and enhance the distinctive landscape, wildlife and history of the Greensand Ridge and wider area - improving access, understanding and enjoyment of the area for the benefit of everyone.

The charity was formed in 1999 as it was recognised just how important the landscape, wildlife and history of this unique area is and that message remains just as relevant today. The Greensand Ridge offers a mosaic of important habitats and is one of the few places in Central England where thin, sandy soils support lowland heathland and acid grassland - distinctive landscapes which support specific wildlife and vegetation and need to be protected to thrive.

The Greensand Trust exists to:

• Protect and enhance the Greensand Ridge and surrounding areas.

• Create opportunities for people to engage with and enjoy the area, improving their quality of life.

• Raise awareness of the Greensand Ridge, which runs from Leighton Buzzard in the West to Gamlingay in the East, its value and the challenges it faces.

Over the past 20 years the Trust is proud to have achieved so much, working together with partners and communities across this precious landscape, most notably:

• The conservation management of a range of sites including parks, national and local nature reserves and local community green spaces, with the help of Greensand Volunteers who contribute well over 10,000 hours per annum.

• The creation of Rushmere Country Park near Leighton Buzzard and Sandy Smith Nature Reserve near Clophill.

• The development of a Working Woodlands Centre at Maulden Wood with the aim to protect, enhance and promote the woodlands of the Greensand Ridge for their biodiversity, heritage and recreational value, their role in the landscape, as providers of ecosystem services and as part of the rural economy.

• Co-lead on the development of a Greensand Country Landscape Partnership, a Heritage Lottery funded initiative helping to raise awareness of the heritage value of this landscape.

The Greensand Trust has been a key player on several partnerships, helping ensure the importance of our local environment is recognised and enabling more to be achieved through working in partnership.

The Trust helped to pioneer community-led environmental planning and continues this work across the Greensand Ridge area. In these times of huge pressure from growth and development, it is more important than ever for local communities to identify what is important to them and how communities can be grown sustainably.

Greensand Trust Chief Executive Gill Welham commented: “We’d like to thank our supporters, funders and partners, who have helped The Greensand Trust raise and invest over £17 million in the local environment over the past 20 years. The Greensand Trust receives no core funding, so everything we achieve together, is thanks to your support!”

Contact us for further information on our activities, the many services we offer, or ways to support us in caring for your local environment.

Supporting Fledgling BusinessesWe always welcome new faces and have many opportunities on our market. If you are thinking about becoming a Market Trader and are not sure where to start, then we offer a FREE 'Introduction to Market Trading' workshop.

This workshop is open to anyone who may have an interest in Market Trading but would like to find out more. We have had two very successful workshops already this year with some great feedback and attendees commenting on how valuable the workshop was, and that the topics covered were beneficial.

Joined by an ex Market Trader with 40+ years' experience to answer any questions you may have, we will be covering topics including; What you need to know to start a Market stall, Trading Standards & law, plans & ideas and next steps.

Our next Workshops are on Friday 21st June and Friday 27th September at 10.30am – 12.00pm. Please visit Eventbrite to book your FREE ticket, search ‘Introduction to Market Trading workshop’.

Leighton Buzzard has a bustling, modern twice-weekly market at the heart of the vibrant High Street. The market runs on a Tuesday and Saturday where shoppers can choose from stalls selling everything from classic market staples such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, plants and cut flowers to books, shoes, clothing & fast food.

MARKETS

ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews 5

Introduction to Market Trading Workshop

Friday 21 June (1030–1200 hours)

Search: ‘Introduction Market Trading Workshop‘ on Eventbrite for more info and details on how to book your place.

All Smiles! Potential market traders, enjoying the most recent trader workshop back in March.

You can find out more about our markets by visiting:

www.leightonbuzzardmarket.co.uk

Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon ...Parson's Close Recreation Ground is set to host another season of live music on Sunday afternoons from June onwards, with a season finale on Saturday 14 September. A refreshed programme of performances throughout

2019 sees Leighton-Linslade Concert Band and the Heath Band return as firm local favourites, alongside bands who haven’t performed for us since 2017 and some who are new to the programme.

Refreshments for this year’s concerts will be provided by the Café in the Park, a new

venture by Community Action Bedfordshire to provide refreshments from the kiosk, not only for the band

concerts programme, but also throughout

the summer months.

Our Proms in the Park event

has moved for 2019 to coincide with the national Last Night of the Proms celebrations and takes place on Saturday 14 September from 1830 hours onwards. A live performance by singer Eve McGrath followed by music from Kidlington Concert Brass precedes the BBC’s coverage of

the finale to the proms season, live from the Royal Albert Hall. This evening promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the band concerts programme and all are invited to join in the celebrations, wearing Red, White & Blue.

JUNE

T: Market Manager on 07812 088116 E: Markets@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

/leightonbuzzardmarket /market_LB #LBMarket

Saturday 14 September

Kidlington Concert Brass from 1830 - 2230 hours.

Includes Live Screening of the Last Night of the Proms.

6 Leighton-Linslade Town Council Official ABOUT TOWN

NEWS

Years of the Leighton Buzzard RailwayThis year the Centenary of the Leighton Buzzard Railway is being celebrated by giving every child in Leighton-Linslade a free train ticket. The Leighton Buzzard Narrow-Gauge Railway Society is asking all local schools and playgroups for their help to distribute the free tickets to the children of the town.

If you live in Leighton-Linslade but your child is not in a Leighton-Linslade school, or does not attend a playgroup you are welcome to apply for your free tickets by sending your name and address to marketing@lbngrs.org.uk with an email address or phone number.

The Free Tickets can be used on almost any operating day until the end of October. (Certain major event days are excluded).

Events this year include Teddy Bear’s Day, a Vintage Vehicle Rally and others, details at www.buzzrail.co.uk

The Leighton Buzzard Narrow-Gauge Railway Society (LBNGRS) received a £2,000 grant from the Town Council towards this initiative. The Railway has been supported financially by the Town Council for over five decades.

The line was originally built in 1919 to move sand from the quarries on the edge of town to the processing plant and exchange sidings on the main line railway. This took heavy traffic away from the Town Centre which had been causing damage to the roads.

The Leighton Buzzard Narrow-Gauge Railway Society (LBNGRS) started working with the owners in 1968, taking over the line as commercial use ended and now operating it as a nationally recognised Heritage Railway and Museum.

More details about the free tickets are available from marketing@lbngrs.org.uk

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CELEBRATING 100 YEARSOF THE

LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY

FREE CHILDTICKETS

Supported by Leighton-Linslade Town Council for the last five decades

A FREE TICKET FOR EVERY CHILD IN LEIGHTON-LINSLADE

LBR_FreeTicketLeaflet.indd 1 08/03/2019 16:08

Further information about the railway is available from www.buzzrail.co.uk

Business Network Event 2019"Best one yet,” was a comment heard as people left the 7th annual Business Networking Event held on the 24 April. It truly had a great ‘buzz’ about the evening with a 117 local businesses and representatives attending and 1,900 recorded connections made throughout the evening.

The next event will be held in Spring 2020.

ABOUT TOWN @LLTCNews 7

Teenage Advice & Information Centre for 12 -19 year olds

01525 373838www.tactic-centre.co.uk

GRASS ROOTS - MAKING HAYFounded more than half a century ago, Leighton-Linslade Sports Council is truly a grass-roots organisation helping a wide variety of sporting activities in the community to grow, develop and flourish.

Totally funded by the Town Council, the independently managed Sports Council currently represents 16 different sporting activities embracing athletics, football, rugby, canoe, hockey, cricket, croquet, golf, tennis, cycling, triathlon, and swimming, with the most recent activity being American Flag football, which is proving to be a very popular recreational activity.

Whilst its prime role in the past has been to award grants to affiliated member sports on behalf of the Town Council, in an ever-growing community, the need to maintain a watchful eye over ever-changing recreational needs has never been more apparent. Because its members are fully involved in sports at grass roots level, the Sports Council is very much the ears and eyes of the community, able to provide advice and guidance to Town, District and County authorities based on hands-on experience.

So, while continuing to make modest grants for equipment, coaching and other sporting needs, the Sports Council is also focusing on:-

• Promotion: to encourage and increase sporting activities in the community.

• Influence: utilise its hands-on experience to influence all local authorities to support Leighton and Linslade recreational needs.

• Educate: to offer sports related educational opportunities.

To achieve that, Leighton-Linslade Sports Council wants to work with our Town and Central Bedfordshire authorities on a Sport and Leisure strategy; work with all clubs develop a ‘Community Sports Hub’ in Leighton-Linslade; work with partners to promote sport in schools and clubs across the district, and work with members and partners to improve what we already have.

For more information please see our website at www.leightonlinsladesports.com

NEWS

Do you want to help other Young People?

Are you aged 13-19yrs? TACTIC is offering the first

part of a Mental Health Awareness Training programme on Wednesday 29 May at 1300 hours.

This Youth Project will enable you to take part in group discussions, visit other youth groups and speak at school assemblies.

For more details contact Cristina at TACTIC on 01525-373838 or email: tactic@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

Rooms For HireTACTIC is offering affordable rooms to hire for community groups, charities and individual hire during the day. If you are looking for somewhere to hold an event, meeting or training sessions, we are town centre based and easy to access.

We have spaces available for groups or small meetings. We have a welcoming conservatory area with kitchenette, lounge area and a 121 meeting room. Call Linda for more information or bookings on 01525-373838.

C on se r v a t o ry A rea

Cafe in the Park, situated in Parson's Close Recreation Ground, is now officially !

Follow us: www.facebook.com/cafeintheparklb/

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Leighton-Linslade Town Council,The White House, Hockliffe Street, Leighton Buzzard, Beds LU7 1HD Main switchboard: 01525 631920 info@leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

Whilst every effort has been taken to provide accurate information, the Council does not accept any liability for error or omission for information on services it is not directly responsible for. The Town Council does not necessarily endorse any business using advertising space.

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Feedback FormWe would welcome your comments on the services we provide. Please cut out and post in the box provided at the Multi Storey car park (West Street) or hand into Reception at the Town Council Offices (Hockliffe Street).

Your comments: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Please enter your details if you want us to respond to your comments.

Name: ...................................................................................

Telephone ........................................................

Email .......................................................................

Please Note: By entering your details, you agree we can use this information to contact you regarding your feedback. We shall not share your details with any other third party and will destroy them once we have responded.

W: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk W: www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk

FreeFlowA Complete Drainage Service

A Division of UK traders INC Limited

Leighton Buzzard’s Drainage Company

Blocked Drain Clearance . Drain JettingColour CCTV Inspection

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Drain Clearance £55ph+VAT(most jobs completed under 1hr)

No Call Out Charge(within 10 miles of Leighton Buzzard)

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Please call us onTel: 01525 634070 or 07928 652013

Email: freeflowmk@gmail.com

Company No. 04730483 - VAT No. 829 5367 9013 Ashburnham Crescent, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard

Beds. LU7 2PB

FULLY INSURED

Where’s my favourite trowel?As we start really enjoying our garden or allotment, we remind ourselves of all the tools we use that help us manage and nurture growth of flowers and food. Look after your tools and lawnmowers by locking them away and out of sight when not in use. When your back can’t stand the work any longer and its time to stop for the day, tidy up and don’t leave tools and equipment outside. Don’t make it easy for anyone to take it or use it to gain leverage into a shed or building. Maybe think about security marking your tools?

Does your shed or outbuilding need a new lock? Make sure you use British

Standard kite marked padlocks. Check the door hinges are still strong and not rusting and that the screws used are non-return screws. If they are normal screws, damaging a couple of screw heads will make it harder for anyone to unscrew the hinge if they can’t break the padlock for entry. Net curtains over shed or garage windows may not be fashionable yet think about blocking off the view when you are not around. No one needs to know what’s inside.

Its quite simple, enjoy your garden and ensure you can

keep doing so by looking after your tools.

Being launched in July. Watch out for social media messages.

www.facebook.com/LBLibraryTheatre/ www.facebook.com/LLTCNews