After two frustrating draws, Racing Club Warwick beat Chelmsley Town 3-1 on Tuesday evening to gain their first home win of the Midland League Division One campaign.
Racing Club, who were without centre backs Tommy Reynolds and Ash Buswell, opened the scoring in the fourth minute courtesy of a fine strike from the in-form Jamie Smith.
Chelmsley equalised in the 13th minutes but the hosts were back in front seven minutes later when Smith chipped the advancing Town keeper.
Smith was denied a hat-trick by a good block by the visiting keeper but despite bossing possession they had to wait until the 66th minute to extend their advantage.
Substitute Jordon McKenzie got their third, taking the ball off the toes of Smith and firing in a curling effort into the top corner.
Conal Dowling made a fine last save but Racing Club were worthy winners to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
On Saturday Racing Club were held to a 2-2 draw by Cadbury Athletic in a bad-tempered affair at Townsend Meadow.
Racers twice came back from a goal down thanks to an own goal and a Martin Slevin penalty, with Slevin having seen an earlier spot-kick saved.
Toby Checketts received a straight red for the home side for a second-half trip, while Cadbury finished the game with nine men after two sending-offs.
Racing travel to Hinckley on Saturday before a trip to Pershore on Bank Holiday Monday.

Smith brace gives Racing Club first home win of the season


After two frustrating draws, Racing Club Warwick beat Chelmsley Town 3-1 on Tuesday evening to gain their first home win of the Midland League Division One campaign.


A free open-air event incorporating music, theatre and workshops is coming to Abbey Fields at the end of the inaugural Kenilworth Arts Festival.
The event, entitled Fiesta, takes place on Sunday September 18 from 11.30am to 6pm in the open space.
The music maze
It will feature live music from a variety of groups, including folk-rockers Winter Mountain, indie group New Desert Blues, jazz from Swing From Paris, Leamington singer-songwriter Shanade and the Coventry-based Mustard & Blood Collective.
Also appearing during the day will be theatre company The Fabularium, which is made up of acrobats, storytellers, musicians and puppeteers.
The group will be performing a new piece of outdoor theatre for family audiences called ‘Reynard the Fox’, which will be performed upon a traditional wooden cart.
Alongside the musical and theatrical acts will be interactive workshops for people of all ages.
Leamington singer-songwriter Shanade
Amongst these will be a storytelling den inside a bell tent held by Kenilworth Books.
There will also be a ‘music maze’, improvised theatre workshops, dance workshops, the popular ‘Poetry Jukebox’, a baby sensory area and a collection of stalls offering free craft-based activities.
Warwick Arts Centre will be offering a number of family-friendly craft activities inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show and Stick Man, which visit the Arts Centre in October and December.
Compton Verney Art Gallery will be offering a series of light-based activities, including kaleidoscope making.
The New Desert Blues
Also hosting activities will be groups such as Woodland Beasties, Brambles Explorers, Little Sunflowers, Mini Mandarins and Ginger.
Plenty of food and drink will be available on the day, including street food, local produce, real ales, prosecco and wine. Arts and crafts will also be on sale.
Sarah McCaffrey, one of the organisers of Fiesta, said: “As a mum and someone with a keen interest in the arts, I am delighted that with the help of the artists and companies we have been able to make all activities free and accessible to all.”
Fiesta is the final event of the festival, which runs from Monday September 12 to Sunday September 18 at various locations in Kenilworth.
The Fabularium performing 'Reynard the Fox'
The programme includes music, poetry readings, talks and workshops featuring award-winning artists.
Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the earlier events should visit kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk, or into Kenilworth Books or Ginger Property in Balsall Common.

‘Fiesta’ coming to Abbey Fields at end of Kenilworth Arts Festival


A free open-air event incorporating music, theatre and workshops is coming to Abbey Fields at the end of the inaugural Kenilworth Arts Festival.


Blake Maher ripped through Walsall’s batting to clinch a 38-run Birmingham Premier League home win for Kenilworth Wardens.
The tall seamer grabbed five for 36 as the visitors were dismissed for 109 in 26.1 overs in response to the hosts’ 147 all out.
Wardens’ Aussie import topped off a week in which he scored more than 300 runs in four floodlit T20 innings with his best bowling spell of the season, and as a result kept his club’s runners-up hopes alive.
With the help of some reliable catching, Maher and regular new-ball partner Brinder Phagura (2-24) took advantage of a damp Glasshouse Park pitch and gloomy conditions to reduce Walsall to 40 for eight.
Only Ed Denham (13) made it into double figures until spinner Paul Byrne and veteran seamer Paul Wicker provided some stern ninth-wicket resistance.
The experienced pair added 66 and brought the prospect of an unlikely away win into sight until the introduction of Basit Zaman’s leg-spin brought Wardens a vital breakthrough. He induced Byrne to edge into Nick Sale’s secure gloves for a battling 43-ball 39, after which older brother Junead cleaned up last-man Jonathan Moore, leaving Wicker with an unbeaten 23 and Wardens victorious.
Earlier, Moore (3-13) and Tim Maxfield (3-22) had also wreaked havoc with the new ball, reducing the hosts to 23 for five after they had elected to bat first.
However, Wardens were able to regroup to reasonable effect around a fine knock from Nathan Edwards, who made a mature 71-ball 42.
His efforts were continued by ninth pair Sale (23) and Dan Mousley (21 not out) who added the 39 vital runs which took Wardens to a score which proved competitive enough in bowler-friendly conditions.
Wardens 2nds were on the right side of thrilling Division One match against Walsall 2nds, winning by 17 runs.
Having won the toss and elected to bat, Wardens lost opener Dan Phillips early on thanks to a good piece of bowling from Daniel Bowker (2-39).
Two more wickets soon fell but opener Robin De Regt was holding the innings together before he was run out for 47.
Ben Rex played a composed innings, sharing in a 49-run stand with Mark Pidgeon before he was also run out for 48.
An impressive spell from Luke Stynes (3-15) then reaped dividends as Wardens lost their last four wickets for eight runs.
Pidgeon was left undefeated on 22 as Wardens closed on 176, with Samuel Mills having claimed two for 23.
Wardens started off very well with the new ball as openers Tom Brammer (2-41) and Tommy Rex (2-18) reduced the home side to 59 for four.
Opener Ben Ladd-Gibbon top-scored with 37 for Walsall but once he was removed thanks to the bowling of Ben Rex (1-29) a Wardens victory never looked in doubt.
Wickets then continued to fall, with all six bowlers used claiming a scalp and despite a stubborn last-wicket stand of 36 between Bowker (20 not out) and Michael Lockett (14) Walsall were eventually dismissed for 159 in the 43rd over.

Maher’s five-wicket haul keeps Wardens on the trail of second


Blake Maher ripped through Walsall’s batting to clinch a 38-run Birmingham Premier League home win for Kenilworth Wardens.


The company behind a huge restaurant chain have confirmed which restaurants it will be closing and which will remain open.
Hundreds of jobs were put at risk last week when the Restaurant Group, which owns the Frankie & Benny’s chain, announced that it would be closing 33 under-performing sites.
The firm, which also owns Chiquito Mexican restaurant, suffered pre-tax losses of £22.5million for the first half of the year during what it describes as a ‘challenging trading period’, as well as an ‘insufficient focus on value, unsuccessful menu development and poor operation execution’.
The firm has now confirmed that Frankie and Benny’s restaurant at the Shires Retail Park in Leamington will remain open.
Nearby branches of Frankie and Benny’s in Rugby, Northampton, Kettering, Coventry and Banbury are also safe.
However a spokesman for the Restaurant Group did confirm that Midsummer Boulevard branch of Chiquito in Milton Keynes would be closing in October.
The spokesman stressed that the closures focused on ‘under-performing’ restaurants.
The closures across the UK will affect up to 1,000 jobs, although it is understood that the company will redeploy the vast majority of staff in other outlets.
Chairman Debbie Hewitt said: “The board has moved quickly to undertake a review of the operating strategy and we now have clarity on the issues facing our leisure brands, particularly Frankie & Benny’s.
“The brand remains relevant and popular, and we are confident that improved performance will be achieved by being more customer-focused and data-driven, and through better operational execution.”
The Restaurant Group admitted it has lost value-conscious customers at Frankie & Benny’s after “significant price increases”.
The firm pledged to “look at the pricing architecture of the menu” and “reinvigorate the value offer” in a bid to attract more families to its outlets.

RESTAURANT CLOSURES: What will happen to Frankie and Benny’s in Leamington?


The company behind a huge restaurant chain have confirmed which restaurants it will be closing and which will remain open.


Kenilworth Runners won the ladies’ team prize in the annual Race the Train at Tywyn, Mid Wales for the second successive year.
Runners had to cope with galeforce winds, driving rain and very slippery conditions on the 14-mile off-road route, with the official train time eventually recorded as 1hr 48min.
However, despite the elements conspiring against the runners, there were some fine Kenilworth Runners performances, with Kev Hope finishing tenth overall in 1:34:23.
He was one of five Kenilworth athletes to beat the train, along with Martin Dorill (51st in 1:41:09), Marc Curtis (59th in 1:41:57) and Neil Sheward (75th in 1:43:42).
Matt Dyer (1:47:12) was the final Kenilworth athlete to beat the cut-off time.
Louise Andrews (223rd in 1:56:06), Claire Murphy (1251st in 1:58:08) and Rachel Miller (411th in 2:09:45) made up the victorious ladies’ team.
Phil Gould was first home for Leamington, successfully beating the train in a time of 1:37:34.
Jenny Jeeves (1:54:02) and Ros Brooks (2:12:06) managed personal bests despite the harsh conditions with Jack Gammon (2:07:06) making his first appearance at the event and Laura Gould (2:23:22) making up the team.
Spa Striders’ Gethyn Friswell finished in 1:58:04 while Helen Tudge came home in 2:50:43.
The race was won by Paul Green of Sale Harriers in 1:28:14 and there were 834 finishers.
Selected others (Kenilworth Runners unless stated): 155, Mick Williams (1:50:34); 177, Stuart Underhill (1:52:03); 383, Tom Williams (2:06:59).
Leamington C&AC duo Jimmy Atkins and Sara Habib took part in the 10k Quarry Challenge, where runners had to contend with a hard climb at the start before racing through mud and trails back to town.
Atkins clocked 58:11 for 106th, with Habib five places and 46 seconds back.
Kenilworth Runners’ Debbie Streets was 97th in 57:44.
C&AC’s Bridget Urch and Tony Foster made their debut in the 3.5-mile Tynllwynhen Challenge, coming home in 33:10 and 33:12, respectively.
Not to be outdone by the adults, youngsters Mel and James Gould also raced in the Challenge, with Mel continuing her fine form to finish fifth overall and first girl in 22:17 and her brother 19 seconds back in eighth.

Five Runners are able to reminisce about the day they caught the train


Kenilworth Runners won the ladies’ team prize in the annual Race the Train at Tywyn, Mid Wales for the second successive year.


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)
“I’m gonna roll you over, and rock you stupid, and leave you there just humming...”
David Brent is back. I never thought I’d write those words but here is the middle-aged master loser – on the big screen as a documentary team follow his dream of a ‘rock tour’ to save him from life as a sanitary products sales rep.
The Office was incredible TV, that made you wince and laugh in equal measure, the likes of which we haven’t fully seen since.
David Brent: Life On The Road picks up the potent unfulfilled dreams of Slough’s favourite office manager and presents the full horror of what happens when Brent cashes in his life savings and pensions to finance a tour for his band Foregone Conclusion. The good news is that this the best Gervais has been in years – capturing the brilliant comedy/pathos at the heart of The Office and delivering big time both in the laughs and the cringe inducing awfulness of Brent’s socially awkward overdrive.
This isn’t for those who are easily offended or just after some gentle humour – Life On The Road is a comedy-tragic-em-up that will rip your heart out even while you’re spitting popcorn.
This older Brent is a lonelier than ever, his hired bandmates won’t socialise with him or even let him on the expensive tour bus he’s shelled out for; he even has to pay them to have an after show drink with him at one point.
The expected adoring crowds don’t exactly turn up and the record company scouts are more interested in the genuinely talented aspiring rapper Dom Johnson (Doc Brown) who Brent has guest rap on some of his songs in an effort to make them both ethically friendly and youthful.
The excellent Tom ‘Love & Friendship’ Bennett is great as Brent’s one Lavichem office pal and Diane ‘Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe’ Morgan has a fun cameo as a PR tasked with the impossible job of making Brent ‘cool’.
Doc Brown, though, steals all his scenes with looks to camera of such sheer uncomfortableness that I’d love to see him get his own spin-off movie.
Life On The Road takes mid-life desperation and blows the door off it in fine comic style.
You’ll laugh, you might even cry but be warned you might also very well hurt yourself due to the unsafe levels of cringe.

Review: Cringeworthy David Brent brings tragedy to comedy


Matt Adcock reviews David Brent: Life On The Road (15)


Stockton got their Coventry Alliance Premier Division campaign under way with two victories in four days.
Newly promoted Stockton made hard work of an opening-day win at home to Ambleside, with two late Ross Briscoe goals eventually securing them a 3-1 success in a game they controlled for large parts.
A 22-yard strike from George Sweeney gave the home side a deserved advantage but a defensive error allowed Ambleside to restore parity mid-way through the second period.
Stockton wasted a host of chances to go back in front before Briscoe’s clever lob made it 2-1 with ten minutes remaining.
Briscoe added his second to make the points safe, tapping in after good work from the Josh Cole to leave manager Scott Easterlow a relieved man.
“In the first game of season you just want three points no matter which way they come,” he said.
“I said to lads after the game that we become frustrated too quickly and it encouraged the opposition.
“We need to be patient and just keep plugging away and we’ll get our rewards 99.9 per cent of the time.”
They followed it up on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win at Jet Blades.
A clinical Tom Callaghan finish put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute but they again struggled to close out the game, hitting the bar and post twice and missing other good opportunities.
“One-nil doesn’t tell the true story but we never looked in danger and although it’s not ideal, as long as we creating chances I’m sure sooner or later we will get the conversion rate right.”

Two wins from two for newly-promoted Stockton


Stockton got their Coventry Alliance Premier Division campaign under way with two victories in four days.


Next month sees the release of a new Beatles documentary, directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard.
The Apollo 13, Da Vinci Code and Rush director has been given the blessing of the surviving band members - Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr - and the estates of John Lennon and George Harrison to produce the film looking at the band’s early years.
As well as archive footage from “the touring years” from 1960-66, The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years will feature fresh contributions from McCartney and Starr and never-before-seen clips shot by fans.
To get yourself warmed up for the film’s release test your knowledge of the band’s hits with our fiendishly tricky lyrics quiz.

QUIZ: How well do you know your Beatles lyrics?


Next month sees the release of a new Beatles documentary, directed by Oscar winner Ron Howard.


Warwickshire police have charged Daniel William Bourke, 45, of Newland Road, Leamington, with attempted murder after an incident in the town on Friday.
Police were called to the incident at 5.52pm where they discovered a woman in her 30s with stab wounds to her neck, back and abdomen.
The woman, who is also from Leamington, was taken to hospital where her condition is critical but stable.
Mr Bourke will appear at Warwickshire Magistrates Court tomorrow (Monday 29 August).

Leamington murder attempt update: man charged and named


Warwickshire police have charged Daniel William Bourke, 45, of Newland Road, Leamington, with attempted murder after an incident in the town on Friday.


Warwickshire’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community was out in force to celebrate diversity at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington last Saturday.
Despite the wind and rain on the day those who attended got into the Pride spirit and enjoyed a range of stalls, street food, bars and live performances on stage. With headline acts including Jordan Gray and Vangelis from BBC1’s The Voice, and the first Warwickshire Pride Dog Show taking place, festival goers had plenty to keep them entertained.
Warwickshire Pride Festival MHLC-20-08-16 Warwickshire Pride NNL-160820-205947009
Daniel Browne, director of Warwickshire Pride, said: “Warwickshire Pride 2016 is one that will be remembered for a variety of reasons.
It was a very challenging day, particularly with the weather being a bit wet and windy, but even though the weather decided to shower us with kisses, people appeared to have a good time and the feedback from people has been hugely positive & supportive so far.
It’s the luck of the draw when holding an event in British summer time, but a bit of bad weather isn’t enough to stop the Pride celebrations and it certainly didn’t stop all of the people who attended.
I’d like to say thank you to those people as the festival is only what it is because of the support that people show.
Warwickshire Pride Festival MHLC-20-08-16 Warwickshire Pride NNL-160820-205934009
I’d also like to thank all of the stallholders who braved the elements and of course the team of fantastic volunteers who had to deal with some difficult situations on the day in order for the festival to go ahead and be successful.
Volunteers are the backbone of any charity organisation and I must pay tribute to the amazing people from our community who helped it all to happen.
Warwickshire Pride will return in 2017 and I’ll ask the sun to put in an appearance.”
The first Warwickshire Pride took place on Saturday 31st August 2013 and was the first event of its kind in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire Pride Festival MHLC-20-08-16 Warwickshire Pride NNL-160820-205922009
Mr Browne launched the event because he felt the county was lagging behind in when it came to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender representation
Warwickshire Pride will take place again in 2017 and organisers are currently putting together a steering group to help with the organisation. Anyone wishing to help can email warwickshirepride@live.co.uk for further information.
Warwickshire Pride Festival Kyle Crompton. MHLC-20-08-16 Warwickshire Pride NNL-160820-205909009
Warwickshire Pride Festival Tiarna 6 and Deontae 4 at the sweet stall. MHLC-20-08-16 Warwickshire Pride NNL-160820-205855009

Warwickshire Pride celebrates diversity for fourth year


Warwickshire’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community was out in force to celebrate diversity at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington last Saturday.


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.
A poll of more than 8,000 over-50s shows that one in eight grandparents will look after grandchildren once a week over the school summer holidays, with a further one in eight will be on childminding duties twice per week.
However, one in twenty grandparents say they will be hosting their grandchildren three days a week while school is out for the summer, according to the research by Saga Car Insurance.
And it’s not just their time that will be donated - one in five say they will spend well over £200 keeping the children occupied. Days out to the beach (77 per cent) and on shopping trips (35 per cent) are the most popular distractions, although some grandparents are even taking their grandchildren on a holiday either in the UK (14 per cent) or abroad (5 per cent).
Grandparents in the North East are the most likely to babysit grandchildren over the school summer holidays, while those in the East Midlands are least likely to.
The Scots are most likely to spend big on their grandkids, with one in four expecting to spend more than £200 during the school holiday period.
Sue Green, Head of Saga Car Insurance, commented: “It looks as though children are in for an action-packed summer which is full of adventure if nan and granddad are in charge over the next couple of weeks. Grandparents really are generous giving up their time and money to help with childcare over the summer holidays and I’m sure they are really looking forward to spending some quality time with their grandchildren.”

Grandparents to the rescue over school summer holidays


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.


A popular pub-restaurant chain has pledged to donate the full net price of every pizza or pasta dish they sell for three days to raise money towards the Italian relief effort in the wake of the Amatrice earthquake.
As the horrors of the Amatrice earthquake continue to unfurl, and the scale of the devastation and the need for assistance becomes ever more apparent, Oakman Inns & Restaurants has pledged to help by donating every penny they get from the sale of all their pizzas and pasta dishes from Tuesday August 30 to Thursday September 1 to the Italian Red Cross.
Oakman Inns chief executive Peter Borg-Neal
The company, which operates The Globe in Warwick and the Four Alls in Welford-on-Avon, has decided to raise funds to help the Italian relief effort. As a result, every one of its 17-strong collection will be telling all customers over the next 48 hours and urging everyone to get on board the social media campaign to #EatForItaly.
CEO, Peter Borg-Neal, said the idea came due to the chain’s strong connections with Italy.
“Much of our menu is inspired by Italy and their traditional cuisine - and we therefore have a huge number of colleagues who are Italian,” he said.
“We have decided that we want to do something really meaningful to help the victims of this disaster. As a result, we will donate the full net price of every pizza or pasta dish sold next week for three days between Tuesday 30th August and Thursday 1st September to the Italian Red Cross. to help provide relief. If we sold our normal amount of dishes we would be sending a cheque for around £20,000 to Italy. I am hoping we will have to write a much bigger cheque.”
If we sold our normal amount of dishes we would be sending a cheque for around £20,000 to Italy. I am hoping we will have to write a much bigger cheque. Peter Borg-Neal, Oakman Inns CE0
Over the past two years, all Oakman Inns have been adding authentic wood-fired Pizza Ovens into their pubs and Peter insists on training his principal Pizza chefs in Italy. “One of our restaurant teams only recently came back from training in Naples, and on Tuesday night, only a few hours before this terrible event, we were holding an internal competition to discover our best Pizzaiolo.”
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck at 3:36am on Wednesday morning and devastated the towns of Amatrice, Accumoli and the village of Arquata del Tronto in the northern Lazio region of Italy. The Italian Red Cross and many other Italian and European emergency forces plus thousands of volunteers are providing rescue services and relief efforts for the survivors many of whom have lost everything in the space of a few minutes.
Hopes are dwindling of finding more survivors alive as aftershocks are continuing to hamper rescue efforts, and the number of people killed could yet surpass the last major earthquake to strike Italy in L’Aquilla in 2009 when more than 300 people died.
The mayor of Amatrice, Sergio Pirozzi, said: “Our heart is broken but will be resurrected”, while Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Renzi, added: “Today is a day for tears, tomorrow we can talk of reconstruction.”

Popular restaurant chain’s brilliant gesture in wake of Italian earthquake


A popular pub-restaurant chain has pledged to donate the full net price of every pizza or pasta dish they sell for three days to raise money towards the Italian relief effort in the wake of the Amatrice earthquake.


Avenue’s Adam Smith bowed out in the third round of the men’s national junior singles championship at Victoria Park.
Smith edged past St Neots bowler Adam Barker in the first round and then had a much more comfortable passage in the second round against Barry Hopkins (Darlington Railway Athletic).
However, he suffered a crushing 21-3 defeat to Freethorpe’s David Smith to end his interest in the competition.
Clubmate Matt Wordingham beat James Park (Workington) 21-6 in his opening encounter before bowing out 21-6 to eventual champion Jamie Walker (Northampton West End).
Hannah Smith (Avenue) and Rugby Thornfield’s Ashley Ward exited the junior pairs in the second round to Somerset’s Laura Holden (20-12), while Lillington’s Jacqui Cook and Margaret Grosvenor went down 27-18 to Lincolnshire’s Amy Gowshall in the first round of the women’s pairs.
Meanwhile, Royal Leamington Spa’s ladies continued their excellent season with another two victories.
Playing at home to Southam in a four-triples encounter, three of the rinks ended in ties.
However, a superb performance by the Spa threesome of Dawn Horne, Lyn Williams and skip Jenny Wickens, who trounced Heather Tredgold 28-7, sealed the win for Spa by 71 shots to 50.
It could have been very different for Spa, though, as both Janice White (9-0) and Donna Kerr (11-4) trailed at the halfway stage.
Both recovered well to finish 13-13 and 15-15, respectively, while Cynthia Briggs also ended tied at 15-15 in a closely fought tussle.
It was a much more one-sided affair when Spa’s ladies visited near-neighbours Whitnash for a three-triples match.
The Spa trio of Chris Brayne, Horne and Wyn Jackson stormed to a 13-1 lead against Barbara Robinson in the first six ends and never looked back, eventually running out winners by 28 shots to 12.
Elizabeth Glynne-Jones was almost as dominant in her game against Joan Vince.
Leading from the start, she eventually secured another comfortable win for Spa by 24 shots to ten.
On the other rink, Wickens completed the whitewash with a 19-12 success over Ann Markham to secure an emphatic 71-34 win for Spa.
There was also double success for Spa’s men.
They looked to be heading for a comfortable victory when they led on four of the five rinks with just three ends of their triples match at Stratford remaining.
However, with the evening light fading, there were some nervy moments as Stratford picked up 12 unanswered shots in the final three ends of their match against Dave Gardner to take that game 19-10, while another six shots for Stratford in the last two ends meant John Rheams’ winning margin was reduced to just 20-11.
With Chris Tarrant suffering a 23-9 reverse, it was down to Maurice Leyland, Rex Fox and Malcolm Wickens (20-9) and Ray White (22-12) to steady the ship and ensure overall victory by 81 shots to 74.
On Saturday, Spa’s men were comfortable 99-76 winners in a five-rink match at Coventry Avenue.
With Jim Tighe, Mike Wallace and Dave Gardner each building commanding leads for Spa on their rinks, the outcome of the match was never really in doubt.
Skipping Colin Palmer, Dave Wigman and Rheams to a 28-13 win, Wallace eventually proved the pick of the rinks for Spa, closely followed by Tighe (22-10) and Gardner (19-8).
Dick Williams succumbed to a narrow last-end defeat (18-17), while there was a 27-13 reverse for Dick Allibon.

Avenue duo fail to reach latter stages of singles


Avenue’s Adam Smith bowed out in the third round of the men’s national junior singles championship at Victoria Park.


Tributes have been paid to an international showjumping course designer who “left behind a huge legacy for the sport”.
Alan Ball, 84, of Long Itchington, died on Monday August 22 leaving his wife Patricia, daughter Tracey, son Mark and granddaughter Dale.
Copy Images - Alan Ball NNL-160830-190551009
During his life he became senior head course designer for British Showjumping and worked in an officiating role for the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) overseeing rules and safety at the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988.
Assisting those wishing to pursue a career in course design was an area that Alan took great pride in and International course designer Bob Ellis, who designed the London 2012 course, paid tribute to Alan by saying “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have worked alongside Alan for 15 years.
“He played an instrumental role in my career, he was a brilliant course designer and a great man.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing; he leaves behind a huge legacy for the sport”
Born in Lancashire in 1932, Alan left school to work in the family building business in Southport during which time he also helped with the team of heavy horses that his grandparents used within their haulage business.
The horses were shown at Liverpool Show and it was at one of these shows, where Alan used to help prepare the horses, that he met Bill Lucy who was a British Showjumping representative.
This chance meeting was set to change the course of Alan’s life as he was then introduced to John Gross and Jack Talbot-Ponsonby who built across the country at the time and it wasn’t long until Alan was spending his weekends assisting them.
This continued through the late 1950’s and 1960’s with him course-designing at the weekends as a hobby whilst still working within the family business.
But it was in 1972 that Alan made the life-chaging decision to accept the invitation to join British Showjumping in the senior role and he moved his young family to be near the organisations offices at Stoneleigh Park.
Alan left British Showjumping in the 1990s but cotinued to work independently across many of the major national and international events until he retired in his early 70s.
Alan’s funeral will take place at Oakley Wood Crematorium on Monday from 11.30am.

Long Itchington man left a ‘huge legacy’ in showjumping


Tributes have been paid to an international showjumping course designer who “left behind a huge legacy for the sport”.


A crash involving two cars yesterday afternoon (Monday September 30) near Barford left three young boys and two women needing treatment after one overturned.
The five victims managed to remove themselves from the cars before ambulances and fire crews arrived.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 3.30pm to the A429 near Westham Lane.
“One of the cars had overturned, and from that car we treated a woman in her 40s for chest injuries, and three boys.
“One boys had brusing to his neck and shoulder, and the two who were in child seats only had slight brusing to their necks.
“All four injuries were not serious but were taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire as a precaution.
“The driver of the second car was a woman in her twenties who suffered minor whiplash injuries.”
Firefighters assisted with first aid and made sure the vehicles were safe.

Three boys and two women injured after car crash near Barford


A crash involving two cars yesterday afternoon (Monday September 30) near Barford left three young boys and two women needing treatment after one overturned.


World-class music from internationally renowned musicians is coming to Warwick Arts Centre in the next few months.
Manchester’s Hallé Orchestra marks the opening of the 2016/17 series on Satuday October 8 with a programme of Dvorak, Liszt and Beethoven. With a history steeped in the Russian way of music-making, Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra visit on Wednesday October 19, and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra visit on Saturday November 12.
The Philharmonia Orchestra, ‘the UK’s national orchestra’, returns on Friday December 2 with some of the best-loved highlights of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, just in time for the festive season.
Violin phenomenon Nicola Benedetti will ensure the New Year starts with a bang as she headlines a captivating Evening of Chamber Music on Friday January 27. The European Union Chamber Orchestra return on Thursday February 9 with a programme framed by Mozart’s most personal symphony – the tragic 40th – and the rarely-heard Symphony No.57 from Haydn. The ever popular City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra return on Friday March 17 with guest conductor Robert Trevino and on Sunday March 26 the Armonico Consort & Orchestra perform Bach’s powerful St Matthew Passion.
The summer concerts are performed by ‘the nation’s favourite orchestra’, the Royal Philharmonic, on Wednesday May 3 with conductor, Christoph Koenig and violinist Tamsin Little.
And celebrated music director Yuri Simonov conjures up a beautiful evening with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra on Wednesday May 24.
As ever, there’s also a programme of more intimate chamber concerts from The Coull Quartet, Artists in Residence at the University of Warwick.
Audiences will also be able to enjoy the best live opera and live ballet at Warwick Arts Centre cinema. New York’s Metropolitan Opera marks its 50th Anniversary of its home at the Lincoln Center and 40 years under the musical leadership of James Levine, with a host of powerful productions, and the Royal Opera House celebrates its 2016/17 with a series of popular and enchanting dance performances.
Visit www.warwickartscentre.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

World greats come to Warwick Arts Centre for new season of music


World-class music from internationally renowned musicians is coming to Warwick Arts Centre in the next few months.


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Are you a drill sergeant, a worshipper, a skipper or a teammate? Experts have identified four types of parent when it comes to teaching their children how to DRIVE.


Tributes have been paid to a two-time mayor of Warwick who served as a town and county councillor for decades.
Marion Haywood, a Conservative town councillor who first got a seat on the authority in the 1970s, died peacefully at the age of 85 after suffering with dementia in her later years.
Fellow town councillor Gerry Guest knew her for 25 years and spoke fondly of their time working together.
He said: “Marion was kind, friendly and hard-working.
“She would do anything for people in Warwick - you could go to her with any kind of complaint or issue whether you supported her or not.
“When it came to some of the smaller organisations’ issues she always went into them very strongly to find out the state of everything.
“She didn’t just talk off the top of her head about things - she went to places and people and found out for herself but in a quite unassuming way.
“I think her knowledge of the town in such a short time was her greatest quality.
“I’ve found it very hard having known her for so long. It’s just so sad.”
Between 1997 and 2005, she and Joey were the only Conservative representatives on the council, which he believes helped cement their friendship.
Gerry joked they would hold their group meetings inside a telephone box during this time. He added: “It brought us much closer together. We enjoyed fighting against the other councillors but it was all very friendly.
“Overall, as long as you’re doing the right thing for the town as she was you’re doing well in the public’s eyes. It’s not just me saying it - it’s across the board.”
Marion also sat on Warwickshire County Council for 20 years between 1989 and 2009, serving Warwick South. She was made chair of the county council between May 2008 and May 2009.
Marion’s husband, Jim, often helped her in her council activities, and was as devoted to Warwick as she was.
He died at the age of 83 in 2011, just after Marion first showed signs of dementia.
She eventually moved to Woodloes care home to be looked after full-time.
In a statement, a spokesman for Warwick Town Council said: “It is with great sadness that we have been informed that Marion Haywood passed peacefully away after a long illness.
“She, along with husband Jim, was committed to Warwick and its residents and gave much of her time and herself for the benefit of this town she so loved.”
Her funeral will be at St Mary’s Church on Tuesday August 30 at 10am.

Tributes paid to former mayor and council stalwart


Tributes have been paid to a two-time mayor of Warwick who served as a town and county councillor for decades.


The NHS Trust which runs hospitals and clinics across the county ‘requires improvement’ despite doing well in many categories, according to an official inspection.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) felt South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust rated as either ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ in 46 of 59 categories of assessment, but this was not enough to earn it a higher rating.
In its March inspection, the CQC found the safety, effectiveness and the leadership of services at the trust needed improving, but found the care and the responsiveness of the trust’s services were good - resulting in the overall ‘requires improvement’ verdict.
The report’s author and chief inspector of hospitals Prof Sir Mike Richards said the trust must improve risk assessments for patients, staff training in safeguarding children and their management of patients suffering from mental health issues.
Bosses were disappointed with the overall rating, and still felt proud of what the trust had achieved.
Chief Executive of the Trust Glen Burley said: “We employ some of the best clinicians in the country and are extremely proud of the services that we deliver across Warwickshire and of our teams that provide them.
“The report confirms that we have been recognised nationally in many areas, in particular our work within A and E and urgent care to improve patient flow where we are now providing support and advice to other organisations to help them improve safety.
“There were three recommendations that the CQC highlighted as important and these have all been addressed. We have requested a re-inspection at the earliest convenience with a different inspection team.”
Chairman Russell Hardy said: “Having worked across many organisations what I have witnessed here is excellent leadership and an extremely positive culture.
“We are proud of all of our teams. They deliver excellent services day in day out to the people of Warwickshire and it is pleasing to see so many areas highlighted as good practice.
“We have not seen another inspection report that has so many ‘good’ areas that has not then been rated overall as at least ‘good’.”
Medical director Charles Ashton said: “I am confident of the high quality and safe care that we provide for our patients and service users.
“During my feedback session with the CQC, they provided assurance that there were no major concerns. This is reflected in the body of the report and I think it is unfortunate that our overall rating does not suggest this.
“I am proud of the teams and feel our clinical care is excellent.”
60 per cent of NHS trusts across the country have been rated as ‘requires improvement’ by the CQC.

Hospital trust ‘requires improvement’, inspectors say


The NHS Trust which runs hospitals and clinics across the county ‘requires improvement’ despite doing well in many categories, according to an official inspection.


Footballers have raised more than £1,000 for the road safety charity Brake in memory of Leamington car crash victim Nathan Rhodes.
Stockton FC, for whom Nathan was a player and manager before he died, beat Bishops Itchington 4-0 in the fundraising match at Bishops Itchington sports field on Saturday August 14.
Action from the Nathan Rhodes Memorial Match
Before kick-off players from both teams stood around the centre circle and joined spectators a one-minute applause.
Nathan’s younger brother Simon Rhodes was made honorary Captain of Stockton FC for the occasion.
He accepted the trophy from his mother Barbara Morgan while his teammate Charlie Smith received the Man of the Match Trophy.
A special prize of a framed original record of Twist and Shout by the Beatles - which was Nathan’s ‘celebration anthem’ - donated by Nev Boon was given to another Stockton player Travis Currell.
Players and spectators gave a one-minute applause at the Nathan Rhodes Memomrial Match.
More than 150 people came and showed their support for the event, which raised a total of £1,215 for Brake.
A raffle was held which consisted of more than 50 prizes that were donated by friends, colleagues and Warwick Tesco manager Jim Whitehead who also gave the food for the evening buffet which was held at The Greaves Club near the sports field.
Brake supported the families of Nathan and his friends Emily Jennings and Ryan Case following their deaths in the crash on June 20 2015.
Another fundraising game is being planned to take place next year.

Nathan Rhodes memorial match was big success


Footballers have raised more than £1,000 for the road safety charity Brake in memory of Leamington car crash victim Nathan Rhodes.


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.


A 45-year-old man from Leamington has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident in the town yesterday (Friday0 evening.
Police were called to the incident at a house in Newland Road at 5.52pm where they discovered a woman in her 30s with stab wounds to her neck, back and abdomen.
She was taken to hospital where her condition is critical but stable.
Det Insp Jon Belcher said: “At this time we believe the suspect and victim were known to each other and there was no risk to the wider public. We will be continuing our enquiries at the house throughout the day.”
The man was arrested at the house and he remains in police custody while investigations continue.

Attempted murder arrest after woman was stabbed in Leamington


A 45-year-old man from Leamington has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident in the town yesterday (Friday0 evening.


Deus Ex has you spoilt for choice.
Mankind Divided and so am I when it comes to reviewing the latest Deus Ex game after its launch last week.
There is so much to rave about in DEMD and I’m still enjoying it now over a week into the game.
But there are a number of elements which do not quite sit right with me.
Let’s start with the positives, though, and there are plenty of them.
There is layer upon layer in this game all expertly crafted together and beautifully designed.
The gameplay stands up to the high standards set by previous Deus Ex games and goes beyond them in many respects.
This is a game that will suit all types of gamers too.
Looking for a quick blast for an hour, you can jump on and get enough done to enjoy the experience, looking for longer, more involved sessions on your console then the gameplay rewards your patience, curiosity and creativity.
You play augmented human Jensen who is essentially the most deadly Power Ranger on the planet. I mean this guy has everything and would even give Superman a run for his money.
There are so many options to negotiate each scenario
And this is where my first problem lies with DEMD.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy.
‘Ramp up the difficulty setting!’ I hear you cry.
Well yes there’s that but my point is no matter what level you are playing at, Jensen just has too much at his disposal for his enemies to trouble him.
Sometimes, dare I say it, there are so many options available to you, so many ways to deal with scenarios and enemies and so much in your arsenal, it actually feels a bit ... easy. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
But don’t get me wrong it’s still great fun entering a room littered with foes and walking out past a pile of them without breaking a sweat.
Another thing that doesn’t quite land for me is the Apartheid type references between the humans (naturals) and the augmented race. It is a poor attempt to give the storyline resonance with real life - for example there are posters dotted around saying things like ‘Augmented Lives Matter’ and it just feels a little frivolous.
I’m being hyper critical, though, and Deus Ex will go down as one of the games of the year of that there is no doubt.
Rating: 8.5/10

Console Corner: Deus Ex Mankind Divided review


Wimbledon hero Marcus Willis proved the star attraction at a free ‘Try Tennis’ session at Warwick Boat Club.
Qualifier Willis, who admits his fairy-tale run to the second round of the Championships has transformed his life, proved a hit as he gave coaching tips and played friendly games with more than 50 newcomers to the game, ranging in age from three to 73.
“It was great to see all the excitement and enthusiasm among the players who came along,” said Willis, whose world ranking has shot up to 420.
“It’s so important to broaden the base of British tennis and it doesn’t matter what background you’re from - tennis is a brilliant game for everyone and if you’re dedicated enough, you can even make it your career.
“We’re really lucky to have Marcus training and coaching here” said Warwick Boat Club tennis manager Gavin Henderson. “He’s infectiously enthusiastic and really got everyone fired up today.
“He always plays with a smile on his face and he’s helped spread the word about our regular free Sunday afternoon sessions for everyone, which are proving really popular.”
“My life’s completely changed since those two weeks at Wimbledon,” smiled Willis. “It’s opened so many doors for me - wild cards into tournaments, all sorts of offers.
“I’d been playing good tennis for a while: I had wins against men in the top 100 but this wasn’t talked about.
“If you do it at Wimbledon, though, that’s talked about.
“I got on an aeroplane [at Atlanta]. The security guard looked at me and went ‘Willis. I know who you are’.
“The story has gone global... everywhere you get ‘this was the guy who played Roger Federer on Centre Court’.”
Since Wimbledon, he has also been picked to represents the New York Empire team in the glitzy World Team Tennis League, where he plays doubles with former Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick.
“Andy’s retired from the circuit now and he’s put on a little weight, “ added Willis. “But he’s still an incredibly competitive guy and absolutely hilarious to play with.”
The Try Tennis sessions continue through the summer and run from 2 to 4pm each Sunday.
For more information, email gavindhenderson@hotmail.co.uk

Fairy tale continues for ‘the guy who played Roger Federer’


Wimbledon hero Marcus Willis proved the star attraction at a free ‘Try Tennis’ session at Warwick Boat Club.


Lillington Juniors FC have shown that football can be a “godsend” by rallying round after the sister of one of the club’s young players died.
Under-11s Colts midfielder Blake Roberts’ baby sister Freya was born with down’s syndrome and had been treated at Birmingham Children’s Hospital for problems with her heart before she died unexpectedly on June 26 aged just 16 months old.
Cyclists Richard Jones, Matt Howroyd and Ryan Cranton of Lillington Juniors FC
Since then the club has shown support for Blake and his family and have organised a fundraising cycle ride for the hospital in Freya’s memory.
Blake’s father Adam Betteridge, who recently raised £3,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association through a charity sky dive, said: “Football has been a godsend for us since Freya passed away.
“Blake’s coaches Mark Edwards and Chris Lee have been terrific and the support from the club has been fantastic.
“The hospital helps so many children with illnesses and disabilities and it’s important to raise awareness of this and put it in people’s thoughts and this cycle will help to do that.”
A seven-strong group of coaches and parents from the club will start the cycle ride at Newcastle Utd’s ground St James’ Park next Saturday morning and ride for 260 miles, stopping overnight in Wakefield and arriving at the Rugby Tavern in Cubbington the next day.
There will be a welcoming party at the pub and people can follow the group’s progress on the club’s Facebook and twitter accounts.
All donations will go to the children’s hospital and club funds, with more than £2,500 being raised already.
Ryan Cranton, the club’s head coach and director, said: “When we set up this club we wanted it to be about more than what takes place on the pitch and we wanted to create a real community off of it.
“When we heard one of our player’s siblings had died it was devastating and we wanted to do anything we could to help. If we can support our players and their families in any way we’re more than happy to do that.”
www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ljfc

Lillington Juniors rally round in memory of baby Freya


Lillington Juniors FC have shown that football can be a “godsend” by rallying round after the sister of one of the club’s young players died.


Top new acts and some familiar faces are on their way to Leamington for this year’s Hobgoblin Comedy Festival.
Acts coming to the Spa Centre include Russell Kane, Katherine Ryan and Shappi Khorsandi, known to millions through their work on television and radio.
Jonathan Pie
They will be joined by the multi-award-winning Mark Watson, politically concerned comic Ahir Shah, silent comedian Tapeface and satirist Jonathan Pie, who made his name through broadcasts on TV station Russia Today.
Russell Kane unleashes another award-winning stand-up performance about growing up and growing down. He performs on Friday October 7.
Tom Walker plays Jonathan Pie, a respected news reporter for a respected news broadcaster - but who hates the news. His show on Saturday October 8 aims to reveals the truth behind recent news events both home and abroad.
Ahir Shah wants to believe in a future where democracy flourishes and technology liberates us from work. But he’s also feeling powerless to enact change, alienated from his fellow lefties, and increasingly anxious about the state of the world after getting caught up in the Paris attacks. He’s got a lot of concern. Fortunately, they’re funny, as audiences will find out on Friday October 14.
Shappi Khorsandi
Shappi Khorsandi’s whip-crack jokes cover a vast array of subjects with a sharp wit, softened only by her mischievous delivery. She performs on Tuesday October 11.
Mark Watson, the multi-award-winning star of BBC’s We Need Answers, Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week and Have I Got News For You and his own cult Radio 4 series Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better and Mark Watson Talks A Bit About Life, returns with the follow-up show to his celebrated and successful Flaws on Thursday October 13.
The festival concludes with a grand finale of acts headlined by Katherine Ryan, fast becoming one of the most recognisable face on British TV with appearances on BBC 1’s Live At The Apollo, Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, BBC 2’s Mock The Week, QI, Nevermind The Buzzcocks, C4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats and many more.
For tickets and more information about the festival, which runs from October 7 to 15 and includes a number of other acts, visit leamingtonspacomedyfestival.squarespace.com or call 334418.

Big names lined up for Leamington Comedy Festival


Top new acts and some familiar faces are on their way to Leamington for this year’s Hobgoblin Comedy Festival.


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Leamington narrowly failed to notch consecutive victories, falling to a two-wicket defeat at home to Wolverhampton.
Leamington were asked to bat first in bowler-friendly conditions following heavy overnight rain and subsequent heavy cloud cover.
Veteran Neil Smith, pushed to the top of the order, was an early victim for Johannes Bothma and both Nathan Hooker and Lee Hopkins were dismissed by Usman Arif.
Wolves were bowling well but Leamington showed little application in testing circumstances.
Joe Somra compiled a patient 28 before being bowled by England Under-19 left-armer Ben Twohig, one of four wickets for the young spinner.
Adeel Sajid played some pleasing shots to make 26 and Tom Warner chipped in with an unbeaten 21, but Leamington were dismissed in the 34th over for a paltry 127.
Leamington were not finished yet, however, and openers Tom Warner and Matt Davison both struck in their first overs.
Worcestershire’s Tom Fell was clean bowled by Warner, with Davison accounting for skipper Dan Bowyer in similar fashion, neither batsman troubling the scorer.
The prize wicket of Wasim Jaffer, averaging 160 in the league, fell to Warner as the former Indian Test player, capped 31 times for his country, was adjudged leg before for ten.
Wolves’ other England Under-19 star, Zen Malik, dropped anchor but received little support from the other end and when he was stumped by Hooker for 45, Wolves were in trouble at 74 for six.
Adam Lawley and Will Neild took advantage of some loose bowling from Leamington, but when the latter was bowled by Davison and Smith accounted for Amritpal Singh, Wolves were 114 for eight.
Lawley (26 not out) played patiently, however, and with time on their side Wolves inched towards their target.
And, despite a couple of alarms, the Black Country side scraped home with two wickets in hand.
The reverse fixture saw a similar match with ball dominating bat and, again, Wolverhampton came out on top.
Dan McCarthy blew away Wolverhampton’s top order, taking four wickets as the hosts limped to 62 for five.
Muhammed Dogar then struck three times and Leamington were well on top, reducing the home side to 105 for nine.
Experienced skipper Mike Smith farmed the strike and his unbeaten 46 turned the match his side’s way.
Tea was taken with Wolverhampton on 148 for nine and the contest evenly poised.
Batting proved to be as difficult for Leamington and only stand-in skipper Jack Hawkes found the necessary application to build an innings.
His unbeaten 40 was the only highlight of the Leamington response as the visitors were dismissed for 108.
Three wickets apiece for Jaswal and Khan helped Wolverhampton maintain their healthy lead at the top of the table.
Heavy overnight rain and morning downpours saw Leamington 4ths’ match with Blockley cancelled.
Leamington 3rds eased their Cotswold Hills Premier Division relegation fears after winning an enthralling encounter at Shipston by one run.
Having been set a modest-looking 170 to win, fellow strugglers Shipston seemed to be easing to safety when they reached 163 for six with seven overs remaining.
However, Lee Credgington then bowled a second consecutive maiden to crank up the pressure and Jimmy Gethins (3-40) trapped skipper Tom Cox (21) lbw and bowled John Payton with the final ball of his spell for a double-wicket maiden.
Skipper Matt Dale then turned to experienced spin bowlers Shaun Williams and James Whitfield.
In the gathering gloom, the pair seemed to hypnotise the batsmen as the encircling fielders crept ever closer and going into the final over Shipston needed three runs for victory with just one wicket remaining.
A single came off the third ball and the fourth was pushed out square prompting the batsmen to set off for a sharp single.
However, Gethins swooped and his flat return found the keeper’s gloves to run out Daniel Payton by a yard and give a jubilant Leamington side victory by the smallest possible margin.
Earlier, a much-changed Leamington side had struggled to set a defendable target.
No batsman made a major score but Wayne Killian (24), Lee Credgington (30) and James Slora (31) all produced valuable contributions before a late flourish from Rob Woolaston (16 not out) and James Whitfield (12 not out) added the runs that were, later, to become so valuable.
Mindful that the threatening rain might bring the match to an early finish, Shipston’s early batsmen get their innings off the brisk start so as to keep the run-rate high.
However, none of them were able build a score and give Jack Murphy (48) the support to he needed to secure the win.

Fine bowling display cannot mask Leamington batting deficiencies


Leamington narrowly failed to notch consecutive victories, falling to a two-wicket defeat at home to Wolverhampton.


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.
Passengers traveling with British Airways, easyJet and Thomas Cook will be charged £25 if any claim they make is unsuccessful, as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will no longer mediate between customers and airlines.
Previously, the CAA would act as the ‘middleman’ in negotiations between customer and airlines in disputes regarding flight delays and cancellations or missing or damaged luggage.
British Airways, along with easyJet and Thomas Cook, have signed up to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), which charges customers a £25 fee for unsuccessful claims for compensation.
However, passengers with other airlines, including Flybe and Ryanair will be able to pursue complaints without fear of financial loss as these airlines have signed up with the Retail Ombudsman which does not charge customers to use the service.
Also, Eurowings and Lufthansa will use German company Söp, which similarly does not charge a fee.

BA and easyJet passengers could pay £25 charge for flight delay complaints


It could cost airline passengers £25 for making a complaint, following the introduction of new aviation rules.


Historic document the Dictum of Kenilworth will be making an appearance at Saturday’s free siege event in Abbey Fields.
The Dictum, the terms of surrender, was drawn up and read out to the rebels in the castle in October 1266.
It allowed them to leave the castle unharmed and allow the rebellious Barons to buy back their lands, albeit at a very high price.
Although they did not surrender right away, the rebels were forced to in December after disease set in.
The copy, obtained from the National Archives, is planned to be taken round primary and secondary schools in Kenilworth and then displayed in Kenilworth Library.


Historic document the Dictum of Kenilworth will be making an appearance at Saturday’s free siege event in Abbey Fields.


Kenilworth celebrated the 750th anniversary of the Siege of Kenilworth in true mediaeval style over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Abbey Fields was full of siege-themed attractions and stalls on Saturday August 27, while Kenilworth Castle played host to two separate re-enactments of the siege on Sunday August 28 and Monday August 29.
Castle bosses said the weekend was its busiest in seven years.
The weather remained kind for the most part, although a heavy downpour blighted Abbey Fields briefly on Saturday afternoon just before the soldier’s procession.
Business support and events officer at Warwick District Council Paul Garrison thought the Saturday went ‘really well’.
He added: “It was a really successful day, and the weekend as a whole went fantastically.
“Saturday was really well attended until about 2.30pm when the heavens opened, but we had a surprising amount of people stay out until 3pm for the soldiers’ procession.
“A lot of time and effort’s gone in from a lot of people. The town council and Kenilworth History and Archaeology Society have been a great help.
“Perhaps in 50 years’ time people will still be talking about it - I’d like to think we’ve raised the bar.”
The Sunday and Monday attracted 5,000 people to Kenilworth Castle to watch the re-enactment of the siege, which originally took place in 1266.
Rebels took up their positions within the castle’s walls, and King Henry III’s forces assembled outside ready to launch their assault.
The attacking forces had a variety of siege weapons at their disposal, including a 30-foot flaming siege tower.
English Heritage events manager Jenny Davie described how the re-enactment went on both days.
She said: “Kenilworth Castle’s rebel garrison put up a brave defence, with smoking tar barrels briefly driving back King Henry’s army, but eventually the royalist forces were victorious.
“This was the castle’s busiest weekend in seven years, with over 5,000 visitors, and English Heritage is grateful to over a hundred re-enactors who made the castle their home for the weekend.
“Their hails of arrows, battering ram and flaming siege tower certainly helped to add to the drama, and mark this important anniversary in style.”
Although the weekend was the centerpiece of the siege anniversary, the commemorations of the historic battle are not over yet.
The annual bonfire at Kenilworth Castle will incorporate a siege theme, although exactly what this will involve is to be confirmed.
And the traditional Christmas lights switch-on on Friday December 2 will also have a siege twist to it.

Kenilworth celebrates siege anniversary in style


Kenilworth celebrated the 750th anniversary of the Siege of Kenilworth in true mediaeval style over the Bank Holiday weekend.


Three siblings have set up a heartfelt appeal to help their father look after their mother who was paralysed after a brain haemorrhage.
Caz Dickson spent some time at Castel Froma in Leamington when in 2009 she suddenly collapsed at her home in Coventry and was rushed to hospital where her family were given the terrible news that she had suffered a grade 4 brain haemorrhage which had led to a massive stroke.
Mrs Dickson, who was 43 at the time, and her husband Mick had been inseparable up to this point but she had fallen into a coma and had suffered severe brain damage.
The devoted couple have now been reunited and Mr Dickson, who had also been made redundant shortly after the incident, has become his wife’s full-time carer.
But the family are struggling to cope with mounting financial pressures and so their daughters Rachel, Rebecca and Jodie have now set up a very special GoFundMe page.
The daughters, who were 24, 17, and eight years old when Mrs Dickson suffered the haemorrhage, said: “Our dad was devastated, he wasn’t prepared to give up on her and spent as much time as he could by her bedside. It was a struggle to get him to go home. He wanted them to be together but unfortunately, the family home, just wasn’t suitable for mum’s requirements. She needed 24-hour round-the-clock care and medical support.
“Dad, who is a hardworking and proud man, started to feel the pressure and sadly despite working all the hours he could, we lost our family home in 2013. My dad’s heart broke all over again and we all started to wonder how much more one person could take. He had always tried to be strong for us but this devastated him and he felt he had let us and mum down.
“Eventually he found a rental property that had a downstairs bedroom and a wet room and decided to go for it in the hope that Mum would be able to come home. He just wasn’t the same person without her by his side and so the whole family were overjoyed when mum was finally allowed to come home in June.
“To say it was emotional was an understatement, after a long and hard seven-and-a-half years away, she was home. To see the love and bond they share despite their battle is beautiful and that is why we want to do all we can to keep them together.
“Although mum still hasn’t regained any movement from her neck downwards and still requires 24 hour around the clock care, she is the happiest she has been since she became ill. Our dad is now retired and is my mum’s full time carer and is doing a sterling job. She lights up whenever he comes into the room.
The daughters have said that despite the reunion their parents have not had not yet found a ‘happy ending’ to their problems.
They said: “Our dad has not received any income for the last ten months and we have discovered that without having Court of Protection, they are not entitled to PIP allowance. If you don’t receive this , you can’t receive carer’s allowance and without this income our mum, dad and younger sister cannot survive.
“There is so much red tape it is impossible to know what the correct information is but we know we need to keep them together and that’s why we have set up the GoFundMe page.”
The sisters have so far raised £1,705.
For more information or to make a donation go online.
www.gofundme.com/CazandMick

Daughters set up fundraising page to help their dad always be by their paralysed mother’s side


Three siblings have set up a heartfelt appeal to help their father look after their mother who was paralysed after a brain haemorrhage.


Lewis Williams picked up two awards at Cleary’s ABC’s end-of-season trophy presentation.
Williams was named boxers’ boxer and also shared the best boxer award with Morgan Ansell.
In a season to remember, Williams was crowned CYP youth heavyweight champion and Central England heavyweight champion, while claiming Haringey Box Cup gold and his popularity in the gym came as no surprise to coach Edwin Cleary.
“Without a shadow of a doubt Lewis Williams is the number one youth heavyweight boxer in the UK,” said Cleary. “He is a larger than life character and in the gym he’s always there to help anyone.”
Williams has now been confirmed in the Challenge phase of the England Boxing Talent Programme.
This will see him receive a large amount of contact time from the England coaches, with the focus on technical development as well as physical and psychological traits that are key to becoming a world-class athlete.
He is also expected to box in the World Youth Championship in November.
Meanwhile, in her second season, Ansell captured the female junior English title and was selected for England Boxing honours.
She has now been joined by a growing group of young female boxers at the gym, with Leah Gunton and Gabby Cosidine attending a female Flag squad in Birmingham for up and coming talent alongside the 15-year-old.
Danny Quartermaine picked up Cleary’s ABC’s most improved boxer award having won the England Boxing Central belt and missed out on the English title after suffering a split-decision defeat to the highly rated Corey O’Regan.

Williams and Ansell pick up top award at Cleary’s


Lewis Williams picked up two awards at Cleary’s ABC’s end-of-season trophy presentation.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.
Having an unrewarding job as you start out on the career ladder makes you more depressed, worried and had more trouble sleeping.
And if you stay stuck in positions with low levels of job satisfaction it affects you not just you mentally but physically too, including catching more colds, having a bad back and poor heart health.
But if you are happy in your job or finally get your dream job as your career progresses your overall health gets a boost.
The study by Ohio State University sociologists found job satisfaction in your late 20s and 30s has a link to overall health in your early 40s.
While it impacts on physical health, its effect was particularly strong for mental health.
Lead author and doctoral student Jonathan Dirlam said: “We found that there is a cumulative effect of job satisfaction on health that appears as early as your 40s.”
The study highlighted the importance that early jobs have on people’s lives.
Associate professor of sociology Dr Hui Zheng said: “You don’t have to be near the end of your career to see the health impact of job satisfaction, particularly on your mental health.
“The higher levels of mental health problems for those with low job satisfaction may be a precursor to future physical problems.
“Increased anxiety and depression could lead to cardiovascular or other health problems that won’t show up until they are older.”
He added the study was carried out before the credit crunch and said: “The recession almost certainly increased job insecurity and dissatisfaction, and that could have resulted in more negative health effects.”
The study used data from 6,432 Americans followed from the ages of 14 to 22 as part of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979.
Researchers examined job satisfaction trajectories for people from age 25 to 39 and their health on turning 40.
Participants rated how much they liked their jobs from 1 - dislike very much - to 4 -like very much.
They were then divided into four groups: consistently low and consistently high job satisfaction, those whose satisfaction started high but was trending down and those who started low but were trending higher.
About 45 per cent of participants had consistently low job satisfaction, while another 23 per cent had levels that were trending downward through their early career.
About 15 per cent of people were consistently happy at their jobs and about 17 per cent were trending upward.
Mental health was most affected by people’s feelings about their jobs with those in the low job satisfaction group throughout their early careers scored worse on all five of the mental health measures studied.
They reported higher levels of depression, sleep problems and excessive worry and were more likely to have been diagnosed with emotional problems and scored lower on a test of overall mental health.
Those whose job satisfaction decreased were more likely than those with consistently high satisfaction to have frequent trouble sleeping and excessive worry, and had lower scores for overall mental health.
But they didn’t see an impact on depression scores or their probability of being diagnosed with emotional problems.
Those whose scores went up through the early career years did not see any comparative health problems.
Those in the low satisfaction group and those who were trending downwards reported poorer overall health and more problems like back pain and frequent colds compared to the high satisfaction group.
But they weren’t different in physical functioning and in doctor-diagnosed health problems such as diabetes and cancer.
As with mental health, no effects were seen on physical health for those trending upward.
The findings was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Seattle.


Being stuck in a dead end job by your early 40s is bad for your health.


Avenue’s Hannah Smith had a fine run to the last four of the Sutton Winson Trophy at Victoria Park.
The competition, for under-18 players, was played as part of the Nationals and Smith cruised through her opening round with a 3-0 win over James Powell (Kent).
She squeezed past Somerset’s Fraser Ham 3-2 in the second round before edging out Lois Woodward (Northants) 2½-1½ in the third round.
A 3-1 win over Jack Bunting (Hertfordshire) took her into the last eight, where she beat Buckinghamshire’s Jamie Seymour 3-2.
However, she lost 2½-1 ½ in the semi-final to Liam Harris (Suffolk), who had earlier beaten her brother Mark 3-1 in the second round.
Harris went on to beat Hampshire’s Nicole Rogers 3-1 in the final.
In her opening women’s national triples match, Whitnash’s Helen Slimm went down 30-13 to Bolton BC’s S Kitson.
Royal Leamington Spa’s Dawn Horne also bowed out at the first hurdle after suffering a 16-11 defeat to Julie Marsh (Richmond BC, Yorkshire) in the women’s two-wood singles.
Meanwhile, Whitnash’s men came out on top by 115 shots to 97 in their home encounter against Royal Leamington Spa last week.
While there were three rink wins apiece, the Whitnash victory owed much to resounding wins for M McGuire, Ken Dolby and Harry Billington over Spa’s John Rheams (30-11) and Kevin Bly, Les Clarkson and Graham Cluff who beat Malcolm Wickens 25-13.
It was a particularly impressive performance from Billington’s trio who won nine of the final ten ends to emphatically turn around an 8-5 deficit.
In a much closer game, Chris Lea beat Jerry Horne 21-18 to secure Whitnash’s other rink win.
For Spa, Alan Taylor, Bill Griffin and Dick Williams overcame Fred Sawyer 17-10 and there were also wins for Dick Allibon over Hamish Crawford (19-14) and Mike Wallace over Keith Glenn (19-15).
Spa’s ladies were edged out 45-43 in a three-rink triples clash at Rugby.
Club captain Jenny Wickens skipped Mavis Dale and Karen Rheams to a convincing 18-11 win, but a 16-9 defeat for Cynthia Briggs left the match evenly balanced.
On the deciding rink, it was a particularly topsy-turvy game as Spa’s Wyn Jackson trailed 12-2 after 11 ends.
She recovered superbly, taking 14 unanswered shots to lead 16-12 with just three ends remaining.
However, six dropped shots saw Jackson eventually go down 18-16 and Spa just edged out by two shots.
Avenue were also edged out by two shots in their mixed derby match at home to Lillington.
Avenue’s highest winning rink went to John Hughes (skip), Steve Franklin, Bernadette O’Donnell and Keith Orme who held the lead throughout their match to win 20-15.
Their other winning rink featured Mike Kelly (skip), Richard Muir, Bill Biddle and Hazel Higgins who were level at ten ends and went on to win 16-13.
The highest of Lillington’s three winning rinks was skipped by Ted Rheams, supported by Grace Gallagher, Pippa Mace and Alan Harbour, who picked up a four on the final end to beat John Harris 22-18.
The other winning rinks were skipped by ladies’ captain Val Joyce (3 shots) and John Buggins (3 shots) to give Lillington a 93-91 win.
Lillington had began the week with a fine win in their rearranged three-rink triples match at Warwick Boat Club.
They had two winning rinks on their way to a 52-43 victory, the highest of which was skipped by Rheams, supported by Paul E Smith and Mike Calvert, with a seven-shot margin.
The other rink was skipped by Malcolm Welch who oversaw a five-shot success.

Smith’s stunning Nationals run ends in the semi-finals


Avenue’s Hannah Smith had a fine run to the last four of the Sutton Winson Trophy at Victoria Park.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.
But new research suggests injuries sustained from indoor trampoline parks are an “emerging health concern”.
The warning comes after a study recorded 40 children needed medical treatment at one hospital in the space of just six months after trampoline accidents at an indoor park.
Last week 25-year-old Bryony won a silver medal in Rio, performing twists and turns at a staggering 30ft.
But while many youngsters may wish to emulate her, researchers stress the danger of using indoor trampoline parks, where many kids bounce simultaneously, on beds placed in close proximity to each other.
Researchers reviewed the medical records of Australian children under 17, who sought medical treatment at a children’s emergency care department between July 2014 and January 2015.
The team focussed solely on injuries sustained whilst at a trampoline park.
During a six month period, the team recorded 40 child patients, 55 per cent of which were girls, requiring treatment for their injuries.
The average age of each child patient was 10, but the youngest was just a year old.
Most of the injuries, a third, occurred while the child was on the trampoline.
And a fifth - 18 per cent - of the injuries were caused by a failed landing.
But in eight cases, the injury was the result of several different children of different sizes using the trampoline at the same time.
The research, published in the journal Injury Prevention, revealed over half of the children (52.5%) injured were simply jumping and not attempting any flips or somersaults at the time.
Six children injured themselves by landing awkwardly on something on the trampoline, such as protective padding designed to prevent falls.
Bruising and sprained ankles were the most common injuries, with 55% of the children’s medical records detailing these.
A third fractured elbow and ankle bones.
But for five children, their injuries were more serious and required surgery and a hospital admission.
Author Dr Christopher Mulligan, from The University of New South Wales said: “Most children were injured while involved in simple jumping activities (52.5%).
“However, five children (12.5%) were injured while attempting somersaults or flips.
“Six children were injured when they came into contact with something while on the trampoline.
“This included two children who landed on balls, and four children who landed on, or caught their feet in, the less elastic padding surrounding them or the hard surface floor.
“In terms of the injuries observed, the majority of patients presented with a soft tissue injury or sprain ( 55%) or fractured bone(s) (37.5%).
“One child sustained a lip laceration. One child presented with concussion, and one with chest pain.
“The lower extremity was the most frequent site of injury (67.5%), followed by the upper extremity (15%).
“The most common sprains were of the ankle. The most common fractures were supracondylar fractures of the elbow and fractures of the ankle.
“There was one fracture/dislocation of a cervical vertebra. No patients sustained a loss of consciousness.”
He added children using trampolines at home are more at risk of falling off it as they are raised above the ground or falling through the padding.
But at centres “double bouncing, or multiple users on a single trampoline, carried a significant risk for injury.
“This occurred particularly when small children were jumping with larger peers
or other adults.”
The study was published in the BMJ’ s Injury Prevention.


Bryony Page may have wowed crowds by becoming the first Brit to win an Olympic medal on a trampoline.


Warwickshire Police are appealing to the public for help to locate a Leamington man who is wanted on recall to prison.
Liam Timms, 22, was released from HMP Oakwood Prison in Featherstone, Wolverhampton in June 2016 after serving a sentence for burglary.
Daniel Murphy, 30, of Leamington, has now been located.
He has since breached his licence conditions and is now wanted on prison recall.
Timms is described as a slim black man with short cropped black hair.
He is believed to have connections to Leamington and Birmingham.
If you have seen Timms or a man matching his description, please call Warwickshire Police on 101.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online via their website.
No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
**** Following a media appeal released last Friday, a Leamington man who was wanted for breaching a court order has now been located.
Daniel Murphy, 30, attended a police station this morning (Wednesday).
He will appear at Leamington Magistrates Court today.

Leamington burglar wanted on recall to prison


Warwickshire Police are appealing to the public for help to locate a Leamington man who is wanted on recall to prison.


Walking football sessions are on their way to Kenilworth after organisers received enough interest from residents.
The slower, non-contact version of the sport aimed at over-50s is being organised by football coach Darren Wheeler, who has already set up successful clubs in Daventry, Rugby and Lutterworth.
He said: “About a year ago I set up a walking football club at Daventry Leisure Centre, which has gone from strength to strength.
“I felt people were missing out in Kenilworth and Leamington.
“It’s surprising how energetic it really is - if you came to watch you’d see the guys come off sweating buckets. It’s really good for them.
“It’s also about getting people out as well - the social side is a big part of it.
“All players need is a pair of comfortable shoes, fitness clothes and a bottle of water.”
The sessions will start at Castle Farm Recreation Centre on Thursday September 29 from 12 to 1pm. They will run every week and will cost £3 to attend.
Although aimed at over-50s, the age rule is fairly relaxed at the sessions.

Walking football sessions in Kenilworth confirmed


Walking football sessions are on their way to Kenilworth after organisers received enough interest from residents.


Matt Adcock reviews Pete’s Dragon, starring Robert Redford
Prepare to believe in dragons once more as the powers that be re-image Disney’s original boy-and-dragon story Pete’s Dragon.
Step this way or an adventure which sees unfortunate orphan Pete (Oakes Fegley) surviving in the wild thanks to his unusual best friend Elliot (a kind hearted furry green beastie).
Pete and Elliot’s worlds are shaken up when Pete runs into Forest Ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) who has somehow managed not to notice the wild boy and his giant green pal living on her patch of forest for several years. He’s whisked off to civilization and introduced to Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill.
Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about his dragon – while the townsfolk decide to catch Elliot to make money out of him. Can the two mismatched kids and kindly dragon believing old timer Mr Meacham (Robert Redford) - who tells the local children tales of a dragon residing deep in the woods-– find a way to triumph?
Well, without wanting to spoil it, this is a Disney children’s fantasy but it does at least throw in some mild scares, a spot of tension and an impressive fire-breathing finale. This new take on Pete’s Dragon updates the 1977 live-action animation mixture removes lots of the cheese and adds some nice thought -provoking themes. Director David Lowery does a decent job in making the whole tale bounce along with a bittersweet grounding that should appeal to both kids and those who can still find their inner sense of childlike wonder.
Everyone goes about the fantasy fun and occasional peril with good spirit, Redford is the best I’ve seen him in years and the two young leads are very watchable. Howard has strong recent form with giant lizards after Jurassic World, plus there’s Karl ‘Star Trek’ Urban and Wes ‘American Beauty’ Bentley to round out a great cast.
Pete’s Dragon is a family pleaser which stands above the cash in summer kids efforts and is certainly worth a look.

Pete’s Dragon review: Family fun in tale of a fiery friendship


Matt Adcock reviews Pete’s Dragon, starring Robert Redford


DIY retailer B&Q has issued a recall notice after testS showed a power tool could fail, spitting metal shards at its user.
The internal metal fan of the PP 400W random orbital sander can fail, ejecting fragments of metal through its plastic casing.
The power tool being recalled
The hardware retailer has asked anyone who has purchased the sander - which was sold in its stores between July 2006 and January 2011 - to return it to their nearest store as soon as possible. A full refund will be given.
The affected item is a PP 400W Random Orbit Sander, NLH401ROS - barcode: 05106769. No other products are affected.
Customers who are unsure if they have an affected product or who require further information can contact B&Q’s helpline on: UK: 0300 3034482 ROI: 1800 946327.

B&Q recalls power tool over spitting metal safety fears


DIY retailer B&Q has issued a recall notice after testS showed a power tool could fail, spitting metal shards at its user.


The chance to stay in one of the country’s biggest castles with the promise of Knight School, Horrible Histories and huge looming turrets to explore was like music to my eight-year-old audience’s ears.
“So we get to play all day, then have a knights’ sleepover as well?” Even with mum and dad in tow he knew he was in for something special. And I wasn’t unexcited myself.
At over 1,100 years old Warwick Castle offers its 21st century visitors free reign to explore magnificent stately rooms, dungeons and impressive grounds.
And its owners, Merlin Entertainments have brought history to life with a flaming fireball launch from the trebuchet (the largest in the world ), breath taking displays from enormous birds of prey, blood and guts from the Horrible Histories, spooks and ghouls undergrounds, jousting, archery, knights and endlessly more.
But the best part? Now, you don’t even have to go home. When the castle closes its gates the fun is only just beginning as another exciting adventure awaits – the promise of a sleepover in the shadows of kings.
The castle has been home - and imprisonment - to kings and earls, hosted royal banquets and parties and even has links to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. So the latest addition of year-round camping lodges at Knight’s Village really does mean a sleepover steeped in history.
No time to make it round the maze or see the joust? We can come back tomorrow morning after breakfast. The words are like magic to my little knight-in-training. And even mum and dad are tingling to wake up in such magnificent grounds after enjoying an evening by the river and some of the best views you could ever wish for.
An afternoon arrival showed us that a day at the castle just isn’t enough. But once evening arrived there really was a whole new adventure waiting.
Families can banquet in the great food hall where majestic thrones, flags and plates of armour take you right back hundreds of years. But what really grabbed our attention was the entertainment and chance for children to go wild.
The castle’s brilliant staff pulled everything out of the bag for the youngsters. Circus skills, archery, more knight and sword training – it was a summer Kids Club, but one where the grown-ups are elbowing to get involved as well. Though the less interested still get to enjoy a superb evening relaxing on the porch, watching the fun and basking in the last of the sunshine.
But of course, the centrepiece of Knight’s Village - the lodges. They’re great. With everything from mod-cons (plugs, and WiFi) to replica weaponry and armour, there’s something to keep all ages happy.
Unless you go for the premium, they’re on the cosy side. But with hundreds of years of history on your doorstep, there’s certainly no reason to want to cram inside and watch television.
And of course if it’s sunny and you have a taste for something a bit more medieval, you can get yourself booked up for Glamping and take on a huge cloth tent, complete with four-poster beds and a pair of thrones to watch over the evening entertainment as the sun sets.
It was as peaceful and entertaining a night as you could hope for, with happy children and happy mum and dad all looking forward to a return to the banquet for a hearty breakfast and another go at flag spotting.
The best bit about sleeping among the trees where inspiring history once unfolded? Waking up to stunning views in complete tranquillity. Looking out over the new camping village (which prides itself on not harming the historic grounds in any way and that not one tree was felled in its construction), you really can imagine yourself hundreds of years back in time.
And being able to head back through the gates to do it all again for a second day of exploring.
Warwick Castle’s Knight’s Village is as magical as you could expect from a stay in a truly historic location, and with activities continuing well into the night, acres of grounds to explore, and a historic town just metres outside, there’s no reason not to be excited.
Earning an excited thumbs up from mesmerised children, the stay really delivered as the perfect place to enjoy history on your doorstep this summer.
Warwick Castle’s Knight’s Village offers seasonal stays in Glamping tents or year-round accommodation in its wooden lodges. Prices start from £41.30 per person.
Visit www.Warwick-castle.com to book or more information.

TRAVEL REVIEW: Exclusive sleepover at one of the country’s biggest historical castles


The chance to stay in one of the country’s biggest castles with the promise of Knight School, Horrible Histories and huge looming turrets to explore was like music to my eight-year-old audience’s ears.


PRESCOTT – In a recent four-day period, Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies made six DUI arrests, according to YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn.
The first was Aug. 25 in Bagdad, when a deputy pulled a driver over for excessive speed. The pickup stopped after driving onto an embankment.
“The 48-year-old man from Prescott exhibited influence of alcohol intoxication and admitted consuming hard liquor within the last 30 minutes,” D’Evelyn said. “He failed field sobriety tests and a reading from a portable breath analyzer indicated .176 breath alcohol concentration. This reading is twice the state legal limit” for driving.
At 2 a.m., on Aug. 26, a deputy leaving the Sheriff’s Office on Gurley Street saw an SUV run a stop sign at Union and Marina Streets.
He stopped the SUV and walked up to the 30-year-old driver.
“While talking with the driver, the deputy could smell the odor of alcohol and saw several open beer bottles on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat,” D’Evelyn said. “He failed filed sobriety tests and exhibited obvious signs of impairment due to alcohol intoxication. A portable breath test indicated a reading of .081 BAC.”
Late that same night, a deputy saw a truck weaving between lanes while headed west on Highway 260 near Camp Verde.
“During contact with the driver, a 46-year-old man from Casa Grande, the deputy detected an odor of alcoholic beverages on his breath and person,” D’Evelyn said. “The driver failed field sobriety tests and was arrested while denying any alcoholic beverage consumption.
On Aug. 27 in Congress, a deputy stopped a car for traffic violations at about 1:30 a.m.
When the deputy spoke to the driver, a 26-year-old Morristown resident, “the deputy could smell an intoxicating beverage on his breath. The deputy noticed a gun on the front passenger seat and an open can of beer wedged between the passenger seat and center console,” D’Evelyn said. “The man admitted he should not be driving and a records check indicated his license had been revoked.”
Finally, on Aug. 28, deputies in Prescott and Prescott Valley arrested drivers for DUI; the PV stop resulted in multiple charges, including DUI, DUI-drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, an ignition-interlock violation, and an outstanding warrant, D’Evelyn said.

Sheriff’s deputies make 6 DUI arrests in 4 days