The smash-hit musical Sister Act promises to bring feel-good fun when it is staged in Dunstable this month.

Based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith and featuring original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken, the show boasts dazzling dance routines and songs inspired by Motown, soul and disco. It has been seen by six million people worldwide.

Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Under protective custody, she is hidden in the one place she won’t be found – a convent.

Disguised as a nun and under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. The show is a tribute to the power of friendship and music.

It will be presented by Dunstable Amateur Operatic Society, the award-winning company responsible in recent years for the likes of The King and I, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hairspray and Legally Blonde.

The show comes to the Grove Theatre on Friday, May 26, at 7.30pm and Saturday, May 27, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Call 01582 60 20 80 or see www.grovetheatre.co.uk to book.

A Daphne du Maurier thriller will be performed in the atmospheric setting of St Andrew’s church in Luton this month.

Richard Cowling’s musical adaptation of the ever-popular gothic novel Jamaica Inn will be staged from Wednesday May 17 to Saturday May 20.

Set in Cornwall in the early 1800s, it tells the story of Mary Yellan, who comes to live with her downtrodden aunt and mysterious uncle at the dark and lonely Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor.

Something dangerous is going on and Mary is determined to discover the secrets of her Uncle Joss and his unsavoury colleagues.

The show is being staged by St Andrew’s Players. Michael Niles, who plays Joss Merly, said: “There is something very refreshing about playing a totally unpleasant character.

“There are no limits and you can really cut loose. Joss Merlyn gives me that freedom and the fabulous songs allow me free reign to be a thoroughly hissable villain.”

Chairman Frances Hall, who plays Mrs Bassett, said: “Richard has done an exceptional job of transforming Du Maurier’s Gothic masterpiece into a piece of inspirational and truly evocative theatre. I recently described the music to a friend as Sondheim meets Howard Goodall,”

The show runs at 7.45pm each evening.

Visit www.standram.co.uk or call 07778 241457 to book.

Political opinion polls have taken a bit of a battering in the past few years. There was wide agreement on the eve of the last UK general election that the outcome would be a hung parliament. Few pollsters saw Donald Trump winning the 2015 presidential election in the US. And almost everyone agreed that Brexit would not happen. So are opinion polls worth the paper they’re written on any more?

Polling made its entrance onto the political stage in the United States presidential election of 1936, at a time when various prominent American newspapers were confidently predicting victories for Republican Alf Landon on the basis of polls of their (rich, unrepresentative) leaderships. George Gallop realised that he could achieve much more accurate predictions reasonably cheaply by taking a random sample of the population, and by doing this successfully forecast a landslide victory for Franklin D Roosevelt.

The key words in this statement are “random sample”, and this is where modern day polling is running into trouble. When Gallop began building his market research empire, gauging public opinion was a complicated business. It involved sending trained interviewers out to randomly selected addresses to interview a specific named person. If they couldn’t get hold of them, they were asked to go back again and again until they found them. What pollsters call “response rates” – the proportion of people agreeing to be interviewed – were very high. So was the cost. You had to train your interviewers, send them out, and tabulate the results, which in the BC years (before computers) was done by hand using punched paper index cards.

However, overwhelmingly, results were good, politicians came to rely heavily on poll predictions, and newspapers got into the habit of using them in order to report politics as entertainment about who was winning.

Polling today

These days technology and changes in the ways political opinion polling is done allow market researchers to get answers much more quickly and cheaply. Polling can also be done by post, online, or by phone. Rather than genuinely random samples, it’s usually cheaper for market researchers to use what are known in the trade as “quota samples”. Interviewers talk to certain numbers of people in different demographic categories (by gender, income, social class, ethnic group and so on).

However, they face several increasingly difficult challenges. Some kinds of people are just harder to reach than others, especially people who work full time – a group who are still a bit more likely to vote for conservative parties. We are now asked our opinions about so much so pointlessly that response rates for polls are desperately low at around 25-30%. We all suffer from poll fatigue.

Respondents are also self-selecting. People who are interested in politics are more likely to be willing to share their views with a stranger, and also are more likely to be left wing. All of these factors mean that the samples used by the pollsters to make their predictions simply aren’t as good as they used to be, and they all tend to err in the same direction.

This doesn’t mean that polls are now redundant. Well-constructed surveys which are properly carried out still get representative results. For example, the sample used by the British Social Attitudes survey, carried out via face-to-face interviews and requiring revisits where the randomly selected individual was unavailable for interview, correctly forecasted around a six point lead for the Conservatives in the 2015 general election.

However, these high quality polls are expensive, and take a long time. Given that the mass media mostly wants poll numbers rapidly, and for entertainment, it hardly seems likely that they will want to make the extra investment.

Parties’ own internal polls do take the time and trouble and do get accurate results, ones which will no doubt have been part of the prime minister’s decision to go to the country. Current published polls show the Conservative Party has a 20 point lead over Labour, if not more. Is the true situation in the country likely to be anything other than a large Tory lead? Absolutely not: even cheap polls are not that inaccurate. As it stands, you’d be most unwise to take the 12:1 odds currently offered by some bookmakers on Labour being the largest party on June 8.

This piece originally appeared in The Conversation

Some of the leading names in widwifery spoke at a recent conference at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, showcasing best practice and celebrating the International Day of the Midwife.

They’re pictured with the L & D’s Stella Roberts (left) and Sheran Oke (second left).

Trust chairman Simnon Linnett presented annual awards to 10 midwives.

Topics covered at the conference included inpsiring midwifery, sepsis, hypno-birthing, antenatal support and preparation and staff well-being.

It’s that time again for Luton News/Dunstable Gazette readers to vote for your Hatter of the Season.

Will it be star striker Danny Hylton who cleaned up at the club’s end of year awards recently and with 26 goals has been a superb signing from Oxford United in the summer?

Does captain Scott Cuthbert deserve the honour for his excellent performances at the heart of Luton’s defence this term?

Or should it be speedster Isaac Vassell, who has got better and better as the year has progressed, netting 13 goals now after joining from non-league Truro City?

How about midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu, who has become such a force to be reckoned with under boss Nathan Jones? While youngster James Justin has also had a superb season after coming through the ranks at Kenilworth Road.

Voting couldn’t be simpler as all you need to do is click the link below, while players have to have featured in 30 games this term to be considered, while the winner will be announced on Monday, May 22.

To vote for your Hatter of the Season, head here Vote for your Hatter of the Season.

Luton Town have confirmed they won’t be offering four members of their U18s side deals for next season.

George Murray, Geo Craig, Harry Bean and James Verney will all leave the club in the summer, after academy and development manager Andy Awford confirmed the news in the club’s programme ahead of the Morecambe game.

Striker Murray is heading to America to take up a university scholarship in Texas, while Bean and Verney recently spent time on loan at Southern League Premier Division side Dunstable Town, with Verney also playing for Kings Langley.

Striker Craig had a spell at Ryman League Premier outfit Hendon too, as Awford said: “The joy and sense of satisfaction the Academy staff feel when an Academy graduate represents the first team is immense and there is no greater feeling, if you are fortunate enough to be part of that particular player’s development.

“However, by far the worst part of the job is having to inform players that they are being released from the football club. It is coming up to that time of the season whereby decisions on players of all ages will have to be made.

“We have recently informed some of the U18 players that unfortunately we will not be retaining them for the forthcoming season and although never an easy process, you have to be honest

“We wish George Murray, Geo Craig, Harry Bean and James Verney the very best and thank them for their contributions as unfortunately they will not be with us next season.”

After covering Luton the length and breadth of the country once again this term, it’s time to hand out some awards to the stars of the show.

Player of the season: There are some stand out candidates for this award, but it simply has to be Danny Hylton.

It’s never been just about goals with Hylton, as despite sending 26 of them into the opposition’s net during the course of his first campaign as a Hatter, the manner in which he leads the line has made him an undoubted favourite on the terraces, being the kind of focal point Luton have been missing for years.

A close second in the running is skipper Scott Cuthbert, who has been a colossus at times this year, the rock on which Town’s impressive defensive record has been built on.

Joint third would be Christian Walton, after excelling when on loan from Brighton in the first part of the campaign, and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu for his displays of the second half of the season, as he is now looking a proper player for Town.

Young player of the year: It couldn’t be anyone else other than James Justin. Coming through the youth ranks means an instant popularity usually, but the teenager has looked so composed at both right and left back. With a first touch to die for, he could go on to be a star in the future.

Breakthrough act: Isaac Vassell. Impressed Mick Harford enough to be offered a deal in the summer and it’s easy to see why as close up, his sheer pace is absolutely frightening. Added goals to his game as well and gets better and better with every passing moment.

Goal of the season: Few candidates this term, including Hylton’s curler at Morecambe, (so I’m told, see below) plus Jack Marriott’s effort versus Cambridge, but you’d go some way to better Stephen O’Donnell’s rocket against Yeovil Town way back in August. A real ‘pick that out’ effort.

Favourite Alan Sheehan free kick of the season: Deserves his own category as the Irishman has netted three blinders this term. Hartlepool one was a corner, but my personal favourite was against Crawley, where the phrase, ‘there’s no stopping that’ couldn’t have been put to better use.

Best moment of the season: Olly Lee’s winner at Barnet. Midfielder had received a fair amount of stick prior to the game, but had the whole away contingent at the Hive singing his praises as one with a cool finish during the 1-0 victory.

Quote of the season: Nathan Jones on Glen Rea: “If I had a kid that’s what I want, hopefully he’s not as dull as him, but that’s what I want because he’s right up there and I love him.”

Saves of the season: Three of them to pick out. Christian Walton’s brilliant stop from the spot at Notts County, Matt Macey’s tip on to the bar from Kyle Vassell’s overhead volley against Blackpool and Stuart Moore’s superb reflex stop to prevent Paul Mullin equalising for Morecambe,

Worst journey: Two spring to mind and that’s Morecambe and Carlisle.

The trip to the Globe saw me and my passengers miss kick off for the first time ever covering the Hatters, and even worse, by the time we had got there, Danny Hylton had made it 1-0 with an apparent pearler.

Also getting back from Carlisle on a Thursday night is bad enough, but when every single road is shut, it makes it twice as awful.

Back header of the season: The press corp are purveyors of the art and there have been some crackers this season, but Accrington defender Omar Beckles’ attempt over his own keeper was by far and away the best. Enough to earn the man of the match award from some cheeky Town fans who had sponsored the game too!

Best food: Wycombe. It’s always Wycombe. This time was no different as a delicious lasagna was served up. And they get extra points for dishing out more when this reporter hadn’t anticipated they would run out. Notts County definitely deserve a mention too. Free pies before kick-off. Choice of filling as well. What more could you want?

Farce of the season: Hatters ridiculously getting fined 15k for their supposed weakened team selections in the Checkatrade Trophy. Selections that saw the side make it to the semi-finals of the competition, losing narrowly to League One Oxford.

A chance meeting with the fiancee of celebrated chef Jean-Christophe Novelli has led to a brand new career for Ghanaian-born food blogger Patti Sloley.

The self-published cook book author now oversees front of house at the Novelli Academy in Tea Green where she also works as resident chef, running courses on African fusion food.

Patti says: “I love my annual trips back home to see family and soak up the sunshine.

“I especially love the fresh and exotic foods, walks along the beautiful sandy beaches, the cultural rhythms of Africa and of course our vibrant and tasty cuisine - that’s Ghana in a nutshell for you.”

You’ll be able to enjoy Patti’s unique take on everything foodie at a talk, taste and demonstration at Luton Irish Forum on Friday, May 19.

The mother-of-two has been described by Executive Traveller magazine as “Ghana’s best kept secret – an inspiring Ghanaian who enjoys good food with a truly international perspective.”

But Patti says the single biggest contributor to her success is her mum’s almost encyclopaedic knowledge of West African cooking: “A seemingly endless and effortless production of fabulous food with a flavour all its own.”

She adds: “My food influences include a year in America as an exchange student, European travel and too many international friendships to count – some as far back as primary school.”

She adds: “I want to bring the fun factor to cooking and dispel any fears people may have about attempting African dishes. I also want to share and promote Ghana and the hidden Africa – the one beyond the headlines.”

Patti’s African fusion course, A Plate in the Sun, will take place at the Novelli Academy on June 29. It will include a spice workshop, and exciting ideas to liven up your summer table.

> More details on www.facebook.com/events/779110435588340/

Hatters midfielder Luke Gambin has been likened to Manchester City’s Spanish wizard David Silva by Luton boss Nathan Jones.

The January transfer window signing from Barnet made his eighth start for the Hatters during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Morecambe and played the free role at the tip of the diamond, something that Silva has perfected for the Premier League giants.

Jones said: “That’s why he was bought, he was a wide player at Barnet, but we don’t play with wide players.

“He’s a real bright young David Silva type player for us in this league and that’s who we compare him to.

“He was bright, we gave him that freedom and said ‘go on, play with that freedom you have in training’ and I thought he was excellent.

“He’s brave, (has a) big heart, if they’re that size, they have to have something special and he does. For this level he’s a wonderful footballer.”

Gambin was included in the XI after an injury to defender Alan Sheehan saw Luton revert to a flat back four with their diamond formation once more, as Jones continued: “He (Sheehan) rolled his ankle yesterday, so we had a problem and had to make an enforced change there.

“Gambin came in and was excellent, he was really bright. I thought him and Jake Gray really contributed.

“Our diamond was good first half, it could have been better though, as I always want us to be really, really fluent.”

Gray also caught the eye in midfield, particularly with his assist for Marriott’s strike to make it 2-1, as Jones added: “He was one that if we made changes, we could have easily changed, but no, we stuck with him.

“It was a great ball for Jack’s goal. He’s growing, getting stronger, so the competition is rife for the games we’ve got coming up.”

By Ariane Bogain, Northumbria University

The campaign for the French presidency revealed a stark fault line on Europe. The openly pro-European Emmanuel Macron called for the EU to be strengthened while the staunchly anti-EU Marine Le Pen promised a referendum on Frexit. Victory for the former therefore raises interesting questions about what his stance will be on negotiating the UK’s exit from the union.

British headlines after the first round of voting portrayed Macron as bad news for Brexit. The Daily Telegraph described him as “the standard-bearer for open borders and the liberal global economic order” while the Guardian and the Financial Times both suggested he would drive a hard bargain in Brexit talks.

Macron believes in a strong France within a strong EU and is very keen to rekindle a Franco-German engine that has been stuttering for many years. He also wants to make the eurozone stronger, with specific proposals to establish a eurozone budget along with a parliament and a finance minister.

The new president has made no secret of his deep distaste for Brexit, defining it as a crime that will leave the UK facing servitude. He has repeatedly stressed the integrity of the EU’s four freedoms and insisted the UK should not be allowed to pick and choose from the menu. He is also very sceptical about future trading arrangements, based on the premise that “the best trade agreement for Britain is called membership of the EU”. His hard stance was all too clear when he explained that the UK could only hope for a Canadian-style agreement, which of course excludes many sectors. The financial sector in particular, so important for Britain, is heading for a rude awakening as he rejects any possibility of financial passporting rights.

At the same time, Macron sees opportunities for France in Brexit. Most notably, there is the chance to attract banks, researchers and other talent across the channel.

Then, there is Le Touquet agreement, which sees migrants trying to reach Britain facing border checks in Calais rather than Dover. He has strongly hinted that he would consider dropping this deal and leaving the UK to manage its own checks.

Bad for whom?

But whether Macron really is bad news for the UK’s negotiating position depends on the true meaning of the nebulous mantra “Brexit means Brexit”. Beneath the brouhaha, four broad stances can be distinguished: Brexit as a stepping stone to dismantling the EU, with each country following Britain’s glorious lead out of the EU; the have-your-cake-and-eat-it position, where Britain would leave the EU but keep its advantages; the “soft” Brexit based on a new close relationship with the EU; and the “hard” Brexit, with all ties severed and trade carried out under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) framework. Macron’s victory brings with it a mixed bag of good and bad news for everyone.

For those who supported Le Pen hoping that she would bring the whole house down, due to France’s central role in the EU, Macron’s victory is bad news. The EU is not going to disappear any time soon and the dream of a brand new world order arising from its ashes is not going to be fulfilled just yet.

For the have-your-cake-and-eat-it battalions and “soft” Brexit supporters, Macron’s victory is, on the face of it, also bad news. His refusal to give Britain any special arrangements or a comprehensive trade deal make that clear enough. And yet, Macron may well, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, turn out to be not such a bad news after all.

A victory for Le Pen would have plunged the EU into existential turmoil, leaving no time or inclination to spend time talking about Brexit. The UK would have been pushed so low down the list of priorities that a deal would never even have been in the offing. A Macron victory is therefore not entirely bad news. The same goes for “hard” Brexit. Had Le Pen won, the UK would be falling back on WTO tariffs with a president intent on protectionism for France.

And of course, Brexit is not a national obsession in France as it is in the UK. Far more pressing matters are already piling up in Macron’s in-tray, from sluggish economic growth to the terrorist threat. He also needs to fight for a parliamentary majority, or engineer one, in June. For all anyone knows, Macron might end up having to work with political partners who will push him to soften his stance on Brexit.

Macron will undoubtedly be vilified as a die hard pro-European who wants to bully Britain out of a good deal but let’s not make him into a bogeyman. Yes, he will take a hard stance and try to get some of the spoils for France, but why shouldn’t he seek the best deal for his own country? His priority is the eurozone and a new relationship with Germany. Britain’s fate is secondary. And let’s not forget that the Brexit negotiations are to be carried out by the EU as a whole. France has undoubtedly a big voice but it won’t decide all by itself. And at least under Macron, Britain will not be trying to strike a deal with a burning ship.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

A Noel Coward play that was banned in Britain, needed riot police to control the crowds in Paris and was a hit in Berlin is coming to Leicester Square Theatre with former Lealands High pupil Paul Vitty in the leading role.

This Was a Man will run for three weeks at the West End venue – and Paul’s hoping family, friends and fellow Lutonians will flock to see him as Edward Churt.

The production is being supported by the Noel Coward Foundation and Paul has raised sufficent funds to enable him to offer free tickets and workshops to sixth form drama students, including those from his home town.

He says: “I first got to perform Coward on stage when I was studying drama at Lealands. We did the famous balcony scene from Private Lives and I absolutely loved it.

“The wit, tension and complicated relationships seemed so relevant and engaging. His plays were like the rock ‘n’ roll of his day – complex love stories with drugs, drink and adultery.”

This Was a Man is Coward at his sharpest, provocative best. His exploration of love, marriage and the shallowness of modern society feels as poignant and pertinent today as when it was written more than 90 years ago – when the then Lord Chamberlain put his blue pencil through the entire script, deeming it far too risque.

Luton Youth Festival founder Paul is looking forward to treading the boards again after spending 12 months directing his debut feature film – Romeo and Juliet – which opened to critical acclaim earlier this year.

He says: “My most recent parts on stage have been big Shakepearian roles like Richard II so I’ve loved doing comedy and this has such a strong cast.

“I think coming from Luton gives your performance an extra authenticity and edge and one of the best things about being in the West End is the excitement it creates for your family and friends.
“It’s slightly surreal to think that from loving doing that one scene from Private Lives at Lealands, I’m now going to be the first actor to play Edward Churt in This Was a Man in the West End.

“Being an actor can be an unpredictable and hard path, so the encouragement and support from my friends in Luton has always meant a great deal.”

> More info from www.venturewolf.com/thiswasaman

There was sadness after a homeless man – often spotted in Luton with his two Akita dogs – died from a drug overdose.

Ex-Royal Navy officer Gavin Lockyer, 40, was banned from Luton town centre in November last year after Bedfordshire Police applied to magistrates for a criminal behaviour order against him – claiming he was “posing” as homeless.

In the early hours of April 23, PC Peter Osborne found Gavin collapsed behind a doctor’s surgery in Southwark, London. Beside him were his two Akita dogs named Rolex and Spike.

Friend Jackie Porter said: “Gavin was a lovely, kind, genuine man and he took in the dogs to save them from being put down. He’d had a lot of love from the people of Luton.

“I used to see old ladies going into the pound shop and they’d come out with dog food

“He never had any help, it makes me so angry.”

After Gavin collapsed, PC Osborne and other officers asked him if he was able to get up, but he could not, so they helped him to stand then called an ambulance.

A Met Police spokesman said: “He was distressed to be taken away from his dogs, but PC Osborne was insistent that he needed to go to hospital and get the right treatment.

Concerned for their wellbeing, the officer took Rolex and Spike to the RSPCA where they were given an emergency space. PC Osborne then called the hospital a few days later to check on Gavin, who was missing his loyal companions. One of the last things PC Osborne said to him was that he’d make sure the dogs were looked after.

PC Osborne said: “He said they were all he had, he was all they had.”

Sadly, whilst the dogs waited patiently for Gavin to recover, he discharged himself from hospital and soon afterwards died of a drug overdose.

PC Osborne has gone out of his way to make sure the dogs have been taken care of but the Met Police have been unable to find anyone who will claim Rolex and Spike.

This week they are due to be moved to Southwark Council kennels, where, if after seven days no one has offered them a new home, it is likely they will be put down.

The Met Police spokesman added: “Rolex and Spike are about eight years old and both male. Considering they’ve been living on the streets for a while they are healthy, friendly and have been well looked after by their late owner.

“Alongside his regular duties, PC Osborne is in the process of contacting numerous animal charities and dog shelters and hopes that Rolex and Spike will soon find a new place to live.”

In 2012, Luton Today reported that Mr Lockyer was sleeping in a cemetery after council officers allegedly refused to grant him accommodation due to his refusal to part with his dogs. A fundraiser was also organised for him by friends last year.

Gavin previously served in the Royal Navy for five years. Friend Sharon Moore often spotted him in Luton.

She said: “I hope someone can take in the dogs and give them a home together, it is very sad news.

“A lot of people in Luton knew him and helped him, he was a very nice man, very polite and pleasant.

“I would often see him sitting outside Primark with his dogs. I contacted the council about getting help for him but he refused help and placements because he refused to give up the dogs.

“I hope nothing like this happens again, it is very sad.

A former Lealands High School pupil is on a roll to win the European Dealer Championships currently taking place in London.

Jamie Cummins, 27, from Leagrave thought he was on top of the world when he took the UK casino dealer title in February. But now he’s aiming even higher - and hopes to be crowned best in the business later this week.

The highly successful roulette, blackjack, poker and punto banco dealer trained in Luton before moving to the Park Lane Club and Mayfair’s Ritz Casino.

He said: “The skills required nowadays are tough to master and you need to be on top of your game 100 percent of the time.”

And although he works most weekends and public holidays, there are pluses – no early mornings, no traffic when he drives home and a very sociable lifestyle.

His main motivation for taking part in the European championships was to represent the Ritz Club and showcase the UK’s high standards.

Guests attending the Lord Lieutenant’s annual service of thanksgiving and rededication of voluntary organisations at St Mary’s Church in Luton were given a colourful welcome by members of the town’s Carnival Arts Organisation in full carnival costume.

Lord Lieutenant Helen Nellis welcomed the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Rev Richard Atkinson, and various local dignitaries including Bedfordshire’s High Sheriff, Vinod Taylor DL, and the Mayor of Luton, Cllr Tahir Khan, as well as representatives of countrywide organisations and armed forces personnel.

Rev Mike Jones of St Marys’ led the service which featured music from Luton Community Gospel Choir and a presentation from Next Generation Youth Theatre.

There were also prayers to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Luton PC Jonathan Henry next month and the death of PC Palmer in Westminster in March.

Uniformed cadets served refreshments afterwards.

A hustings event has been arranged in Leighton Buzzard on Tuesday, May 23, featuring the candidates for the South West Beds constituency.

The evening, organised by Leighton Linslade Churches Together, will get underway at Cedars Upper School inMentmore Road, Linslade at 7.30pm and will last for up to two hours.

You will get the chance to hear from the local candidates and also put questions to them.

Voters will have four names on the ballot paper.

> Conservative Andrew Selous, who has represented the constituency in The Commons since taking over from Sir David Madel in 2001.

> Daniel Norton - Liberal Democrats

> Dan Scott - Labour

> Morvern Rennie - Green Party

At the last General Election in 2015, Mr Selous polled 28,212 votes, with Mr Scott his closest rival gaining 10,399 for Labour.

London-based rapper, singer, songwriter and poet Amy True has been holding a series of workshops at the Hat Factory for young women aged between 15 and 25.

She said: “They’re based on how we as women respect ourselves and how society respects women.

“They’re also aimed at boosting confidence and delivering performance skills.”

The results will be showcased in a free spoken word rap evening on Sunday (May 14) from 7pm to 9pm.

Amy says many of the particpants have never written poetry before or spoken in public but they will be in powerful company – female MC Nolay will head the event and tackle the harsh realities of domestic violence, drugs and abuse.

Guest speaker Diactlect D hopes to empower young women by showing them how to take a stand.

The baby of the group is 19-year-old Variety D, a controversial comedienne who likes to think outside the box.

> Reserve your seat by calling 01582 878100.

Teams of five are being invited to take part in a quiz organised by the Guidant Group at Luton’s Leaside Hotel on Friday (May 12) in aid of Action for Children.

The charity’s mission statement says: “Our 7,000 staff and volunteers operate more than 600 services, improving the lives of 390,000 children, teenagers, parents and carers every year. We succeed by doing what’s right, doing what’s needed, and doing what works for children.”

Daniel Wynne of Tottenham Hotspur TV will be the celebrity quiz master.

Entry is £100 per team. This will include a welcome drink, delicious buffet and an opportunity to use your brain while having fun for a good cause.

> More information from socialcare@guidantgroup.com

Central Bedfordshire Council is marking Foster Care Fortnight by celebrating the important work that foster carers do and encourage others to foster a child.

The theme for this year is ‘foster care transforms lives’ and runs until Sunday, May 21.

In Central Bedfordshire there is a particular need for people who can foster older children, children with challenging behaviours, unaccompanied young asylum seekers and sibling groups. Fostering is open to everyone and you do not have to own your own home, the main requirements are being able to offer youngsters who have entered the care system the time, space and support to develop and enjoy a childhood.

Sue Harrison, the council’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “Our foster carers offer children a loving home and emotional support and security which they may not otherwise have - through no fault of their own. If you would like to join them and do something incredible then we would love to hear from you.”

If you would like to foster a child, call 0300 300 8181 or email fostering@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Bedfordshire Police’s Community Cohesion Team have won a Partnership Award at an awards ceremony at the University of Bedfordshire.

The team attended the Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards on Wednesday, May 3. The annual ceremony recognises teams, departments, students and teachers for their outstanding contributions and achievements.

Following the appointment of the first Bedfordshire University Liaison Officer last year, the Community Cohesion Team was shortlisted for the award.

The team was nominated for outstanding partnership and leading the region in terms of achievements by Ruki Heritage, Head of Student Support at the University.

University Liaison Officer PC Liam Mitchell seeks to support students and promote the force as a career option, he also focuses on improving safety and reducing crime in the university community.

Chief Superintendent David Boyle said: “Although the Cohesion Team won this award, the driving force behind the achievement and success is PC Liam Mitchell.

“Liam has worked to build sustainable relationships with staff and students. His hard work and presence provides reassurance and helps to inform our University communities in Bedford and Luton about how to protect themselves from crime and anti-social behaviour risks.

“Over a short period his efforts have been quickly recognised and valued leading to him receiving this award.”

PC Liam Mitchell said: “I was honoured for the team to be nominated, let alone win.

“This award is testament to the hard work that we’ve been doing in close collaboration with Ruki Heritage at the University and her student support team. I would like to thank them for their daily efforts in sharing information and working together on key projects around student welfare, supporting victims of crime, and promoting Bedfordshire Police.”

A new website has been launched by the National Federation of Shopmobility to help recover stolen or abandoned mobiity vehicles and reunite them with their owners.

The National Mobility Registration Scheme was originally piloted in Littlehmapton but it soon became clear that there was a national need for such a campaign.

Spokesman Steve Perry said: “We were amazed by 2015 police statistics which showed that out of 517 mobility scooters stolen – with an estimated value of £615,000 – only 22 percent were recovered.

“We understand the devastation and loss of independence this can cause.”

Luton Shopmobility manager Jayn Harris said: “We’re pleased to support the scheme by helping clients regsiter at the shop from 9am to midday, Monday to Friday. If you register online, please use our code LU01 which in turn will help to support us.”

It costs £12 annually and proceeds will be donated to National Federation of Shopmobility members. Visit www.nmruk.org