Four people have been charged over burglaries in Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard in recent weeks.

Rhys Moriarty, 24, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, was charged with four counts of burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and fraud.

Johnny Berry, 24, of Southwood Road, Dunstable, was charged with three counts of burglary.

A 17-year-old boy from Leighton Buzzard was charged with two counts of burglary, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

A 17-year old boy from Bedford was charged with two counts of burglary.

All four people have been remanded into custody pending further court appearances

Four people have been charged in relation to burglaries in Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard over recent weeks.

Rhys Moriarty, 24, of Beech Avenue, Northampton, was charged with four counts of burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and fraud.

Johnny Berry, 24, of Southwood Road, Dunstable, was charged with three counts of burglary.

A 17-year-old boy from Leighton Buzzard was charged with two counts of burglary, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

A 17-year old boy from Bedford was charged with two counts of burglary.

All four people have been remanded into custody pending further court appearances.

It is that time of year when people wrap up warm and venture to local parks to enjoy a fireworks display.

Here’s a round up of some of the displays in Bedfordshire.

Luton

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WHAT: Luton Council’s Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored by Luton Airport

WHERE: Popes Meadow, Old Bedford Road, Luton, LU2 7PN

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Gates open at 6.30pm and the display will start at 7.30pm

HOW MUCH: Free

OTHER INFO: Car parking is available in all town centre car parks and access to the site is via paved foothpaths.

The following roads will be closed between 5pm and 9pm on Saturday: Old Bedford Road (including Knights Field, Earls Meade & The Wickets), Bowling Green Lane, Wardown Crescent (including Alwyn Close, Greenside Park & Trowbridge Gardens), Havelock Road (including Wensleydale, Havelock Rise and Arden Place).

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Dunstable

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WHAT: Dunstable Town Council annual Fireworks Display

WHERE: Creasey Park Community Football Club, Creasey Park Drive, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 1BB

WHEN: Friday, November 3

TIME: Gates open at 5pm and the display starts at 7pm

HOW MUCH: Free

OTHER INFO: There is something for everyone including a funfair, a visit from a minion and the firework display is choreographed to music

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WHAT: Houghton Regis Town Council fireworks display

WHERE: Tithe Farm Recreation Ground, Tithe Farm Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5JD

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Gates open at 6pm and the display starts at 7pm

HOW MUCH: Free

OTHER INFO: It is the second year the town council will be hosting the event, entrance to the recreation ground will be via Hillborough Crescent.

There will be food retailers, fairground style rides for younger children.

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Leighton Buzzard

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WHAT: The Rotary Club of Leighton Linslade presents Leighton Buzzard Rotary Fireworks

WHERE: Brooklands Middle School, Brooklands Drive, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3PF

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Gates open at 5.45pm, the bonfire will be lit at 6.45pm followed by fireworks

HOW MUCH: £6 for adults and £3 for under 15’s

OTHER INFO: A free Marshalls bus to the fireworks display for ticket holders will run from Sandhills shop, The Hare Pub in Linslade and various stops along Derwent Drive.

Proceeds from the event will support The Rotary Club’s new venture, Yes We Can, helping young disabled people get into sport in Leighton Buzzard.

TICKETS: To buy tickets go to www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for Leighton Buzzard Rotary, they are also on sale now at Quarters Estate Agency in the High Street, Inwards Motors on Grovebury Road and Adrienne’s Florist opposite Waitrose car park.

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Barton Le Clay

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WHAT: The Big Bang Firework Night

WHERE: Barton Rovers FC, Sharpenhoe Road, Barton Le CLay, MK45 4SD (car park on Luton Road MK45 4LQ)

WHEN: Friday, November 3

TIME: Gates open at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults, OAPs and under 16’s £3, under 3’s are free

OTHER INFO: Come down and enjoy live music, fair ground rides, Dance Starz display, internal and external bars, food and stalls for the whole family. Parking for the event is free.

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Bedford

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WHAT: Danish Camp will be hosting a Fireworks Extravaganza night

WHERE: Danish Camp Riverside Visitor Centre, Chapel Lane, Willington, Bedford, MK44 3QG

WHEN: Saturday, October 28

TIME: Gates open at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £16 for adults, £8 for children, which includes bangers, mash and beans or chilli and rice.

OTHER INFO: There will be live music as well as the display for people to enjoy

TICKETS: Buy in advance from: info@danishcamp.co.uk

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WHAT: Bedford Blues annual Fireworks Display and funfair

WHERE: Bedford Blues, Goldington Road Stadium, Goldington Road, Bedford, MK40 3NF

WHEN: Friday, November 3

TIME: Gates open at 6pm, kids firework display at 7pm, followed by the main display at 8pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults in advance and under 4’s go free

OTHER INFO: The rugby club has set up another spectacular display which promises to be an action packed, fun filled evening of loud and colourful entertainment, sponsored by club partners Progress Skoda.

There will be a funfair, food outlets and an outdoor bar for visitors to enjoy.

TICKETS: Buy in advance from: https://app.eclipseticketing.co.uk/en/default/buy-tickets/index/p/1/organizer-id/1103660/distribution-id/122491

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WHAT: Halloween Spooktacular Fireworks Display in Bedford

WHERE: The Horse & Groom at Clapham Bedford, High Street, Clapham, Bedford, MK41 6EQ

WHEN: Sunday, October 29

TIME: 5.30pm

HOW MUCH: £4 for adults, £2 for children, £10 for a family (two adults and two children)

OTHER INFO: Set down by the river, there will be a professional firework display, children’s fairground, hog roast, and live music.

TICKETS: On sale from The Horse & Groom, cash only

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WHAT: Ampthill Round Table Fireworks Display

WHERE: The Cross Keys, High Street, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HB

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Stalls will be set up from 3.30pm, fireworks starting at 5pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults, £3 for children and £15 for a family

OTHER INFO: Round Table promises to bring a great family event to the town on Bonfire Night with a funfair, a BBQ and a range of stalls.

All profits will go to local charities.

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WHAT: Blunham Playing Fields Association Fireworks Display

WHERE: Blunham Playing Fields, Barford Road, Blunham, Bedford, MK44 3NE

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Doors will open at 5pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults and £1 for under 18’s and under 5’s are free.

OTHER INFO: There will be food stalls, a BBQ and a bar for visitors to enjoy.

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WHAT: Moggerhanger Park Fireworks Festival

WHERE: Moggerhanger Park, Park Road, Moggerhanger, Bedford, MK44 3RW

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Gates open at 4pm and the display will start at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £6, children under 18 months are free

OTHER INFO: Fireworks display team Whitelightning will be lighting up the skies of Bedford, there will also be funfair rides for children, a BBQ, refreshment stalls, a bar and much more.

TICKETS: Call 01767 641007

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Ampthill

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WHAT: Ampthill Fireworks

WHERE: Ampthill Park, Woburn Street, Ampthill, MK45 2HX

WHEN: Friday, November 3

TIME: Gates open at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £7 for adults and £3 for children

OTHER INFO: The annual community fireworks display held in Ampthill Great Park is run on a not-for-profit basis with any remaining funds being distributed to local charities.

The display includes a pre-show of live music acts, funfair rides and various food stalls.

TICKETS: To buy online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ampthill-fireworks-2017-tickets-37966805738?ref=ebtnebtckt

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Lidlington

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WHAT: Thomas Johnson Lower School Fireworks Display

WHERE: Thomas Johnson Lower School, Hurst Grove, Lidlington, Bedford MK43 0SB

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Gates open at 5pm, the display begins at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults and £2.50 for children when bought in advance

OTHER INFO: The evening promises fun for the whole family with a BBQ, a licensed bar, refreshments and stalls.

TICKETS: To buy online visit: www.goldengiving.com/event/thomasjohnsonfireworks. Prices will be higher on the gate.

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Biggleswade

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WHAT: The Crown at Northill Fireworks

WHERE: The Crown, Ickwell Road, Northill, Biggleswade, SG18 9AA

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Gates open at 5pm

HOW MUCH: £10 for a family of four, or £4 for adults and £2 for children

OTHER INFO: There will be a BBQ, cakes, toffee apples and much more for people to enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Sandy

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WHAT: The 1st Sandy Scout Group Firework Display

WHERE: The Sand Pit, Cambridge Road, Sandy, Bedford, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DB

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Gates open at 6.30pm

HOW MUCH: £5 in advance, under 5’s are free

OTHER INFO: Families can enjoy an evening of hot food and drink while watching the annual firework display

TICKETS: Purchased in advance from Bridge Farm Shop, Queen’s Head, Andy Tourist Information (council offices), Mama’s Coffee Shop, Co-op Fallowfield and Sandy Greeting.

Tickets can also be purchased on the night for £8.

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WHAT: Gamlingay first School Association are proud to present Stage Show Musicals Fireworks

WHERE: Gamlingay Eco Hub, Stocks Lane, Gamlingay, Sandy, SG19 3JR

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Gates open at 4.30pm, the fireworks display will start at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £5 in advance, or £6 on the gate

OTHER INFO: There will be a BBQ and refreshments

TICKETS: Purchased in advance from Gamlingay First School, Eco Hub, Woodview Farm Shop and Co-op.

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Shefford

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WHAT: Meppershall Fireworks

WHERE: Meppershall Village Hall, Shefford Road, Meppershall, Shefford, SG17 5LJ

WHEN: Saturday, November 4

TIME: Gates open at 5.30pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults and £3 for children

OTHER INFO: A family event with plenty of music, hot food and drinks to warm you up during the fantastic annual firework display. Parking is limited.

TICKETS: Call Meppershall Village, 07810 526325

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Arlesey

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WHAT: Stotfold Firework Spectacular

WHERE: Fox and Duck, Arlesey Road, Stotfold, Arlesey, SG5 4HE

WHEN: Sunday, November 5

TIME: Gates open at 6pm

HOW MUCH: £5 for adults, £2 for children or a family ticket for two adults and two children is £12

OTHER INFO: There will be a bar, food, stands and stalls for the whole family to enjoy.

TICKETS: Purchased online at www.skiddle.com

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>> If you’re holding a fireworks event in Bedfordshire and want it mentioned, email details to editorial@lutonnews.co.uk.

The quality of the squad assembled by Luton boss Nathan Jones has been labelled as ‘ridiculous’ by defender Johnny Mullins.

Hatters’ experienced centre half has already experienced promotion from League Two twice in his career and when asked where the group of players at Kenilworth Road rank compared to the sides he had been part of, Mullins said: “This squad is ridiculous in terms of quality.

“The teams I’ve played in before maybe it was the team and then three or four others.

“Here we can probably fill two teams that would give it a good go.

“We’ve really got to use that to our advantage, as when people are coming in, they’re hungry to stay in and do well and that’s only going to bode well.

“The way that it looks to me is if we do what we do and keep working hard, we’ve got a hell of a chance.

“Football’s a hard game and when you think you’re doing well, it’s got a habit of creeping up on you.

“So everyone’s keeping their feet firmly on the ground and come May 5th, or whatever it is, hopefully we’re all celebrating together.”

Striker James Collins, who has gone up three times already from this league, had a similar view to his team-mate.

He said: “A lot of aspects of this team reminds me of teams I’ve had success with in the past.

“We’ve got good depth in the team, got good experience, got good young lads, got a great manager, got great fans.

“I worked with a guy, Graham Turner, who always used to say, two points a game gets you promoted and if we’re on that track then it’s great testament to everyone.

“It’s all a recipe for success, so it would be a disaster if we didn’t take advantage of that this year.”

It’s on your marks for the starting pistol for this year’s Luton half-marathon on Sunday.

And to celebrate its five year anniversary, organisers have introduced a 10k run and are urging residents to get out and cheer on the runners.

Both the Marathon and the 10k race will begin at Stockwood Park Athletics Centre and take runners through Luton and finish in the town centre.

This year’s half marathon course has been refreshed but still takes in the stunning grounds of Luton Hoo estate with runners passing the iconic mansion

house and breathtaking landscape.

The 10k will not go into the grounds of Luton Hoo and therefore makes the new course much more accessible to all, but still a great opportunity for those raising money for charities or looking to take on a new challenge whilst still getting to experience the great atmosphere on the day.

Both courses are on road, some parts are hilly, making the course challenging at times, but they are evenly spread throughout. All this coupled with beautiful scenery and being traffic free makes for a wonderful experience.

In order to ensure the safety of those taking part, extensive road closures will be in place while the race is taking place.

Road closures go in place from 8am and there will be no traffic movement until both races are completed. A fully qualified and experienced convoy will follow the race and will lift the road closures as soon as it is safe to do so, allowing traffic to flow as normal. All road closures will be lifted by no later than 1pm.

As no traffic will be permitted onto the route while the road closures are in place, residents are asked to plan alternative routes or set out either before or after the race.

Linsey Frostick, Chairperson for Love Luton said: “We have more than 950 runners signed up to take part this Sunday. It will be fantastic to welcome so many runners, some of whom are travelling for up to three hours to attend.

“This is a truly unique event for Luton, running through the heart of the borough and finishing by the iconic Town Hall building.

“We appreciate that shutting the roads may slightly impact on motorists, but safety is paramount and we ask that residents come out and support runners as they travel past. We do hope the event continues to inspire people to take up running and other sports”.

Roads affected include: Bridge Street, Castle Street, Church Street, Cromwell Hill, Cumberland Street, Cutenhoe Road. Flowers Way. George Street, Guildford Street, Hucklesby Way, Kingsdown Avenue, London Road, Manchester Street, Old Bedford Road, Park Street, Park Street West, Reginald Street, Stockingstone Road, Wellington Street.

The event will be fully marshalled throughout with both Bedfordshire Police and security.

St. John Ambulance will also be located throughout the course.

To see the full list of closures visit www.loveluton.org.uk/halfmarathon.

If you require any further information please visit the website www.loveluton.org.uk/halfmarathon or email events@loveluton.org.uk

A Luton woman is facing a life sentence after pleading guilty today to the murder of her sister in the house where they lived together.

Sabah Khan, 27, stabbed 34-year-old Saima Khan to death in the hallway of her home while her four children were asleep upstairs.

She also cut off her hand in the savage attack as other members of their family were at a mosque attending a funeral.

Care worker Saima was found slumped in a pool of blood in the hallway of her semi-detached home in Luton, Beds., at around 11.30pm on May 23 last year.

Detectives initially investigated claims a burglar had broken into the property and carried out the killing.

Khan previously denied murder but changed her plea to guilty on the first day of her trial at the Old Bailey today (tue).

She will be sentenced on Thursday.

Saima Khan’s husband Hafeez Rehman, a taxi driver, previously said the family’s hearts had been “torn apart” and their four children deprived of their mother.

He said: “She was a loving mother to four beautiful children, a devoted wife, a beloved daughter and the most caring of sisters.

“She has been taken from us at the age of 34 and my children have been deprived of their mother.

“This was a junction in our lives where we intended to watch our children grow, to love them and spend quality time as a family and make memories.

“We have been left with a gap in our lives and we can only pray that she is resting in peace.

“As everyone can appreciate and understand that the circumstances have torn our hearts apart.

“My family and I would like to thank you all for the condolences messages, and support that we have received from family, friends and the local community.”

Speaking after the guilty plea, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Gallop, senior investigating officer for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “This is any family’s worst nightmare - it is beyond comprehension for the family to hear that one daughter has brutally murdered another.

“It has been a horrendous ordeal for them and we are pleased that we have received the guilty plea today.

“We continue to support the family, I’m not sure there can ever really be a closure, but what I do hope is that after sentencing they can hear what happened that night and start to move forward.”

The Bedfordshire Poppy appeal will be launching on Saturday at The Mall in Luton.

The launch will take place in the Atrium at St George’s Square and The Mall is inviting the public to join current and former service men and women, cadets and Legion members at a service of Remembrance at 10.45am.

The exhortation will be read by the County Chairman, Eric Robinson MBE, which will be followed by the last post and then a laying of wreaths. After a two-minute silence a sea of poppy petals will cascade from the ceiling.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Vinod Tailor, Luton Mayor, Tahir Khan, Detective Chief Superintendent Bedfordshire Police, Mark Lay, the Town Mayor of Houghton Regis Joanna Hillyard, will also be in attendance.

Lavinia Douglass, marketing manager at The Mall Luton, said: “At The Mall, we are proud to support the Royal British Legion and especially host this special occasion.

“It gives us the opportunity to appreciate, remember and think about all those who have served in the past, or still serve our country. The event will also mark the launch our Poppy Appeal in centre – this year we have a wide range of poppy merchandise available, a far larger range than ever before.”

The national launch for this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is on Thursday, October 26, at The Royal Albert Hall.

A range of Royal British Legion merchandise will be available to buy from a stand in The Mall, and the Legion will be accepting old £1 coins. The Legion uses donations to offer support in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on key issues, and offering advice on money problems and benefits.

They are creepy and cooky, mysterious and spooky, but altogether wonderful in The Addams Family

This musical re-telling sees the daughter of darkness Wednesday Addams falling in love with a boy from a seemingly normal family. But his daughter falling in loves a problem for Gomez, her father, as he must keeps a secret from his darling wife Morticia. Something he has never done before.

This is a show which has a real ensemble feel with all the performers and none of them feel absolutely out of place. Cameron Blakely is outstanding as patriarch Gomez while Samantha Womack transformed from her recogniseable blonde to a black hair and portrays Morticia with plenty of deadpan humour.

Carrie Hope Fletcher has certainly got a pair of lungs on her as demonstrated by the song Pulled and the way she holds the final note was immaculate. Even Scott Paige, standing in for the sadly indisposed Les Dennis slots into the rest of the cast like he's been there for the entire tour.

There's plenty of comedy, lots of humour and some sparkling music. This is a show packed with creepy ghosts and ghouls and ideal as we prepare for the Halloween season.

The Addams Family is at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday October 28. For tickets call the box office on 0844 871 7607 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes.

A Houghton Regis mum is organising a fundraiser to raise money for The Lullaby Trust in memory of her daughter.

Lily Sansom is organising the special event at St Vincent’s Social Centre in Houghton Regis on Saturday, November 11, to celebrate her daughter’s life. Bria was 14 months old when she passed away in her sleep on January, 28, 2015.

Lily said: “How was it possible that 12 hours previously she had gone to bed happy, smiley and drank her bottle just as she always did, there were no warning signs, no major illness other than a slight cold, no reasons to ever imagine she could just die in her sleep, but that’s what happened, her little body at 14 months old had just given up for no reason.

“No cause of death was found so Bria died of Sudden Unexpected Death in Childhood (SIDS/SUDIC) which is the older version of cot death.

“The one thing I promised her I will do is never let anyone forget her, I will strive to keep her memory alive, as long as my heart is beating there is a part of her heart beating too.

“I don’t want the pain of losing her to outweigh my gratitude for her short but beautiful life and I’m so thankful that I did get the pleasure of being her mummy.”

Since her daughter’s tragic death Lily has been raising awareness of SIDS/SUDIC by speaking with other parents and spreading the word on social media about safer sleeping.

On what would have been Bria’s fourth birthday Lily is inviting everyone to the fundraiser from 12pm till 4pm, to remember her daughter’s life and raise awareness for The Lullaby Trust.

She said: “The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of SIDS, provide expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families. I am hoping to raise as much money as I can for a charity very close to my heart.

“On the day we will have a lot going on including a bouncy castle, face painting, a cake and bake sale, a raffle, a tombola and a princess meet and greet.

“I am hoping to have a balloon release with Bria’s baby brother, 20 month old Kobe, as the special guest. My son and only other child has been instrumental in my ways of coping with the loss of Bria but my heart will never be healed from her loss.”

If anyone would like to donate a raffle prize or make a donation of any kind, they can contact Lily on lilysansom89@yahoo.com.

For more information about the fundraiser visit: www.facebook.com/events/1576521042391287/?ti=icl

For an actress who has done many musical theatre productions, Samantha Womack admitted that a role in another one wasn’t top of her to do list after EastEnders.

Having previously done South Pacific and Guys and Dolls, she now plays the role of Morticia in The Addams Family musical coming to Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday to Saturday October 24 to 28.

“I agreed to go to the initial meeting, but I wasn’t convinced, ” she told me.

But preparing for that meeting entailed a certain amount of research, during which Samantha found her mind being changed.

“Immediately I got a very clear sense of how I should play the role. I’d never played a character that was so deadpan before and as I read the script I really started to enjoy it.

“I also really liked the character-style of singing, which was different to me.

“Suddenly I couldn’t stop thinking about it; I was being seduced!”

For those of us who are new to The Addams Family, how would she sum up Morticia?

Samantha said: “Morticia is the matriarch of the family and she tends to everyone carefully. She believes in truth and is a good home maker.

“She believes in everything to do with herfamily and that’s her religion really.

“If an untruth is told then it really will break her heart.

“The whole thing about the Addams Family is they are supposed to co-exist in this perfect world for them, which is dark and strange, but they don’t argue.”

The show tells the story of Wednesday Addams, a princess of darkness with a shocking secret. When her father Gomez learns that she has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family, he must do something he’s never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Inviting Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and family to dinner, meeting Lurch, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the rest of the clan will ensure that it’s a night that nobody will forget in a hurry.

There have been films and TV series but does Samantha have a preference?

She said: “I liked the series in the 60s and for me, that is the closest to my Morticia in thatshe’s kind of warmer, less arch, less knowing.

“Almost as if she is fascinated with the old movie sstars of the time.

“I enjoyed that series and the comedy in that was just brilliant. The casting was phenomenal. I probably know that more than the film though my daughter knows the films.”

And what challenges does playing the part of Morticia entail?

“My biggest challenge is not moving so facially trying to stay interesting but being very devoid and trying to be economical with it. It is hard to keep that interesting. There is a lot of bird like movements but not moving the face.

“It is quite hard not to laugh as well as we have Cameron Blakely, who plays Gomez, who is making everyone laugh.”

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 0844 871 7652 or visit www.atgtickets.co.uk/miltonkeynes

The directors behind the video for Pharrell Williams’s hit song Happy have teamed up with THINK! for its latest road safety campaign, aimed at cutting the numbers of people killed or injured by drivers using mobile phones.

We Are From LA directed the new video, which will run online, in cinemas and on social media from today (Wednesday October 25).

It uses innovative filming, is shot in the style of a music video with an edgy soundtrack from celebrated musician Aphex Twin and numerous pink kittens to highlight how much drivers miss if they are distracted by looking at their handheld phone.

If a driver travelling at 30mph glances at their phone for just 2.3 seconds, they miss 100 feet of road – the length of a Boeing 737.

Jesse Norman, Road Safety Minister, said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world, but we are always looking at ways to make them even safer.

“But the awful truth is that tens of thousands of drivers are still flouting the law and endangering others by using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel.

“This eye-catching advert demonstrates how dangerous looking at your phone for just two seconds can be, and the devastating impact it can have on other road users.”

On March 1 2017 penalties for using a handheld mobile while driving were doubled to a £200 fine and six penalty points. Meaning drivers caught twice face a lengthy ban – which could also then lead to a £1,000 fine. While new drivers - those who have passed within the last two years - face having their licence revoked if caught just once.

More than 15,000 fines have been issued to drivers using a handheld phone since the new penalties were introduced.

Following the March THINK! campaign, awareness of the penalties increased by 89% and 47% of those that had seen the adverts said they were less likely to use their phone when driving as a result.

The approach is a break from the normal hard-hitting THINK! campaigns as it is proven to be more effective at influencing the target audience – those aged 17 to 34. This age group is three times more likely than over 35s to use a handheld mobile while driving. The current four-week campaign also includes two radio adverts.

THINK! is urging Android smartphone users to download the Car Mode app or if using an iPhone, its drive safe mode, which automatically detects when you’re driving, and silences incoming calls and messages.

RAC road safety spokesman Pete Williams said: “The RAC’s latest research reveals that the problem is still at epidemic proportions with a hard core of drivers persisting in texting, talking, tweeting and even taking photos at the wheel.

“We therefore welcome THINK!’s thought-provoking video, which highlights the dangers of a two-second glance at your phone while driving. Motorists risk a collision with potentially fatal consequences which could change their life, and the lives of others, forever.

“We hope that this will help persuade more drivers to put away their handheld mobile phone for good when driving and be phone smart.”

Chief Constable Anthony Bangham, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, said: “Driving while distracted by a mobile phone is completely unacceptable and puts everyone on the roads at risk of serious harm. Police are making use of the tougher penalties to clamp down on this dangerous behaviour – but we have to be clear that when you get behind the wheel it is your responsibility to stay focused and alert.

“As this campaign makes clear, it only takes a few seconds of distraction to change lives forever.”

Directing duo We Are From LA are also the brains behind the Evian’s Babies as well as the current Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Converse adverts.

Hatters boss Nathan Jones has hit back at Exeter defender Dean Moxey after the Grecians player labelled Luton a ‘cocky bunch’ in his online column last week.

The City full back, writing for DevonLive.com after Town had romped to a 4-1 victory at St James Park, said: “I didn’t much care for the way Luton went about things.

“Take it from me, they’re a cocky bunch who, rather than let their football do the talking, did everything they could to wind us up.

“I guess they might argue the end justified the means, but it’s not the way we like to play the game and, truth be told, I’d love to see them come unstuck!”

That didn’t sit well with Jones though as when asked for his reaction to those comments, the Luton chief said: “We have a wonderfully hard working, humble group of players.

“When they go on the pitch, things happen and I’ve come up against some really nice human beings that are real terriers and real difficult people on the pitch, but it’s on the pitch.

“So anything that happens on the pitch, happens on the pitch.

“So to Dean Moxey, and I’m not worried about him calling us cocky and stuff, what I took liberty with or what he’s taken liberty is, is that he hopes we come unstuck.

“Well, that’s not right, that’s not good.

“We don’t care who else does well or who does badly, we don’t look at it, what we do is concentrate on ourselves.

“So I just say to Dean Moxey, it won’t affect what we do, but just concentrate on your own thing.

“You concentrate on your own thing and I’m sure you’ll be fine, but don’t comment on Luton, don’t comment on 
us and what we do well or what we do badly, as that will only give this team motivation.

“So very, very brave in the old media Dean Moxey it seems. The old keyboard warrior.”

On whether Moxey had made a rod for his own back when the Grecians head to Kenilworth Road next year, Jones continued: “Well, I don’t know, they don’t come there until February, so maybe we’ll forget about it by then.

“But we don’t comment on anyone else, or hope that anyone else does badly.

“What we do is we hope we win our games and then whatever else happens, good luck to anyone else.

“People get what they deserve in football. If you work hard, you get the right things, then hopefully you’ll succeed and get what you deserve and that’s what we have.

“So he might comment on us, but we’re a good group and we’re an honest group and they’re a hard working group and they’re good human beings and they’ve very humble, on the pitch.

“Sometimes we need to do stuff to win games and we do it, but that’s football, that’s football.”

Captain Scott Cuthbert was quick to laugh off the comments as well and actually felt it was paying the Hatters the respect they deserve for being at the summit this term.

He added: “Things happen in games, the little (Crawley) striker was having a dig at me during the game trying to get a rise out of me (on Saturday).

“I think Hylts (Danny Hylton) or Collo (James Collins) maybe had a little nibble at Moxey and he took a little bit umbrage there, but that’s part and parcel of the game.

“You get it and sometimes you lose the argument, sometimes you win those arguments.

“I don’t think it helped that Hylts nutmegged him as well, so I think it’s a bit of sour grapes.

“It’s nothing, just emotions running high after the game and those things happen.

“It’s a bit harsh (hoping Luton will come unstuck), but my best mate plays centre mid for them, Lloyd James the captain, and he was after the game saying as well, how much he hates us as a team.

“But that’s what happens when you’re winning.

“You look at your Man Us and Arsenals that were dominating the Premier League year on year out.

“Everyone hated them, everyone wanted to beat them, everyone wanted to knock them off that perch.

“I’m not liking ourselves to those kind of teams, but we’re at the top, we’re there to be shot at and the way we’re going just now, bring it on so to speak.

“We’ll take on anyone and we’ll challenge anyone and hopefully stay at the top of that league.”

Crawley Town boss Harry Kewell felt Luton were lucky to leave the Checkatrade Stadium with a point during Saturday’s goalless draw.

The hosts had gone into the game with just one win on home soil this season, but threatened throughout, with Jordan Roberts missing a glorious chance in the second half, while he was also denied twice by Marek Stech.

However, Hatters weren’t without their moments either, Elliot Lee hitting the post, James Collins sending a free header wide and Glen Rea forcing a good save from Glen Morris, but speaking afterwards, Kewell said: “I felt we deserved more of the game, I felt we played them to a tee.

“I knew exactly what they were going to do, and we played them off the park.

“I was surprised really that they didn’t really change it up, so we stuck to our gameplan and I thought we looked dangerous throughout.

“It was difficult conditions in the game, but the team played excellent, we looked very determined, we just lacked that killer instinct up top.

“If I get performances like that you’ll not only get a happy manager, you’ll get a happy club.

“Everyone hand on heart and he’ll (Nathan Jones) probably say different, but I think if he was truthfully honest he will say he was lucky to get a point here today.”

The final whistle brought huge cheers from the home fans, who had only witnessed one victory from their previous seven games at the Checkatrade Stadium, with six defeats too.”

Kewell thought they have should have been celebrating three points though, as he added: “I am sure they (the fans) would be a little bit upset because I felt we deserved the game.

“Don’t get me wrong, Luton are a fantastic team; they hit the bar, they’ve got great players up front, they’ve great movement, great goalscorer they’ve taken from us (James Collins) so they’ve got armoury and look to counter-attack a lot.

“I felt we stopped that and picked a lot of the second balls up and played.

“I felt my team performed exactly the way I wanted them to play this team.

“I felt we looked dangerous, especially going forward both halves. We just lacked that killer pass to get the goal because that was how close it was in the end.

“We are doing the right things; we just need to be a little bit more hungrier, a little bit more determined, we are heading in the right direction.”

A concerned Dunstable resident fears for the safety of local school children, as she claims cars “fly across” a faded roundabout in front of her house.

The 76-year-old woman, who lives at the point where Langdale Road meets Lowther Road, claims she is fed up of hearing brakes screeching, because cars cannot see faded roundabout lines situated where the two streets join.

The woman argues that the lines have been faded for three or four years, and hopes that Central Bedfordshire Council will take urgent action and paint them, as she fears for the safety of the “newly independent” 11-year-olds who walk to Queensbury Academy by themselves.

The woman claimed: “Nobody here has any idea there is a roundabout when driving – the amount of times I hear people’s car brakes screeching – it’s on a daily basis!

“We also have many Queensbury school children trying to cross on this corner and it really is very worrying – someone is going to get killed.

“Nobody thinks they should give way or wait, or treats it as a roundabout.

“We once had a car come down Langdale Road to turn into Lowther Road so fast that it missed the corner, crashing into the house opposite us!

“Meanwhile, the young school children are like a group of little sheep – if one goes they all go and if something comes they all rush back onto the pavement.

“We’ve also put protective boulders and rocks at the front edge of our garden near our path.”

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokeswoman, said: “An order has been placed with our contractor to undertake the necessary works, but we are chasing for a confirmed date.”

A popular Dunstable craft and sewing shop has moved to a new home, as staff and customers attended a grand opening with the town mayor.

My Sewing Basket, formerly of Queensway Parade, was welcomed to its new home in Ashton Square on Saturday, October 14, as town mayor, Gloria Martin, gave the shop her seal of approval with a speech.

The mayor also had the honour of cutting the ribbon and there was a raffle, cake sale, and 25 per cent discount on the day for customers.

Cllr Martin, said: “As a loyal customer of My Sewing Basket, when they informed me they were moving into new premises, I asked to be 
the person to officially open the new shop and it is a pleasure to be here today doing just that”.

Owners, Donna Stevens and Dave Willis, said: “We had a great day! It’s amazing to see all our regular customers and the new ones that find us daily.

“We’re a family run business, based in Dunstable since February 2013, and our customers range from five years to over 100 years old.

“We offer sewing machine sales and repairs, over 1,000 patchwork cottons, dress fabrics, knitting yarn, haberdashery, and dolls house accessories.”

Hatters duo Akin Famewo and Aaron Jarvis were on target as Luton Town Hatters won a behind-closed doors development squad game against League One Peterborough United at The Brache yesterday.

Famewo opened the scoring midway through the first half with a header from a Luke Gambin cross, before a Peterborough defender turned Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s cut-back into his own goal for the second on the hour.

Jarvis, who came on as a second-half substitute, netted the third in the 68th minute when he met another Gambin corner with a header for his first goal in a Town shirt.

The hosts picked a strong side for the contest, with James Shea, James Justin, Andrew Shinnie, Lawson D’Ath, Jordan Cook and Elliot Lee getting run-outs too.

First team coach Joaquin Gomez took the game and was hugely impressed by the manner of his side’s victory.

He told the club’s official website: “It was a continuation of the previous two games we’ve had against Northampton and Brentford, where we’ve set a really good tempo and made our mark on the game in the attacking areas.

“We’ve deliberately chosen higher level opposition for these development matches because we want to test the lads who need the minutes because they’ve been injured, suspended or not playing as much as they’d like.

“That’s what happened again because Peterborough had five or six first team players in there and in all honesty, we could have won by more if we’d shown more of a clinical edge.

“We actually scored the goals in a way that didn’t do justice to the chances we created.

“Akin scored from a cross from Gambo. Pelly went on a couple of runs to get in behind on the right, and the third time he did it he beat his man one v one, and when he’s cutting it back the defender has put the ball into his own goal.

“Then Aaron Jarvis has come on and got his head on a corner for 3-0.

“We’re really pleased to have won the game, but most importantly it’s about fitness and how we play, and we were excellent.

“We were dominant across all areas and confident in the way we went about things. The work ethic was right up there and not just in an attacking sense.

“We defended really well and picked up another clean sheet, which is important whether it’s in the league or in a development game, because all the players out there today are trying to prove they are ready if they are called upon.”

Meanwhile, keeper Shea, who has had to play the understudy role to first choice Marek Stech this term, came in for particular praise, as Gomez added: “I’ve also got to say that James Shea showed the quality of keeper we have got at the club as a number two.

“He was first class in his distribution, his talking and the couple of saves he had to make.

“It was a really good work-out and we’re as delighted with the defensive part of it as we are the 3-0 win.”

Hatters: Shea, Justin, Musonda, Famewo, Senior, Mpanzu, Shinnie, D’Ath, Gambin, Cook, E Lee. Subs: Jarvis, Panter, Neufville, Belgrove, James, Isted.

Ashton Lodge placed in special measures after

inspectors uncover ‘substantial safeguarding’ issues

The Care Quality Commission visited Ashton Lodge in Ashton Road, after reports of a “substantiated safeguarding concern”.

Inspectors reported concerns with potential infection control, no emergency plan, chaotic documents and record keeping, and that staff did not always treat people in respect.

In the report, inspectors said they were told if the home had to be evacuated, residents would go to the company’s other two homes and if these were full “they would look to accommodate people at the homes of members of staff.

“At this point they said the Local Authority would be contacted.”

Inspectors also noted members of staff leaving people’s rooms still wearing gloves and aprons.

“We entered another person’s bedroom as a member of staff was leaving the room still wearing gloves.

“They had just supported another person with their personal care needs.

“We found dirty tissues on the floor, we later returned to this room and the dirty tissues were still on the floor. We visited one person’s room and found one of their prescribed creams had brown staining on the packaging of this product. It had not been removed.”

A bin in a communal toilet used to dispose of used continence products was not emptied but later in the day inspectors found someone had sprayed a deodorant to mask the smell.

Communal toilets were not regularly flushed despite staff being around.

“Staff had been entering and leaving this room to assist people but these cleanliness issues had not been addressed,” inspectors said.Other issues included the medicine cabinet not always kept secure, and prescribed creams which needed to be at a certain temperature to be effective, were not stored correctly.

But inspectors also found residents and their families felt safe with staff.

A relative said: “I feel [relative] is safe here and cannot wander off. There is beautiful secluded garden which is walled in.”

The care home, run by Resicare Ltd, is registered to provide care for 54 people who are living with dementia and long term conditions.

A spokesman for Resicare said they were challenging the report and that there was lots of inadequate information in it.

A 91-year-old spent nearly five hours on the floor waiting for an ambulance after a fall – despite living just half a mile away from hospital.

War veteran Robert Robinson was found by his carer on the floor of his Luton home after a fall on Sunday morning.

Grandson Darrin Dolby rushed over to his address and called for an ambulance soon after 11am but paramedics did not arrive until 3.45pm.

“Obviously, he was quite uncomfortable lying on the floor and I was concerned because of his age,” said Mr Dolby.

“He kept wanting to get up and he wasn’t allowed to eat or drink anything.

“I kept calling the ambulance number and was told one wasn’t available. When paramedics did arrive, they showed us their log to say they’d had the call three minutes before.

“I’m not blaming the paramedics because they can only turn up when they get the call. They were brilliant with my grandad.”

Mr Robinson lives just half a mile from Luton & Dunstable Hospital, which can be seen from his window.

Despite some cuts and bruises, he is now recovering well from his injury.

An East of England Ambulance spokesman said: “We received an emergency 999 call for a male reported to be in his 90s who was on the floor with an arm injury.

“An ambulance car was sent, who treated the patient at scene and did not require transportation to hospital.

“Due to high pressures on the Trust in the area at the time, the patient experienced a delay in a response being sent. We welcome the patient or his family to get in touch with us to discuss this further.”

Dunstable Town battled to a creditable 1-1 draw at home to Redditch on Saturday - a team that had put five past them on the opening day of the season.

Both teams needed to adjust to the windy conditions and it was Redditch who made the first assaults on goal, with Andy Thanoj blasting over the crossbar and Nathan Fox looking foxy on the left flank.

Dunstable’s counter was highly suggestive and they won a free kick on the edge of the area. This was ineffectively cleared and Arel Amu was quickly on to a loose ball just inside the area and his finish was emphatic to put the Blues in front after 22 minutes.

Saul Williams combined with Aaron Young, who with a free shot put an effort over the bar. Redditch responded with urgency and Spencer Weir-Daley produced a low, accurate shot that was smartly saved by Attila Fur.

Fox tried his luck with a decent shot, held by Fur, who was now becoming a lot busier.

Redditch did bag the equaliser after 37 minutes. Wide on the right, full-back Lewis Wright decided to have a go from range and the ball took a bounce, enough to deceive Fur, and crept in at the far post.

Dunstable’s response was immediate as Amu crossed to Andrew Osei-Bonsu who struck the ball accurately but it drew a notable save from WBA loan keeper Ethan Ross.

Weir–Daley spurned, somehow, a golden chance to give his team the lead in a lively second half but a draw was a fair result.

The Blues visited Kings Langley on Tuesday night in the league and now host Isthmian side Lewes in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Uplifting stand-up comedian and broadcaster Stephen K Amos is back from his world tour and returns to Luton next month.

His new show, Bread and Circuses, is described as “aiming to cheer us up, for a moment, and try to help us forget what a mess the world finds itself in right now”.

The title derives from ancient Rome, where the people were given cheap food and plentiful entertainment –‘panem et circenses’ or ‘bread and circuses’ - to distract them from politics.

Stephen said: “The way I’m looking at it is that the world now is one big crazy circus. And circus was one of the earliest forms of entertainment to keep the masses appeased in the same way that we have all these crazy distraction techniques now.

“One of the biggest TV shows of the year is Love Island –if that’s not a major distraction technique I don’t know what is. And also I was looking at the phrase ‘let them eat cake’ as we live in a world with artisan types of cake and bread and no one is eating the regular bread any more. What was once a staple food of the poor has become £4 for a loaf.”

Stephen has been seen on Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, BBC1’s Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You.

The show comes to Luton Library Theatre on Saturday, November 11.

Visit www.lutonculture.com to book.