A COUPLE from Luton who have fostered more than 300 children in 30 years were recognised at the Annual Awards Evening for Foster Carers.

Carole and David Wells, both 63, have four children of their own and fostered their first child when their youngest was just 6 months old.

Luton Borough Council are always in great need of foster parents and Mrs Wells said that she cannot recommend it enough.

Mrs Wells said: “People say to me that they couldn’t foster because they would get too attached to the children, as if I don’t. Of course you get attached, it is very emotional, but your job is to make a difference to these children’s lives and the goal is always to get them home again if possible.

“Whilst the children are with us we give them a loving home and include them in our family, but I love working with their own families as well as with the child. When you are fortunate enough to have a support network of your own you don’t realise that some parents have no one, so there are single mothers who go into hospital and there’s no one to look after their children. It’s so rewarding to be able to help, fostering makes you feel like you’re making a difference and you haven’t wasted your life.”

Mrs Wells and her engineer husband were recognised at the evening held at Vauxhall Recreation Club on Friday May 13, but Mrs Wells says that fostering is the greatest reward in itself.

CHILDREN and staff enjoyed a grand ceremony to mark the opening of their new family centre at William Austin Junior School yesterday (May 27).

The recently appointed Mayor of Luton, Don Worlding, cut the ribbon to officially open the centre.

The family centre is equipped with an adult learning room, creche, office, meeting room and outdoor space as well as a kitchen which has already been put to good use by families attending healthy cookery courses and breakfast club.

Family worker Kristina Nogacz said: “We are really pleased to have such a lovely resource, which only enhances the work we already do with families. The centre is well planned and equipped to offer a welcoming yet calming atmosphere. We really hope that our families and community make full use of this provision as we are very fortunate to have it.”

UNION leaders have voiced concern following the announcement of job cuts at defence electronics firm Selex Galileo in Luton.

The company announced yesterday that it would be making 150 manufacturing, engineering and support staff redundant across its Capability Green, Basildon and Parc Aberporth sites.

It blamed “decreasing defence budgets, loss of and delays in major programmes and the continuing challenges facing the business”.

Managing director Norman Bone said: “This has been a difficult decision. However, it was felt necessary to take appropriate action to address some of the difficulties facing our business and to ensure that we maintain an affordable and efficient cost base to remain competitive in the future.”

The Unite union said it was concerned the redundancies at the three sites would be treated separately, meaning a shorter consultation period with workers.

Ian Waddell, the union’s national officer for aerospace and shipbuilding, said: “This news will come as a body blow for our members at Selex Galileo. It is a shock for us all as there was no warning of these redundancies.

“Under UK laws which are among the weakest in Europe, Selex only have to consult for 30 days when there are fewer than 100 redundancies at a site. If they treated this as one exercise it would buy us another 60 days to avoid compulsory job losses, valuable days which could be spent trying to find alternative work for our members.”

He also criticised the government, saying: “Highly-skilled, well-paid jobs are being lost because the government is squeezing the MoD budget at the same time as it refuses to buy British.

“No other government offers such an open defence market. It’s time the UK government defended our UK industry and the jobs that go with it.”

TWO men are taking on the marathon to end all marathons as they run through Luton as part of their 172 mile Chiltern Way challenge in June.

Joel Marris, 24, and Steve Bownds, 25, both from Chesham, will be running the footpath in aid of charities Kibera in Need (KIN) and Youth for Christ (YFC).

The distance is the equivalent of seven marathons, or running from central London to Sheffield and the boys aim to complete it in just five days.

Joel said: “We will in effect be running round Luton on our last two days, Friday June 24 and Saturday June 25. On the Saturday morning we’ll be just the other side of Luton airport.

“We welcome everyone’s support, through either charity, and ideally both!”

KIN is a charity that supports Kiberea, one of the world’s largest and poorest slums, home to more than 800,000 in Kenya where 60% of people have HIV.

Steve is the West Midlands sports development officer for YFC, is a national Christian charity that connects young people through things like sport.

The Chiltern Way route was mapped out by the Chiltern Society in 2000 as a millennium project and Joel and Steve will be running 34 miles a day through four different counties across the Chiltern Hills.

The run starts on Tuesday June 21, to support Steve and YFC visit www.justgiving.com/chiltern-steve to donate, and to support Joel and KIN visit www.justgiving.com/chiltern-joel.

More information about the charities can be found at www.kiberainneed.org or www.yfc.co.uk, or alternatively email Joel Marris at joelmarris@hotmail.com.

BLACK market UEFA Champions League final tickets worth an estimated £38,400 have been seized by the UK Border Agency at Luton Airport.

Officers found the 24 tickets for tomorrow’s Wembley showpiece on Friday last week (May 20) when they searched a 21-year-old British man arriving at the airport on a flight from Barcelona.

The tickets, each with a face value of £225, had been hidden inside a magazine in his hand luggage. Officers also found a price list showing each had a street value of £1,600.

When questioned, the man insisted that he had been sent to Spain by a legitimate ticket broker, but checks with UEFA confirmed that neither the 21-year-old, nor the named broker were authorised to sell the tickets.

Carolyn Stott, UK Border Agency assistant director at Luton Airport, said: “Interest in the Champions League is immense. Wembley is sure to be a sell out and millions more around the world will be watching Saturday’s game on TV.

“This man was taking advantage of that global popularity by buying valid tickets, with a view to selling them on illegally at inflated prices, making a handsome profit in the process.

“UK Border Agency officers are working hard at all our ports to prevent drugs, contraband or the potential proceeds of crime from entering or leaving the UK.”

The tickets have been returned to UEFA.

EURO MP Richard Howitt yesterday insisted visiting fellow members of the European Parliament had taken away a positive impression of Luton, despite opposition from the English Defence League.

The delegation was met with booing and chants from EDL members when they arrived at Luton Town Hall yesterday afternoon (Thursday May 26). The group held placards calling Mr Howitt a ‘coward’ and chanted ‘Muslim bombers off our streets’.

Talks inside the Town Hall on Luton’s efforts to combate extremism were followed by a meeting with members of the Luton Council of Faiths at the Coffee Pot cafe in Bury Park.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Howitt said: “I’m really proud of what Luton has achieved. The Luton in Harmony initiative is a beacon not just in Luton but across the whole of Europe.”

POLICE discovered around 400 cannabis plants after they raided a house in Salisbury Road on Friday morning.

Officers found three rooms in the house were being used to cultivate cannabis with full a full hydroponic lighting system installed.

The electricity supply to the property had been tampered with and had to be made safe before officers to enter.

Speaking after the raid Police Sergeant Hob Hoque said: “This operation sends out a clear message that drugs, and the cultivation of drugs, will not be tolerated in Bedfordshire.

“This seizure is the result of carefully planned, intelligence-led work and confirms the message that Bedfordshire Police is committed to the fight against drugs and those involved in producing, selling or using them can expect to find us knocking at their door.

“We would continue to urge the public to support the police in the fight against illegal substances and ask them to contact officers with any suspicions they may have.”

Clues a property may be used for the cultivation of cannabis include permanently drawn curtains or blinds, strong smells and different people visiting.

Anyone with information about drugs can speak to their local Local Neighbourhood Team, contact police, in confidence, on 01234 841212, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or text information to 07786 200011.

LUTON Town have confirmed that Gary Brabin will remain as first team manager after signing a new two-year deal with the club, writes Mike Simmonds.

The 40-year-old, who originally joined the club in October 2009 as chief scout, was promoted to assistant manager at the start of the season, before he was appointed manager following the departure of Richard Money in March.

Brabin, who has had a spell in charge of Cambridge United, where he was named Conference Manager of the Year, led Hatters to the play-off final this season, where they were eventually beaten on penalties by AFC Wimbledon.

Town’s managing director Gary Sweet said: “We are very happy that Gary will continue in his role. We all know what the target is and Gary is now making plans for next seasons campaign.

“He will have the full support of the board in order to achieve the goal everyone wants and we wish him every success.

“We all look forward to working with him over the next two years.”

HEAVY rain didn’t dampen the carnival spirit in Luton, as thousands of people lined the streets to enjoy the fabulous procession and join the party on Bank Holiday Monday

Smiling through the pouring rain, performers carried on shimmying to exotic music all through the town and their enthusiasm didn’t wane for a second, even though some of the dancing girls were wearing nothing more than sparkling underwear and feathers and were soaked to the skin.

As the purple city status bid bus set off to lead the procession from Wardown Park at about 1.30pm it looked as if despite the grey skies the rain might hold off.

It was followed by more than 70 floats including Foxdell Infant School, Beechill Primary School, Ashcroft Green Primary School, Leagrave Primary School and Pirton Hill School, as well as organisations like Keech Hospice Care.

Each float was more impressive than the last, featuring fantastic costumes and blaring musi

Children on stilts, clowns and even a fire breathing dragon provided entertainment to the watching crowds, as balloons, sweets and flags were handed out over the barriers.

The heavens opened mid afternoon but many revellers were not deterred and continued cheering and clapping.

In Upper George Street carnival enthusiasts raved in the rain, bouncing around to dance music and enjoying the street party.

There was also music from the BBC Introducing Stage main stage in Wardown Park, headlined by 80s group The Boomtown Rats, as well as world music, reggae and jazz stages.

Rob Lawson, 26, said: “It’s a shame about the rain but actually it’s still a brilliant atmosphere. I’m here with my mates, we’re having a great time. Who cares about getting wet?”

Most people came prepared for the weather, like Vera Trass, 91 and Vera Matee, 65, who were looking stylish in an orange patterned poncho and a chic waterproof head scarf.

Ms Trass said: “It’s been absolutely wonderful. We came from Northamptonshire to join in and we were waiting for about 45 minutes to make sure we had a good spot for the parade. The Keech Hospice float has been the best one so far I think.”

Some party people were dancing in the rain in nothing but a t-shirt and looked like they were having the time of their lives.

Alexandra Picton, 8, from Luton, was enjoying the carnival with her mum Leander Picton, 40. Alexandra said: “This is my first time at the carnival and I think it’s brilliant. My favourite people so far that I’ve seen have been the dancing girls in red with the flowery sticks, they were really good, they were dancing around loads.”

The fantastic floats kept the party atmosphere going and spirits were high throughout the town.

Luton resident Katherine Greenway said: “It’s just brilliant to have such a lovely event here. The atmosphere has really been so good, it’s nice that this is such a positive thing. Everyone is coming together and enjoying themselves. We get so much bad press in Luton but something like this just shows what we can do as a town, we are all just having fun and enjoying ourselves.”

Sisters Maisy Scott, 13, and Tilly Scott, 8, from Luton, were watching the procession with their dad Malcolm Scott.

Maisy said: “I’m most excited about seeing all the pretty costumes, and I’m looking forward to going and trying some of the different world foods like Caribbean food after the procession.

Although the procession was the main event of the afternoon, there was plenty more to enjoy, with fairground rides and amusements in Wardown Park and St George’s Square, food and drink stalls and eleven sound stages including the Young People’s Stage at Telford Way car park featuring local DJs and MCs.

First time Carnival goers Nikki Jackson, 42, and Doreen Blyth, 66, came from Bedford for the day. Ms Blyth said: “We had seen the carnival on the TV all the years before and we wanted to see what it was like for ourselves. It’s better than Bedford so far!”

Barbara Farrow, 53, who was enjoying the carnival with her sister said: “We are loving it, despite the weather. We have been here the last three years, and I think it’s bigger and better than last year. We’ve had a great day, it’s a lovely thing for Luton.”

PEOPLE in your business have been working hard all year so here’s a great chance to give them a cracking night out as a celebration of company growth, innovation or survival.

Premier Newspapers, organisers of the Bedfordshire and Luton Rising Stars Business Excellence Awards is in the process of putting together another night to remember in November.

The venue will once again be the Park Inn by Radisson, in St Mary’s Street, Bedford, where Rebekka Hammersley has been general manager for the last two years.

The hotel, which sits on the riverbank in the middle of the county town, has eight conference rooms. The largest conference room has a capacity of 450 and that one will be the venue for Rising Stars.

Rebekka said: “We are delighted to be hosting the awards again this year. It is very important that we work with local businesses and communities and support them any way we can.”

Premier Newspapers’ group events and exhibitions manager, Rebecca McCreath said: “Rising Stars will be a great night of celebration for business in Beds and Luton. I look forward to reading your entries soon and seeing you at Park Inn on the night. Please get your entries in now!”

> For details and to enter, visit www2.lutontoday.co.uk/risingstars2011/

> To sponsor the awards, email Rebecca McCreath via rebecca.McCreath@jpress.co.uk or call her on 01908 651263.

It maybe a week ago, but the feeling of disappointment still runs strong with Hatters fans after their Conference play-off final penalty shoot out defeat to AFC Wimbledon.

Here, Luton News chief videographer Natalee Hazelwood captures all the sights and sounds from the trip to Eastlands, from the coaches pulling away, fans getting in the mood prior to kick off, images from the match, which eventually culminated in heartbreak as Luton were beaten.

There’s is also footage of midfielder Keith Keane, manager Gary Brabin and managing director Gary Sweet giving their thoughts as Hatters are condemned to another season in the Conference.

So if you were one of the 12,000 Hatters fans who made the trip to Man City, see if you can spot yourself!

COUNCILLORS are due to meet tonight to discuss a cull of senior managers that could save Luton Borough Council £500,000 a year.

The meeting will take place at the Town Hall, and officers have recommended the councillors agree to the move, which is part of the council’s efforts to cut costs by £22 million this year.

The first phase of the senior management restructuring is likely to see the number of heads of service roles being cut from 23 to 15. According to the council’s website, the majority of heads of service are paid at least £60,000, with some salaries going up to £72,000.

Among the roles no longer on the senior management ‘structure chart’ are heads of ICT and capital and asset management in the Customer and Corporate Services department. In the same department, the heads of human resources and legal services roles have been combined into one position.

In the Environment and Regeneration department, the heads of street services and engineering roles have also been merged into one.

In the Housing and Community Living department, the head of resources and performance role has been cut, as has the head of resources, performance and commissioning role in the Children and Learning department.

ONE of Ken Hone’s most enthralling memories – one that still makes his spine tingle – is walking through the honeycomb of passages under the Albert Hall after taking part in a cancer charity concert last year.

“As we were making our way out, someone started singing the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Verdi’s opera Nabucco,” the Luton Male Voice Choir music maestro recalled.

“Gradually everyone took it up and there was this huge subterranean swell of voices from hundreds of men.

“It was the sort of moment you never forget, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It still gives me goose bumps.”

Last year he sat in the audience for the first time. “It’s a bit like being at a football match,” he explained. “Every choir brings its own supporters.”

Now Ken has issued a tempting invitation to anyone who would like to appear at the world famous venue: join the LMVC and you will have an opportunity to sing at the Albert Hall’s Festival of Brass and Voices in aid of Cancer Research UK in November next year. You don’t have to audition and you don’t even have to stay with the group after the concert.

The energetic octogenarian whose musical career has spanned eight decades is on an unabashed recruitment drive.

He said: “We’re looking for new members. You don’t have to read music, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never sung before and no-one needs to be embarrassed by an audition.

“We’re a bunch of friends who have fun singing together. We usually go away for a weekend once a year. We’re doing a festival for the Salvation Army at Downham Market in September.

“And we’re so well organised we can even arrange to pick you up if you’ve got no transport.”

Luton Male Voice Choir was formed 19 years ago as an offshoot of Vauxhall Male Voice Choir.

Its performances are always in aid of a worthwhile cause and recent concerts have been in aid of dedicated children’s charity Auditory Verbal UK, which helped the profoundly deaf granddaughter of choir member and tenor David Holloway.

Ken, a married grandfather of six, has music in his blood. “It’s been a major part of my life since I was eight,” he said.

He hails from Morriston in Wales, home of male voice choirs and, in particular, the renowned Morriston Orpheus choir.

“The man who founded it was my music teacher,” Ken said.

Ken is a talented pianist and also plays clarinet. But he’s set his sights on a new instrument. “I’m now learning to play the computer,” he joked

> If you’d like to join LMVC, call Ken on 01582 658937.

KEEN Luton athlete Alex Farr, 29, of Ramridge Road was celebrating after completing the BUPA London 10,000 in 41 minutes 54 seconds – a personal best.

The 10km race is organised by the London Marathon team and is run on the course likely to be used during the 2012 Olympics.

Alex, who works in Hitchin as IT manager for the All England Netball Association, took part in the charity event for the Lymphoma Association.

“Although I’m from a sporting background and play centre back for Bromham United football club, it’s the first big race I’ve done,” he said.

He added: “I train regularly three or four times a week. I’ve tracked out a nice little route in the Stopsley area close to where I live and it’s nice to get out in the fresh air.”

Alex became interested in the Lymphoma Association after doing contract IT work for the organisation.

He said: “It’s a very worthwhile cause. They rely on donations and if it’s beneficial for them, I’m happy to help out.”

> There’s still time to sponsor Alex. Simply go to www.justgiving.com/alexfarr4

IAN Ridley readily admits he’s lucky to be alive.

The former Luton tearaway grew up in a series of children’s homes where he was bullied and abused. Four years ago he ended up sleeping rough when his marriage failed.

“I was drinking too much and didn’t get on with my family so was too proud to ask them for help,” he admitted. “I never really had a mum. She had too many children and they were always being taken into care.”

Yet the gently-spoken 50-year-old has not only overcome all his personal demons, but is now a real life role model to homeless and excluded youngsters who come to his workshop at Luton charity NOAH (New Opportunities and Horizons).

“NOAH gave me an opportunity when I needed it most,” he explained. “I was sleeping in a cardboard box in an abandoned hat factory and washing in public toilets.

“I didn’t want to go begging on the streets. But I didn’t want to go to a shelter. I didn’t want to get mixed up with druggies. It would have been too easy to take a needle.

“NOAH assessed me and got me volunteering. They provided meals and there was always someone to listen.

“Then I plucked up the courage to talk to my brother. His nephew had just bought a house and he gave me a room.”

Ian proved himself so invaluable to NOAH that the charity offered him a job.

“They’ve looked after me so well and I’m so grateful to them,” he said. “My life has really turned around. I’m more relaxed and satisfied.

“I don’t have any qualifications, just lots of practical experience. I drive, do technical stuff, restoration and maintenance. I was always good at DIY and I’m still learning every day.

“But what I enjoy most is teaching youngsters the skills I’ve acquired. It’s a privilege to be able to help them. I respect them and they respect me. I’m quite shy and tend to keep myself to myself but we have a good laugh.

“I try to be kind to people and understanding, even though I’m not religious.

“Everyone here has different problems – they’re autistic or have other disabilities. They tell me their stories and I tell them there is always a way out. They just have to decide what they want out of life.”

Two months ago NOAH started doing restoration work at Ian’s suggestion. “We’re also making planters, toy boxes, bird tables and blanket boxes,” he said. “If a customer wants something different, we can usually do it. And most of the wood we use is recycled.”

Ian and his team have just completed a VIP commission – making planters for the Eden Project’s roof garden at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the Southbank Centre’s four month Festival of Britain.

The Project’s Nikki Kelly is so impressed she’s keen to visit NOAH to discuss other ideas.

NOAH chief executive Jim O’Connor is also full of praise. “Ian has a whole variety of skills,” he said. “He’s a French polisher, painter and decorator, expert photographer and accomplished carpenter.

“He came to us when his life was in chaos. We helped him and now he is helping us.

“We’re lucky to have him.”

> If you would like to learn more about NOAH, ring 01582 728416 or visit www.noahenterprise.org

A CADDINGTON mum has handed over more than £3,000 to premature baby charity Tommy’s after collecting a huge amount of sponsorship for her London Marathon bid.

Lynn Russell, 37, of Adstone Road, ran the gruelling race back in April in just under five hours. She chose Tommy’s as her charity as her three children were all born prematurely.

Her efforts raised a total of £3,200, including money raised by a sponsored balloon race at Caddington Village School. The race was won by Year 5 pupil Abbie Basye, whose balloon ended up 114 miles away, in Dover.

Lynn said: “Friends, family, even people I didn’t know were so generous.The money will go towards the critical research by Tommy’s into why women give birth prematurely.”

AKCC claimed top spot back from Luton Pakistanis as they comfortably beat them by seven wickets in the Luton & District Midweek League on Tuesday night.

Pakistanis batted first and were dismissed for 108 thanks to some great bowling from Muddasar Nazir, who took 4-25.

In reply, AKCC had Zahid Khan (38) in good touch as he helped his team overcome the target with two overs to spare.

Luton Hawks won a close contest against Lions CC who were restricted to just 97-7 from their allotted overs.

Lions CC bowled and fielded well to take the game into the last over, but Hawks, who had Zahid Karim hitting 36, knocked off the runs from the first ball to register their third victory of the campaign.

Luton Haiderys blew away Luton CC, as they won by seven wickets.

Luton CC posted 102 but the target was knocked down with ease as Haiderys reached the total in only 11 overs.

The victory now moves Haiderys into third spot, with Luton CC rock bottom and without a win.

Kashmir Cavaliers were involved in a high-scoring contest with Luton Cricketers where over 300 runs were scored.

Cavaliers blasted their way to a massive 160-5 thanks to Shahid Ahmed smashing 75. Cricketers put up a remarkable fight to reach 153-6 as Nasser Mehmood hit 46 but they fell short by just seven runs.

Kingsway CC remain top of Division One as they brushed aside AKXI, who won the toss and elected to field.

Kingsway were in trouble early on as they found themselves reduced to 30-5 after Sajid Ali 4-22 ripped through the top order.

Atif Ali (39) played a captains innings with Muhammed Aleem (16) giving good support to help his team reach 118-9.

AKXI’s innings never got going as Zahid Khan (2-7) took out both openers and then Umar Afzal (6-8) tore through their batting line-up with a devastating spell to skittle AKXI out for just 55.

Luton Majestics recorded their fourth consecutive victory by overcoming Challney CC.

Majestics set a target of 108-3 with contributions from Raza Iqbal (42) and Muddaser Hussain (20).

This proved too much for Challney, who despite Asif Latif hammering 54, fell short by 24 runs as Asif Younis took 2-19 and Ayas Khan claimed 3-22, restricting them to 86-9.

The Saracens had opening batsman Haji Rizwan in fine form, as he gave them a solid start with 31, before late fireworks from Sajid Hussain (49) and Ajab Khan (22) took their total to a massive 156-7 against Haidery Tigers.

Fespite knocks from Zubair Ahmed (46) and Farooq (30), Tigers found it hard to score freely against a tight Saracens bowling unit as they ended their innings on 116 to give Saracens victory by 40 runs.

Luton United Stars moved out of the relegation zone as they beat Luton Saracens.

Stars batted first and posted 132-5 with Imran Aftab contributing 47.

Saracens struggled to maintain a good run-rate as Adrees Butt bowled economically to take 3-6 and leave Saracens way short on 93-9.

LEARNERS, their teachers and the importance of new skills were celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The Learning Partnership – Bedfordshire and Luton gave certificates to a host of people who have fought against the odds to change their lives or helped people to do just that.

Management consultant Nigel Leach won the learning through partnership award, sponsored by Central Bedfordshire College,

David Meager, of Central Bedfordshire College, nominated Mr Leach for the award and collected it on his behalf at the ceremony in Putteridge Bury on May 17.

Mr Meager said: “Nigel always goes the extra mile and without fail will attend business reviews with decision makers within organisations, all of which he gives of freely.

“His input in identifying the skill gaps and preparing training programmes that are bespoke to organisational needs has proven invaluable.

“Overall he has had a big impact on a number of key local Bedfordshire employers and employees to help them improve the management and sustainability of their businesses in difficult economical times.”

Heather Maggs, who chairs the Learning Partnership – Bedfordshire and Luton, told the awards ceremony that for the last three years Mr Leach has been working with Chiltern Business Training and provided real impact with various local organisations.

She named Marsh Farm Development Trust, Network Automotive, Flitwick Town Council, Pure Prospects, Luton Borough Council and Tour Andersson as people he had helped, to name just a few.

Mr Leach helps organisations solve problems with his strategic thinking and designs new training programmes.

> The adult hairdressing and beauty students at Central Bedfordshire College won the award for being Community Learning Champions, for their overall contribution to the area.

> Busy mum Lindsay Ann Warren won the Tutor of the Year Award. She had been a student at Barnfield College in 2004 but worked hard to start teaching herself and is now recognised as a valuable part of the college’s team teaching Luton’ hairdressers of the future..

> Luton Council apprentice Kirsty Neal, 24, of Copperfields Close, Dunstable, won the workplace award for her career drive and determination and overcoming medical issues.

> Sharfin Khan, 20, of Burnham Road, Luton, won the European Social Fund Achiever of the Year award for Luton.

Since being taken on a six-month placement at NOAH Enterprise, in Luton, he has proved his worth to the charity with his learning abilities.

A FORMER apprentice bricklayer has been appointed as a Luton branch manager of residential property agent Harrison Murray .

Chris Downey, 28, has taken over the reins at the Bushmead office of the regional agency.

Mr Downey already has 10 years’ estate agency experience – much of it in his home town of Luton, but he has also worked in the home counties, Milton Keynes and in the property sector in Spain. He aspires to the office becoming a Harrison Murray ‘super branch.’

Mr Downey, who pursued an apprenticeship in bricklaying, opted for a career change when he was made redundant.

“I started working in estate agency as a stop gap until I found something else. I thoroughly enjoyed it – and 10 years later here I am!,” said Chris – who now heads up the four-strong Bushmead team.

Harrison Murray has again pledged support through sponsorship of two Bushmead school fetes this summer.

Chris added: “My aim is to make Harrison Murray the number one choice locally, increase our stock level and encourage even more people to come to us for all their estate agency needs – turning us into a super branch!”

FORMER Bedfordshire police officer Chris Sapsford knows the county’s roads like the back of his hand.

So there can’t be anyone better qualified to start a ‘Club Class’ private hire service than 55-year-old Chris – so that’s what he’s done!

Born and raised in the county, the married father of four joined the local police in 1977.

He started off driving Panda cars around Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard, before joining the specialist Road Traffic Division in 1981, where he spent the next 14 years as a motor patrolman.

He’s been behind the wheel of Range Rovers, Ford Granadas, Vauxhall Senators, and the iconic Ford Sierra Cosworth. He also rode BMW 1000cc motorcycles and described being a ‘traffic man’ as one of the best jobs in the force.

Chris was involved in high speed pursuits, dealing with serious road accidents, and instructing other officers about the use of specialised technical equipment.

He was also involved in escorting VIPs visiting the county.

He said: “While escorting a VIP in the ‘90s, I gave an acknowledgement wave to another officer and got one back from the Prime Minister at the time, Mr John Major!”

Chris served at Luton as both Sergeant and Inspector, before looking after day-to-day policing in Ampthill, Biggleswade and Bedford.

Finally, he spent the last few years of his service as a senior officer at Headquarters, based in the force information room at Kempston.

Chris said “Having finally left the police after nearly 33 years, I wanted to try and go my own way being self employed. My father had his own haulage business in the 1960s, and perhaps this gave me some added impetus to do likewise.

“I still enjoy driving and using the skills gained in my time with the police. Also with two sons, Dale and Luke, I hope to create an opportunity for them to become involved, once the business is established”.

His business name is called Shuttlecraft and he uses a 2011 long wheelbase Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle, which has been converted by factory approved coachbuilders to give limousine quality specifications.

And Chris, who lives in Ampthill, added: “We do not cater for regular local ‘nights-out’ or trips to the shops. That market is already well catered for.

“Ours is a reserved service for those special journeys.”

> Contact Shuttlecraft by phoning 07708 962587, or email shuttlecraftmpv@hotmail.com or visit www.shuttlecraftmpv.co.uk