Daventry Town Council is holding two free beekeeping workshops this week, hosted by local expert Trevor Mienett.

All over the world honeybees are under threat because of viruses against which they have no natural defences, and nearly all colonies in the wild have diet out.

Without beekeepers to care for them honeybees could disappear within a few years, which would put food production at risk because it is dependent on pollination provided by bees.

The workshops are in the Daventry Town Council Chamber on Tuesday, November 14 from 6.30pm to 8pm, and on Wednesday, November 15 from 2pm to 3.30pm

To book email admin@daventrytowncouncil.gov.uk with your chosen date and time.

Jolanta Fogele, aged 39, was last heard from on Friday, November 3, when she called a friend to say she had got onto Bus 96 to Rugby.

Jolanta is white, originally from Latvia, with black curly hair and brown eyes. At the time she went missing, she was wearing a black hooded jacket with white sleeves and black trousers.

Officers are urging Jolanta, or anyone who knows of her whereabouts, to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 as soon as possible.

Swathes of purple will greet visitors to Daventry Country Park in the spring thanks to a partnership with Danetre Rotary Club.

Rotary Club volunteers joined Daventry District Council staff and council chairman David James last Friday to plant 2,500 crocus bulbs, also known as corms, at the park’s sensory garden and outsikde the visitor centre.

The flowers should bloom in late February/early March, creating a sea of purple which will come back year after year.

The purple crocus is a symbol of Rotary’s worldwide ‘Purple4Polio’ campaign to eradicate polio, with its colour representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child to indicate they have received their life saving oral polio vaccine.

Danetre Rotary Club is with the Gee Tee bulb company, who provided the crocus Ruby giant corms for planting.

Some of the bulbs were donated to the ‘Haunted Heads’ pot planting working activity which took place at the visitor centre during the October half term.

Chairman of the Council, Cllr David James, said: “We are very pleased to work with the Rotary Club on this project.

“Not only will it provide a welcome spectacle for visitors to the Country Park come the spring, but it will also help to raise awareness of the work being carried out by Rotary and its members across the world in an effort to eradicate polio.”

He praised volunteers.

Danetre Rotary Club has now planted thousands of bulbs at locations across Daventry district, including the Mercure Hotel, where the club holds its weekly meetings, the Twinning Area in London Road, and villages including Welton, Whilton, Woodford Halse and Braunston.

The Northants & District Junior Grand Prix series continued strongly with round two taking place at Daventry Squash Club.

Players are now looking forward to the next round on November 25.

Mike Broadbent, chairman of Northants Squash Rackets Association, said: “Buckingham’s Aaron Naysmith kept his unbeaten record intact and still leads the newly-formed A grade, with clubmate Tom Protheroe close behind him.

“Grade B saw Will Paull from Diana’s in Wellingborough make big strides forward and he now tops the group.

“The C grade saw two fantastic performances from talented Market Harborough pair Joseba Balbao-Elguezabal and Leo Conway, who both won their respective playing groups and share top space in the grade.

“The D grade was dominated by Daventry’s Charlie Cutler.

“Charlie comfortably won all his games and will move up a grade for next month.

“E grade was again dominated by a Daventry player, newcomer Aidan Porter.

“All the E players have made great improvements but a special note must be made for Lings player Meggie Chessum, only just turned seven, winning her first game.

“As ever, the atmosphere surrounding the Grand Prix series is family-orientated and immensely friendly – grass-roots sport at its best, and many of the children are making friends from across the county.”

The next round is to be held at Brackley Squash Club later this month.

Mr Heaton-Harris, who caused a stir last month when it emerged he had sent letters to universities on House of Commons-headed paper asking about Brexit-related course content and a list of the teachers' names, is alleged to have breached paragraph 15 of the Commons' Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament.

The Daventry MP said he is unable to comment at this time because the investigation is already in preparation.

Any inquiry will be carried out by Kathryn Hudson, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, in private and once information related to the allegation is submitted and deemed worthy of further investigation.

The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards deals with the application of the Code of Conduct and related rules that apply to Members of Parliament in aspects of their public life.

Paragraph 15 of the Code of Conduct for Members of Parliament states: "Members are personally responsible and accountable for ensuring that their use of any expenses, allowances, facilities and services provided from the public purse is in accordance with the rules laid down on these matters.

"Members shall ensure that their use of public resources is always in support of their parliamentary duties.

"It should not confer any undue personal or financial benefit on themselves or anyone else, or confer undue advantage on a political organisation."

Any individual can bring forward a complaint to the standards commissioner.

The result of Mrs Hudson's inquiry, along with the identity of the complainant and evidence used to arrive at a conclusion, would be published on Parliament's complaints and investigations website.

Mr Heaton-Harris' letter drew criticism from university lecturers when it became public knowledge, with some calling it "sinister" and others decrying it as a "McCarthyite" witch hunt.

In response, universities minister Jo Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Chris was acting in an individual capacity as an MP rather than as a government minister… Chris has a very longstanding interest in European affairs and the history of European thought.

"He was pursuing inquiries of his own which may, in time, lead to a book on these questions. It was more of an academic inquiry rather than an attempt to constrain the freedom that academics rightly have."

Universities minister Jo Johnson said his colleague, a government whip, was "regretting very much" his decision.

Mr Johnson added that his colleague "probably didn't appreciate the degree to which this would be misinterpreted", and said: "I am sure Chris is regretting this very much."

Daventry District Council has urged people planning to build a new home or extend a property to heed new laws to avoid potentially hefty charges.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning fee which sees developers charged on the amount of floor space their plans create, with the money generated used to fund improvements to local infrastructure.

Failure to pay the charges could result in developers owing tens of thousands of pounds, and in some cases unable to pay the full fine in instalments.

Self-build developers can claim exemption from CIL for new homes, annexes and extensions. However, some people in Daventry District have fallen foul of the strict national legislation governing these exemptions, landing themselves with large bills that could have been avoided had they followed the correct procedures.

Since the council adopted CIL in September 2015, there have been six cases of self-build developers having to pay levies of between £9,000 and £38,000 because they did not submit the proper paperwork in time. The total sum of the CIL liabilities was £156,235.

Commercial developers can also fall foul of the legislation, with one company losing the right to pay in instalments and having to pay the full CIL charge of £118,839 immediately. Failure to follow the legislation can also result in surcharges of up to £2,500.

Councillor Alan Chantler, strategic planning portfolio holder on Daventry District Council, said: “The council has attempted to be as flexible as possible in all of these cases, but the legislation is strict and we have a duty to enforce it.

“The message is clear: CIL must be complied with and the correct forms need to be completed and submitted at the right time. I would urge self-builders and commercial developers alike to liaise with the council’s development control team ahead of and throughout their build, to ensure they do not fall foul of the legislation.

“We do not want anyone to lose the benefit of these exemptions just because they haven’t completed a form at the right time.”

Daniel Allen, 26, of Hood Road, Daventry, had already spent the best part of his 20s behind bars for previous offences of assault and aggravated burglary before appearing at Northampton Crown Court yesterday.

But the 26-year-old could spend a further two-and-half years in prison for a serious of violent assaults against his ex-girlfriend at an address in Northampton.

Allen pleaded guilty to two charges of causing actual bodily harm to his partner between midway through a trial this month.

Yesterday, recorder Christopher Donnellan QC, was satisfied the defendant was "dangerous" enough to warrant an extended sentence.

Sentencing him, he said: "You were beating her for months and you controlled her by beating her.

"She was scared of you, you were possessive and jealous.

"She feared you would hurt her child. On one occasion you said you would spray deodorant in the face of the child.

"You apologised after each of these offences, but you didn't stop.

"You emotionally blackmailed her and you said that if you were sent to prison you would kill yourself and there were also occasions you said you would kill her."

Following an argument over a mobile phone in March, Allen punched his partner so hard it knocked out a tooth.

Though the assault brought about the end of their nine-month relationship, he continued with a campaign of abuse.

On one occasion between March and April 28, Allen held a pillow over the victim's face, on another he put a cigarette out on her.

However, the court heard that Allen - who appeared at court yesterday via a video link - had shown little in terms of remorse since the offences.

"You are more interested in blaming her for the downfall of the relationship," said recorder Donnellan QC.

Allen, who has a number of violent convictions on his record, will spend at least two-thirds of a 32-month prison sentence behind bars, but he will remain on licence for a further two years after his release.

Mitigating for Allen, Richard Paton-Philip said the defendant's previous violent offences were committed when he was much younger and against other men.

"There was no indication in his history to suggest any form of domestic violence," he added before stating that Allen has taken some steps to address "some of his violent behaviour over a period of time."

Owners of land up to 25 miles from the HS2 line in Northamptonshire are being invited to apply for a woodland grant as part of a tree planting scheme.

The launch of the HS2 Woodland Fund will see the company responsible for the construction of Britain's new high-speed railway, HS2 Ltd, invest £5million in trees up the spine of England.

The company hopes to create a network of new wildlife habitats along the train route, which cuts through parts of South Northamptonshire and the edge of Daventry District, near Byfield.

Transport Minister Paul Maynard said: “HS2 is more environmentally responsible than any other major infrastructure project in UK history and this fund will mean more trees can be planted and wildlife habitats created, leaving a lasting legacy which will benefit future generations for many years to come.

“HS2 will become the backbone of our national rail network – supporting growth and regeneration and helping us build an economy that works for all. Despite being one of the largest construction projects in Europe, we are minimising the effects on the countryside and communities as much as possible.”

In addition to this extensive tree planting programme, a separate fund has been established to help local landowners create new native, broadleaf woodlands and restore existing ancient woodland sites.

The first £1 million of the HS2 Woodland Fund is being managed by the Forestry Commission on behalf of HS2 Ltd. It is encouraging applications from landowners located up to 25 miles from the phase one route.

Peter Miller, HS2 environment director, said: “Ahead of our main construction work, we have started to replace, conserve and enhance any wildlife habitats that will be affected by the railway.

"Over time, we’ll be creating a green corridor of connected wildlife habitats, which will blend the railway into the landscape and support local species ranging from bats to badgers.

“In addition, we’re keen to go beyond the immediate boundaries of the railway and take this opportunity to improve the wider natural environment, in partnership with local people. The HS2 Woodland Fund is part of that commitment and we’re looking forward to receiving applications early next year.”

The first £1 million of grant funding will be open to applications in January 2018. Further information can be found at www.forestry.gov.uk/england-hs2

Northamptonshire Police is asking people to hand in unwanted and illegal firearms as part of a national two-week surrender.

Coordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS), the firearms surrender will run for two weeks, from November 13 to Sunday, November 26.

Those in possession of unlawfully held or unwanted firearms and ammunition are being encouraged to contact police to give them up safely, helping prevent them getting into criminal hands.

During the last national firearms surrender in 2014 more than 6,000 items were handed in.

Among those items were 177 guns surrendered to Northamptonshire Police and more than 100 different weapons including knives.

“We’re hoping to see at least that this year, and more hopefully," said Superintendent Chris Hillery.

"The overall aim of Operation Humane as part of the national firearm surrender is to reduce the number of firearms on the streets in Northamptonshire, whether they're held legally or illegally, and ultimately to stop those getting into criminality or to the hands of terrorists."

The latest crime figures issued in October by the Office for National Statistics showed that nationally there has been a 27 per cent (to 6,696) increase in crimes relating to firearms over the last 12 months.

This is reflected in the county statistics where it has gone from over 10 a month to just over 15 a month.

Supt Hillery was speaking at Northamptonshire Police's gun range where on display were a variety of weapons handed in during previous surrenders including a homemade pistol, a small revolver with a blade attached to it disguised in a walking cane, and others dating back to wartime.

Three similar handguns were laid next to each other as a test to see if visitors could tell the difference between the real thing, a plastic replica and a BB gun.

During the surrender period, those handing over firearms will not face prosecution for illegal possession, at the point of surrender, and can remain anonymous.

Firearms and ammunition can be given up by calling Northamptonshire Police on 101 and making an appointment for the items to be collected.

“What I don’t want is people just turning up or walking through the streets of their town on the way to a police station with a firearm, so that needs to be prearranged," said Supt Hillery.

"Equally we can come out and take it from you.

“We acknowledge that it might not be the person that’s in possession of the firearm that wants to contact us - it may be a family member, it may be a partner, it may be somebody else in the community.

“We would encourage you to report that to us and we’ll deal with that.

“Equally people might be worried that they have one of these in their loft and what might happen if they hand it in - that’s not an issue, we can deal with that."

The surrender is also being used to highlight changes to firearms legislation which those in previously legal possession of guns may remain unaware of. Provisions within the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 make it an offence to possess prohibited weapons or ammunition for sale or transfer, and extend the definition of those prohibited from possessing firearms following a previous criminal conviction.

The maximum sentence for illegal possession of a firearm is five years, while possession with intent to supply can lead to a life sentence.

“I would encourage people whether they’ve happened across it as their clearing a loft, a shed or a garage that once it's in our possession it's not going to get into criminal hands.

“Once it's out there, regardless of people’s intention or regardless of how people have come across that firearm, it could still end up in the wrong hands. Whether that be the grandchildren coming across it and playing with it, or a break-in and it falling into a criminal’s hands.

“We can dispose of it properly and then everyone is safe in the knowledge it won’t be pointed at someone in the community, in a shop or at one of our officers.”

Should a handed-in gun be found to have links to criminality, the police will fully investigate the crime and make a decision about who is or is not responsible based on the timeline behind the weapon.

If you know of anyone involved with illegal firearms, or are a licensed firearm holder and would like advice, contact police on 101, online at www.northants.police.uk, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A community cinema scheme which brings classic and modern films to rural venues needs your help to keep it running.

The Phoenix Community Cinema has brought everything from Casablanca to La La Land to village halls across the county.

This has been supported by essential funding for over a decade but cuts to these funds are threatening its continuity.

To help secure the next season, organisers need to receive public votes high enough to reach a judging panel of the Aviva Community Fund. The scheme may then receive a vital grant.

Northamptonshire movie fans are being asked to take the following steps:

1) Log on to www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk.

2) Register on the site (top right corner of page) and then cast your given ’10’ votes.

3) Please forward the web link and persuade friends and others in your local community to vote as well – every vote really counts.

The deadline is Tuesday, November 21.

Phoenix Community Cinema supports volunteer organisers who wish to provide film events for their local communities - usually within their village hall.

It does this by providing the film rights, projectionists and equipment, so local venues can become temporary cinemas.

Film is one of the most popular and accessible cultural forms and the success of the scheme to date has shown that people appreciate being able to see films in their local venues.

A grant from the Aviva Community Fund would enable it continue its current service for another year, purchase new equipment and grow the scheme to benefit more communities.

If you would like to host an indoor film event for your community or group please contact Simon at admin@lunaflix.co.uk.

Ofsted has now released the outcome of what it has called a “focused inspection” of 13 schools run by the David Ross Education Trust - which runs 14 schools in Northamptonshire.

Inspectors visited the schools in September, rating two "inadequate" and five "requires improvement". Six were rated "good".

Eastfield Academy in St Alban's Close, Kingsley, was among those rated as "requires improvement "- but The Arbours Primary Academy in St Gregory's Road and Newnham Primary School near Daventry, were among those re-assessed as "good".

The trust has been operating for 10 years and also runs Malcolm Arnold Academy, but Ofsted says that, after this time, too many pupils are underachieving by the end of key stages 2 and 4.

The Ofsted report states that in 2016, "pupils made less progress than the national average in reading and mathematics at key stage 2 and in mathematics at key stage 4."

And attendance levels also came under fire in the focused inspections.

"The persistent absence of pupils who are eligible for free schools meals is higher than that of their peers in almost all DRET academies," it states. "Although positive action has been taken very recently, the trust has not successfully addressed this long-standing issue."

The uncertainty of over the trust's governance also formed a large part of the report.

The trust's chair, Lord Blunkett, resigned in March, along with its chief executive Wendy Marshall and two other leaders.

Then, in May, the chain proposed to cut nearly £1m in funding from school budgets and up to 40 jobs from across its 32 primary and secondary schools after admitting it was facing financial challenges.

Trustees have not held directors and leaders to account with “sufficient rigour” in the past, the report said, while inspectors warned the chain did not have clear enough structures in place to enable quick intervention in struggling schools.

However, Ofsted acknowledged recent efforts to rectify the problems.

It praised “successful” improvement in many of the trust’s academies. Of the trust’s 34 schools, 17 have seen their overall effectiveness improve since they joined, while two have declined.

A spokeswoman for the David Ross Education Trust, said: “We note Ofsted’s recommendations, which are being systematically addressed, and that Ofsted acknowledges many of the positive actions taken and changes being made under the direction of the Trust’s new leadership team.”

Warm-hearted Daventry District residents can offer some cheer to people in need this Christmas by donating items to a festive parcel scheme.

The Comfort and Joy campaign has been set up to help those who are staying in refuges as a result of experiencing domestic abuse.

Jointly organised by the Daventry District and South Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership and the Daventry District Forum, its aim is to provide them with a few gifts and treats, as well as food, toiletries and other essential items.

It is also hoped the project will raise awareness of domestic abuse, incidents of which tend to rise over the Christmas period.

Ann Bodsworth, Joint CEO of Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, said: “The aim of the Comfort and Joy campaign is to help those who need it most.

"We have received a wonderful amount of support for it in the last two years, and knowing the generous spirit of people in Northamptonshire I’m sure they will do all they can to help us again.

“To anyone who does feel able to support the campaign I would like to say thank you – just one item can make a big difference to the recipient.”

Parcels for men, women and children as well as Christmas food parcels are being put together and a list of suggested donations can be found at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/CommunitySafety.

Donations can be made at the Daventry District Council offices in Lodge Road, at Daventry Police Station in New Street, and at the South Northamptonshire Council offices at The Forum in Towcester, up to and including Friday, December 15.

All of the items donated will go directly to people living in refuges in Daventry District, South Northamptonshire and the wider county area this Christmas, as well as to families recently rehomed as a result of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse charity Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, which runs a number of refuges across Northamptonshire, will be helping to distribute the parcels.

Hundreds of parcels and Christmas gifts have been sent to men, women and children in refuges since the scheme began in 2015.

Those who are experiencing domestic violence are urged to call the Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service 24-hour helpline on 0300 0120154 or visit www.ndas.co.

Suggested donations - Women’s Parcel

Soap

Body Wash

Shampoo and conditioner

Deodorant

Sanitary products

Make up

Perfume

Scarf and gloves

Toothbrush/paste

Suggested donations - Men’s Parcel

Deodorant

Body wash

Soap

Shampoo

Aftershave

Scarf and gloves

Toothbrush/paste

Suggested donations - Children’s Parcel

Soap

Body wash

Flannel

Shampoo

Nappies

Baby wipes

Scarf and gloves

Art and craft materials

Books

Baby toys

Toothbrush/paste

Suggested donations - Xmas and Food Parcels

Mince pies

Christmas pudding

Fruit juice

Cereal

Tinned fruit

Dry pasta

Christmas stockings

Christmas chocolates

When auctioneer Jonathan Humbert was contacted by the toy owner, he was expecting him to show up with a couple of cardboard boxes.

Instead, the man turned up with two vans worth of original, mostly unboxed and now very rare official figurines, dating from the release of the first Star Wars in 1977.

“When my colleague first saw the collection his jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes lit up,” said Mr Humbert.

“He then spent the whole day assessing them.”

There will be 70 lots of Star Wars models at the sale at Humbert & Ellis Auctioneers next Thursday and will feature well-known characters R2-D2, Lando Calrissian, Ewoks and more.

They are mint and were originally destined for toy shops (some are still in their ‘store shipping’ boxes direct from Hasbro), and have mostly remained untouched by human hands.

Because of their pristine condition, the toys are accompanied by the characters’ original weapons, which Mr Humbert said can so easily become lost down the back of sofas or in between floorboards.

Also among the collection are two figures in packaging signed by Star Wars actors (pictured). The items in the Star Wars collection have no reserve price.

The sci-fi figurines have already attracted interest from overseas with Humbert & Ellis expecting bids from buyers in the United States and Japan.

“This really is an exceptional opportunity for anyone who collects Star Wars toys," said Mr Humbert.

"We are hoping for a really great result."

Any final entries for the auction are invited until this Friday.

The catalogue of items and online bidding will be available from 5pm Friday, November 17 on the Humbert & Ellis website.

Viewing can be done on Wednesday, November 22 between 9am-3pm and from 9am on sale day.

The vintage toys and models, dolls and musical instruments auction at the Home Farm Estate on Church Way, Whittlebury begins on Thursday, November 23 from 11am.

Twenty-five groups from across Northampton, Kettering, Corby and Daventry were up for an award last night, across six categories including, Best Newcomer, Trailblazer, Brilliant Group, Edge Award, Lifetime Achievement, and the High Sheriff Initiative.

The nominations highlighted the outstanding commitment, passion and energy given by the volunteers and their value to the community groups they support.

Victoria Miles DL, chief executive of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, said: “Our judges have had the most unenviable task of choosing tonight’s winners, the nominees were so very strong and impressive, it really is an massive undertaking, but they tell me that it is also hugely enjoyable, educational and heart-warming to hear about the wonderful work that people do to make things happen across our county.”

In memory of late Lady Juliet Townsend, former patron of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Lady Juliet’s eldest daughter, Eleanor Bland presented a special award for volunteering.

The winner of this award, Arthur Daly, has been a volunteer at Kings Heath Boxing Club for more than 30 years. Anjona Roy and Mustafa El-Bayati were highly commended for the award for their valued work within the community.

The foundation announced the winners of its Capture your Community photography competition, the foundation asked the people of Northamptonshire to enter a photograph that they believe represents their community in Northamptonshire.

With a fantastic response and more than 100 entries the winner of the Judges’ Choice Award was Matthew Toresen with his photo of the Northampton Woolly Crew.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award was also revealed. This award was open to the public on Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Facebook page to choose their People’s Choice Winner out of a selection of photographic entries from the competition.

Emma Brennan’s photograph was crowned the People’s Choice Winner with her photo receiving a total of 185 likes.

Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club, opened the ceremony with their Dhol Drumming performance.

Winners took to the stage, including a group that teaches the art of Breakdance in schools, a counselling service for young people, a group that helps the elderly and vulnerable stay safe within their own homes, a women’s development group promoting peace, respect and understanding between different faiths and a football community group delivering sports and education programmes to local communities.

During a short interlude from the awards, John Griff presented a Q&A session with the county’s emerging sports stars, who have all been supported through the Northamptonshire Champions Fund. The talented Gretton Silver Band, who received funding from the foundation earlier this year, brought the evening to a close.

Judges included Martin Sutherland of Royal and Derngate, Dr Debra Mattock of University of Northampton, Pindy Chahal of Sikh Community Centre and Youth Club, Paul Parsons, Trustee of Northamptonshire Community Foundation, David Summers, of Johnston Press Home Counties, Paul Mills, of Screen Northants and Hassan Shah of SP Law.

A trickle of extra funding from central Government will not be enough to support Northamptonshire's expanding schools - parties on both sides of the chamber feared at the county council's cabinet meeting.

Historically Northamptonshire schools have been underfunded. For the 2015/16 year, the county was allocated £4,293 per pupil, compared with Westminster, which was awarded £5,872 per pupil and Brent with £5,357.

But the Government's new National Funding Formula, which was meant to even out the finding inequalities in schools across the for the country from April 2018 is still thought to be unfair on Northamptonshire.

It is now known the county will receive an extra £10 million in the 2018/19 financial year - but both Conservative and Labour Councilors at One Angel Square say this simply won't be enough.

Councillor Danielle Stone (Lab, Abington and Phippsville) said: "This simply will not cover the rising cost of things like school equipment, salaries and pensions.

"This will me will mean schools have to lose staff and they will probably opt to lose support staff first."

Labour Group leader Bob Scott (Lab, Lloyds) told yesterday's cabinet meeting: "What we are seeing and what we have seen in my own area is academies cutting back on the curriculum.

"They are cutting back on teachers - and the teachers are getting fed up because they don't like being cut back."

The county council has been part of the F40 campaign group, a consortium of the 40 most under-funded local authorities in the country, for a number of years.

But the years of campaigning are yet to result in a more even playing field, said Councillor Stone.

"Clearly it is still unfair," she added.

Cabinet member for education on the county council, Councillor Matthew Golby (Con, Duston West and St Crispin) told the cabinet meeting more pressure needed to be put on central Government.

He said: "The bottom line is we still need to campaign for a better settlement for our children in Northamptonshire."

Northamptonshire Rape Crisis is calling on those shocked by allegations in Hollywood to spend the price of a cinema ticket to support their #MeTooNorthamptonshire campaign, which in turn, will help victims of sexual predators.

Following allegations against film producer, Harvey Weinstein and Oscar winner, Kevin Spacey - the charity is hoping that the spotlight on crimes of this nature will encourage people to donate the price of a cinema ticket or a month of a Netflix subscription to their #MeTooNorthamptonshire campaign.

Statistics show that Northamptonshire has a higher rate of recorded rapes against adults and children than the national average, with 371 adult rapes and 173 child rapes recorded in 2015/16 – equivalent to more than one every day in the county.

Dawn Thomas, CEO of the charity, said: “The #MeToo hashtag has been used by victims of sexual assault and abuse on social media nearly two million times since the allegations in Hollywood began to surface – which shows the extent of the issues raised around the world.

“Northamptonshire is no different, and we desperately need to be able to offer support to those people who need it, which is exactly why we’re appealing to people on the back of the Hollywood scandal."

Last year, rape crisis centers across the UK received their highest ever number of calls, answering 202,666 in total - nearly 4,000 a week, while every day in the UK on average 11 adults are raped each hour.

The county branch of the charity is run by a mixture of paid staff and volunteers, and has to raise its running costs each year to provide services, which include a safe space for women and girls and as well as counselling and emotional support to people of all ages and genders.

The charity is hoping to raise £10,000 through the campaign to support its increasing demand, with as little as £10 able to help someone who has suffered from child sexual abuse to attend a support group.

Dawn Thomas added: “So we’re asking people who are now questioning whether to buy a boxset or film that features a certain actor or producer to donate the money to Rape Crisis Northamptonshire – to help people who have been personally affected in the local area by crimes of this nature.

“Every penny we receive is spent on supporting those who need it, and we’re hopeful that the spotlight on Hollywood at this moment will encourage people to help make a difference in their local area.”

Anyone looking to donate to the charity can do so by visiting: www.MeTooNorthamptonshire.co.uk.

Joel Henry, of Bluebell Close in Woodford Halse, admitted a charge commercial malpractice under the Consumer Protection Act.

The charge Henry faced was that on February 10, 2016 as a trader, he engaged in aggressive commercial practices that significantly impaired or were likely to significantly impair the average consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct in relation to a product through the use of harassment, coercion or undue influence.

Namely, he demonstrated a product to an elderly, vulnerable consumer suffering from dementia for two-and-a-half hours; demonstrated to a vulnerable and elderly consumer knowing she was suffering from dementia, in breach of the vulnerable consumer policy; and made a sale to a vulnerable and elderly consumer knowing she was suffering from dementia.

Henry thereby caused or was likely to cause a consumer to take a transactional decision they would not have taken otherwise.

The five other people who will appear in court on January 8 next year are Life Comfort Products' directors Geoffrey and Jacqueline Turner, senior officers David Turner and Tim Clark, and employee Brendan Donahue.

The firm itself will also be sentenced in January. They had all indicated not guilty pleas at a magistrates’ court hearing earlier in the year but changed their plea at Crown Court.

Senior staff at Life Comfort Products admitted the aggressive sales techniques at the Peterborough Crown Court hearing.

The family-run firm sells chairs and beds to elderly residents who may have mobility issues.

Aggressive sales from the firm included giving misleading information to customers, such as telling them chairs were made at their family-owned Peterborough factory.

Sales staff also ignored no cold calling stickers, made appointments when asked not to and even disrupted mealtimes and other commitments for the customers.

Directors Jacqueline and Geoffrey Turner and the firm itself admitted designing a script and training canvassers to increase pressure on customers to agree to a demonstration.

Clarke admitted targeting addresses clearly identifiable as being elderly residents’ homes and instructing staff to ignore no cold calling zones.

David Turner admitted quoting a high price for a bed for a customer - and then offering it for considerably less if ordered on the same day.

Donahue pleaded guilty to writing out cheques for vulnerable customers who were physically unable to do it themselves and misleading consumers over the medical benefits of products on offer.

Peter Gell, head of regulatory services for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Trading Standards, said: “We are pleased with how the court cases are progressing so far.

“Our trading standards officers began looking into this case back in June 2016 following several complaints from members of the public about how customers had been treated by Life Comfort Products staff. We took these allegations seriously and began a 14-month investigation, collating evidence which formed the basis of these cases.”

Six other members of staff - Michael Dodd, Stephen Millward, Sally Shepherd, James Puttrell, Michael Driscoll and Mohammed Hure were listed to appear at Peterborough Crown Court last Thursday.

Shepherd, Millward, Dodd and Puttrell all accepted cautions for offences surrounding sales.

Hure and Driscoll accepted an enterprise act undertaking - which Peterborough Crown Court was told was the equivalent of a civil caution.

They had all faced charges, but not guilty verdicts were officially recorded at the court hearing yesterday.

A 13th man who has been charged in connection with the firm is due to attend Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, November 22.

Community groups planning fundraising events over the Christmas and New Year period are urged to get in touch with Daventry District Council for a grant.

One-off grants of up to £500 are available to help groups in Daventry District put on events for the wider community.

Applicants must demonstrate they have support from their local town or parish council and must also match any funding they receive.

Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the planned event and applicants will be notified of a decision within five working days of their submission.

Seasonal events that have benefited from grants in the past include Naseby’s annual advent trail, a community pantomime in Clipston, and a Christmas dinner for senior citizens in Welford, providing entertainment for the local community as well as valued funds for local good causes.

To find out more and download an application form, visit www.daventrydc.gov.uk/communitygrants or phone Community Development Co-ordinator Tim Cantwell on 01327 871100.

Applications are now open for the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off.

If you are brilliant with brioche, marvellous with meringue or super with Sponge, then why not put your baking skills to the test?

Producers of the show - which controversially moved to Channel 4 from the BBC ahead of the last series - are looking for a fresh batch of brilliant, amateur bakers to ‘dough’ battle and enter the tent for the ninth series of The Great British Bake Off.

Channel 4 confirmed earlier this month that Prue Leith, Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig will return to front the show next year.

“If you or someone you know, is ready to sieve the dream,” say the producers, “then why not take a whisk and apply now?”

Deadline for all applications is Sunday 7th January 2018.

You can apply online at www.applyforbakeoff.co.uk, phone 0207 067 4837 or email applyforbakeoff@loveproductions.co.uk

The competition, now in its ninth year, is aimed at celebrating all that is great about Northamptonshire produce and drink, recognising excellence within the county’s dining venues and rewarding those who work hard within the culinary sector.

The results were announced at an awards dinner staged at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate on Wednesday (November 15).

Missing from the proceedings was Antonio Carluccio OBE who passed away just a week before being due to follow in the footsteps of chefs Marcus Wareing, Jason Atherton and Michel Roux OBE as the evening’s special guest.

The event began with a toast to the man known as the ‘Godfather of Italian cooking’ led by his good friend William Sitwell.

The evening also shone a spotlight on Eat Out Eat Well, a national scheme run in the county by Environmental Health Northamptonshire which rewards caterers and eateries who make it easier for their customers to make healthy choices.

It saw the top scoring gold venues from five of the seven borough and district councils being celebrated for their achievement.

They were Millie’s Café in Wellingborough, Mrs B’s in Rushden, Reg’s Café in Kings Sutton, The R Inn Hotel, Tapas Bar and Grill in Desborough, and The Stables Café in Althorp.

For the team at The Hopping Hare in Northampton, the evening was double cause for celebration for not only was 23-year-old Arturs Dzerins named runner-up in the ‘Booker Young Chef of the Year’ category, but the venue also took the ‘Booker Food Pub of the Year’ title.

Having been a regular finalist in the category and the runner-up last year, owner David George was thrilled to have clinched the top spot this time

"At the start of the year we set out to secure 2 AA Rosettes and win this title and we couldn’t be more delighted to have now achieved both,” said David.

“The trophy will be put on pride of place behind the bar for not only our loyal customers to see but also those newcomers whom we know will now be wanting to visit to try our fabulous food, great service and outstanding value for money for themselves, thanks to this accolade.”

The winners were (in presentation order and, in the case of two winners or runners-up, in alphabetical order):

Artisan Local Drink of the Year:
Winner: Triple ‘F’ Pure Apple Juice - Floyers’ Fruit Farm, Flore
Runner-up: Bell Ringer - Towcester Mill Brewery, Towcester

New Local Drink of the Year
Winner: Burnt Ox Blood - Nobby’s Brewing Company, Thrapston
Winner: Dream Catcher - Tea Lab Company, Northampton

Artisan Local Savoury Product of the Year (Sponsored by Heygates Flour and Animal Feed)
Winner: Northamptonshire Blue - Hamm Tun Fine Foods, Hannington
Runner-up: Phipps Firkin - Neneview Dairy, Stanwick

Artisan Local Sweet Product of the Year (Sponsored by Moulton College)
Winner: Honey, Lemon and Ginger Marmalade - Nature’s Fayre, Thrapston
Runner-up: Dark Espresso Chocolate - Seed and Bean, Corby
Runner-up: Gooseberry and Elderflower Gelato - Ganders Goat, Cottingham

One To Watch (Sponsored by Whitworth Bros. Ltd Flour Millers)
Winner: Ganders Goat, Cottingham
Winner: Towcester Mill Brewery, Towcester

Farming Innovation Award (Sponsored by Weetabix Growers Group)
Winner: Mee Farmers, Nassington
Runner-up: Courteenhall Farms, Courteenhall

Healthy Eating Workplace of the Year (Sponsored by Northamptonshire County Council)
Winner: Weatherbys Ltd, Wellingborough
Runner-up: John Lewis Plc, Northampton
Runner-up: Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, Brixworth

Independent Café / Tea Room of the Year (Sponsored by Pidy UK):
Winner: Workbridge Coffee Shop, Northampton
Runner-up: The Bread & Butter Factory, Northampton

Spice Restaurant of the Year (Sponsored by British Pepper & Spice)
Winner: The Exotic Dining, Kettering
Runner-up: Taste of Spice, Northampton

Restaurant of the Year (Sponsored by Whitco Catering and Bakery Equipment)
Winner: The Folly, Towcester
Runner-up: Tap and Kitchen, Oundle

Booker Food Pub of the Year (Sponsored by Booker)
Winner: The Hopping Hare, Northampton
Runner-up: The Wheatsheaf Pub & Dining Room, Northampton

Great Service Award (Sponsored by Northampton College)
Winner: The Folly, Towcester

Chef of the Year (Sponsored by Dawn Farms and Cordant People)
Winner: Richard Walker - Fawsley Hall Hotel, Fawsley
Runner-up: James Peck (Freelance Chef)

Booker Young Chef of the Year (Sponsored by Booker)
Winner: Victoria Austin - Highgate House, Creaton
Runner-up: Arturs Dzerins - The Hopping Hare, Northampton

Community Pub of the Year (Sponsored by Carlsberg UK)
Winner: The Dukes Arms, Woodford
Runner-up: The Sun Inn, Kislingbury

Weetabix Local Food Hero of the Year (Sponsored by Weetabix)
Winner: Steve Reid of Friars Farm, Northampton
Runner-up: The Good Loaf, Northampton

F&B Achiever of the Year (Sponsored by Howes Percival LLP)
Winner: Tom Warner and Christina Warner-Keogh - Warner Edwards, Harrington

Chairman’s Award
Winner: Alaric Neville - Phipps NBC, Northampton