Buckingham’s annual town centre music festival takes place on Sunday August 25 from 1pm to 10pm.

Nine musicians will be performing throughout the day at the free event, organised by Lee Maloney, landlord at The New Inn in Buckingham.

The full line-up for the event is as follows:

> Malarky (covers band who also opened last year’s event) - 1pm to 1.45pm

> 60s Jukebox (Sixties covers band) - 2pm to 2.45pm

> The Reformers (a ‘good time’ covers band)- 3pm to 3.45pm

> Wah Wah Club (local rock band) - 4pm to 5pm

> Harvey Fowler (vocalist who has performed on BBC Introducing) - 5.10pm to 6.05pm

> Raegar (international singing duo) - 6.10pm to 6.30pm

> Krissy Matthews (local blues guitarist)- 6.30pm to 7.30pm

> 2 Tone All Skas (local ska band) - 7.45pm to 8.45pm

> Dixie & Co (covers band specialising in pop, soul and funk)- 9pm to 10pm

Deputy mayor Geraldine Collins will be opening the event.

There will be stalls selling a range of food, including Go Greek, Mark’s Ices, J&L Snack Bar and Vegan Bliss.

New for this year is a festival hat stall The Wonders of Wool.

The festival takes place on a purpose-built stage in Buckingham town centre and is sponsored by Buckingham Town Council.

Although last year’s event was damp at the start the weather brightened up later in the day and a good crowd enjoyed the performances which were headlined by Red Bullets.

The forecast for this year’s event is much more favourable with bright sunshine and temperatures expected to get close to 30C on Sunday - so if you are coming don’t forget the sun protection!

Buckinghamshire County Council (BCC) is under prepared for a no-deal Brexit according to the country's largest union, UNISON.

BCCs 'Brexit Preparedness' document, which is available to the general public on the council's website, raises a number of concerns.

The document is dated 10/12/18, meaning it is at least eight months old. Since then, the EU Withdrawal Agreement has been rejected by Parliament, completely changing the landscape of what Brexit will mean. It also still gives 29 March as the date that we are leaving the European Union, which of course has long since passed.

Under the heading 'Local Government Resilience', it states:

"These are financially challenging times for Local Government as a sector and especially for authorities which have responsibility for Social Care provision. Funding shortfalls in both adult’s and children’s social care should be addressed by central government..."

The UK's largest union, UNISON, has seen the document and their regional organiser Emma Jenkinson provided the following comments:

“Our public services have already faced a decade of cuts that have left them stretched to breaking point. There’s simply no capacity in the system to ‘put some extra aside’ for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit.

“Any reduction in council funding at this point will hit the most vulnerable hardest and inevitably mean deeper and more swingeing cuts to services. Which means the possibility of no-deal is a frightening prospect for anyone who works in public services and for everyone who relies on their local council.

“Bucks County Council is far from alone in being under prepared for the seismic shock of a no-deal Brexit – how could they be after a decade of austerity and cuts?”

The apparent total reliance on central government is particularly jarring in light of the fact that it's far from clear what plans they have in place. Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, told us:

“With the strong possibility of a no-deal Brexit, we don’t think the level of risk government is taking with children’s health, safety and education is appropriate.

“Government must say now what extra measures it will add to contingency plans to protect those children who have least access in their lives to hot, filling, fresh and healthy food.”

The day after the referendum, on 24 June 2016, the leader of BCC, Martin Tett told this paper:

“It feels exciting and optimistic. I’m really excited for this country.”

A week later, he said:

“I think there is a mindset among European officials to penalise Britain for leaving, although I don't think that will carry as soon as the top table politicians go over there.

"It is a period of uncertainty as we withdraw but I certainly believe that the council here will be doing the best to support our businesses through the next couple of years.”

We think that the people of Aylesbury Vale deserve greater assurances than what amounts to jingoism and statements of support for the business sector, particularly in relation to the supply of food to schools, hospitals, care homes and prisons, including the maintenance of nutritional standards.

A recently leaked government paper, Operation Yellowhammer, outlines the worst case scenarios surrounding a no-deal Brexit.

The most alarming part of the report warns of a risk of fresh food supplies decreasing and a rise in food prices, both of which would hit the most vulnerable the hardest.

Labour councillor Robin Stuchbury told us:

“To the best of my knowledge, a no-deal Brexit has never been a single item of discussion either during my period on the county council or now as a district councillor, and it has never been a standalone agenda item by elected members of the committee.”

We asked BCC for comment and deputy leader Mark Shaw responded:

"Buckinghamshire County Council is continuously reviewing its business continuity plans for Brexit, including the minimisation of any effect on services in the event of a 'no deal' scenario. Work on this is coordinated by a 'task and finish group' made up of representatives from both the council's own services and from the district councils, who come together regularly to ensure that plans are kept up to date.

"As part of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum, Buckinghamshire County Council also works with other local government, health and emergency services in the region to coordinate a suitable response in the event of a range of possible adverse situations and to ensure continuity of services to the local community."

The UK is set to leave the European Union on 31 October 2019 – just 10 weeks away. Currently there is no withdrawal agreement in place.

These are some of the most unusual baby names parents in England and Wales named their children in 2018, according to the Office for National Statistics data.

Buckingham Town Cricket Club held its first ever family fun day yesterday (Sunday).

An estimated 1500 people attended the event at the club's Bourton Park ground - photos by Derek Pelling.

Anti-Brexit protest groups under the banner of the People's Vote movement were campaigning in Aylesbury this weekend, collecting postcard messages from residents to deliver to MP for Aylesbury, David Lidington.

North Bucks has played a significant role in the nation's Brexit saga, not least with the various interjections of House Speaker and MP for Buckingham, John Bercow, and the role of Mr Lidington as former Deputy Prime Minister.

We also had the Leave means Leave pro-Brexit march pass through our region earlier in the year and this newspaper spoke to Nigel Farage about it back in March.

And so it continued on Saturday, with pro-Remain organisations in Aylesbury joining the nationwide 'Stop The Coup' rallies, of which there were approximately 80 around the country, with tens of thousands of people taking part.

Protesters across the country have been taking to the streets ever since Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his intention to suspend Parliament last week in order to meet his pledge of ensuring Brexit goes ahead on 31 October.

Sarah Jones, officially the social media manager of European Movement Milton Keynes, has been collaborating with Open Britain Aylesbury and Open Britain Thame over the past few weeks to collect around 300 signatures in Aylesbury's Market Square to deliver to David Lidington's constituency office.

We spoke to Sarah about her recent activities in the town. Firstly, she explained why they are focusing on Aylesbury:

“We go there because of David Lidington. We think it will be more effective with all of us campaigning in Aylesbury at the moment.”

She added:

“Our MPs in Milton Keynes are not going to change their minds but David Lidington is obviously an intelligent, educated man, not a Brexit fanatic, so there's real potential that he could shift. He's already spoken out against no-deal, so he just needs to take action.”

Regarding what people in Aylesbury have been saying to her and her colleagues, Sarah said:

“We're asking people to write what they think and what they want to tell their MP. Some people just write 'Stop Brexit', some people 'Stop no-deal Brexit' and we've had a lot of Leave voters saying they didn't vote for no-deal, so a lot of the postcards are from Leave voters who oppose no-deal and the prorogation of Parliament.”

We asked Sarah what messages gained the most traction locally, and she explained:

“Well people are already having trouble getting their medicines. We're meeting these people at the stalls who it's happening to and we relate that to Leave voters. That's the angle that gets to them, if you can show that it's not 'project fear', that we have just spoken to a gentleman who can't get his medication because the pharmacist has run out – that it's happening to your neighbours here in Aylesbury.”

MPs return to work from their summer break on Tuesday this week, with only a few sitting days until Parliament is set to be suspended until 14 October. If prorogation goes ahead as ordered by the Prime Minister last week, it would mean there is unlikely to be enough time to pass legislation to prevent a no-deal Brexit on 31 October.

While once again the immediate future is uncertain, Sarah is clear where she hopes we will end up:

“Some Remainers want to just revoke Article 50, but honestly I don't think that's democratic. I think people need to have a say in this and decide what they want to do, so that's where the People's Vote comes in.”

Craptravel.com is a website dedicated to analysing Twitter to find the most complained about tour operators in the UK, and has inspected over 20,000 tweets about nine of the biggest tour operators. These are the worst and best holiday providers ranked according to Twitter reviews.

For those looking for dark locations to visit, travel company My Late Deals has compiled a guide to some of the most popular destinations.

It has blamed staff shortages as a key reason for the delays, and has said government inaction is "crippling" the NHS. Public Health England said that around 115,000 people were diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 cancer in 2017, and the government has vowed to have three quarters of patients diagnosed at an earlier stage by 2028. Knowing the symptoms to look out for can be essential to an early diagnosis. Here are ten important signs to watch out for.

The following people from Aylesbury Vale have been sentenced at High Wycombe Magistrates Court from August 27 to 31.

Anthony Gurney, 63, Dorchester Close, Stoke Mandeville: drove a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit. Ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £90 and costs of £85 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 25 months.

Dean Horwood, 35, Taylor Road, Aylesbury: possession of a class A drug (crack cocaine). Fined £280. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Shame Makore, 46, Ossulbury Lane, Aylesbury: drunk and disorderly behaviour at Jubilee Square, Aylesbury. Fined £277. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £32 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Darren Wiggins, 47, Upper Field, Chinnor: theft by sneak-in - stole two Velux windows valued at £687.45 from Blanchfords building supplies, Princes Risborough.

Community order made - ordered to pay compensation of £687.45, a victim surcharge of £85 and costs of £500 to the CPS.

Theft by sneak-in - stole a Garrat turbocharger valued at £791.94 from Euro Car Parts. Community order made - ordered to pay compensation of £791.94.

Fraud by false representation - committed fraud by false representation by obtaining a refund for an air mass meter having swapped it for a defective one with the aim of making a £62.81 personal gain.

Community order made - ordered to pay compensation of £62.81.

Christina Bull, 33, Tring Road, Aylesbury: theft from a shop - stole meat valued at £34.66 from Morrisons, Aylesbury. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £21 and costs of £39 from the CPS.

Habad Hussain, 36, Walton Court, Aylesbury: assaulted a woman by beating. Committed to prison for 12 weeks because of the seriousness of the offences. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

Assaulted a male by beating. Committed to prison for a further ten weeks.

Devroy Hume, 31, Red Kite View, Calvert: stole a drugs prescription from the dispensary of the health centre, Douglas Road, Aylesbury. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85 to the CPS.

Kenneth Amadi, 49, Friarscroft, Aylesbury: failed to provide a specimen for analysis while at High Wycombe police station. Committed to prison for eight weeks suspended for 12 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115 and costs of £775 to the CPS. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 36 months.

Natasha Scott, 47, Lowndes Way, Winslow: failed to provide a specimen for analysis. Committed to prison for eight weeks suspended for 24 months. Disqualified from holding a driving licence for 36 months.

Drove a silver Ford Focus on the High Street, Winslow, while disqualified. Committed to prison for eight weeks suspended for 24 months. Ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122 and pay costs of £85 to the CPS.

Brackley Town finally got their first Vanarama National League North success on the road.

A superbly struck goal by Shane Byrne set Saints on the path to a first away win and three richly deserved points at Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday. Goals from Thierry Audel, his first for the club, and Jimmy Armson with his fifth of the campaign, earned Saints a 3-1 victory and took them up to seventh.

Set up by Fairlamb after good work on the left, Byrne hit his 20th minute shot first time from 25 yards and saw it find the top corner in off the bar to give Saints a spectacular lead. Saints doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Audel netted after Harriers failed to clear from a corner.

The two-goal lead was nothing more than the visitors’ play warranted but Kidderminster halved the deficit on the stroke of halftime with a first effort on goal after Saints failed to clear their lines, the ball falling for Correy Davidson who made no mistake.

The home side started the second period well but could not find the equaliser and Saints were soon in the ascendency again, Armson and Glenn Walker both going close. Armson scored his fifth goal in four games, finishing tidily after Lee Ndlovu’s shot was blocked in the 64th minute.

Byrne’s shot found the post after excellent play by Matt Lowe and Armson who had a late shot was well saved by Cameron Gregory as Saints continued to press to increase their lead.

Nintendo UK has announced it is the new lead partner for the Digital Schoolhouse (DSH) programme ahead of what is predicted to be a landmark year.

Nintendo UK is supporting the not-for-profit programme delivered by the UK games industry trade body Ukie to embed itself in the grassroots of Computing, benefiting future generations by delivering play-based learning and industry best practice to a projected 32,000 pupils this academic year. It will help enable the programme’s expert network of over 55 schools and colleges to bridge the gap between industry and education, combining fun, innovation and creativity with learning.

Nintendo UK is also supporting the next edition of DSH’s pioneering national schools esports tournament.

The Digital Schoolhouse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team Battle will provide an immersive career experience for students allowing them to develop practical and soft skills with participation in professional esports roles, such as team hosting and production crafted by the video games industry for education. For the first time ever pupils will be able to learn anytime, anywhere with the Nintendo Switch console giving them a fully flexible and personalised experience.

The esports tournament is expected to reach 60 schools and colleges, and over 6000 pupils, with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team Battle on Nintendo Switch expected to engage an even larger base of players than ever before

Kalpesh Tailor, Head of Communications at Nintendo UK said the company is 'extremely excited' about the initiative.

"The Digital Schoolhouse programme uniquely combines computing, fun, creativity and innovation, all of which are synonymous and at the heart of Nintendo’s values," he said.

"Through this collaborative partnership we aim to reach more teachers and pupils than ever before, in order to help inspire the next generation of young minds across the UK.

"Through Digital Schoolhouse Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Team Battle with Nintendo Switch, as well as through other play-based learning initiatives, we want to be able to provide young adults with fun and unique experiences that will form positive lasting memories as well as foster the development of skillsets within students which they can take with them into their future.”

Shahneila Saeed, Director of Digital Schoolhouse, is delighted to have Nintendo's support, saying: "DSH has evolved enormously in just three years and their support means we can reach more pupils and teachers than ever with our transformative and inspiring programme.

"To date, these partnerships have helped DSH achieve national expansion and rapid growth, which is testament to the significant commitment from schools across the country to improve their digital skills provision. Nintendo is the latest global company to pick up the baton and push forward the programme into the next academic year.”

The government has today launched its national campaign to recruit 20,000 new officers.

Along with other police forces around the country Thames Valley Police is expecting to benefit from the uplift in policing numbers announced by the government in August. Target recruitment numbers for Thames Valley Police have not yet been confirmed

Speaking about the uplift Chief Constable John Campbell said: “This is a very welcome development both for Thames Valley Police and for the communities that we serve. We know that crime is becoming more complex and maintaining the quality of investigation in a digital age requires more resources. This uplift in our numbers will help us to continue protecting the most vulnerable in our communities and stop crime from happening in the first place.”

In August Thames Valley Police launched its new careers website and hosted a Facebook Live event focused on recruitment which drew a lot of interest from the public.

"We are already in a good place with our recruitment processes and machinery,” commented Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg. “Increasing the number of police officers in our force takes more than just having great candidates. To cope with the increase numbers we also need to have training facilities and trainers in place, new uniforms, IT equipment, vehicles and buildings. This uplift is expected to be a substantial increase for the force but believe that we are well-prepared to meet whatever our allocated year one recruitment numbers will be by the end of March 2021.

“We are also looking to take advantage of this ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to shift the demographics of our force to better reflect the communities that we serve. We know that across Thames Valley 14 per cent of the population is from the BAME community but at present we only have five per cent BAME officers in our force. Improving our diversity is a major focus for us and we are putting in place a Positive Action and Engagement team that will be proactive in seeking out and recruiting the best talent in our local communities.

“Policing provides a unique career that allows recruits to make a difference in their local communities and create a safe environment for all. I would encourage anyone who is looking for a challenging and stimulating working environment to visit our new careers website to learn more about how to join Thames Valley Police.”

Police have released CCTV of a man they would like to speak to following a burglary in Granborough last month.

The appeal was issued by the force today (Thursday) but is in connection with an incident on Saturday August 24 sometime between 11.30am and 4.30pm when thieves smashed a rear window to gain access to a property in Hogshaw Road.

A number of personal items including jewellery and cash were stolen.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Emma Francis said: “I believe the man in these images may have vital information about the incident and could help with this investigation.

“I am also appealing for any witnesses or anyone who has information about this incident to come forward.

“If you think you know the man in this image, or you believe it could be you, please call police on 101 quoting reference 43190262008, or make a report online.

“Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

To make a report online visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

Now of course, red cards are a far more severe caution than yellows, so we've trebled their value to reflect this. Scroll through the gallery to see the dirtiest sides in the Premier League's history...

Brackley Town maintained their unbeaten Vanarama National League North home record but were unable to record back-to-back wins for the first time.

AFC Telford are now unbeaten in three games after Saturday’s tight contest ended in a 1-1 draw at St James Park. The scores were level at the interval and remained that way at the finish after a disappointing second half when neither team really got into their stride.

The game had started brightly, Saints going ahead in the 16th minute through Matt Lowe’s first goal of the campaign. Strong work in the penalty area by Lee Ndlovu and then Jimmy Armson set up the chance that Lowe finished decisively.

Andrew Wycherley saved well from Ndlovu in the only other clear-cut chance of the half while former Saints striker Aaron Williams turned and struck his shot well from distance but it was wide.

The game-changing moment came in the 40th minute when captain Gareth Dean was adjudged to have fouled Marcus Dinanga just inside the penalty area. Dinanga got up to smartly despatch the ensuing spot-kick past Danny Lewis.

Shep Murombedzi and then Lee Ndlovu had Saints’ best chances of the second half, both deflected shots well saved. Adam Walker’s effort was not too far away and Brendon Daniels’ deftly taken free-kick was close but could not produce three points.

For the first time, the Conservative Party will challenge the Speakers seat of Buckingham, breaking with the long-enduring convention not to contest the seat of the Speaker of the house.

The only challenges the Speaker usually faces are from 'fringe' political parties, such as the challenge from Nigel Farage for UKIP in 2010.

The challenge comes after John Bercow allowed 'no-deal' blocking legislation to be debated in the House of Commons.

It was revealed by the Business and Energy Secretary Andrea Leadsom, who has had a long running feud with the Speaker after he allegedly called her a 'stupid woman' in a parliamentary exchange.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Ms Leadsom said: “As an MP, a minister and a former leader of the Commons, I fully respect and appreciate the role of the speaker. But last week, the current speaker failed us.

“In allowing MPs to use Standing Order No 24 – an important procedure whereby MPs can debate urgent issues – as a route to taking over the parliamentary timetable and giving power to the opposition, the speaker hasn’t just bent the rules, he has broken them.

“So it is right that the Conservatives will recognise this fact at the next general election by standing our candidate against him in Buckingham.”

Formerly a Tory, Mr Bercow gave up his party affiliation when he took on the impartial role.

As the highest authority in the House of Commons, the Speaker chairs MPs' debates.

In order to be impartial, the Speaker resigns from their party, and - while they still stand in general elections - they are usually unopposed by the main parties, and they do not campaign on political issues.

The business and energy secretary and former leader of the house, Andrea Leadsom said the role of the Speaker was to be "a politically impartial, independent umpire of proceedings" and to "protect the constitution and oversee the behaviour of the House.

"But last week, the current Speaker failed us.

Ms Leadsom said allowing the opposition to control the agenda in this way "ignores the government's right to govern" and undermines democracy, prompting Mr Johnson's call for a general election.

"Bring it on, I say, and give us back an impartial speaker," she said.

Last year, Mr Bercow was among MPs accused of bullying by staff in the House of Commons, although he denied the allegations.

Mr Bercow told the Commons this afternoon that he will stand down either at the next election, or at the close of business on Thursday, 31 of October. Whichever comes first.

John Bercow has been MP for Buckingham since 1997, and has been Speaker of the House since June 2009.

His resignation statement to the House is as follows: "

"Colleagues, I would like to make a personal statement to the house. At the 2017 election I promised my wife and children that it would be my last. This is a pledge that I intend to keep. If the house votes tonight for an early general election, my tenure as Speaker and MP will end when this parliament ends.

"If the house does not so vote, I have concluded that the least disruptive and most democratic course of action would be for me stand down at the close of business on Thursday, 31 October. Least disruptive because that date will fall shortly after the votes on the Queen’s speech expected on 21 and 22 October.

"The week also after that may be quite lively and it would be best to have an experienced figure in the chair for that short period.

"Most democratic because it will mean that a ballot is held when all members have some knowledge of the candidates. This is far preferable to a contest at the beginning of a parliament when new MPs will not be similarly informed and may find themselves vulnerable to undue institutional influence.

"We would not want anyone to be whipped senseless, would we? Throughout my time as Speaker I have sought to increase the relative authority of this legislature for which I will make absolutely no apology to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

"To deploy a perhaps dangerous phrase, I have also sought to be the backbencher’s backstop.

"I could not do so without the support of a small but superb team in Speaker’s House, the wider house staff, my Buckingham constituents, and above all my wife, Sally, and our three children, Oliver, Freddy and Jemima. From the bottom of my heart, I thank them all profusely.

"I could also not have served without the repeated support of this house and its members past and present. This is a wonderful place filled overwhelmingly by people who are motivated by their notion of the national interest by their perception of the public good. And by their duty, not as delegates, but as representatives, to do what they believe is right for our country.

"We degrade this parliament at our peril. I have served as a member of parliament for 22 years, and for the last 10 as Speaker. This has been, let me put it explicitly, the greatest privilege and honour of my professional life for which I will be eternally grateful.

"I wish my successor in the chair the very best fortune in standing up for the rights of honourable and right honourable members individually and for parliament institutionally as the Speaker of the House of Commons."

When King Willem-Alexander struck the liberation bell with a hammer in front of thousands of onlookers along the seafront at Terneuzen on Saturday 31 August, it not only marked the 75th anniversary of Dutch liberation from Nazi occupation, but it started a year of significant celebration in the Netherlands.

With three veteran aircraft piloted by members of the Royal Dutch Airforce and a flotilla of Dutch Naval vessels passing close by, several ageing veterans representing Britain, Canada, the USA, Norway and Poland were warmly greeted by the now bearded Dutch king and Queen Maxima.

They were joined by Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde in a joyous celebration on the banks of the Scheldt Estuary which, back in September 1944, witnessed one of the toughest battles faced by the advancing Allies – and in particular the Poles – but their triumph finally allowed supplies to be brought by sea once more into the strategic Belgian port of Antwerp.

Led by General Stanislaw Maczek, the 1st Polish Armoured Division succeeded in clearing a path all the way from the towns of Middelburg and Goes to the city of Breda and then on towards the German port of Wilhelmshaven.

Meanwhile at the Battle of Arnhem on the banks of the River Rhine, Operation Market Garden ended in failure after bullish British Field Marshall Bernard 'Monty' Montgomery blamed the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade and General Stanisław Sosabowski in particular for the disaster.

With Sosabowski demoted and made a scapegoat for the failure, it was later acknowledged that it was in fact Montgomery and Lieutenant-General Frederick Browning who had under-estimated the task in hand due to superior and unexpected German numbers as depicted in the film A Bridge Too Far. Thanks to the Dutch resistance movement, Sosabowski had been able to warn Montgomery that two SS Panzer Divisions were still in the operations area but despite this, Monty insisted that Market Garden proceeded as planned.

However Sosabowski's bravery was finally acknowledged while his two grandsons – one having been blinded in military action – received a posthumously-awarded Bronze Lion (the Netherlands' highest honour) while the 1st Independent Polish Parachute Brigade received the Military Order of William (the Militaire Willemsorde) from Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands at a special ceremony at The Hague back in May 2006.

Sadly Sosabowski passed away in September 1967, aged 75, having never been able to return to his native Poland due to Soviet occupation, although he did manage to get his wife and son to leave and they lived in West London.

Our tour began on the Scheldt in the province of Zeeland where we visited the small Liberation Museum at Nieuwdorp where we were welcomed by its owner and director Stef Traas who opened it in 2005. However what wasn't obvious at first glance was that behind the original wooden fronted museum building was an enormous group of new constructions which are hurriedly being finished by a handful of volunteers in readiness for a Royal opening in just eight weeks time.

"Our volunteers range from 11 to 85-years-old," explained Stef who said that the new building was the result of a €7million grant from the Dutch lottery fund. The museum's extensive grounds now includes a lake and bridge plus various items of military hardware including tanks and heavy artillery.

We were also shown around by former staff officer and military historian Wouter Hagemeijer who focused on the Polish forces at the Battle of the Schedlt and who also accompanied us on a tour of the eastern Zeeuws-Vlaanderen area which was liberated in late 1944. He also explained that over 600 Allied aircraft had been shot down over Zeeland while on the ground, the British losses numbered 6700, Canada's 4100, the USA's 1135 while the Poles lost 630 men.

Crossing Gydnia Bridge, the site of heavy fighting in the Dutch polders for control of the Axel Canal, we then headed to the province of Brabent and first to a Commonwealth War Graveyard and then onto the 'Dilemma Maze' at Bergen-op-Zoom before heading to Breda where we stayed at Hotel Mastbosch for the evening.

We learned more about the maze (which will remain in place between the British and Canadian cemetraries for 12 months) and of Brabant Remembers from Caroline Belt, the maze itself telling the stories of 75 life-changing personal war tales from 75 different locations in the province – https://www.brabantremembers.com/?lang=en

It was in Breda the following morning that we were joined by 73-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Frans Ruzczynski, the son of one of a Polish liberator and chairman of the still under construction General Maczek Museum. He guided us through the town, visiting various historic monuments and also on an interesting battlefield tour.

It was then on to the Gelderland province and the magnificent Hartenstein Airborne Museum at Oosterbeek after which we were joined by Arno Baltussen who explained Westerbouwing – the River Rhine crossing point – and the town of Driel where General Sosabowski and his Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade acted so bravely.

On our final day, after spending the night at the Fletcher Hotel Doorwerth-Arnhem, we travelled north to Emmen where we visited a remarkable museum created by jovial 50-year-old Erik Zwiggelaar. It's called ‘Ergens in Nederland 1939-1945’ which translates as 'Somewhere in the Netherlands 1939-1945’.

Erik explained that he started his museum as an eight-year-old boy who found a box containing bullets. Meanwhile 42 year later he has amassed one of the most amazing collection of military objects and paraphernalia together with uniforms from all of the European armies. "I go to various sales and flea markets to add to my collection while people often bring me things they've found in their attics," he said.

He then accompanied us across the German border to the village of Oberlangen where the Nazis created a collection of 15 labour camps located alongside a single straight road on open moorland. The first camp was opened in 1933 to hold Germany's communist sympathisers while once the Second World War started in 1939, the other camps were opened at regular intervals to house Poles, French and Italians… but it was the Russian prisoners who bore the brunt of the Nazis' cruelty.

"The Russian prisoners were simply worked to death," explained Erik. "Unlike the other prisoners, these had come from the Russian front and they were never even fed – they were simply starved to death. There's a mass grave site just up the road which is said to hold thousands of Russian bodies, but it has never been properly excavated," he added.

General Maczek and his 1st Polish Armoured Division – the Dutch liberators

Learning of a major event in European history, Alan Wooding retraces the steps taken exactly 75 years ago by the heroic members of the 1st Polish Armoured Division – or 'Black Division' – who played a special role in ridding northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands of Nazi occupation.

With their own country in ruins following Germany's occupation during the early years of the Second World War, several decades later a remarkable story has unfolded regarding the bravery shown by a special group of Poles who banded together to form the 1st Polish Armoured Division.

As the war raged on and with many Polish people continuing their fight for freedom back in their homeland, it was in 1942 here in Great Britain that hundreds of escaped Nazi labour camp prisoners together with Polish refugees (including children) and a few of their regular soldiers joined together to form a special armoured force which became known as 'The Black Division'.

With many of Poland's great cities in ruins, it was in August 1944 under the command of General Stanislaw Maczek that 'The Black Division' – feared by the enemy for its ferocity – fought alongside the British, American and Canadian troops through Normandy and Belgium before playing a major role in liberating the Dutch in the final days of the war in the Netherlands.

However the Poles' first duty back in June 1943 was to defend the Scottish coastline in case of a predicted German invasion. However 12 months on, the growing 1st Polish Armoured Division – now comprising 15,210 men and 885 officers – were moved to southern England and were equipped with 381 tanks and 473 pieces of heavy artillery.

In France, the Poles were tasked with breaking through the German defences in the Caen-Falaise region and while Polish soldiers had entered the battle on 8 August, just ten days later in the Chambois region, they closed the ring and surrounded the German 5th Panzer Army.

The enemy then attacked the Polish positions but to no effect and less than a month later the Black Division had entered Belgium, liberating Ypres and Tielt before regaining the city of Ghent. Ten days after that they were in the Netherlands and by 16 October, the city of Breda had been liberated, the Dutch civilians posting notices in their windows saying: "Thank you Poles”.

The battles continued all the way across northern Europe to the strategic German seaport of Wilhelmshaven where on 5 May 1945, the Black Division captured three Nazi cruisers and 18 submarines.

After Germany’s final capitulation on 20 May 1945, the 1st Polish Armoured Division losses numbered 975 men but as the Russians now occupied their homeland, the Poles were unable to return which meant they became spread throughout the other countries of western Europe.

General Maczek took responsibility for another Polish division based in Scotland while the 1st Polish Armoured Division gained a new commander in General Klemens Rudnicki and for two years, they occupied a base in northern Germany. However the Black Division did return to England in June 1947 where it was finally disarmed and demobilised while Maczek himself returned to the city of Breda were he died in 1994, aged 102 years.

*Also see https://liberationroute.com/ and https://liberationroute.com/the-netherlands/pois/t/the-poles-of-driel

** With special thanks to Gert-Jan Jacobs of Liberation Route Europe and Europe Remembers for arranging this 'In the footsteps of the Poles – From Axel to Ter Apel’ visit and to fellow travellers Tim Williamson, Piotr Kalusa, Malgorzata Bos-Karczewska, Pawel Moskalewicz, Hubert Koziel and Jakub Butyrowski for their friendship and enjoyable company.

Ruth Brindle takes a first-time trip to the city and uncovers a wealth of history

The truly iconic and magnificent Midland Hotel in the centre of Manchester can lay claim to some very memorable and historic guests and events.

It’s where Mr Rolls first met Mr Royce and decided to make cars together; Posh and Becks had their first date here in the renowned French restaurant and they still say it’s one of their favourite UK hotels; actor Jack Howarth of Albert Tatlock and Coronation Street fame lived here and it has played host to celebrities and political figures such as Winston Churchill, Princess Anne, Liberace and many other current celebrities who come to perform in the city including the Rolling Stones.

The hotel was even a star in its own right in a behind-the-scenes TV documentary a few years ago.

Its Edwardian beauty has attracted filmmakers who have used the vast banqueting rooms in the likes of Brideshead Revisited and Cold Feet.

You can feel the history as you enter the vast entrance lobby to be greeted by the sort of attentive staff you might expect at any top-rated establishment around the world.

Built in 1903 for rail travellers it has always been a mainstay of city life. The Grade II Listed four star hotel with 312 bedrooms is now owned by the Leonardo group of hotels and has been extensively upgraded and renovated over the years and its spa is a city centre marvel with a swimming pool.

It is a great location from which to explore the city and on my first visit here I was very impressed with the array of different public transport options on offer from trams to free buses to trains. The hotel is minutes from Piccadilly train station and a walk to the huge Arndale shopping centre. Just around the corner is the first (and last) stop of the Sightseeing Manchester hop-on-hop-off city tour. The one-hour trip I tried took in sites such as Old Trafford, home to Manchester United; Salford Quays, home to the BBC, and attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the National Football Museum. It gives a good overview of the city.

Across the road from the hotel is the Central Library, which is well worth a visit as interactive exhibits help you to get an insight into the city’s industrial past.

But while my tour was fun I was looking forward to a relaxing stay in the Midland’s spa. My treatment was, aptly named: Relax in Manchester – and included a gentle exfoliation and relaxing aromatherapy back massage, with a face and scalp massage. There’s also a pool, which is unusual in city spas.

While The French restaurant has a long and enviable history and reputation, for those who may not want to fine dine, the Midland’s other eaterie Mr Cooper’s is also an award-winning and cool hang-out.

With its high ceilings and light and airy atmosphere it is a buzzy place to eat with, again, great staff. I sat under a real tree in the main dining room and enjoyed a great, imaginative meal before retiring to my vast room to relax.

Luckily I wasn’t woken by the hotel’s ghost The Lady In Grey. I was too content enjoying myself.

For more information, or to book a room, visit www.themidlandhotel.co.uk or call 0161 7747051

2,870 stores on Britain's top 500 high streets have closed down in the first half of the year, according to research by PwC and the Local Data Company. However, a total of 1634 stores opened in the same period, meaning the net closure was 1,234. This is an increase from the 1,123 from last year and the highest number since the survey began in 2010. Fashion retailers saw the biggest decline in the period, driven by administrations and CVAs. Competition from online retailers has made it difficult for traditional retailers to survive and pay the overheads of a brick and mortar store. Here are some of the retail names that have gone from many high streets, or could be going soon.