A new voter registration drive is under way in Bourne and Deepings ahead of next year’s district and county elections.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is writing to householders across the area asking people to check whether their personal details are correct.

information appears on the electoral register.

People are encouraged to reply to the council’s annual voter registration drive to ensure they are registered and eligible to vote in next year’s elections.

Beverly Agass, SKDC electoral registration officer, said: “The aim of the voter registration form is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date and to identify any residents who are not registered so they can be encouraged to do so.

“With elections taking place in our area in May 2017, this is an opportunity for residents to make sure they are registered and able to take part.

“Anyone that wants to vote must be registered and to make sure you are able to have your say at the elections next year, simply check the form when it arrives and reply as promptly as possible.

“All households must respond even if there are no changes to be made to the information and they can do this by returning the form in the pre-paid envelope provided, online, by telephone or by text.

“It is essential for a healthy democracy that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so and, for those who need to register, it is now easier than ever with the online system of registration.

“If you have changed address in the last year, it is particularly likely that you will need to register at your new address, so check the form as soon as it arrives.”

For more details, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

A team of community nursing managers from South Holland who changed the way they work to better support their patients and colleagues have won a national award.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), along with colleagues from the organisational development team, were recognised for good teamwork at the Healthcare People Management Association Excellence Awards in London.

The LCHS team were rewarded after setting up Supporting Positive Change in the Community, a project to help ensure they could share existing skills in delivering hands-on care and use additional skills to lead their teams and plan caseloads.

Janine Gargett, LCHS integrated clinical team leader, said: “We are very proud that our teams have gained the recognition they deserve, but prouder still that they are doing everything they can to support our patients towards having positive outcomes.

“Managers within our service dedicated their time to look at how they could ensure that the right nurse saw the right patient, at the right time, and that patients became more independent in managing their health.”

A 37-year--old woman was taken to hospital after a three-vehicle crash in Tongue End on Thursday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to Counter Drain Drove where three vehicles, including at least one car and a lorry, collided just before 3.15pm.

Firefighters from Spalding made the car safe and dealt with a small fuel spillage, while the woman was taken to hospital with injuries not thought to have been serious.

The annual Summer Carnival Night comes to the Adrian Flux Arena this Saturday at 5.30pm - where the Unlimited Banger Pre 85, 2L Stock Cars and Reliant Robins are all in action.

It is promising to be a great night for the 2L Stock Cars, where a massive 49 cars are booked in to race as we go to press.

Heading the entry will be Long Sutton’s Simon Venni, looking to rack up a whole load of points from his final meeting from the blue grade before he moves up to the Star grade from August 1 , on the back of some great results.

Venni won the Steve Newman Memorial Final at Lynn last time out.

He also recently put in a good showing in the National Championship at Mildenhall, qualifying on the front row, but coming home in 10th.

Other local drivers in action include Tom Yould, Jamie Stafford, Wes Starmer and Robert Heanes.

Dan Booth was in action in the 1300cc Stock Cars last Sunday at King’s Lynn, where he recorded two top 10 finishes in his heats but was involved in a big incident in the meeting final which saw him suffer some damage.

A nursery manager who oversees four settings in Lincolnshire, including one in Boston, has been shortlisted for a national award.

Kristina Johnson, senior nursery manager at Mon Ami Children’s Nurseries, is a finalist in the Nursery Operations/Regional Manager Operations category of this year’s Nursery World Awards.

Kristina is the manager of Mon Ami’s Boston nursery and has a supervisory role over the company’s three other centres in Alford, Swineshead and Wragby.

She will find out if she has won the award at a ceremony in London in September.

Samantha Britton, who owns Mon Ami Nurseries with husband Jarrod, said: “Kristina is, without a doubt, an integral part of Mon Ami and a key player in our business. She is my right-hand woman, without whom our nurseries would not be the success that they are.

“Kristina truly deserves to win an award such as this as it would recognise the commitment, time and determination she gives every day to working together with us and all the staffing team to make Mon Ami what it is today.”

Kristina added: “I’m amazed and delighted to have been shortlisted for this award – it’s lovely to be recognised in this way.

“If I win, it will be a tribute to the whole team at Mon Ami, which is continually striving for excellence in everything we do, and to Samantha and Jarrod Britton, who work so hard to provide outstanding nursery settings for the children.”

This nomination comes after Samantha was named as one of the UK’s 10 most influential people in childcare by Nursery Management Today magazine in May.

She was included in the NMT Nursery Top 10 Most Influential 2016, part of NMT Nursery Top 20, which was organised by the magazine.

This month, Samantha and Jarrod were also named in the Fantastic 50 list of top Midlands entrepreneurs in Midlands Business Insider magazine.

There’s nothing as unpredictable as the British weather – as Angel experienced when caught in last Wednesday’s hailstorm.

She’d just arrived at Carter’s Park in Holbeach ready for an outdoor fitness class (with suncream applied) – when the heavens opened and hailstones the size of broad beans came from the sky.

The class was cancelled and Angel was left running for shelter with a fitness mat draped over her head!

• Spalding’s knitting nannas have added to their woollen sculpture trail along the riverbank in Churchgate. The latest addition is a figure devoted to peace. Amen, amen, amen. These wonderful ladies, the oldest of whom is 90, keep on proving that nannas know best.

• Angel wasn’t filled with joy when she got stuck in a double-tractor convoy fest along one of our local roads. At least half-a-mile in the distance there was a tractor chugging along, with an assortment of perhaps 20-30 cars and lorries sedately following, and then another tractor “towing” a few more cars.

Angel remembered the police Twitter messages about being stuck behind a tractor for two miles in the country is the same as getting stuck at two traffic lights in the city ... then it didn’t seem so bad.

But rear view mirrors are wonderful and, if tractor drivers consulted them more often, perhaps they could be persuaded to pull in before an impatient driver recklessly pulls out?

• Speaking of impatience, Angel’s chariot was overtaken by a speeding driver who couldn’t be bothered to stick to the 30mph limit on the main road through Quadring. The overtake was on a sweeping blind bend just before the crossroads. No crash. But what luck.

The shiny thing called the sun was in the sky and so a wander into the metropolis that is Spalding* was on the list of things to do for the day ahead.

(* For those not aware, Spalding is a town in Lincolnshire, England, UK, should you not live in or near the area. This can be for various reasons: you have spotted this on the internet while putting “intellectual information” into your online search engine thingamajig, or another option is your bedding plants were wrapped up with this particular newspaper – the opportunity of having your fish and chips wrapped up in a newspaper as in the “good ole days” is now frowned upon, and punishable by you being placed on the Eating Outdoors Offenders’ Register, which lasts for about six months – or until they are frying New Potatoes).

The saga unfolds, then. I had parked the four-wheeled projectile in one of the parking areas and was wandering into the hub of the town centre to get a few items that were marked on the wish list, but before I got really going – I think it was the glare of the sun that was doing it as I have to get used to it being there – a lady of the female variety on her motorised scooter/buggy/revamped mine-clearer device ran over my foot.

It may have been she noticed the sudden “up and down” motion on her device, as she looked round at me. I was doing my slightly “peeved” look in her direction and then she stared at my foot, which I keep next to the other one and use them in pairs, before she uttered those magical words: “So sorry, but I didn’t see you,” which wouldbe good news if I was on a diet, but bad news as we were talking about my foot, that umpteen pounds, kilos, whatever, including the driver, had just run over.

My worries as to being asked if I “was okay” were dashed and proven untrue, as that didn’t happen, of course, as she spent a minute or two looking at the front end of her device.

Ever the kind-hearted soul like what I am, I pointed out to Mrs Magoo that if she goes straight ahead, minding the cars parked on the double yellow lines, then bears to the left, she would have at least three choices for her needs.

Her reaction was she was unaware she had any needs, and I pointed out that I was well ahead of the game, and there were assorted opticians within her range, allowing for her batteries not running down, as, if she could not see me, then she most certainly needs to get an eye test done and mucho quicko, babe.

Oddly, she broke into a smile, or a few of the wrinkles joined hands/whatever to form what looked like a smile, and said she was only going to her bank and I suggested she get enough out to pay for a new set of glasses while she was at it and this brought on a sort of laughter noise from her although she could have been having a last minute gargle, who knows?

I also pointed out if she mentioned my name, she would possibly get preferential treatment and then her eyes lit up, the daytime ones, as she asked who I was and I replied modestly I was the “Invisible Man” and if she couldn’t see me then this may well get her tested much quicker.

Having sorted this minor setback out, I carried on going into the hub of Spalding.

I was also going into the bank and I knew it must be coming up to lunch time as the queues were quite deep, seven in front of me and two just filing in behind, and then, true to form, the “Cashier Position Closed” sign went up and thus reduced the staff to deal with the ever-growing queues.

A bad sign that things are on a “go slow” is when you hear people in the queue saying they “only” have an hour lunch break and still have to eat their lunch, if they get out within the hour; some have texted out for sandwiches – organic seaweed on rye with mayo or if not, egg and cress but with low cal cress – to be sent in.

Others in the queue are writing notes or even letters to be given to those who have been served and being asked would they pass them onto friends, workmates and relations “on the outside” waiting for news of their loved ones, and that they are well, in good to reasonable health, and being looked after, considering the circumstances, and hope to be reunited very soon.

In one or two cases, as their mobile phone/device/brick battery has gone flat while waiting, they ask those with working devices if they can send a text message to that nice Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2 for a record request, such as Tom Jones warbling away with his “Green, Green Grass of Home” or Diana Ross singing “I’m Still Waiting”, but to be played the next day as it could be a long, long day and night ahead.

Just then, a bank floorwalker wanders up and asks if you have considered moving your current account or mortgage to a more favourable account.

Well, no not really, as SERVICE is what is needed.

Years ago, when people wound up their mechanical wrist watches before the present battery-driven marvels, you saw people shaking their watches to see if they were still working as they stood in queues in the bank, and if nothing else, at least it helped their blood to circulate better through their bodies with this gentle exercise every 15 minutes or so, and may well have helped save a few lives.

Nowadays they text, or write essays on their hand-held devices, to inquire what the time is in Saigon, as it sounds and looks better than good old Great Britain and Big Ben (other sizes not available).

Ha, British banking – a legend in its own paying-in book.

I eventually got served – and to think some folk dread going to the dentist! Compared to queuing up in the bank, a mere walk in the park.

Some are surprised to find the hula-hoop has come back in fashion while waiting to be served. Mum’s friend Muriel, years ago, found we had gone decimal while waiting to be served.

As I wander down the street to sort my other bits and bobs out, there, nipping about like a good ’un, loaded down with bags of shopping, is Mrs Magoo herself, the Buggy-Bound Beauty.

Next, she is shoving the bags into assorted crevices fitted to her mobile Tootsie Terminator, and then she climbs aboard and its all systems go as she belts off up the street.

I was tempted to pop over and ask about how her eye test went, but then again, she might not have seen me anyway.

I was saddened to hear of yet another tragedy in our town last week. In fact, it made me weep.

I found myself plagued with questions about humanity and the state of the world. We read recently about the deaths of so many in France where people were just enjoying celebrations and which ended with such a tragic loss of life.

It seems many are faced with tragedy all over the world, but perhaps the impact to us as individuals is greater when it occurs so close to home.

It is vital that we have hope, a hope that is steadfast. There was a man named Job in the Bible. His tragedy meant he lost everything, his whole family and livelihood, yet even through this, he had hope in God.

In Job 19:25, he states: “For I know that my redeemer (my God) lives”.

There is something about hope that gives us strength to go on.

As a town and nation, we need this kind of hope.

As a Christian, I believe that our hope is in Jesus. We read in Romans 15:13(a): “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

Jesus gives us hope. I am praying for the sons of the Hart family that God’s love will comfort and strengthen them at this time of great loss.

On June 23, the people of Greater Lincolnshire voted overwhelmingly in support of leaving the EU.

The country followed a democratic process, and all of us who voted did so in good faith.

Those of us who are disappointed should not cry foul just because the decision did not go our way.

Those who are pleased and excited should work hard to understand the concerns and principled position of those who voted to remain.

All of us must respect the outcome of the referendum and not seek to diminish the views of those with whom we disagree.

In reflecting on the referendum, we are especially concerned for those who feel vulnerable and frightened or who fear for their livelihood.

It is our duty now to work together to provide reassurance and to strengthen cohesion in our communities, and not to further divide them.

The referendum has revealed that there are deep divisions in our nation: between Scotland and England; between London and the regions; between younger and older people; between those who are comfortable and those who feel alienated.

We thank God that we live in one of the most open and tolerant societies in the world.

This is a privilege, and it brings with it the responsibility to be careful about how we express our differences.

The referendum has given clear voice to many who feel left behind by changes to working practices and job security; to access to housing, social services and benefits; to education; to the social composition of neighbourhoods and regions.

We pledge ourselves to do all that we can to listen to this voice and to ensure that all who feel left behind, for whatever reason, are listened to with respect.

This is an uncertain and unsettling period of time, but by focusing on how we conduct ourselves and how we determine the values we live by, we believe that we have the capacity to shape a positive future for all.

The Christian gospel is quite clear that divisiveness, discrimination and self-interest should have no place in the better society Jesus calls us to build.

Jesus taught us that love of God and love of neighbour are the fundamental tenets of faith.

Christians have a duty to challenge anything that undermines these principles.

Our neighbours are not just those we live next to, or ‘people like us’; our neighbour is anyone who needs our help, whoever they are and wherever they have come from.

This is the foundation of community – a compassion for our common humanity.

We are all made in the image of God, and part of our calling is to recognise and nourish this image in those we meet in the course of our daily lives.

The rise in racist and intimidatory behaviour in various parts of our country is disturbing and sickening.

We know you will join us in condemning such appalling behaviour.

We pray that we may all work together to ensure that Greater Lincolnshire is a safe place to live for everyone.

The people who were our neighbours before the referendum are still our neighbours today.

We must continue to care for our neighbours, whether in our own communities, in our country or around the world.

No person is more or less deserving of safety, happiness, prosperity, respect or peace.

We have witnessed months of often bitter and damaging debate with half-truths being peddled on both sides of the argument and this has led to fear.

As Christians, we believe that love casts out fear – that in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, love has overcome hate once and for all.

Whether you voted in or out, therefore, we hope you will join us in recommitting yourselves to working together for the common good and to ensuring that our future in Greater Lincolnshire reflects grace and hospitality, compassion and love, and the justice of Jesus, so that everyone can flourish as sons and daughters of God.

We invite you to join us in reflecting on what God might be telling us through the words of scripture.

This letter comes with our prayers for you all and for God’s people everywhere.

Christopher Lincoln, David Grimsby and Nicholas Grantham

The Bishops of the diocese of Lincoln

If you’re planning to travel outside the UK during the summer holiday period, it’s recommended you seek advice regarding any vaccinations you or your family may need well ahead of the trip.

You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you will be visiting using NHS Fit for Travel website. Some countries require you to have a vaccination certificate as proof of vaccinations – make sure your GP is clear if this is needed for your trip.

If you are visiting an area that requires a vaccination, make an appointment with your GP surgery, or in some cases they may advise you to book in with a local private clinic. It is important to remember that in some cases the vaccine must be administered a number of weeks in advance of the trip (sometimes up to eight), so plan ahead to make sure you are not at risk.

Some common travel vaccinations include: diphtheria, polio and tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A (including when combined with hepatitis B) and cholera, rabies, tuberculosis (TB) and yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccines are only available from designated centres. The NaTHNaC website can help you find where to get a yellow fever vaccination.

Dr Kevin Hill, Chair of South Lincolnshire CCG said: “Are you travelling during their rainy season? If so, you may find that some diseases are more prevalent due to the increased humidity.

“What type of accommodation are you staying in? Generally speaking you may find you are more at risk backpacking around rural areas than within urban areas or a hotel complex. Those with a weak immune system will be more vulnerable to infection than others; additionally some vaccinations cannot be given to people with certain medical conditions. In many cases, it is unlikely that a vaccine given while pregnant or breastfeeding will cause problems for the baby. However, your GP will be able to give you further advice about all of the 
above.

“If you are travelling to countries in northern and central Europe, North America or Australia, it is unlikely that you will need to have any vaccinations.”

Almost one-in-four UK holidaymakers don’t get travel vaccinations despite travelling to areas that have life-threatening infectious diseases. Don’t risk your or your family’s health, do some research and find out what you will need to stay safe whilst travelling abroad this summer.

A riding instructor from Gosberton Risegate has been spurred on after being shortlisted for a national award.

Alicia Horton (24) is one of five instructors to have made it to the national final of the Associated British Riding Schools’ Golden Spur Award, which tests instructors on teaching and business skills.

Miss Horton has taught at Four Winds Equestrian Centre, in Leaveslake Drove, West Pinchbeck, for several years, helping people of all ages and abilities to ride.

She had no idea that centre owner Paul Leverton had nominated her for the award until the final contestants were announced on Thursday, July 21.

Miss Horton said: “It was a real shock to see I had been put through for this prestigious national award but also an immense honour.

“I often say that I have the best job in the world but to be able to have national recognition would be the cherry on the cake.”

Miss Horton will be heading to Witham Villa Riding Centre in Leicester on Monday, August 8, for the award’s final assessment.

During the day she will be put through her paces by teaching a group and private lessons along with a discussion section.

Miss Horton says she hopes to “do everyone proud”.

So, last week, I decided that the arctic vision that my freezer had become needed defrosting...the door wasn’t shutting properly and although we have an alarm that alerts us to the fact that the door is wide open, slightly ajar doesn’t seem to count.

When my daughter got an ice-cream out and didn’t quite shut it again, it stood silent, dripping icy water onto the floor, waiting for me to get my milk out of the fridge; I shrieked as my bare feet stepped into its offending fluid and yanked the door open, calling “Who left the freezer open?!”, while trying to push the drawers in as it emitted its warning alarm.

“NOW you tell me! A bit late now, isn’t it?”

After an initial assessment, everything still seemed frozen enough to close the door and wait for it to get back up to temperature.

Later on, we were watching a film and the freezer started to beep. My husband went to deal with it and came back in, saying he had sorted it out by pressing a button.

The next morning, I went to take some bread out of the freezer and was dismayed to see a sea of slush in place of the blocks of ice from the day before…I looked at the panel of buttons and realised my husband had switched it off.

Sighing, I emptied the freezer, irritation prickling at my throat and realised why I was annoyed; I can’t stand waste. It’s one of the reasons I struggle to lose weight. Honestly, it is.

I decide I’m going to only eat healthy food from tomorrow and so eat everything in the house that is bad for me so that I won’t be tempted the next day; this way I’m not “wasting it” by throwing it away. It makes sense in my head, but in reality, trying not to waste leads to me having a larger one…

Going out to a carvery always troubles me, watching the guests start off with a huge pile of food and then go back to restock 2 or 3 times so that when they finally finish, there’s still so much on their plate, so much waste.

Back to the freezer. The ice lollies needed eating immediately, much to the joy of my youngest daughter who ate 3 for breakfast. I hadn’t realised how much bread I had bought recently on offer…I see a reduction sticker and have a mini mental celebration:

“Yay! 25p! And it’s organic!!”

Which is a good idea if it’s bagels, but not so great when it’s curried trout.

In the depths, under the bread, I found mince pies from Christmas. Normally a decadent treat, it’s safe to say they’re not quite the same on a blazing hot day.

I made a pea and mint soup with the frozen peas, having Googled for recipes that require vast quantities of peas...the bread came in handy to mop it up.

In the end, we managed to save most of the food, although there were still no takers for the curried trout…perhaps the dog might like it…

Waste not, want not.

You may have heard that the council has started a strategic review of its three main sites – the Priory Road offices, South Holland Centre and Ayscoughfee Hall Museum and Gardens.

This is all about re-assessing the sites and how they could be more effectively managed.

In the case of Priory Road, there is office space that could be put to better use giving us opportunities to work with outside partners to offer a greater range of services within the building.

The proposals went before councillors at a full council meeting last night (Wednesday).

As a councillor, a big part of my role is getting out into the local community to meet with people and visit the many attractions and events that our district has to offer.

I recently visited the annual South Holland Food Festival, which was held at The Vista in Spalding and went ahead as planned despite an early downpour.

Although this was not a council-organised event, it is vitally important that we support such initiatives.

One of our main priorities is to encourage the local economy to be vibrant and continue to grow.

Events like this play a big part in demonstrating that businesses can thrive in the district and also help companies to promote their services to the wider public, so I hope it continues to be held.

I’d like to finish this column by thanking everyone who was part of the recent Pride of South Holland awards.

This inspirational event recognised the many people in our district who go the extra mile to help improve the lives of others.

The awards were organised by Tulip Radio and I would like pay tribute to the tireless work of the station’s Jan Whitbourn to help make it such a memorable occasion.

There are some truly wonderful people in South Holland and the awards are a great way of giving them deserved recognition.

Dog owners on villages, including Algarkirk, Bicker, Kirton and Wigtoft, could face tough new rules to combat leaving their pets’ mess on pavements.

A £100 penalty for failing to clean up after a dog could soon be in place across the Boston Borough Council, a potential doubling of the present fine of £50.

The possible new penalty could also apply to owners not being equipped to clean up, not putting a dangerous or nuisance dog on a lead or allowing them into an enclosed children’s play area.

A spokesman said: “Boston Borough Council is consulting on the introduction of new powers to control dogs under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which allows councils to create a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - the same legislation used to control street drinkers.”

Between now and Friday, August 19, people across the borough can have their say replacing current rules and fines with PSPO legislation and to do so, visit http://bit.ly/29SmTmD

A woman suffered burns to both hands after a bedroom fire at a house in Bourne on Saturday.

Fire crews from Bourne, Spalding and Billingborough were called to a house in Edinburgh Crescent just before 12.15pm.

The woman was also treated for the effects of breathing in smoke from the fire which started when an oil burner was knocked over.

It caused damage to the bedroom and its contents, along with smoke damage to the rest of the house.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two water hose reels to put out a car ablaze in Bicker during the early hours of today (Sunday).

A fire crew from Donington was called out to Running Post Lane, Bicker, just before 1.30am to extinguish the fire.

There were no injuries and the fire was caused by an electrical fault within the engine compartment.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue (LFR) is asking drivers to “Think before you park” after a water pipe was made “unusuable” by poor parking.

A parked car was caught on camera blocking a fire engine’s way to a hydrant in Grantham, but the appeal has been made by the emergency service to car owners across Lincolnshire.

An LFR spokesman said: “Blocked access causes delays and could cost lives in an emergency.

“Think of the question ‘Can a fire engine get past? and if in doubt, find another spot.”

Police are to step up patrols and searches in Billingborough after what they descibed as “a continuous pattern of anti-social-behaviour and criminal damage” in the village.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: “Over the last two months, police have received reports of graffiti, cannabis being smoked, damage to inset wall garden lights, number plate SH52 KUY was stolen, solar lights damaged, as well as reports of drunken youths in the vicinity of Billingborough.

“There have also been sightings of persons in the recreation ground during the early hours, as well as drivers using their vehicles in an anti-social manner in the car park.

“But not only has the recreation ground and playing fields seen a continuous pattern of anti-social-behaviour, but the village has too, particularly in Horbling Road.

“Police are carrying out extra patrols in the areas and will be using their powers to conduct stop checks and, if necessary, searches of any persons acting suspiciously.

“There will also be vehicle searches carried out, with any offences robustly dealt with.”

Anyone with information should call 101.

As central government is steering local councils to either charge more for local services or drastically cut them, I note most money comes from the Treasury, some 60 per cent of the total, amounting to around £90 billion across England.

But due to the cuts, the Tory-led Local Government Association (LGA) estimates that by 2020, a staggering £20 billion will have been axed from council budgets since 2010.

I know the leader of the South Holland District Council is a big believer in the programme of devolution and localism.

But even with councils getting a greater say in how they allocate money, how will it affect areas already hit by declining industry, or simply the lack of it?

Without a significant boost to funds, devolution becomes a cynical ploy to devolve blame for slashing local services.

Services such as road maintenance and street lighting that keep our towns moving and safe.

Services for our children and young people including schools, children’s centres and nurseries.

Services such as social care and mental health provision for the elderly and disabled.

Services that deliver vital public safety.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way. All local councils should be given sufficient funds by central government to provide the services we need.

The UK government spends £200 billion a year on contracting services and buying goods – this procurement power should be embraced to support local jobs and wages.

It is not only the right thing to do, but it would also be good for the wider economy.

It’s all very well some councils hanging on to large reserves for a rainy day, but guess what? It happens to be chucking it down out there.

Rodney Sadd

Spalding

Bourne’s master batsman Pete Morgan slayed title challengers Sleaford in the Lincs Premier Division today (July 30).

Morgan’s blistering unbeaten 108 from just 98 balls completed a six-wicket win with almost 10 novers to spare at the home of the team that started the day in second place.

Morgan cracked 12 sixes and three fours and dominated a third-wicket stand of 137 with Carl Wilson. Wilson was dismissed for 66 (86 balls, one sixe, eight fours), but Morgan stood firm to speed his side past Sleaford’s 225-9.

That total was the result of a fine fightback from Bourne as Sleaford reached 103-1 before spin twins Ben Collins and Ben Stroud got to work.

Collins’ 5-75 included the wicket of the division’s star batsman Obus Pienaar for just seven. Pienaar has already scored over 1,000 runs in the Premier Division this summer.

Stroud finished with 4-53 from 12 overs.

Unfortunately for Market Deeping they failed to take advantage of the Sleaford slip and their title hopes are probably in tatters after a second straight defeat.

Deeping had hosts Woodhall Spa in trouble at 158-7, but the home side escaped to 218-9 in their 50 overs.
Half centuries from Jamie Morgan - the younger brother of the Bourne skipper - and Nick Green enabled Deeping to reach 151-3, but they lost their last seven wickets for just 17 to lose by 50 runs.

RESULTS


SLEAFORD lost to BOURNE by 6 wkts

Sleaford 225-9 (M. Mountain 51, A. Hibberd 50, B. Collins 5-75, B. Stroud 4-53).

Bourne 226-4 (P. Morgan 108no, C. Wilson 66, S. Morris 3-30)

WOODHALL SPA beat MARKET DEEPING by 50 runs

Woodhall Spa 218-9 (

Market Deeping 168 (J. Morgan 55, N. Green 54).