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Extreme fun at Spalding skate park

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A regular column written by Tulip Radio’s Jan Whitbourn.

Last Tuesday saw Low Fulney Skate Park host Skate & BMX Jam.

The day was filled with BMX skateboard exhibitions and roller blading plus free coaching from Team Extreme. The free event was for all the young people in St Paul’s and was driven by ward councillor Pete Williams with live demonstrations from experts from BMX skateboard champions and coaches.

Large crowds gathered on the Low Fulney Skate Park to see three British champions display their skills. The event was created to show how the public can look after the skate park and use it for its primary use. It was amazing how the young people wanted to help with the clean up and make the area look good for the demonstration.

Champion roller-blader Danny Aldridge showed off his tricks and stunts throughout the day with his team. He has toured the world performing in extreme skating shows since the age of nine and has now set up his own skate park in Bognor.  

Pete Williams organised and sponsored the event with help from other councillors who kindly donated money from their budgets. He said: “I wanted to give something to the youth of St Paul’s that could be developed into an annual event.”  He was so passionate about the event he asked Gibbons Cycles to get involved with the competition and winners Tom, Pete and Harrie all went home with £60 worth of vouchers. The winners also had the privilege of being involved in the finale presentation given by the team.

Well done Pete, a great day out for all concerned. View pictures of the event on www.tulip-radio.co.uk


Spalding burlesque night

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An evening of burlesque and cabaret “to get you hot under the collar” is promised at Spalding Services and Social Club tomorrow (7pm for 8.3pm).

Tickets cost £12 from Jan on 07957 344618.

Summer stroll at nature reserve near Spalding

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Discover one of the district’s nature reserves during a summer stroll on Thursday (2-4.30pm).

Willow Tree Fen, on the Tongue End road, is a traditional fen wetland. Details on 07849 178729.

Folk scene in Spalding and district

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A regular column from Spalding Folk Club’s Martin Browne.

The beautiful Lincolnshire village of Leadenham was the setting last Sunday for a Day of Lincolnshire Folk.

Thanks to the hard work of its creator Tom Lane and a small band of helpers, this first Sunday in August event in the grounds of the George Hotel has become a regular fixture in the county’s folk calendar.

The weather was gloriously hot and sunny and the packed audience was treated to a bountiful supply of folk music talent from around the county – all for free.

Spalding’s Angela King and Paul Dickinson gave us a delightful set of songs up on the main stage and the evergreen duo Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher held the audience spellbound. They had the entire audience enthusiastically joining in with the chorus of their signature song, The Call and The Answer.

The whole scene was awash with movement and colour as the frenetically athletic Kesteven Morris gave us a couple of sets of dances in front of the mellow limestone buildings, encapsulating the very essence of the folk tradition.

The perfect day was perfectly rounded off with a great performance from Sleaford’s full-time professional duo Winter Wilson.

Nearer to home, Spalding Folk Club holds its music session at the Lincoln Arms in Spalding on Thursday at 8pm.

Entry is free and all are welcome to join in or just listen to the music.

On Sunday there is the Sibsey Second Sunday song and music session at the White Hart (2pm).

There is also a singaround on the same day at the Hare and Hounds, at Haconby (8pm).

Also at the Hare and Hounds, on Monday there is a tune session led by Pete Shaw and friends (8pm).

Next Thursday, August 18, is Spalding Folk Club’s singaround at the Welland Yacht Club (8pm).

Entry is free – there is a raffle to help with expenses – and all are welcome.

On Monday, August 22 at the Pig and Whistle, Swineshead, there is a song and tune session (8pm).

Finally, on Tuesday, August 23 Liz Padgett hosts her regular fortnightly two hours of folk music (7-9pm) on Tulip Radio on 107.5 FM locally or by direct downstream from the website www.tulip-radio.co.uk

Gedney Hill village yard sale

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Gedney Hill Community Group is holding a village yard sale on Sunday (from 10am).

There will be all sorts for sale, and refreshments in the village hall. There is no charge for browsers.

Holbeach girl Lauren starts career in law after degree joy

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Lauren Pitts (21), daughter of Suzanne Pitts, of Holbeach, and the late Mark Pitts, graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a 2:1 degree in law.

Educated at George Farmer School in Holbeach, she continued on at sixth form when it became University Academy Holbeach.

She is now working for Ringrose Law as a paralegal in Sleaford.

PARALYMPICS: Medal is ‘there for the taking’

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Olympic fever is gripping the nation and in less than a month Bourne para horse rider Bert Sheffield will be joining the Rio carnival – where a medal is hers for the taking.

Things are progressing well for the 35-year-old and her horse Double Agent – Darcy for short – who have been 
selected to represent Canada at the Paralympic Games in September in the dressage grade three discipline.

“It’s all good at the moment,” said Bert who has rheumatoid arthritis.

“We’re heading out there the first week in September, Darcy has just done her last big show before we go, which was good.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It will be interesting, though – we went to the World Equestrian Games for Canada, but this is going to be very different as it will be the complete sporting family.”

Bert developed RA when she was just 15 and the condition has progressed through her limb joints, neck, shoulders and jaw.

She initially represented Great Britain but found her age was a stumbling block when it came to selection so switched to riding for Canada as she has dual nationality.

She won the British Dressage Para National Championship in 2014, the same year she finished fourth in the World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

“Things are progressing nicely,” she added.

“It’s a slightly interesting situation that the British have not put forward a grade three competitor and neither have the Dutch – who are probably the strongest grade three in the world.

“It’s probably the most wide open grade, both in terms of disability within the grade and just generally as there’s not a clear favourite, and German rider Hannelore Brenner is not taking her horse which she’s previously won gold on, so it’s going to be really interesting.

“It really is there for the taking this time.”

Bert is giving a demonstration of the freestyle programme she will perform in Rio at Four Winds Equestrian Centre, West Pinchbeck, on Thursday (7pm), following the display with a question and answer session about her preparations. The charge is £4 for members and £5 for the public.

SAILING: Prior ends Bell’s spell of success

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Eight participants in seven boats took part in Sunday’s Welland Paddle regatta despite summer holidays and the fact several members were taking part in Deepings Raft Race.

With Tom Bell having won this event for the last four years he was hoping to make it five.

Together with Andy Prior, they opted for the slightly smaller radial rig sails for their lasers.

With the europe of Brian Cobb and the phantoms of Paul Burton and Jerry van Haren having no reduced sail option, things were going to get interesting.

Juniors Harry Whitelam in a double reefed topper and Lucy Burton crewing for Niall Holland in a RS feva made up the rest of the fleet.

With just over a minute to go Bell was caught in a gust and capsized – deciding to sit the first race out.

Once under way Prior and Burton soon pulled out a lead that wouldn’t be caught as van Haren was still getting to grips with his new phantom’s settings and earning an early bath thanks to a capsize.

Cobb had a delayed start due to a technical issue then Whitelam capsized after rounding the last mark on the first lap.

Holland and Burton managed to keep their boat upright despite several close calls with the water.

Race one: 1 Prior, 2 P Burton, 3 Holland & L Burton, 4 van Haren.

The afternoon should have seen the wind ease slightly but if anything it had strengthened and a longer course was set for race two.

The fleet was reduced to six with 20 seconds to go – Holland and Burton were over and finally in the water and, once righted, they retired.

Again Prior managed to make the most of the start, pulling ahead of Bell with Cobb close behind.

On the run down from the top mark Prior had increased his lead considerably.

However, on the upwind start to the second lap Bell managed to close the gap to about a boat length.

Prior’s technique for running down wind allowed him to pull the lead out again on the run back down to the 
final mark with Cobb still closely in pursuit.

Bell then was caught by the mix of wave and safety boat wash which saw him capsize.

Race two: 1 Prior, 2 Cobb, 3 Bell, 4 van Haren.

With three boats taking part in the final race, again just before the start Holland and Burton capsized. Then, just after the remaining two got under way, Paul Burton lost his rudder so the race was abandoned.

Overall result: 1 Prior, 2 Cobb, 3 Bell, 4 van Haren.

This weekend sees races three and four of the Sunday points series.

Junior sailing sessions resume on Sunday, August 28 (9.30-11am).

Anyone interested in trying sailing should contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk


MOTORCYCLING: Another big blow for Ben

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Saracen’s Head youngster Ben Stafford escaped unhurt from a high-speed crash in round seven of the Dickies British Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch.

The Silicone Engineering team failed to get a setting in the two free practice sessions.

Despite bettering his best time at this circuit by almost a second in qualifying, Stafford was down in 20th place on the grid for Saturday’s sprint race.

Stafford made a good start and after two laps had moved up to 14th place.

But just two laps later he was involved in a crash at the Sheene curve and his Kawasaki was destroyed.

After the bike had cartwheeled, another rider had no option but to hit the bike in the track and as a result it is irreparable.

Stafford will struggle to get the machine rebuilt and tested in the 18-day slot until round eight at his favourite track of Cadwell Park due to financial constraints and the team travelling to the Ulster GP.

MOTORCYCLING: ‘Bomber’ ready for Isle of Man festival

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Donington rider Christian ‘Bomber’ Slater is set for his third visit to the Isle of Man.

He sets sail next week to take part in the Festival of Motorcycling which includes the Classic TT Races and the Manx Grand Prix.

The CS Racing team’s 2016 plans turned into reality as they were accepted to attend and race in the Manx Grand Prix.

Slater’s application was one of 90 racers to be given the opportunity to race in the Senior Race on September 2.

This year more than 400 applications from amateur motorcycle racers around the world were submitted to the Manx Motor Cycle Club.

Slater’s experience as an amateur, his commitment to the Festival of Motorcycling over the last two years, the bike presentation and his result last year assisted with the committee’s selection decision.

When the applications were sent earlier in the year it was hoped that both the Junior and Senior races would be contested.

However, due to the number of applications, opportunities were given to as many riders as possible to compete on the best motorcycle race circuit in the world.

To help Slater’s performance, Classic TT racer Paul Owen will be supplying some mentoring during practice laps with more than 260 corners in one circuit and speeds in excess of 150mph.

Slater’s 2015 and 2016 race results have been forwarded on to the Auto Cycle Union to obtain his mountain course road race licence.

He has produced fourth and fifth place results at both Cadwell Park and Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough this year.

If any business would like information on sponsorship, call 01775 821433 or e-mail p.slater153@btinternet.com

MOTORCYCLING: Team-mates make their points

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Both draperRACING riders brought points back to the team from their races at Brands Hatch on Sunday.

Tommy Philp recorded two points finishes in the British Supersport races and Aaron Clarke took one point in the Superstock 600 race.

East Kirkby rider Philp had three races to contest at the Kent circuit instead of the usual two as the abandoned Sprint race from Silverstone was carried forward to Saturday.

In the first 12-lap Sprint race he set off from an eighth row grid position after qualifying in 22nd place.

He moved ahead of Mark Conlin on lap three and then past Josh Daley on lap four to move into 19th place just before the safety car came out for a couple of laps to clear some crash wreckage.

By lap eight the car had left the track and Philp continued to make progress.

He passed Niall Campbell on lap eight and Bjorn Estment one lap later to move into 16th place.

When James Westmoreland fell on the penultimate lap, Philp was elevated into 15th position which he held to the chequered flag to pick up one championship point.

In the second Sprint race on Saturday, Philp began from the seventh row but was unable to make much progress through the first few laps.

But he had a great battle with Robert Kennedy throughout the 12 laps and crossed the finish line just a tenth of a second adrift in 17th place.

The feature race on Sunday was scheduled for 18 laps but was red flagged on lap four and a new race declared over 14 laps.

Philp got away to a good start and was up to 19th place when the safety car thwarted his progress.

Once the car left the track he moved up to 17th and on lap 11 he overtook Estment once again to move into 16th position.

When two of the leading group went down on lap 11 Philp benefitted from their demise and jumped up into 14th place and brought the draperRACING Yamaha home in 14th place for two championship points - bringing his total haul to 10.

Meanwhile, Clarke from Kirton qualified in 19th place for a seventh row start to his 14 lap Stock 600 race.

He soon became embroiled in a seven-way battle for 11th place which continued for the majority of the race.

On lap 10 he overhauled Ben Luxton to step up into 15th position and was looking to make a move further forward when the red flag brought the race to an early end with the result declared on positions at the end of lap 10.

Clarke was awarded 15th place and one championship point but he was a little disappointed.

He said: “But for the red flag I could have finished further up the order as I was running just a tenth behind a couple of riders.

“At the start I was in the middle of the pack and nearly hit someone’s back wheel at Paddock Hill and then got pushed wide at Druids so I lost a few places.

“My lap times were good and I had the pace of those ahead of me so I feel a bit annoyed that I didn’t finish a bit further up the field. But it’s Cadwell next and that’s my home track so bring it on!”

Clarke now has five championship points to his name and is seeing a vast improvement in his pace and lap times this year.

He is confident he can break into the top 10 before the end of the season.

The next round is at the team’s home circuit of Cadwell Park over the bank holiday weekend of August 27-29 and both riders will be hoping to put on a good show for their local sponsors and supporters.

MOTORCYCLING: Happy return to action for Kevin

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Kevin Van Leuven got back on track to finish 19th but G&S Racing Kawasaki team-mate Tom Fisher was forced to retire on the penultimate lap in round eight of the Superstock 1000 Championship at Brands Hatch.

The competition was fierce and after posting his fastest ever lap around the Brands Hatch GP course, Fisher was certain he had secured a top 15 position on the starting grid.

But although he was only just over a second away from pole, he was amazed that he was the 24th fastest rider and was to start the race from the eighth row.

He began to make progress through the field but the pace was such that it was difficult to make a pass stick.

He was up to 19th mid-race but the bike began to suffer from tyre wear and the brake issue that had plagued him throughout practice was becoming worse.

Fisher made a slight mistake on the penultimate lap because of the brake issue and decided it was better to pull into the pits rather than perhaps crash and cause damage to the bike or injury to himself.

Meanwhile it was Van Leuven’s first time on the GP circuit on the big bike and he too was posting some fast laps.

He qualified just one place behind his team-mate to start the 15-lap race from the ninth row.

He made steady progress throughout the 15 laps to complete the affair in 19th place.

Team manager Mark Fisher said: “The pace was hot, the track was hot and the weather scorching hot!

“All things considered we have had a good weekend and both riders have gone well.

“Tom could not believe how far down the grid he was after qualifying as he posted his personal best lap and expected it to put him on the fourth row at least.

“But the pace was so quick and the times so very close.

“We have had a few issues with the bike and once the brakes started to play up he had to be a bit more cautious.

“It was a good decision on his part to pull in early as he was perhaps heading for a crash.

“I was pleased with Kevin, considering it was his first time on the 1000 on the full circuit he did well to finish 19th.

“We need to address our qualifying as this is what is letting us down.

“Our lap times are on a par with those of the riders way ahead of us so if we could qualify better we could stay with them and finish in the points.”

The next round is at the team’s local circuit of Cadwell Park near Louth over the bank holiday weekend of August 27-29 and Fisher usually does well on the Wolds circuit.

Van Leuven is still learning his way around the mountain course but is looking forward to getting to grips with the course on the big bike.

Holbeach Music & Beer Festival

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The community of Holbeach is the big winner from last weekend’s Music & Beer Festival.

Around 3,000 people packed the field at Holbeach Community Sports Academy in the town to hear some great acts.

And in return, event organiser Sean Taylor will make sure that groups and organisations in Holbeach benefit from any money made.

Sean, who runs The Old Exchange mobile bar, said footfall was around 6,500 over the entire weekend, with people able to come and go to see their favourite bands.

Sean says the big draw was Rick Parfitt Junior – the RPJ Band – that performed on Saturday night and attracted the biggest crowd.

However, there was a good turnout too for Friday’s headline act Zeb Rootz and Sunday’s High Rollers.

Sean said: “I had a feeling it would be good. The weather looked promising and the hype around the bands drew a lot of it.

“We sold a lot more wristbands than last year so people liked it. It’s something for everyone, a family fun weekend.

“We are going to do it again for sure next year because we have a two-year deal with the football academy, so as long as people support it and want it.”

Final figures on the amount raised aren’t yet known, but the football academy will receive the lion’s share and the rest will be distributed within Holbeach community.

Cash boost to help Holbeach Community Larder keep up its vital work

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Volunteers at a community foodbank are celebrating after a £3,500 cash boost which will help them continue their wonderful work.

Holbeach Community Larder has been awarded a grant of £3,500 from the Bishop of Lincoln’s Social Justice Fund administered by the Lincolnshire Community Foundation.

The cash will fund the purchase of further storage facilities for donated food items which are used to make up food parcels for those in need.

It will also be used to fund a contribution towards the purchase of new tables and tablecloths for the café and the purchase of better outdoor signage and towards some of the ongoing running costs.

The Community Larder is open every Friday from 11am to 2pm in the Reading Rooms on Church Street, Holbeach, for the distribution of food parcels – either on production of a voucher issued by partner organisations, or by other evidence of need.

The Larder also runs a café which serves a cooked two-course meal between noon and 1pm every Friday to all comers.

There is no charge for this meal but they invite all who come to donate whatever they can afford or feel that the meal is worth – all donations help fund the catering and the hire of the Reading Rooms and currently 40 to 50 people are fed each week.

Rev Rosamund Seal, of the Community Larder, said: “We are very pleased to have this grant which will enable us to continue to provide this all-important facility to those in need in Holbeach and the surrounding area.

“The award also serves as a huge encouragement to the 25 volunteers who regularly help with the many aspects of running and staffing the foodbank, the store room, the kitchen and the café.

“The Community Larder is also very grateful for the continued support from Holbeach Tesco, who most recently provided us with a number of frozen ready meals which were surplus to their requirements in the staff canteen.

“And to Marks and Spencers in Spalding who donate all their left over reduced to sell items and end of lines every Thursday evening which we can use the following day.

“We are particularly grateful for their bread which we can freeze and put in food parcels alongside all the tinned and dried food items.”

In exceptional circumstances food parcels can be issued outside session times by contacting the administrator, Jane Francis, on 01406 425601, or Rev Rosamund Seal on 01406 424989.

Couple had not eaten properly for three days

Recently, the Community Larder helped a young couple, both in poor health, who had been 
unable to access any benefits and had not eaten properly for three days.

They were brought along by their landlord who had been supporting them from her own resources and had called the Larder in desperation.

Volunteers have also recently provided a family food parcel for a family of six who were made suddenly homeless due to domestic violence.

They have also provided food and toiletries for a single father who had to give up work to care for his toddler and who had not had his benefits claim processed for over six weeks.

Stamford bike collector thrills Spalding home with Penny Farthing visit

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Residents and staff at a Spalding care home were treated to the rare sight of a Penny Farthing when a cycle enthusiast visited with a selection of vintage bikes.

Cedar Falls care assistant Hayley O’Brien braved a ride on the oh-so-tall bike and said it had made her day.

Collector Keith Read uses a replica Penny Farthing as his everyday bike and says: “I’m sure it’s quite a sight when I’m cycling through the local area.”

His passion for bygone bikes was ignited when he bought an original Penny Farthing, so named because the big wheel resembles an old penny and the back wheel the farthing.

Keith, who lives near Stamford, said: “I’ve always done a bit of cycling but after I invested in the Penny Farthing I really got the bug and started riding it regularly. But I was worried about the effect all the use would have on the original so I had a reproduction made.”

His display at Cedar Falls included the reproduction Penny Farthing along with a half-size Penny Farthing, a 1911 Raleigh ladies’ vintage bike nd a 1905 Swift cycle.

Staff and residents at the home had the chance to saddle up and ride the bikes and that gave registered manager Nike Ajewole her first experience of riding a cycle.

Cedar Falls events coordinator Sharon Boyd said: “It was really marvellous to see such amazing cycles and to be able to ride them was such a thrill.”

Everyone at the home is looking forward to a return visit.


Gosberton Risegate bungalow for sale

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R Longstaff is selling the property at Clough Road, Gosberton Risegate, for £230,000.

R Longstaff & Co is selling this house at 73 Clough Road, Gosberton Risegate, for £230,000.

The property is described as being superbly presented.

It is a three-bedroom detached bungalow and it is situated in a semi-rural location.

Accommodation comprises an entrance hallway, kitchen breakfast room containing a breakfast bar with stools, and utility with plenty of space for a washing machine, tumble dryer and fridge freezer, as well as having a storage cupboard with shelving and a coat rail.

There is also a cloakroom, and lounge. The lounge has a bay window to the front elevation and features a wooden fire surround with tiled inserts and a fitted electric log burner effect fire.

Of the three bedrooms there is an en suite to the master and a separate family bathroom.

The house also benefits from a conservatory accessed from the utility room.

Outside, there are mature enclosed gardens to the rear.

There is space for multiple off-road parking and there is also a garage.

The bungalow has full uPVC double glazed fascias and guttering.

Stunning sculptures at Doddington Hall

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TRISH TAKES FIVE: By award-winning blogger Trish Burgess

It’s not often you have an idea for a day out and a BBC weather presenter turns up at the venue a few hours beforehand and tells everyone about it.

Carol Kirkwood did just that on BBC Breakfast last week and suddenly our relaxed preparations took on a more urgent pace as we dashed to Lincoln to reach Doddington Hall before the world and his wife joined us.

This beautiful late Elizabethan mansion is currently holding its regular biennial sculpture exhibition. I missed this two years ago and was determined not to do so again, so I shuffled the family into the car and we set off.

Owners of Doddington Hall, Claire and James Birch, open their gardens to a staggering number of sculptures during this summer event, using the backdrop of their beautiful home to showcase the works of art.

Armed with an inexpensive but very substantial guidebook, we spent a wonderful afternoon admiring all 450 sculptures and, more often than not, trying to guess how much they cost, as nearly all of these works were for sale to the public.

Hidden amongst the flower beds of the walled garden or taking shade in the romantic wild garden, we found metal blooms, a forlorn wooden teddy bear and willow horses.

Using red tufted polypropylene and kevlar, Lucy Strachan’s magnificent installation, GodRod, whipped around the front lawn like a possessed metronome as the wind whistled through the estate. A more delicate reaction to the breeze could be seen and heard as the anodised aluminium leaves of Richard Cresswell’s Murmuration gently quivered.

Once you’re sculptured-out, Doddington Hall has a lovely cafe where I can vouch for a melt-in-the-mouth brownie and Dougie endorses the cheese scone. We both looked enviously at our son’s burger which was accompanied by the fattest chips I have ever seen.

There’s an excellent farm shop, a bike shop and country store on site. I would also suggest you run the gauntlet of the herd of cows to see the recently built pyramid at the far end of the Avenue Walk.

Don’t forget to take part in creating the magical Doddington Dragon before you go: attach a piece of fabric from the basket provided and see the colourful willow creature come to life.

The exhibition is open daily until September 11th and costs £6.50 for an adult garden ticket or £10.50 for a hall and garden ticket on specific days when the house is open. Check out their website for more details. www.doddingtonhall.com

You can follow Trish on Twitter @mumsgoneto and read her blog at www.mumsgoneto.co.uk

The razzmatazz of American politics

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HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By local MP John Hayes

The recent Republican and Democrat party conventions in the United States are a reminder of just how different American politics is from our own. Viewed from afar, elections in the United States have always been curiously compelling. Some here are fascinated by the cross-country, road tripping campaigns, others by the showbiz-like glamour of enormous rallies attended by thousands. But, whilst a casual observer might enjoy the soaring rhetoric and quadrennial theme of national renewal, those with a more sceptical eye note much else.

The vast sums of money involved – the 2016 Presidential election is expected to be the first billion dollar campaign – dwarf the cost of polls here, or anywhere else in the free world for that matter. That much of this money benefits only lobbyists and entrenches corporate power rightly angers many of us. Worse still, huge sums are spent on negative television advertising, which exaggerates the focus on personalities and polarises politics more each year. Furthermore, these “attack ads” create a culture of vitriol and a cynicism that feeds an anger which is hard for any President or Government, once elected, to sooth.

Those starry eyed about American politics sometimes fail to acknowledge the nature of its spite – the likes of which we have rarely seen in British election campaigns, thank goodness. Many in Westminster seem enthralled by what happens in Presidential campaigns; British political parties hire American election gurus, and fictional television shows like The West Wing or House of Cards are regarded with awe.

Perhaps American politics attracts disproportionate interest in the UK precisely because it feels more like Hollywood fiction than fact. The increasingly vulgar reality-television style debates have amplified the superficiality of political discourse in recent years, and will probably sink further still with a clash between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. How many Britons must be thankful they don’t have to choose between those two!

Neither can we gain comfort from continental Europe, where many countries are governed by unstable coalitions of splintered political factions. Most dangerous of all, extremists of all types are gaining ground and sometimes even office. Complicated proportional electoral systems and the pernicious influence of the EU makes matters still worse.

Surely then, we should be thankful for our British Parliamentary democracy, which delivers strong governments with the proper checks and balances on their power, and without the crass focus on immense wealth seen elsewhere. Our system stops demagogues from rising quickly, keeps out wild populist movements, and retains a strong, clear constituency link between electors and those they choose to speak for them. Our parliamentary democracy and political culture is too rarely championed. After all, who would want to trade our politics for those of the US or Europe?

Whaplode woman supports work of Orangutan Foundation

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The Orangutan Foundation is currently protecting an area of 463,000 hectares of land in Central Kalimantan, as well as conducting research.

Part of the protected land covers Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, which is one of the few places in the world where orangutans can be released back into the wild after having lost their forest homes to illegal logging or mining, oil-palm expansion and forest fire.

The foundation has reintroduced more than 325 orangutans into the wild. From these, there have been over 65 infants born into the reserve.

As orangutans have a birth interval of eight years it is extremely difficult to rebuild a diminishing population, which is why the Orangutan Foundation says it is “all the more special” to know it is establishing a viable orangutan population.

Orangutans rescued as orphans and too young to be immediately released into the reserve go into a ‘soft-release’ programme where they learn to climb trees, build nests and forage for fruit within real rainforest habitat, while returning to the safety of camp at night.

Find out more at orangutan.org

Whaplode’s orangutan lady

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Steph Brown says she can only do TLC: she passed out once when she tried assisting a vet.

That tender loving care was enough when she rescued injured animals as a small child in Holbeach Fen.

And it was what was needed when she was busy raising three daughters in Whaplode with husband Ian.

Her caring personality was also what earned her the title of Lincolnshire ambassador for the Orangutan Foundation in around 2001.

A documentary about actress Julia Roberts with orangutans in Borneo changed Steph’s life when she saw it in 1998.

Within a year Steph had made contact with the charity and went out to Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, where many of the world’s orangutans live in the wild.

Sadly, poachers and the destruction of their natural habitat had forced the animal to the brink of extinction, and the Orangutan Foundation was working to reverse that by protecting their tropical forest habitat and promoting research and education.

Steph, who lives in Millgate, says: “I thought, ‘This is why I am here’. If you believe in a life before, I could imagine I lived out there. I feel so comfortable out in Borneo that now I live with the Dayak tribes when I go and live in huts on stilts.”

Since her first visit, Steph has returned to the country six or seven times, each journey adding to her knowledge of the orangutans and their situation.

Once home again, Steph gives talks, something she did up to four years ago, and organises fundraisers. In total, she and people who have been inspired by her talks have donated more than £7,000 to the Orangutan Foundation.

The most recent fundraiser, a fun day at Silverwood Garden Centre and Tearooms at Long Sutton, raised £700 for the charity, and Steph thanks everyone who supported it.

Steph is planning another fact-finding mission to Borneo next year, but also has another meeting planned while she is there: with the baby orangutan named after her.

Steph, who loves it when people call her The Orangutan Lady, says: “They are my favourite creatures and they are so close to our DNA. They share 98 per cent of our genes. It’s the only animal I can have a telepathic conversation with. It’s unbelievable what you can see in an orangutan’s eyes and they don’t forget and I think that’s why you can almost read them.”

That first trip to Borneo was life-changing for Steph, and not just because she travelled abroad on her own. She says: “I realised the orphaned and injured orangutans needed our help. All animals have a right to live in their own environment.”

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