Bourne-based Lark Energy is seeking funds to test its new renewable solar thermal system in Mexico.

The ‘solar steam’ technology concentrates the power of the sun’s rays to heat water to create steam that can be used in industrial processes.

The firm, which has just been granted patents for the technology, is seeking financial help for the three year test and demonstration project that will cost £800,000.

It has made its application for funding to the Mexico-UK Collaborative Industrial Research and Development Programme.

If the request is successful, demonstration of solar steam will be carried out at a site in Morelos in Mexico.

Lark Energy will contribute £160,000 to the total costs.

Simone Perini, renewable energy development engineer at Lark Energy, said: “Solar steam builds on existing ideas about using solar radiation to generate heat and takes them a step further.

“We are taking this technology to a wider market where we believe it will have a positive impact on the generation of sustainable and renewable heat.

“To show this we are collaborating with academic, commercial and international funding partners to deliver a demonstration installation in Mexico.”

The system works by focusing the sun’s rays through a lens array onto a tube containing water. The water is heated to create steam to be used in industrial processes.

CABINET CALL: By South Holland District Coun Malcolm Chandler

You may have seen recently that the number of businesses with top-ranked Food Hygiene Ratings in the district has reached an all-time high. This is extremely pleasing and great news for people who love dining out.

I want to focus this column on the criteria behind the ratings, because I think there is an assumption that businesses can get high ratings by just being clean and not having any pests scurrying around.

However, the ratings aren’t just taking these factors into account – our officers are also judging practising procedures and the ability and knowledge of the staff.

For example we need to make sure that a business is cooking and cooling foods properly and keeping raw and cooked foods apart, because otherwise you will have contamination risks.

If there are no date coding systems and staff cannot demonstrate what they are doing, or are not sufficiently trained, then you have the potential for food poisoning.

So it is imperative that safe and hygienic procedures are in place and staff know exactly how to follow them.

The good news is that the vast majority of businesses in the district are following proper procedures and operating to a high standard.

Recent figures show that businesses in South Holland with 3 star (satisfactory) 4 star (good) and 5 star (very good) ratings is now 98.55%.

For businesses with low rankings, our Food, Health and Safety Team supports them to help them boost their ratings, with officers giving advice as well as coaching and a range of training courses.

The protection of the public is our highest priority and we will continue to work actively with businesses to assist them with standards.

In the meantime, please look out for Food Hygiene Ratings when you’re out and about.

To check the Food Hygiene Rating of a restaurant or takeaway, look for the green and black sticker, usually displayed in a window. If you can’t see one, just ask.

For those of you on Facebook, the council also regularly promotes the latest 5 rated businesses on its account. You can also visit www.sholland.gov.uk for more details.

This weekend’s scores...

Taylors Garages Premier Division: Pointon 5 Wyberton Res 2, Spilsby Town 8 Heckington Millers 0, Swineshead Institute 6 Ruskington Rovers 2.

Taylors Peugeot Divsion One: FC Kirton 0 Railway Athletic 1, Freiston 0 Fishtoft 0.

Taylors Ford Division Two: Boston International FC v East Coast - postponed, East Coast unable to fulfil fixture, Fishtoft Res 2 Sibsey 4.

Taylors Vauxhall Division Three: Benington Res 2 Holbeach Bank 1, Leverton SFC Res 2 Spalding Harriers 2, Wyberton A 3 Boston Titans 3.

Three goals in a pulsating second-half display at Bury Town’s Ram Meadow Stadium secured Spalding United’s passage to the next stage.

Scoring sensation Bradley Wells scored a brace, taking his season’s tally so far to five from three outings, while Lincoln City loanee Andy Wright completed the Tulips’ tally with a stunning late strike in a man-of-the-match performance.

Spalding now face a trip to Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division side Mickleover Sports in the first qualifying round a week on Saturday.

The first half of Saturday’s encounter saw the Tulips defending against a howling gale blowing straight down the pitch.

Bury were hot off the blocks from the start and forced three corners in quick succession.

Their pressure was immense at times but for all of this they seldom tested goalkeeper Michael Duggan.

Tevan Allen produced their best shot early on but Duggan blocked this with his feet at the near post.

However, the Tulips did have their moments in front of goal with Wells flashing a good shot just wide of the target on 30 minutes.

Bury were active on the front foot in the opening minutes of the second half and were denied by a super fingertip save and from the resulting corner Remi Garrett headed over the bar.

But the Tulips were quickly into full stride.

Nathan Whitehead’s ‘dipper’ from distance was inches over the bar and moments later Wells got on the end of Wright’s corner to head the opening goal.

There were a couple of nervy moments as Bury battled to get back on level terms.

But the Tulips were the ones pulling most of the strings and when Wells notched his second on 73 minutes it was game over.

Neal Spafford, again a tower of strength in the back line, knocked a long pass over defenders and Wells gave chase to challenge 
keeper Dan Heath. His initial shot was palmed away but the striker followed up to tap the ball into an empty net.

Seven minutes from full-time Wright completed the tally with a super solo goal.

Taking possession just inside the home half, he made tracks for goal from the left side before cutting inside.

With everyone expecting him to make a pass, he hooked his right boot round the ball and sent it soaring into the top corner with bewildered keeper Heath stuck to the spot.

Spalding: Duggan, Lemon, Field (sub Waumsley 61 mins), Varley (sub Costa 88 mins), Stainfield, Spafford, Walker, Whitehead, Wells, Acar (sub Lockie 85 mins), Wright.

The results of the consultation on a Mayoral Combined Authority for Greater Lincolnshire have now been published - showing broad support for devolution, but mixed opinions on whether an elected mayor should be put in place.

Overall, residents were generally positive (59 per cent) about the powers and responsibilities that councils in the area are pursuing from the government,

However, on the question of the elected mayor, only 47 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed with the proposal - with 49 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.

Residents were even less positive about the possibility of combining the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role with that of an elected mayor - 38 per cent agreed with the idea, while 56 per cent disagreed.

In total 4,432 completed surveys were received during the consultation period.

Councillor Peter Bedford, Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Leadership Board, said: “I’d like to thank everyone in Greater Lincolnshire who took part in the consultation and I’m pleased they are generally supportive of what we are trying to achieve.

“By working together and making more decisions locally, we want to encourage economic growth and improve infrastructure across the whole area.

“We will be writing to government to get a clear understanding of what the new administration’s aspirations are for devolution and where they stand on the requirement for an elected mayor.”

UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.

The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.

The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.

After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.

Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.

Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.

Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.

While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.

And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.

Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.

“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Jack Berry was the star turn for Bourne on Saturday as they beat Skegness at Abbey Lawn.

The all-rounder shone with the ball and finished with figures of 6-45 off 15 overs as the visitors were skittled for just 95 in 30.4 overs.

Berry also opened the Bourne innings and managed just 10.

But his heroics with the ball had paved the way for victory as Carl Wilson (40no) and captain Pete Morgan (39) completed the job.

They steered Bourne to 99-4 off just 12.4 overs for a quick six-wicket win.

Keaton Critchell almost joined the day’s century makers with 94 at Louth whose innings closed on 226-9 at home to Market Deeping.

Tom Corden, who had earlier hit an unbeaten 31, then took five Deeping wickets as the visitors finished on 191-9 with Patrick Harrington hitting 49.

Results: Skegness 95 (Berry 6-45), Bourne 99-4; Woodhall Spa 223-9 (J Timby 60, Luffman 52), Boston 216-5 (Cheer 113no); Grantham 253-3 dec (42 overs) (Freeman 55, Carnelley 115no), Nettleham 225-5 (Bridgens 60); Sleaford 247-6 (Pienaar 122no), Lindum 208-9 (Thomas 89); Louth 226-9 (Critchell 94), Market Deeping 191-9 (Corden 5-76); Bracebridge Heath 282-5 dec (47 overs) (Spence 78no, Stubbs 51), Grimsby Town 187-8 (Crossley 68).

Seven companies have signed up to appear at an Employer Food Fair or Job-a-Thon at Spalding Jobcentre from 10am-3pm on Wednesday, September 14.

The move is part of the Feeding Britain’s Future initiative, led by the Institute of Grocery Distribution which aims to match up jobseekers with companies looking for potential recruits.

Jobcentre spokesman Jonathan Beech said recruitment demand is strong in the area with Bakkavor, Bakkavor Freshcook, Fowler Welch, Dalehead Foods and Woodhead Brothers all taking people on.

Between July this year and July last year, the all-ages jobless total in Spalding fell by 25 (3.9 per cent) to 610. During the same period, the all-ages jobless total for South Holland fell by 30 (4.5 per cent) to 640.

For people aged 18 to 24 years in Spalding, the change was more dramatic with a fall of 20 (12.1 per cent) to 145.

Similarly, the 18 to 24 years group in South Holland experienced a huge drop of 30 (16.7 per cent) to 150.

• People looking for work are advised to contact the Jobcentre to book an appointment slot in advance for the Job-a-Thon.

A 73-year-old man has gone on trial accused of molesting two young girls at a children’s home in the 1970s.

Michael Coughtrey, of Spalding, allegedly abused the youngsters on occasions when he went to pick up his wife who had worked at the home in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Opening his Old Bailey trial, prosecutor Peter Shaw said one girl had complained to staff at the time but did not feel that she would be “supported or believed”.

Police launched an investigation in 2014 after another ex-inhabitant of the Woolmer Drive home recognised a former staff member at a Sainsbury’s checkout.

She told her that Coughtrey had “fiddled” with her when she was a girl and was advised to report it to the police, Mr Shaw said.

Investigators then spoke to the then-manager of the home who told them about the earlier allegation of sex abuse in the 1970s, he said.

Police tracked down the second woman who told them Coughtrey had “interfered” with her when she was aged six or seven.

Although he told her to keep it a secret, she told staff what was going on but “got the distinct impression she was not going to be supported or believed”, Mr Shaw said.

She came to feel disgusted at what Coughtrey had done and hated him, jurors were told.

After Coughtrey was arrested in March last year, he told police that his wife had worked at the home and he would often visit to collect her.

While there he would sometimes read stories to the children and recalled the girls sitting on his lap, but denied sexually assaulting them, saying he would have had a book in his hands.

Coughtrey denies six counts of indecent assault.

One charge relates to a girl aged between four and seven and five charges related to a girl aged between six and seven.

• The trial continues.

Spalding face a crucial game on Saturday at Premier Division title rivals Sleaford 2nd who were without a fixture last weekend.

Their lead was extended to 28 points with a win over Billingborough and victory this week could dent the hopes of Sleaford who have two games in hand.

Hafiz Majeed hit the day’s only century to help Spalding to 310-3 with Josh Newton (65), Warren Nel (54no) and Ben Smith (53no) offering support.

Majeed then went on to take three wickets as Billingborough were all out for 126.

The closest and highest scoring game of the day was at Stamford Town whose innings ended on 268-7 – Mark Andrew with 57 and Brett Bennett 60.

Bourne 2nd set off well, Jon Howard making 89 and sharing a second-wicket stand of 112 with Tom Bentley (61).

David Greenfield added 54 and on 239-7 the visitors were well placed.

But the return of Tim Juggins (5-47) to the attack signalled a collapse as the last three wickets fell for just nine runs.

Market Deeping 2nd are still in with a chance of honours following another high-scoring game at Outgang Road.

They made 248-9 before bowling Long Sutton out for 210 of which Barry Stanway made 59.

Just 13 points separate Spalding 2nd and Freiston who are locked in battle at the top of Division One after both scored convincing wins.

Simon Juckes’ unbeaten 70 saw Spalding to 228-7 before Heckington were bowled out for 98.

Vidit Matta turned in a man-of-the-match performance for Welby Cavaliers to move them into third above opponents Baston.

Matta hit 53 of Cavaliers’ 185 then took 5-18 as Baston were bowled out for 102.

Billingborough 2nd picked up valuable points, beating Timberland by 123 runs.

Claypole need 15 points from their final two games to be sure of the Division Two title following their win over Boston 3rd who are neck and neck with Graves Park in second place.

Two six-wicket hauls were the highlights of Graves Park’s win over Grantham 4th.

Craig Corby took 6-38 but Joe Gilbert replied with 6-28 to help bowl Grantham out for 68.

Belton Park 2nd scored a welcome win over Pinchbeck in the division’s other game.

PREMIER DIVISION

Boston 2nd 170 (Gilding 82), Woodhall Spa 2nd 174-0 (Sargeant 93no, Hughes 73no); Market Deeping 2nd 248-9, Long Sutton 210 (Stanway 59); Spalding 310-3 (Newton 65, Majeed 107, Nel 54no, Smith 54no), Billingborough 126; Stamford Town 268-7 (Andrew 57, Bennett 60), Bourne 2nd 248 (Howard 89, T Bentley 61, Greenfield 54, Juggins 5-47); Belton Park v Grantham 2nd – abandoned.

DIVISION ONE

Skegness 2nd 48, Freiston 49-4; Spalding 2nd 228-7 (S Juckes 70no), Heckington 98; Welby Cavaliers 185 (Matta 53, Hayes 50, Dyer 5-41), Baston 102 (Matta 5-18); Billingborough 2nd 271-7, Timberland 148; Moulton Harrox conceded to Grantham 3rd.

DIVISION TWO

Belton Park 2nd 186-5, Pinchbeck 100; Claypole 202-8, Boston 3rd 101 (Revill 5-16); Graves Park 246 (Corby 6-38), Grantham 4th 68 (J Gilbert 6-28); Burgh & District conceded to Long Sutton 2nd.

David Tasker hosted his captain’s day at Spalding and it was a resounding success with around 170 golfers on the course.

Scoring was good and 10 handicapper Gary Climo came out the winner with 41 Stableford points, followed closely by Dick Parker, Stuart Armstrong and Neil West one behind.

The annual Presidents Putter competition was won by former junior captain Calum Lewis with a nett 65, with Paul Funnell and Trev Horrocks one shot back plus Chris Ward and Richard Hare with 67.

Third-team captain Andy Rafferty’s open day was played by more than 100 golfers with 16-28 handicaps.

Spalding’s Rod Filby came out on top with 69 points for the 31-hole competition, beating Adrian Forrest and Monty Brittain with Mark Sanderson coming fourth.

The August medal was won by Cliff Harrison winning with a nett 67 on countback from Andy Elms with Dave Perrott and Paul Green a shot further back.

Spalding’s first team, captained by Andy Grimwood, left their early-season form behind and finished strongly to ensure they will play again next year in the first division of the South Lincs Scratch League.

A 5-1 win against leaders Sleaford was followed by a 3-3 draw against fellow strugglers Stoke Rochford.

The relegation decider away to Burghley Park saw Spalding record a 5½-½ win.

There were wins for Andy Grimwood & Tom Ladbrook, Dan Hines & Lloyd Chatham, Hugo Kedzlie & Calum Lewis, Wayne Wallace & Harry Hunt and Keith Hearne & Mark Cooley with Liam Pucill and Mal Wray halving their match.

Spalding’s scratch golfers crowned off their season by winning the Elsham Trophy, beating Waltham Windmill in the semi and Carholme in the final.

Mark Mitchell, James Crampton, Andy Grimwood, Simon Richardson, Daniel Hines and Charles Lacey won by a 14-up margin.

Grimwood was joined by Tasker in the Commemoration Jug at Welwyn Garden City.

He was in 14th place overall after a three-over-par 73 in the morning but then came in with 70, including a hole in one on the 132-yard hole to finish sixth. His ace was only the second ever to be recorded at this event which has been running for 29 years.

Vice-captain Mike Crampton was at the helm for the mixed fixture against Toft and they secured a 4-2 win.

The winning pairs were Crampton & Hannah Thorold, Andy Thomas & Liz Holbrook, Tony Holbrook & Carol Thomas and David Barkway & Carole Holland.

Tasker took charge for the fixture at Milton as Spalding secured a 4-4 draw.

Winning pairs were Peter Bridge & Carol Thomas, Roy Blake & Sybil Thorpe and Sandy Watson & Anne Ellis. With Max Ellis & Liz Holbrook and Andy Thomas & Eileen Bridge halving their matches.

Ladies section

Friendly: Seacroft 3 Spalding 1 – Paula Brown & Hannah Thorold lost 2 down, Avril Norton & Olive Gooderson lost 4&3, Angela Roper & Anne Ellis lost 2&1, Lesley Williams & Margaret Barkway won 3&2.

Friendly: Boston 1 Spalding 3 – Paula Brown & Maureen Orwell lost 3&1, Theresa Starbuck & Jean White won 4&3, Anita Cross & Deborah Ellis won 7&5, Barbara Newcombe & Millie Thorold won 4&3.

Myrtle Glenny (Stableford competition): 1 Elaine Macleman 40 points, 2 Eileen Bridge 38, 3 Wendy Revill 36.

TYDD ST GILES

Men’s August Stableford

Division One: 1 Steven Thompson 36 points, 2 ocb Scott Williams 34, 3 ocb Andy Betts 34.

Division Two: 1 Vinney Day 37 points, 2 Gary Withers 36, 3 ocb Tom Ainsley 34.

Division Three: 1 ocb Steve Gray 38 points, 2 Derek Wroe 38, 3 Matthew Prudence 37.

Bob Johns Classic

1 Tony Kierman, Shaun Shales, Martin Kierman, & Jamie Kierman 142 points, 2 Trevor Hunt, Dave Morris, Toby North & Marin Pike 125.

Mens Sewell Salver & Ciuffini Shield round two

Division One: 1 Ian Millett 84-21=63, 2 Andy Sleath 81-10=71, 3 ocb Keith Jakings 84-12=72, 4 ocb Adey Bills 78-6=72.

Seniors Stableford Vouchers competition

Division One: 1 Dennis Savory 43 points, 2 Paul Burrell 42, 3 Ken Parker 40.

Division Two: 1 ocb Russell Doy 39 points, 2 Albert Haxell 39, 3 ocb John Ormiston 38.

Division Three: 1 Brian Gough 38 points, 2 Tony Petch 37, 3 ocb Malcolm Miller 36.


GEDNEY HILL

Professionals Open Competition: 1 Steve Coe 43 points, 2 Paul Hanson 42, 3 Rob Newns 39.

Seniors section

John Parson Shield: 1 Keith Lawrence 43 points, 2 Ralph Ragosa 40, 3 ocb Keith Cooper 37.

Ladies section

Challenge Shield: 1 Lynn Exley 34 points, 2 Maggie Bingham 31, 3 Christine Lord 30.

Your views are wanted on routes for a proposed electricity cable link between Denmark and the UK after it comes ashore in Lincolnshire.

Following public consultation, National Grid Viking Link Ltd (NGVL) today (Monday, August 22) announced that it is looking to bring the undersea cables ashore next to Sandilands Golf Club.

The company also announced its preferred site for a converter station, which modifies the current between direct and alternating, at North Ing Drove, near Donington.

Now NGVL is looking at potential options for a route to take the two underground cables between the landing point on the coast to the preferred converter station site.

On September 5, NGVL will launch a six-week public consultation asking people for their views on where the cables should go and design options for the converter station.

The project team will consult people on ‘cable route corridors’ – one-kilometre- wide strips of land within which a specific route for the cables could be identified.

Oliver Wood, National Grid Viking Link project director, said: “Local opinion played an important part in deciding where to bring the cables ashore and the location for the converter station.

“We selected these sites after carefully considering all the information provided by local people during our public consultation in the spring, along with environmental and technical information.

“Both sites were chosen because it was felt they offered the best opportunities to minimise disturbance to local communities and the environment.

“Now we would urge people to have their say in helping us to find the best route for the two underground cables.”

The consultation will include a series of public consultation events. Details below:

- Bicker Village Hall - Wednesday, September 7, 2-8pm

- Grange and Links Hotel, Sandilands - Thursday, September 8, 2-8pm

- The Ruby Hunt Centre, Donington, Friday, September 9, 2-8pm

- Stickney Village Hall, Saturday, September 10, noon-4.30pm

- Orby Village Hall, Wednesday, September 14, 2-8pm

- Helpringham Memorial Hall, Thursday, September 15, 2-8pm

- Alford Corn Exchange, Friday, September 16, 2-8pm

- Little Steeping Village Hall, Thursday, September 22, 2-8pm

- Partney, Dalby, and Dexthorpe Victory Hall, Monday, October 3, 2-8pm

- Hubberts Bridge Community Centre, Tuesday, October 4, 2-8pm

Mr Wood added: “Viking Link will help provide our country with a secure supply of affordable electricity and help us move towards more renewable and low carbon sources of energy but it means building new equipment. We want to work with local people to find the best location for this equipment and to minimize any impact on local communities.”

More information can be found on the project website: www.viking-link.com

A Spalding factory worker may have taken his own life due to the pain of a broken relationship, an inquest has heard.

Wojciech Krepulec (29), of Foxglove Court, Spalding, was found hanging from a tree at Spalding Rugby Club on April 10, just nine days before his 30th birthday.

During an inquest at Boston Coroner’s Court on Friday, Central Lincolnshire assistant coroner Marianne Johnson said that Mr Krepulec was “sad about his former partner and the prospect of her moving back to Poland with their daughter”.

Mr Krepulec’s body had beens found by a passer-by, Keiran Hepworth, while walking with his girfriend around the rugby field.

In a statement read at the inquest, Keiran said: “I heard a crack from one of the trees, saw a bird flying away and a man hanging quite high up in the tree.

Mr Krepulec, who worked at Dalehead Foods, Spalding, was later identified by police through the contents of a rucksack found at the rugby club which had in it a UK driving licence.

Another statement read out at the inquest from Aleksandra Simkovic, mr Krepulec’s girlfriend, revealed that an exchange of text messages had taken place before his death.

One of the them from Mr Krepulec said: “I just hate myself, please don’t ask me why?” while another said: “Just don’t blame yourself because I lost everything and it’s 100 per cent my fault.”

A post-mortem found that Mr Krepulec had alcohol, cocaine and amphetamines in his system and Ms Johnson said that although levels were “not within the “lethal range”, they could have affected his “thought process prior to his death”.

Evidence was also given by friend Karl Boz who, in a statement, said that Mr Krepulec had a gambling problem but this “didn’t have much to do with his death”.

Mr Boz added that his friend was “very stressed about leaving his girlfriend of 12 years, as well as a little child.

In conclusion, Ms Johnson said: “I’m satisfied that Mr Krepulec took his life and whilst it’s unclear why, I’m satisfied that he intended to so.”

The talent of artists in the Suttons and beyond will be on display locally from Saturday.

It is the annual art exhibition at St Matthew’s Church in Sutton Bridge, with around 300 paintings by more than 100 professional and amateur artists on display until Friday, September 2.

Organiser Geoff De Roux says various well-known and talented artists will be exhibiting their work in a wide range of subjects.

If last year’s exhibition is anything to go by, it will also result in a number of paintings being sold.

Geoff said: “Ken Burton sold all his paintings last year, so I had to write him a cheque for £800. All his pictures are recognisable places.”

In fact one of Ken’s landmark paintings, of a lighthouse, was judged to be the people’s favourite in a public vote, so is being used to illustrate this year’s event poster.

Visitors will once again have the chance to choose their favourite picture, and Geoff says the exhibition will be “a treat” for visitors .

One exhibitor is Maureen Hunt, who started the exhibition, and a number of pieces are by members of Sutton Bridge Art Group, which Geoff chairs.

The popular group meets every Wednesday at the Curlew Centre for workshops, such as Vic Bearcroft’s on September 7.

Group members also run them, such as Geoff’s demonstrations in watercolour, and other artists who work in various media.

There are 38 members in the group, and Geoff says those who are not confident enough to put up paintings in the main exhibition will be able to display work on a club board in the church, and likewise children will have a space to exhibit their art.

Around 120 people are expected at the exhibition preview, including MP John Hayes and his son Edward, both of whom have submitted pieces for this year’s show.

Geoff said: “There are so many people who want to paint. It’s wonderful to be chairman of a club that has so much talent and people who are eager to learn in the classes.”

The exhibition is free and is open 10am-6pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-4pm Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday and noon to 6pm Sunday.

Last year’s annual art exhibition in Sutton Bridge raised about £900 for St Matthew’s Church in the village.

That was a smaller exhibition than this year’s which has 300 paintings on show.

Exhibitors come from across Lincolnshire, as well as Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, and include professional artists, enthusiastic amateurs and members of Sutton Bridge Art Group.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this year’s paintings will again go to church funds.

Visitors will have the chance to talk to many of the artists about their work because some will be present each day. There is also the chance to watch them paint in the church.

Light lunches and refreshments will be available throughout the exhibition.

Neil Johnson reflects on the opening weekend of the season...

The Boston Saturday Football League has kicked off another season, with plenty of goals and even a keeper getting on the scoresheet.

East Coast, Fulbeck, Horncastle Town Reserves and two new reserve sides, Fosdyke Reserves and Boston College Reserves, have all joined the league.

Several clubs opted for a blank fixture for the opening day, while East Coast had no coach to manage the side and had to pull out of their contest, leaving nine fixtures.

In the Taylors Garages Premier Division, defending champions Wyberton Reserves came unstuck in spectacular fashion in their opening match as they began their defence of the title away at Pointon, falling to a 5-2 defeat.

Pointon striker Ian Jacquest hit an impressive hat-trick while Jamie Andrews and Casey Kemp completed the rout.

Spilsby Town thumped Heckington Millers 8-0.

The Millers remained in the game during the first half as they trailed 2-0 to a home team who were slowly clicking into gear.

A dominant second half display saw Spilsby completely overrun their opponents, and they could easily have run up double figures as several further chances went begging.

Michael Hardy and Jordan Smith both grabbed a brace, while Jordan Turner, Josh Wood, Jordan Wood and Eddie Rich made sure of a faultless start to their campaign.

There were more goals at Swineshead Institute where the home side eventually saw off the challenge of Ruskington Rovers.

The 6-2 home win was probably slightly misleading as Ruskington found themselves trailing only 3-2 for the majority of the game.

It was only a late goal blitz that finally saw Swineshead put the game to bed.

Swineshead’s match-winners were Jack Houghton (two), Richard Barker (two), Bert Snaith and Callum Simmons.

If there was glut of goals in the top flight, the opposite was evident in the Taylors Peugeot Division One, where only one goal was scored in the two games.

Freiston and Fishtoft produced a dour 0-0 draw, although Freiston went close with two efforts which struck the woodwork.

Railway started life in Division One with an away trip to FC Kirton, and the newly-promoted side were very much on top throughout.

As the game wore on Railway created chance after chance but FC Kirton Keeper Phil Mcallister kept his side in the contest with a string of important saves.

That was until the game entered the final five minutes when a Ryan Mason cross from the left wing found debutant Leon Creasey, and he headed home to seal an opening day victory.

In the Taylors Ford Division Two, Fishtoft Reserves hosted Sibsey - and the home side didn’t get off to the best of starts as they ended up empty-handed.

Sibsey enjoyed most of the possession early on and they were rewarded with the opening goal when a long throw caused panic in the Fishtoft box and the ball fell loose to a Sibsey player who tapped the ball home.

It didn’t long for the away side to double their lead as Fishtoft lost possession and Sibsey broke away and rounded the Fishtoft keeper before sliding the ball home into an empty net.

As Fishtoft tried to get back into the game, a couple of chances in quick succession went begging and Sibsey made them pay with a third from a corner due to miscommunication in the Fishtoft defence.

Fishtoft came out revitalised for the second half, knowing they had under performed in the first half and they really pushed on to try and get back in the game.

They finally got on the score-sheet when a corner was bundled home by Jack Cridland.

Fishtoft’s heads were up now and when another corner was whipped in by Liam Reece it was headed home by Ben Carter to give them a glimmer of hope.

With time running out, Sibsey were reduced to 10 men with a red card following a last-man challenge when the Fishtoft striker was through on goal, but from the following free kick, the visiting defence blocked the shot and instantly broke away on the counter to score and make the final score 4-2.

The Taylors Vauxhall Division Three saw a strong Benington Reserves side given a stern test by Holbeach Bank who, on this showing, will be looking to bounce straight back up following last season’s relegation.

The visitors created a number of good chances in the opening period, but were foiled by an inspired display from Will Newton in the Benington goal.

Benington then broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Ryan Lawson rifled home from the edge of the box.

Gavin Bell doubled the home side’s advantage midway through the second period when he lobbed the advancing Bank goalkeeper after being sent clear by a sublime Dean Stevens pass.

Bank halved the deficit late on from the penalty spot but, despite some sustained pressure, were unable to find an equaliser.

Spalding Harriers travelled away to Leverton Reserves where the strong wind played a major factor in the game, with the visitors struggling to push beyond the halfway line for most of the first half.

Leverton struck first when Craig Mitchell swept home from the edge of the area to put Leverton ahead.

A quick throw in then found its way to James De Lorenzo who also found the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Leverton continued to press for a third, first hitting the crossbar and then when a stray pass from the Spalding keeper left Leverton 30 yards out with an open goal, they missed the target and it remained 2-0 at the break.

The second half saw Spalding able to use the wind to apply pressure and attempt to keep Leverton contained in their own half.

The home side defended stubbornly, but luck wasn’t on their side when a long-range effort from Regan Smalley found itself being carried goalwards before finding the far top corner.

Leverton did have chances to extend their lead but a couple of poor finishes from close range kept Spalding in the game - both efforts being fired straight at the keeper.

The Spalding goalkeeper had the final say too, when he produced a huge clearance which sailed high over the opposing keeper’s head and into the net, much to the surprise of everyone.

Leverton were therefore left cursing their luck and Spalding breathed a sigh of relief after their bizarre last minute equaliser.

Wyberton A and Boston Titans produced a very tight match at The Causeway and the visitors were thankful, once again, for the finishing prowess of striker Matt Howden, who bagged a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw.

The Titans’ Mike Mcphail was also at his creative best with two assists for his team.

Wyberton salvaged a point with goals from Jack Reeson, Logan Hare and Jason Allen.

A workshop is being held in Spalding for people in Lincolnshire who want to start afresh having experienced domestic abuse in the past.

The ‘Unleash Your Awesome’ event aims to help people deal with feelings of low self-esteem and move on from being labelled a ‘victim’. It is being facilitated by local motivational speaker Taz Thornton who can speak from personal experience about learning to look forward to the future following abuse.

Karen Shooter, county domestic abuse manager, said: “Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult, but when people do leave, they are often left with negative feelings about themselves. It’s important that they are then supported to overcome this so they can feel safe and happy again.”

The free event takes place on Wednesday, September 21 at Tonic Health, 6 Broadgate House, Westlode Street, Spalding.

If you are interested in more information or wish to book a place on this workshop then email your name and contact details to domesticabuse@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Go to the ‘Unleash Your Awesome’ web page for more information: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/domestic-abuse

Fishing tackle, including rods, reels, a taxckle box and holdall, have been stolen from a garden shed that was forced open in Folkingham.

It happened in Walcott Lane, off West Street, where a person or gang broke the lock before getting into the shed overnight between Sunday, August 14 and Monday, August 15.

Items stolen were a Rive tackle box, a Map Parabolix fishing holdall, 45 Daiwa Airity fishing rods and two tubes, plus various reels, rods, general tackle and equipment.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 38 of August 15.

People in South Holland are being offered the chance to put forward ideas on how best to crime and disorder where they live.

A survey has been launched by the Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) whose members include South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire County Council, police, fire and rescue, NHS and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire.

An LCSP spokesman said: “Every year, the partnership reviews what it should focus on and we would like to hear what you think the priorities should be for keeping you safe.

“This is an opportunity for the public to tell the partnership what issues concern them and your input is vital to help the LCSP tackle key problems in areas, including South Holland.”

The survey can be completed online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lincolnshire-community-safety-partnership or paper copies are available from council offices, with the closing date for responses being Friday, November 11.

TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

No matter how many times we stay in hotels, whether in the UK or overseas, we still find ourselves inept when it comes to working out how the room amenities function properly.

The key. Opening the door to the room is often the first task that eludes us. Electronic cards can be a nightmare, especially for my husband who seems to have his own peculiar force field which renders the cards unworkable. He can be seen frantically waving the card in front of the sensor or shoving it into the slot numerous times in the vain hope that the light will turn green. Funnily enough, this same force field affects him when paying in car parks or operating any other ticket/vending machine.

Heating. Very few places have a normal radiator with a valve. Temperature is controlled via a complicated switch on the wall: it usually works the air conditioning too. No matter how many times we click the button up or down or turn the switch from manual to auto, we can never get it just right. I can often be seen standing on the bed, waving my hands in front of the grill to see if any air is coming out. Opening a window isn’t even an option as they are increasingly sealed shut.

Lighting. Working out which switch operates which light is beyond me. Even when I think I’ve cracked it, I turn off all the switches by the bed before going to sleep and there’s always one rogue lamp in the corner that refuses to go off.

Showers. The thermostat and flow controls aren’t easy to distinguish and it isn’t clear in which direction they should be turned. Regardless of which knob I decide to try first, I’m guaranteed to have an ice-cold deluge land on my head.

Hairdryers. I hate the ones that are situated in the bathroom, which require constant thumb pressure before any air is produced: my thumb tires far earlier than my hair dries. A normal hairdryer is preferable, once I’ve managed to find out where it has been hidden. Chances are, even when plugged in, the socket is very rarely near a mirror.

Alarm clock. Trying to set an alarm clock which is not your own is never going to end well. Just don’t do it. It’s probably better to use your mobile phone but remember to choose your alarm sound wisely. Recently we required an early morning alarm and I wanted something loud and brash enough to wake us. We nearly didn’t rise from our slumber becasue, instead of the lively theme tune from 80s TV show, ‘The A Team’, we were gently nudged awake by the delicate sounds of the same-named ballad by Ed Sheeran.

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