One Spalding family enjoyed an early Christmas gift this weekend when a special delivery of snow transformed their garden into a winter wonderland.

Liisa Tang and husband Manfai celebrated with children Yingli and Winghoi after TK Maxx arrived with equipment normally used in the film industry along with eight cubic metres of snow.

Liisa won a competition on the company’s Shake the Snow Globe website, which offers gift ideas along with the chance to win a white Christmas.

“A white Christmas reminds me of my childhood and is magical,” said Liisa. “It just isn’t the same when it doesn’t snow at Christmas and we are so happy to receive this wonderful gift.”

Snow deliveries like these last for 48 hours and they are perfect for making snowmen and snowballs.

Deborah Dolce, from TK Maxx, said: “We wanted to create a real, magical experience for our shoppers this year, something that would be great fun and let everyone across the country join in. A snowy version of a golden ticket.”

The company says snow globes like the one Liisa found will be waiting to be discovered until December 12.

Spalding councillor in key meeting with police over street lights switch-off

Former school dinner lady opens dream coffee shop and cafe in Donington

West Pinchbeck villager condemns ‘vandalism’ of River Glen

Fire crews from Bourne and Billinborough fought a blaze in the kitchen of a home in Aveland Way, Aslackby.

They used one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire, which took place at 3.45am today (December 4).

Nobody was injured.

A fan was used to ventilate the property.

Parents and pre-school children were among the guests when Holbeach Primary Academy held an open day.

Administrator Sue Tully said the academy welcomed parents who already have children at the school as well as parents looking to place their children there.

She said: “We had quite a few new parents looking for places for their children for September next year.”

Ms Tully said the school arranged the day with prospective parents in mind and to help them with their decision-making when they are choosing their child’s school place.

The visitors were able to watch lessons in progress as well as view the indoor and outdoor facilities.

Ms Tully said: “They observed teachers teaching, learning environments and children at work, and they were able to see the support given.”

Lunchtime provision was also discussed and parents discovered that provision for early years’ pupils includes their own playground with support staff.

Ms Tully said: “We are hoping to repeat our open day again in the spring and we intend to have an open evening in the summer.”

Among those attending the event was the academy’s chairman of governors, Jenny Worth.

From our website ...

It’s a Tang-fastic, early white Christmas as snow is delivered to Spalding family

Former school dinner lady opens dream coffee shop and cafe in Donington

Firefighters to join Santa in Spalding and Crowland

A charity race night at Holbeach Community Centre has benefited two great causes.

Joint organisers were Gordon Kirk, a long-standing fundraiser for LIVES, and his son, Russell, who was raising money on behalf of South Holland Scouts.

Around £570 raised on the night will go to the Scouts and about £30 to LIVES.

Gordon said between 50-55 people supported the event and it was more about having a good night out rather than focusing solely on fundraising.

He said: “All I want is for people to enjoy themselves and have a night out instead of sitting in front of a square box telly – sometimes it’s not about the value of the money you raise when it helps people to have a night out in each other’s company.

“It wasn’t a matter of getting a fantastic profit, it just mattered that everybody enjoyed themselves.”

As well as enjoying the races, families had an opportunity to tuck into a fish and chip supper, or opt for chicken nuggets or sausages with chips.

Russell got into the spirit of the event by donning a comical outfit, including a dress, to have what Gordon described as a ‘Widow Twankey look’.

Gordon said: “He said he was going to do something silly ... he just wanted to do it as a bit of fun.”

Among those attending the race night was the South Holland Scouts district commissioner Lorraine Derrick.

Email your event news to editor: jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

• More pictures in tomorrow’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

From our website ...

Firefighters to join Santa in Spalding and Crowland

It’s a Tang-fastic, early white Christmas as snow is delivered to Spalding family

Former school dinner lady opens dream coffee shop and cafe in Donington

Afternoon tea with some Christmas sparkle was enjoyed by around 40 guests of the Jellys and Jollys Community Association in Sutton Bridge.

The association was formed earlier this year with the idea of putting events on for young and old alike.

The association’s title hints at its twin aims with Jellys standing for treats for young people while Jollys describes the events for older people, including outings.

Thursday’s afternoon tea at the Curlew Centre was the first big event for older people, who enjoyed a selection of festive and familiar songs from entertainer Jayne Darling as well as some delicious eats and treats, such as sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones and cakes.

Association chairman Anne Scarlett said: “It was a really enjoyable afternoon.

“Everybody really enjoyed it and as they were leaving they were saying ‘when is the next one?’.”

Jellys and Jollys is also running the annual Christmas toy appeal in Sutton Bridge, appealing for members of the public to donate gifts at the Curlew Centre or The Anchor Inn, both in Bridge Road.

Toys are donated for children aged two to 16 years, with recipients nominated confidentially by first name, age and address.

• More pictures in tomorrow’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

Previously ...

Christmas toy appeal now open in Sutton Bridge

From our website ...

Former school dinner lady opens dream coffee shop and cafe in Donington

It’s a Tang-fastic, early white Christmas as snow is delivered to Spalding family

Shocked wildlife lovers condemned the shooting dead of three birds of prey on Deeping High Bank.

News of the sickening shootings was revealed on social media on Saturday, when it was reported two buzzards were found shot that morning and a kestrel was killed on Wednesday.

There are now appeals for the public to be vigilant and police are urging residents to report incidents to them on 101.

Crowland county councillor Nigel Pepper said: “I have always had a keen interest in nature and birds in particular and it’s only in recent years we have been fortunate to see the majestic red kite in our area for the first time in our lives and along with buzzards and kestrels - these are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which makes it an offence to kill them.

“I find it appalling and I am shocked that someone would interfere with nature and kill these protected birds and would hope the culprits are caught and the necessary actions taken against them.

“Deeping High Bank has an abundance of wildlife and often some rare species can be seen along there, clearly we now have a problem and I would ask everyone to be vigilant and to report wildlife crime to the police.”

The advice from the RSPB is as follows:

“If you see wildlife crime taking place dial 999 and report it to the police. Make a note of any vehicle registrations and people in the area. Do not get involved personally.

“If you find evidence of wildlife crime note the scene (location) and if there is any evidence (usually body of bird) take with you for autopsy and report all details to the RSPB via the form on their website (you can ring 101 and report also).”

From our website ...

SPECIAL REPORT: Tackling the issue of homes left empty in South Holland

Spalding councillor in key meeting with police over street lights switch-off

West Pinchbeck villager condemns ‘vandalism’ of River Glen

Spalding High School and Bourne Grammar have been named in the top ten secondary state schools in the East Midlands.

The Sunday Times Parent Power School Guide, released on November 26, put Bourne Grammar at number five and Spalding High at number seven.

The guide rates the schools by their recent exam results.

Nationally, Spalding High came in at 205 out of the 2,000 highest-achieving schools in the UK, and Bourne Grammar at 143, according to the guide. Spalding Grammar School also made it into the top 2,000 nationally, achieving a rank of number 259.

Head teacher at Spalding High School, Michele Anderson, said: “The High School are delighted that the achievements of our students have been recognised within the Sunday Times’ Parent Power Survey and National Progress 8 Value Added results”.

Progress 8 measures schools not just on the results that pupils achieve, but on how much progress they have made since they started secondary school.

“We are very pleased that the students have done so well in the newly reformed GCSE subjects, a set of examinations widely being described as the hardest since the old O Levels.

“They should be as proud of themselves as we are of them.

“Our Progress 8 Value Added score is a further indication of how well the students, the staff and the school has done and places us within the top 10 secondary schools for Progress 8 within Lincolnshire.

“These GCSE results remain a testament to the very high standards set at the High School and to the hard work of all students and staff, supported by parents and governors.”

Head teacher at Bourne Grammar School, Jonathan Maddox, said: “Our students worked hard to achieve their excellent results, responding to the challenges presented by new syllabi and making the most of the support given by their teachers.

“It is always a great joy to see the students celebrating on results day. Our students have, once again, achieved some wonderful results of which they can all be extremely proud.

“The students who obtained their GCSE results this year were the first cohort following the school’s expansion. We now have some 650 students competing for our 240 Year 7 places each year, from over 100 primary feeder schools.”

PREVIOUSLY:

Spalding High School marks spot in UK top 250

GCSE RESULTS: New grading system but the usual outstanding results at Bourne Grammar School

An ex-Army officer who took part in the 1982 Falklands War before moving to Fleet, where he restored a former 19th century rectory, has died, aged 62.

Peter Day was the owner of Battleford Hall which he bought in 2006, along with friend Steven Holmes, before spending two years on returning it to its former glory after more than a decade of neglect.

Mr Day, who died suddenly at his home on October 30, also set up the Fleet Preservation Trust (FPT) in 2006 which was the inspiration behind the annual Fleet and District Country Show held at Battleford Hall, near St Mary Magdalene Church.

Sue Anderson, chairman of Holbeach Horticultural Society and a friend of Mr Day’s, said: “Over the years, Peter was the driving force behind many events that raised money for the local charity.

“He was always keen to get involved with any fundraising events locally, but Peter was also very sociable and hospitable to everybody who visited his house where they would be made welcome by him.

According to a tribute published in the Mid-Elloe Villager Community Magazine, Mr Day was born “into an Army way of life as his father was in the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, while his grandfather was thought to have been an officer in the Royal Artillery”.

He attended a military school in Dover and went on to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1974.

The tribute added: “Peter joined the Royal Signals and then proceeded to travel to many far-flung places, particularly enjoying his times in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

“He learned to parachute and joined the display team for the Royal Signals before going on to have a brief stint in the Falklands and then retiring from the British Army in 1987.”

Mr Day was a mercenary in the Middle East before working in the City of London while, at the same time, establishing his own property management company.

He eventually moved to Fleet where he was treasurer of the church council and a trustee of the FPT which gave grants to Fleet Wood Lane Primary School, Hovenden House care home and the church.

A Fleet Parish Council spokesman said: “Peter, along with four other friends, formed the FPT in 2006 to put on events and raise money to benefit local good causes.

“Fleet Wood Lane School received a grant, as did St Mary Magdalene Church and Hovenden House to name but a few.

“What was initially a garden fete turned into a larger event when the local horticultural society became involved and 2017 was the first year this has not been held since its inception.

“Peter very generously allowed the events to be held at Battleford Hall which provided the perfect location and he worked tirelessly to ensure that each one was a great success.”

Restoring home and village links

Fabulous day out at country show

Movie making at Fleet

The owners of a much loved rescue cat are urging people to take care using antifreeze after he was poisoned in Swineshead.

Nine-year-old Monty managed to stagger back to his home in Monks Road on Thursday, November 23 and was rushed to the vets by his worried owners Vik Mudd and Paul Miller.

Blood tests revealed he had been poisoned with antifreeze, which is extremely toxic. Sadly, his organs began to shut down and vets couldn’t save him so he was put to sleep to prevent further suffering.

Vik said: “I’m so upset. I hope it was a careless mistake, not someone having done this deliberately, and that someone has spilt some antifreeze on the floor or de-iced their car with way too much antifreeze, not realising.

“Please think the next time you use antifreeze and use enough to get the job done or just turn on the heating in your car to clear the windows instead. Even a small amount of this horrible substance is lethal to pets and wildlife.”

Signs of poisoning can be seen any time from 30 minutes after a cat has ingested the chemical, though it can be two or three days before signs of kidney failure are seen.

The signs of poisoning can include one, or several of the following: vomiting; seeming depressed or sleepy; appearing drunk and uncoordinated; seizures; difficulty breathing.

If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned, you should take them to a vet immediately. If possible, you should take a sample of what they have eaten/drunk, or the container.

Poisoning a cat deliberately is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty is up to six months’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

RSPCA inspector Becky Harper said: “We don’t have any reason to believe that Monty was deliberately poisoned, but if anyone does have any information please call us on 0300 1238018 and ask to leave a message for me.”

Bourne Grammar School took fourth place in the ESAA Cross Country Cup national final.

After a record-breaking result in the regional round where three teams qualified, hopes were high to improve on the best-ever finish of sixth last year.

The junior boys team were declared as favourites and Harry Hewitt named as one of the top individuals.

But they were disappointed to finish fourth just outside a podium position – Hugo Brill 14th, Harry Hewitt 19th, Alex Galpin 38th, Joe Manning 40th, Barnaby Sykes 70th, Joe Garner 141st.

Following second place at the regional finals, the junior girls team finished 14th out of 27 – Amelie Fairclough 47th, Erin Cox 56th, Hannah Taylor 60th, Aoife Glasswell 96th, Lauren Stuart 123rd, Sophia Bull 127th.

The inter boys claimed 22nd place – Sam Oakley 51st, Max James 73rd, Connor Ely 96th, Tom Bodily 97th, Jake Jungmann 98th, Dylan Snoek 128th.

Fourth place matches the achievement by the junior boys athletics team of 2007 in the ESAA Track and Field Cup final.

Bourne got back to winning ways on Saturday against the league leaders.

After the disappointing result at Deepings the previous week, and with a number of regular first-teamers missing, they went into the game as underdogs but determined to put in a performance.

A blistering display saw them run out comfortable winners.

St Neots looked a physical and well drilled side but it was Bourne who powered to an early lead with a tempo they managed to maintain for most of the game.

Dragging their opponents from breakdowns across the pitch, Bourne made light work of stretching the St Neots defence.

After building a number of phases, Josh Lynch eventually crossed to open the scoring.

Soon afterwards, an inch-perfect crossfield kick from full-back Jack Berry was gathered by Lynch who threw a sublime pass back infield to the supporting Xanti Tito Xipu to cross in the corner.

Efficient recycling and good handling among the Bourne squad saw winger Jack Lagdon cross in the other corner with some slick finishing.

Not to be outdone, St Neots came back into the game.

Playing at speed with some well structured play, Bourne piled on the pressure.

St Neots were penalised by the accuracy of kicker Sam Evison and eventually they were also reduced to 14 men after repeated infringements led to a sin-binning.

Bourne’s replacement prop Ian Knight was sin-binned after just five minutes on the pitch.

Starting the second half with 14 men, they came under pressure from the restart and soon conceded a try.

However, they dug deep and used some clever rotation of the bench to dominate once again.

Berry, showing some of his scintillating form from last season, danced his way to the line to finish another passage of play.

Lynch crossed for his second try after a well worked move by the Bourne backline. Evison’s kicking continued to take the lead further away from St Neots.

Bourne player-coach Dave Maudsley said: “I’m thrilled with the result!

“When we’re bad, we’re average – but when we’re good, we’re very good.

“The stand-out player was Josh Lynch but everyone did their fair share.

“While our attacking game – particularly our kicking and off-loading – was good, our defence was solid and that was the difference.

“We were tested in the second quarter but made a point of keeping our discipline which we didn’t do last week.”

Bourne climbed to second ahead of a cup fixture against Deepings on Saturday.

Maudsley added: “Deepings are a good side and deserved their win last week.

“But our result over St Neots and respective league positions suggest that we’re better on a more consistent basis.

“They seem to have us psychologically but we need to treat this like any other game and concentrate on being at our best for the full 80 minutes.”

A band member who played alongside popular Holbeach musician David Stubbs (67) for nearly 20 years has paid tribute to him after his death.

Barry Thickpenny described Mr Stubbs, who formed his first band “Purple Haze” 50 years ago, as a “top man” and an “inspiration” to younger musicians across South Holland.

Mr Stubbs, who raised £1,250 for the Youth Cancer Trust after organising a farewell gig in Moulton three months ago, passed away at his home on Saturday after a two-year battle with cancer.

He is survived by wife Sue, daughter Lindsay and grandchildren Cain and Jasmine.

Barry, of Fleet, who played drums with David’s band “Bad to the Bone”, said: “He was a great man to have in a band because he could entertain the crowds and they responded to him.

“David had a good bond with his audiences and it was always a good laugh whenever I played with him, whether the room was packed or if there were only two people in it.

“There are a lot of young musicians who play in bands now because of his inspiration that got them into playing in the first place.

“But we also had a great relationship outside the band and we were all friends, which meant a lot to him as well.”

Mr Stubbs’ fundraising for the Youth Cancer Trust came about after losing his son Kieran, who had a brain tumour and epilepsy, in February 2015.

Barry said: “David raised a lot of money for different charities, the main one being the Youth Cancer Trust after he lost his son Kieran at the age of 37.

“So as a friend of David’s and his family, as long as I’m playing in a band, I’ll still raise money for charity.

“There isn’t one person who plays in a band who didn’t know David because he was a top man.”

Mr Stubbs’ funeral takes place at Surfleet Crematorium on Friday, December 15, at 3pm, and donations will go to the Youth Cancer Trust.

• What are your memories of David Stubbs? Email your letters to winston.brown@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Celebrating the life of Kieran Stubbs

Holbeach musician David retires after 50 years

Retiring Holbeach musician gives back to help cancer charity

A post-mortem examination on the body of a man recovered from the River Welland in Spalding is due to take place today.

South Lincolnshire Coroner’s Office confirmed that formal identification of the man, whose body was found last Wednesday, is also likely to be done by his family.

An inquest is then due to be opened on Thursday after a specialist police diving team recovered the man’s body from the river last Wednesday.

At the time, a Lincolnshire Police spokesman said the man’s death was being treated as “unexplained”.

Two unoccupied houses have been burgled in Rippingale.

The homes in Station Street and Middle Street were targeted sometime between 11pm last Wednesday (November 29) and 10.50am on Friday (December 1).

The offender entered the rear garden of the Station Street house via an insecure gate, then found and used a ladder to reach and smash a bedroom window. An untidy search took place and cash and jewellery was stolen.

Entry was gained to the Middle Street house by smashing a rear window; a search of the property was made, but nothing was reported stolen.

In Langtoft, two bikes were stolen from a garage on Westfield Way last night (Monday December 4) - a men’s black trek bike serial No WTU087G5085H and a woman’s white special dolce sport 54. A pair of sunglasses were also taken from a vehicle in Westfield Way at a similar time.

Meanwhile, also overnight, in Aquila Way, a satnav and sunglasses were taken from a vehicle.

Please call the police non-emergency number 101 with any information or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please call 999 if you see a crime in progress.

Weston musician Niina Chamberlain (22) wants to start a cultural movement which could see a part of South American culture become more widely known.

The classically trained professional, born in Japan but educated in London and Manchester, has become a self-confessed ambassador for the Paraguayan harp,

Weighing in at between 12 and 16 pounds, the national instrument of Paraguay is more than just a musical tool “but a cultural emblem”, according to American music professor, Dr Alfredo Colman.

Niina said: “I first started playing the classical harp in 2006 and got to a certain level when I was asked to take part in a concert with other musicians.

“That’s when I realised playing music for a hobby wasn’t enough for me and after watching the BBC Young Musician of the Year broadcast, I wanted to go to Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

“After four years, I went to Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London where I was studying the classical harp.

“But then I heard someone playing the Paraguayan harp and the style of music was so totally different that I stopped my studies and took a year out to pursue the study of the instrument in Paraguay itself.

“A private music teacher called Martin Portillo came to visit me and he gave me a lot of opportunities to play in concerts, including one where I played for Princess Mako of Japan, which was a big thing for me.”

Paraguayan harp maestros such as Victor Espinola, Celso Duarte, Mariano Gonzalez and the late Luis Bordon will mean very little to even classical music followers.

But Niina said: “I think the Paraguayan harp is neither classical nor cultural, but versatile and unique.

“No two people will play the instrument in the same way and whilst I still respect the classical harp, there’s a freedom, rawness and sociability with the Paraguayan harp that’s the same as playing the piano or guitar is in this country.

“I’d like to start something new by playing the Paraguayan harp where it isn’t known for people who like it.”

Two new, on-call firefighters in Crowland and Long Sutton respectively are among a group of nine to successfully complete their training this week.

Daniel Martin (Crowland) and Alan Lawrence (Long Sutton) took part in an official passing out parade when they were presented with certificates after 32 days of training on equipment, appliances and procedures.

Chief Fire Officer Nick Borrill said: “Completing the initial training is a real success for our new firefighters and I wish them all the best for their future careers.

“We should not underestimate the amount of work and effort they have had to put in to get to this point and they will now join their colleagues in protecting the communities of Lincolnshire.”

On-call firefighters are usually employed elsewhere, or are at home, when they receive a pager alert.

However, they are ready to take immediate action to deal with a 999 incident having been trained to deal with a range of emergencies, including fires, floods, road traffic collisions and chemical spillages amongst others.

Coun Nick Worth, executive member for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Becoming an on-call firefighter is a real commitment, not only to the service, but also to the community as a whole.

“Our on-call firefighters are so important to the emergency capabilities of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue as a whole and we would urge more potential on-call firefighters to come forward.”

New firefighters complete intensive training

Family fun with firefighters in Spalding

TUESDAY TALK: Petra is just one of the Spalding crew

Police are concerned over the whereabouts of teenager Zack Reynolds.

Zack is 16 and considered at high risk. He was last seen in the Spalding area, wearing a grey fleece and black trousers.

If you have seen Zack, or know where he is, contact the police on 101 quoting incident 65 05/12/2017.

Spalding’s Christmas lights were switched on during an afternoon of family entertainment on Saturday.

There was a parade led by Santa Claus on his sleigh and featuring Spalding Marching Ambassadors as well as tinsel festooned motorbikes and fancy dressers from the Triumph Motorcycle Club.

Bobby Bear was on patrol with the police, meeting his many young friends, and there were other larger than life characters mingling with the crowds.

There was live entertainment on a stage in Market Place and MP John Hayes joined Santa and entertainments organiser Jan Whitbourn there for the countdown to the switch-on.

For the first time, the event included a talent competition, sponsored by opticians Molsom and Associates, of Hall Place.

Around a dozen people of all ages took part.

The winner was Jaz Johnson, who receives a £100 first prize thanks to Andy Molsom, who donated three cash prizes.

Second was singer-guitarist Elliott Dunbar, who receives £75, and third place went to Dominic Felts, who receives £50.

Jan Whitbourn said the competition gave local people the chance to show how talented they are, and mentioned that Elliott’s second place was all the more remarkable because he’s been playing guitar for only three months.

Also among those entertaining the crowds were Polka Dot Panto, who are this year performing Aladdin at the South Holland Centre, dance group Diamondz DG, and singers Helen Verney and Niall Dignall.

Jan hopes more businesses will come on board next year to build the switch-on into an even bigger and better event, and says the public were in great spirits on Saturday.

She said: “It was a nice, warm atmosphere and people were enjoying themselves.”

• More pictures inside the Spalding Guardian.

From our website ...

SPALDING GUARDIAN FOODBANK APPEAL: Keep up the good work at Christmas

It’s a Tang-fastic, early white Christmas as snow is delivered to Spalding family

Festive cheer comes early for ‘Mrs Christmas’

Tydd St Mary Football Club and the village playing field committee have just 10 days to remove a mobile storage unit or face a financial penalty.

Parish councillors have taken action to clear a “potential fire hazard” off the playing field in Rectory Road after coming under pressure from the Diocese of Lincoln, which oversees Tydd St Mary Primary School and St Mary’s Church.

During November’s council meeting in Tydd Gote on Thursday, councillors were unsure how long the mobile storage unit had been on the playing field.

But parish council chairman Coun John Ley said: “It’s not been used for a while, it’s dilapated and it’s been set alight before.

“The Diocese of Lincoln is concerned about its potential as a fire hazard and has asked for it to be removed.

“We have a duty to make sure that the playing field is kept safe because the comeback will be on us, so we’ve got to be businesslike and professional over this.”

Parish councillors agreed to write to the football club and playing field committee, giving them a deadline of next Friday, December 15, to take away the mobile unit.

Coun Ley said: “If we don’t get a reasonable response then we can take it down during the week after December 15 and charge the football club/playing fields committee because it’s in breach of the lease.

“If we were advised to remove the unit and didn’t, only for somebody to set it alight, we wouldn’t be in a good position on this.

“The diocese is responsible for the church and school, so it has contacted us about this.”

• Parish councillors have been told about the idea of buying Rectory Road Playing Field from the Diocese of Lincoln.

It was revealed at Thursday’s meeting that the council has a 35-year lease on the playing field and members made clear their view that it should be protected from redevelopment.

Council chairman Coun John Ley said: “There’s a little bit of talk about approaching the diocese to see what its long-term intentions are for the field.

“We need to look at whether we want to go down the route of purchasing it from the diocese as one of our projects for next year, but we’re not asking for the land to be used for development because it’s a facility for the community.”

• The prospect of a Tydd St Mary Parish Plan depends on potential volunteers committing to “a lot of work for what is a long-term project”.

Parish council chairman Coun John Ley gave the warning whilst explaining to colleagues about his own experience of being part of a similar exercise in Kent.

Coun Ley also advised members that any Parish Plan could only be done with input from Tydd St Mary, Tydd Gote and Foul Anchor residents.

The manager of a Bourne care home has won a lifetime achievement award for her work.

Helen Brewster, manager of The Cedars Care Home, was named as the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the National Care Awards 2017.

She was selected by judges as an exceptional person who has committed a significant portion of her life to working in care and has made a substantial difference to the quality of life of the people she has worked with.

Helen has been the home manager at the Cedars for more than 21 years and has a nursing background.

She said: “I feel very honoured to have been chosen for this award. I was flattered just to have been nominated and then to be named as one of the finalists. I am very aware that I am part of a team and I think any recognition should be shared with my colleagues.”

The Cedars is run by care group brighterkind and regional support manager Kerry Angeloni said: “Helen is a deserving winner of the lifetime achievement award. She is a dedicated person who cares deeply about the people living in the home and the care team. She always gives enormous commitment and inspires it in others.”

Under Helen’s management, the Cedars achieved accreditation for the Gold Standards Framework, which is a quality assurance system for optimising care and giving the best possible experience for people who are approaching the end of life. The Cedars was awarded The Beacon status, which is the highest award in the Gold Standards Framework programme.

The Cedars has a long association with local charities and support groups and has previously received a Dementia Friendly Community Award

Prior to working at The Cedars, Helen worked at a different nursing home for 11 years, most of that time as Matron.