A “dangerous” Sutton St Edmund man with “anger issues” was today (Thursday) jailed for eight-and-a-half-years after his part in a daylight attack which left the victim in a critical condition.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was chased down a road in Harlow, Essex at around 3.30pm on January 26, 2017 by Charlie Knight and his friend Osa Akpata and attacked.

The entire assault was caught on CCTV which showed the pair grab the victim before Akpata stabbed him five times.

As the victim fell to the floor, the footage showed Knight, who was armed with a hammer, strike the victim another five times, while Akpata struck him a further three times.

Both men then ran off.

The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has been left with a permanent eye injury. He also suffered a punctured lung, fractured rib and numerous other wounds.

Akpata (20), of Northgate End, Bishop’s Stortford, was arrested at his home address on February 10 and Knight (20), of Broadgate, Sutton St Edmond, was arrested in King’s Lynn on March 1.

Knight pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 16 while Akpata was found guilty of attempted murder at the same court on September 6.

Today (Thursday) Akpata was handed 16 years in a young offenders’ institute with a recommendation he serve 13 years. Knight has been sentenced to eleven-and-a-half-years’ imprisonment, with the immediate custodial element eight-and-a-half-years.

He was also ordered to serve 12 months for possession of an offensive weapon, to run at the same.

Today at Chelmsford Crown Court, Judge David Turner QC said: “You both have considerable anger issues and a tendency to act impulsively.

“The attack was unexpected, unprovoked, vicious, cowardly, merciless and sustained. Blows were forceful and deliberate, 13 in all. The CCTV makes chilling viewing.

“Knight you took a hammer, Akpata you say it was a screwdriver. The victim was a stranger. It was two on one. He showed no signs of defending himself or being in any position to do so. He was outnumbered, unarmed and defenceless.”

The court heard that both defendants had undergone disrupted childhoods and had spent time in care. They met in a care home.

Akpata, with 24 previous convictions for violence and drugs, was diagnosed late with hyperactivity disorder.

He is a category A prisoner in the high security Belmarsh Prison in south London where he has behaved violently while on remand. He was sentenced via video link because of logistical problems.

Knight, also in Belmarsh, has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. He has 33 previous convictions and appeared in the dock flanked by three prison warders and a dock officer.

In his defence, Akapata claimed he had been with Knight earlier but said they had separated shortly before the attack on Mr Summerville and met up again after it.

He also claimed that Knight told him he and another man identified as “Abdul” had gone to buy cannabis and Mr Summerville was one of three men who tried to rob him, Knight, at knife point.

Akpata was identified and arrested at the YMCA, where he was living.

Knight was recognised by a police officer in King’s Lynn and arrested there a few weeks later.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Richard Canning, from Harlow CID, said: “This was a brutal and premeditated attack that left the victim with some really serious injuries.

“The ferocity with which Osa Akpata and Charlie Knight attacked the victim, and the fact it took place in broad daylight in a public place, is shocking and I am pleased we’ve been able to bring them to justice.

“They are two dangerous individuals who appear to have few qualms about using extreme violence.

“Essex is a safer place now they are off the streets.”

Spalding coach George Reid is determined to see his side avoid a downward spiral after their four-game winning run ended against bogey team Kesteven.

But Town’s resolve will come under the severest of tests when they make the trip to runaway leaders Long Eaton on Saturday having suffered a second-half starvation of ball at Memorial Field.

A narrow half-time lead quickly evaporated against their opponents from Grantham who now have a 4-0 record against Spalding over the last two seasons.

Reid said: “It certainly was a game of two halves with a lack of possession in the second half costing us.

“We spent too long in our own half and when we did get the ball, it was almost like watching us play panic rugby which was disappointing.

“In the first half, we went down to 13 men but only let in seven points which showed the mettle of our players.

“But in the second half, we were unable to capitalise on anything we’re capable of and hopefully we’ll be able to put that right in training tonight.”

Spalding could do worse than to find a bit of revenge spirit by recreating their heroic 2013-14 season when they not only did the double over Kesteven by a combined points total of 50-18, but won promotion to the heights of Midlands One East.

However, runaway leaders Long Eaton have only lost once in 14 games all season after a shock home defeat to Birstall last November.

Reid said: “Long Eaton away is going to be a tough game for us.

“But we’ve got to bring ourselves up to where we were when we won at Grimsby two weeks ago and Birstall last month, two teams that are hard to win away at.”

RUGBY UNION: Spalding miss out on derby honours

A charity is offering cat owners in Spalding and Holbeach a discount to tackle the number of strays in the area.

Spaywatch, an animal neutering charity based in Peterborough, is asking families in South Holland to take up its invitation to have their cats treated for just £10.

Trustee Jane Huggins said: “There’s a problem in the countryside with a colony of feral cats, including a huge colony in Lutton Marsh, and so we’re concerned about preventing the birth of unwanted animals in the South Holland.

“But we appreciate that people can sometimes find it difficult to afford the cost of neutering which could be between £30 and £60.

“Our charity has more than 70 vets across four countries that are part of our discounted neutering scheme and when people call us, we find the nearest vet to them.

“We also help with dog neutering and other small animals because they can’t speak, so we must speak for them.”

Formed in 1988, Spaywatch referred nearly 3,000 animals to vets for discounted neutering in the year 2015-16, with more than 90 having come from Spalding and Holbeach alone.

Ms Huggins said: “We cover s far as Kirton, but we’re particularly interested in Spalding and Holbeach where it seems there may be some cat owners who don’t neuter their pets and then take kittens out into the countryside to abandon them.

“So we are tackling the problem of unwanted animals at source by educating the public about the care and management of animals, particularly cats and dogs.

“Our charity is shocked by the large colonies of cats that are living wild which is why animal rescue centres are so full.”

For more details, call Spaywatch on 01733 370198 or 07484 161151 or go to its Facebook page.

Feral cat colonies out of control

RSPCA’s plea to cat owners: ‘Please don’t let them breed’

RSPCA in neutering and re-homing plea

Long Sutton’s troubled Peele Community College is poised to become an academy under the wing of the University of Lincoln’s Lincolnshire Educational Trust (LET).

Becoming an academy was forced on Peele after education inspectorate Ofsted branded the school “inadequate” following an inspection last July.

If Peele becomes part of LET, which also sponsors University Academy Holbeach (UAH), it looks like a dream outcome for Long Sutton pupils as their school’s educational standards are certain to rise and there may be closer ties with the hugely successful UAH.

Peele head teacher Jane Moody said: “It’s very exciting, I am very pleased.

“I think it’s going to mean some huge opportunities for our students. The nearest Lincolnshire Educational Trust school is University Academy Holbeach and I had already been speaking to (its principal) Steve Baragwanath because he’s my nearest, local successful secondary head.

“I am very hopeful that the two schools can work closely together in the future. It makes sense. We have got resources that they don’t have and they have got resources that we don’t have. It seems like such a good match.”

Mrs Moody said she originally approached Mr Baragwanath for help because she was new in post.

“I did approach him as a mentor for a start – and for guidance – and he’s been incredibly helpful,” she said. “No school is an island and we can only benefit by working together.”

Peele won’t be involved in the final decision on joining LET.

Heather Sandy, Lincolnshire County Council’s assistant director for children’s services, explained what had happened so far.

She said: “Plans for The Peele Community College to become an academy are progressing well and very recently the regional school commissioner gave his approval for the college to become a member of the Lincolnshire Educational Trust.

“Considerable work between representatives of the college, the Lincolnshire Educational Trust and the local authority has been taking place to facilitate the sponsorship and to enable the trust to carry out their due diligence exercise. The findings of this will then be presented to the trust board ahead of any final decision being taken.”

No date has been given for that decision but Mrs Moody hopes the LET sponsorship will go ahead and be in place by September.

Mrs Moody was head of science at Peele and became head teacher in September, following the departure of Elizabeth Smith, the fourth head to leave in eight years.

Previously ...

Long Sutton’s Peele Community College confident of bouncing back from damning Ofsted report

Peele head quits to move abroad

University Academy Holbeach A-Level students excel and set new record

Motor sports fans Eileen and Colin Bendall celebrated their diamond wedding yesterday and are looking forward to a family party this weekend.

Spalding born Eileen (78) and Colin (79), who was born in Gosberton Westhorpe, met at Spalding’s former Savoy Cinema in the days when Colin was a biker himself and Eileen would ride pillion.

The teenagers married around a year later.

After their children arrived, Colin ditched the motorbike and sidecar in favour of a Ford Popular but the couple kept their love of bikes – and, in Colin’s case cars – and watched racing at the country’s top circuits.

Eileen said: “We still go occasionally now to Cadwell and Snetterton.”

Their other big love is caravanning, something they have enjoyed since the 1970s, and they particularly enjoy holidays in Scotland.

“We still go on caravan holidays in the summer and holiday in log cabins in the winter,” said Colin.

He went to school in Gosberton and Donington before starting work aged 15 on the land with Chapman’s of Gosberton Risegate, returning there for another seven or eight years after finishing his two years’ national service in Malaya with the army.

Colin switched to lorry driving, working for Parker’s Transport, of Surfleet, and Terry Pell, of Wardentree Lane, Pinchbeck, before a ten-year spell at Spalding Bulb Auction.

Eileen, who went to Spalding’s Westlode Street School, also spent her early working life on the land.

She worked for ISS as a cleaner at Gleed School for ten or 11 years, and was then a cleaner at Spalding Youth Club for 22 years.

They have family including son Paul and grandchildren Arron Chappell and Millie Bendall. Sadly they lost their daughter, Susan, in 2005.

Chris Rawlinson believes Spalding United’s squad can secure mid-table safety as soon as possible.

The Tulips’ home record is likely to be a key element in avoiding any danger of getting involved with the relegation battle.

On Saturday, they take on Kidsgrove Athletic who are currently five points behind Rawlinson’s side.

He said: “Finishing around mid-table is probably where we should be.

“The league is a bit strange because normally one or two teams are cut adrift down the bottom.

“This season, everyone is beating each other and that means every game is more important – especially against those teams around you.

“We know Kidsgrove have some good players but we’ve not seen them in action so far this season.

“We are confident in the way we play, the formation won’t change and we need to take advantage of playing at home. We accept that the pitch is not going to be in good condition when it is used by two clubs at a decent level.

“Any team finishing at the bottom on 40 points would be unlucky when 35 have been enough to stay up over the last eight years.

“We’re looking for around four wins and a couple of draws to reach mid-table.

“Looking at this squad, there’s no reason why we can’t win more games than we lose.”

Ben Davison could be back in the squad on Saturday after a hamstring injury.

Paul Walker has returned for at least one month on dual registration with Boston United.

Police have put out a warning after an elderly male suffering with dementia was scammed on Wednesday in Bourne Town Centre by another male.

The pensioner was persuaded to purchase two watches and two bottles of perfume for between £50 and £100.

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference number 247 of January 25.

Lads from The Boys’ Brigade South Lincolnshire Battalion enjoyed chess, pool and more at their annual indoor sports.

The battalion includes the 1st Spalding, 3rd Spalding and 1st Long Sutton companies – and 1st Spalding took four of the six titles at Long Sutton Baptist Church.

Winners were – pool and under 13s table tennis: Andrew Clark (1st Spalding); over 13’s table tennis: Dominic Felts (3rd Spalding); chess: Josh Ruddle (1st Spalding); draughts: Daniel Morris (1st Spalding); and darts: Isaac Jones (4th Peterborough).

Judy Taylor, captain of the 1st Spalding, said: “The boys thoroughly enjoyed going ... it’s nice for them to meet boys from other companies because in this area we are a bit isolated.”

The brigade caters for boys aged five to 18 and activities include working for awards, the highest of which is the Queen’s Award.

• Tell us about your event. Email our editor: jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

From our website ...

Awards for Spalding Brigade boys and girls

Bright future for Long Sutton’s Peele Community College with ‘adoption’ by UAH sponsor on cards

Holbeach and Spalding schools on a wintry walk for Cancer Research

A man has been jailed for eight and a half years for his part in a “vicious, cowardly and unprovoked” street attack.

A court heard Charlie Knight, 20, of Sir Lewis Street, North Lynn, and formerly of Broadgate, Sutton St Edmund, was arrested in Lynn a few weeks after the incident in Harlow, Essex, after he was recognised by a police officer.

Knight, who has 33 previous convictions, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday, having admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was given an extended term of 11 and a half years, including three years on licence once he is released. The immediate custodial element is eight and a half years.

His co-accused, Osa Akpata, also 20, of Bishop’s Stortford, was jailed for 13 years, plus a further three years on licence, after a jury convicted him of attempted murder.

The pair had been caught on a resident’s private CCTV system chasing Robert Summerville, in The Downs, Harlow, at 1.30pm on January 26 last year armed with a hammer and a knife like object.

Mr Summerville, 24, suffered a punctured lung, fractured rib, a serious eye injury and numerous other wounds and spent three days in hospital.

Judge David Turner QC said both men posed a danger to the public because of their “volatile, unpredictable aggression” and the fact they were ready to carry and use weapons.

He said: “You both have considerable anger issues and a tendency to act impulsively.”

The court heard both defendants had had disrupted childhoods and spent time in care. They met in a care home.

Both men are currently being held in the high security Belmarsh prison, from where Akpata appeared via video link. Knight appeared in the dock flanked by three prison wardens and a security officer.

Judge Turner said: “The attack was unexpected, unprovoked, vicious, cowardly, merciless and sustained.

“Blows were forceful and deliberate, 13 in all. The CCTV makes chilling viewing.

“Knight you took a hammer, Akpata you say it was a screwdriver. The victim was a stranger. It was two on one.

“He showed no signs of defending himself or being in any position to do so. He was outnumbered, unarmed and defenceless.”

Blows from Akpata felled Mr Summerville to the ground, where Knight hit him in the head with a hammer. Akpata then went back for three more stabs to the chest.

Akpata was convicted after a trial last September. He denied and was acquitted of carrying an offensive weapon, a knife. Knight had admitted possessing an offensive weapon, a hammer.

Akpata claimed he had been with Knight earlier but said they had separated shortly before the attack and met up again after it.

He also claimed Knight told him he and another man had gone to buy cannabis and Mr Summerville was one of three men who had tried to rob Knight at knife point.

A judge has commended the bravery of teachers who disarmed a boy of 13 after he went in to a south Lincolnshire school armed with an air rifle and axe.

The lad was tackled by staff at the school after firing one pellet in to the ground, Lincoln Youth Court heard.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, had admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence to another person on November 13, and having an axe on school premises.

Sentence on the boy had been adjourned for a youth offending report after District Judge Peter Veits admitted he was “concerned” by the events.

Sentencing the boy to a 12 month intensive youth referral order, which means he will return home, the Judge said he wanted to ensure public safety and stop the boy committing similar offences in the future.

District Judge Veits told him: “On the face of it these are a very worrying pair of offences, but I have to remind myself you are not charged with offences related to terrorism.

“You are charged with possession of a weapon, but it is an air weapon. You have no previous convictions, so it is your first time in court.

“You have spent three months in custody on remand, the equivalent of a six month sentence.

“But I still have to look at the justice in this case. There are worrying aspects, about what you have written, why you went in to school that day with an air weapon, sparklers, gaffer tape and the rest.

“You say you intended to frighten, not hurt people, fortunately you did not hurt anyone.

“The bravery of the teachers has to be commended, who tackled you and told you to put the gun down. They had no way of knowing what was in your mind, and if they were risking their lives.”

As part of the 12 month referral order the boy will be subject to high level supervision, mentoring, reparation work and victim awareness.

The judge added: “What I want to do is to ensure the safety of the public and change what was in your mind with the commission of these offences.

“This means you are going home under strict supervision by the youth offending team.”

The judge also made a destruction order for the weapons and other items used by the boy, and ordered his mother to pay £105 costs.

The boy, who had been remanded in to secure local authority care, was supported by his mother and step-father who sat in front of the dock.

Roger Lowther, mitigating, said there was hope for this young man.

Mr Lowther added: “He wants to go home, it has been a salutary experience for him. He will engage and work with whoever he needs to.”

Inspector Gareth Boxall said: “The child involved in this incident in South Holland has now faced the court process and has been punished for their actions. Our priority now will be to work with other agencies to make sure that this child settles back into the community safely and peacefully.”

• Reporting restrictions imposed by the judge under a Section 45 order prevent identification of the defendant, his school and witnesses.

Emergency services have dealt with two accidents on the A16 today (Friday).

The first happened at 8.42am this morning at Cowbit, involving one vehicle. One person was taken to Peterborough City Hospital by ambulance for further care.

At 2.13pm, this afternoon, emergency services and the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance were called out to the scene of an accident near Crowland, also on the A16, where a van ended up on its roof.

A spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 14:13. The caller reported a road traffic collision involving three vehicles. We sent a doctor responder, a double crewed ambulance and the air ambulance. One patient was taken to Peterborough City Hospital for further care.”

It is believed there were no life-threatening injuries.

More than £4,400 has been donated to Peterborough’s Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice thanks to a night at the races and some little chicks.

The race night at Spalding Golf Club made £3,305, which includes £2,000 in sponsorship given to long-time fundraiser Don Wright by his “old farmer friends”.

Don’s wife, June, and three of her pals have spent a year knitting tiny chicks, selling them at £1 a time through local businesses, and sales have totalled £1,151.

Nearly 100 people supported the race night, tucking into a buffet before studying race cards for a flutter on the horses.

Don said: “It was a fantastic night, everybody really enjoyed it – the food and everything was good at the golf club, it always is.

“We’re very grateful to the sponsors and everyone who supported the night.”

Nifty-knitters made chicks of different colours for celebrations, yellow for Easter, orange for Halloween and red for Christmas, and to highlight particular cancers, mauve for pancreatic and blue for prostate.

Fundraising continues with a craft fair from 10am-4pm on Saturday, March 10 at Spalding’s Broad Street Methodist Church and a fashion show starting at 7pm on Wednesday, April 25 at Baytree Garden Centre.

• See more pictures from the race night in Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

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New store opens next Friday at Springfields

A well-known Spalding landlord and his family are set to pull their last pints in the town after nearly 20 years.

Pete Williams (64) has confirmed to the Spalding Guardian that The Punchbowl, in New Road, is “on the market” as he and his family plan “to move on and do other things in our lives”.

After a busy Christmas and quiet New Year period, the pub was the scene of trouble on at least two occasions which Pete explained had “reaffirmed” his decision to call time at The Punchbowl.

Pete said: “It’s time to put our personal priorities first because we’ve always given The Punchbowl all of our energies.”

The first incident where a window was smashed at the pub happened on Thursday, January 11.

Then on Sunday, January 14, a fight broke out which resulted in police arresting a man on suspicion of common assault and being drink and disorderly.

He was later “released under investigation”, according to South Holland neighbourhood policing inspector Gareth Boxall.

Pete said: “It’s taken a toll on my wife Steph (62) and my son Ben is finding it difficult to juggle pub work and family life.

“So we’ve all decided that we want to move and do other things in our lives.”

The decision to quit The Punchbowl was made after a family dinner at another Spalding pub, The Moorings, on Christmas Day.

It came after a mixed two years for the Williams when, on one hand, they won consecutive Best Flower-Decorated Licensed Premises in Spalding, run by the Guardian, and our sister newspaper, the Lincolnshire Free Press.

In sharp contrast, Pete and Steph were seriously injured after they were attacked at the pub in March 2016.

Pete said: “The town has suffered, both in terms of trade and atmosphere, and it’s been a constant challenge to keep up with it.

“The night economy in Spalding is not only competing with Peterborough and Stamford, but with the supermarkets which have taken the lion’s share of the licensing trade.

“So often now, our customers have already pre-loaded themselves with drink before they arrive here and so every one of these events where we had trouble have reconfirmed our decision to leave.”

Pete celebrated his 64th birthday on Tuesday by driving his wife down to London for an operation in connection with complications following a prolapsed uterus that was diagnosed a year ago.

“There’s nothing we’d change about the last 20 years at The Punchbowl because it’s been a blast,” Pete said.

“But nothing is forever and it’s now time that I took Steph away from all of this.

“With my birthday having come and gone on Tuesday as well, there’s never been a more crucial time to move on and so we’re hoping for a quick sale of the pub.”

• Police are treating the two incidents at The Punchbowl two weeks ago as criminal damage (January 11) and common assault (January 14) respectively.

Inspector Boxall said: “We’ve identified a number of people who we’ll be speaking to about the incidents and enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call Spalding Police Station on 101, quoting incident number 437 of January 11 and or 337 of January 14.

Gosberton Parish Council has put £60,000 in its budget to extend the Wargate Way cemetery because it is running out of spaces for graves.

The sum is included in the 2018/19 budget along with £20,000 for improvements to the play area in the High Street park.

Gosberton and District Community Action Team (GCAT) has plans to improve the play area and will be applying for grants.

Coun Sue Thorley said the cemetery should be the parish council’s priority – and the £20,000 should be held back until the point where GCAT had “reached the point where they are applying for a grant and they need matched funding from somewhere”.

She continued: “I think our priority for our funds should be the extension to the cemetery and I don’t think we should be spending any large amount on anything else until we get the cemetery sorted.”

Last April, parish councillors heard there was only one row of graves left in the cemetery – which worked out at around 27 spaces.

On Monday, Coun Thorley told councillors that residents would want to be sure of a burial spot in their home village.

She said: “Think of the distress that it would cause if you had to turn away someone who has lived in the parish all of their life.”

• The council agreed the £20,000 for park improvements would only be made available on a matched funding basis.

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Lincolnshire-born bike star Peter Hickman was one of the special guests at the 32nd annual Springfields Motorbike Show.

Originally from Louth, Peter is now the most successful road racer on the UK mainland with five podium places in 2017.

He will continue to ride for Smith’s BMW this year and is looking forward to travelling to Australia for the Island Classic.

Peter chatted to race fans on the Saturday while on the Sunday it was the turn of Jamie Whitham, twice winner of the British championship, who was happy to speak to visitors about his role as a spectator over the last 12 months while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Memories of motorcycle legend Barry Sheene were another big draw for the 3,750 enthusiasts attending the show.

Neil and Viv Ward brought their Barry Sheene Display to the Springfields Events Centre and fans were able to see the great man’s race bikes, clothing, and photos as well as watch video footage.

Enthusiasts who have restored bikes were much in evidence, speaking to visitors about their projects.

The show was a mix of new and classic bikes with displays from clubs such as the Norton Owners and Royal Enfields.

Organiser Claire Lunn says the fixture remains as popular as ever but snow on the Sunday saw many turning up in cars rather than bikes.

• More pictures from the show inside Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

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Donington and Moulton Chapel are among the areas to benefit from a developer’s grants scheme.

Money to build a playground equipped for children of all abilities at Moulton Chapel Youth & Community Centre is one of the projects supported by the Larkfleet Homes Community Fund.

The Bourne-based housebuilder has helped fund a garden shed and new equipment to grown herbs and wild flowers in Donington.

Having donating nearly £50,000 to community groups and ventures across the country, the fund is looking for applications from groups that promote the environment or bring communities together.

The fund is managed by Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and applies to groups based within ten miles of any housing development by Larkfleet or sister company Allison Homes.

Karl Hick, chief executive officer for Larkfleet, said: “It is really important to us that when we build new homes for people, we actually develop communities.

“Being able to support the fantastic charities and volunteer groups in the areas we are working in is vital.

“This is because these groups are very often the backbone of the community and the support which the winners in this round of funding offer to the people who use their services is immeasurable.

“Thank you to everyone who contacted us about the fund and we really look forward to hearing over the coming months how the donation has helped your group.”

For more details, visit www.tiny.cc/larkfleet-fund or call 01223 410535.

You views on the Ayscoughfee fountain, speeding, politics and care homes

Monument was put up as mark of gratitude over donation

Mr Carter is wrong, I’m afraid. (Spalding Guardian letters, January 18). The Johnson drinking fountain does not commemorate the Johnson sisters’ gift of the hospital to the town. It was much more to the point.

It was put up as a mark of gratitude to Miss Mary Ann Johnson for her part in bringing clean mains water to large numbers of Spalding people previously dependent on more or less contaminated well water.

In 1873, she generously gave £1,500 to the Spalding Water Works Company - £150,000 in today’s money – to extend the water mains along London Road, along Holbeach Road to the Pigeon Inn and along Winsover Road to the Robin Hood and then up Hawthorn Bank.

The fountain was installed in 1874. It was moved from Hall Place to Ayscoughfee Gardens in 1954 to make way for a traffic roundabout.

In trying to put together the fountain’s history, I have run into a blank space.

I haven’t been able to find any account of the unveiling ceremony (August or September 1874), as the back numbers of the local papers for that year are missing, both from the photo reels in the library and the bound volumes at the Free Press offices.

If any of your readers can direct me to any information about the unveiling, I should be most grateful. It must have been quite an event.

I should also be interested to know how the fountain 
actually worked.

Did it run continuously or were there taps of some sort?

And were the little inlets at the foot of the plinth intended for thirsty dogs?

Again, any information would be very much appreciated.

John Charlesworth

Regent Street

Spalding

All we are doing is trying to create a safer community

In response to letter ‘Speed gun groups no more than vigilantes’.

After the writer called us ‘a clique of uneducated amateurs trying to legalise their personal opinions and justify their intentions to become an unaccountable group of vigilantes’, we would reply as follows. We consider ourselves an educated and law abiding group of citizens and not an unaccountable group of vigilantes (a self appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in the community without legal authority).

The group of residents willing to take an active role in the Community Speed Watch Initiative are supported by the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and Pinchbeck Parish Council, and therefore accountable to those bodies and are acting within the law.

The volunteers will be properly trained by a qualified person to operate a speed gun that cannot issue a penalty notice but will pass on details of the speeding vehicle to a central coordinator who will refer it to the police who will in the first instance issue an advisory letter.

A petition signed by over 200 residents of Six House Bank for a reduction in the speed limit from 40 to 30mph is to make our community a safer place to live.

Reducing the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph would reduce the risk of serious injury or death some 40 per cent.

The writer of the letter published in the Free Press suggests a speed limit of 50mph along our road. Really?

That would increase the risk of death if struck by a vehicle at that speed to at least 90 per cent. Perhaps the writer of that letter should attempt to collect a petition in his community to raise their speed limit by 10mph.

We would agree that the school in Leaves Lake Drove doesn’t have an entrance on Six House Bank – the school is only situated approximately some 10 metres off Six House Bank. For those 10 metres there is a 30mph zone – unfortunately, most of the children attending that school are only in that zone for a short time, most of their journey home is along a narrow, poorly-maintained footpath on only one side of the road, where the speed limit is 40mph.

Our participation in the Community Speed Watch Scheme coupled with reducing the speed limit to 30mph would create a safer environment for the whole of our community and not as suggested a 50mph limit. Our priority is for the residents not for some irresponsible motorist to travel from one end of Six House Bank too the other end a few seconds quicker.

Six House Bank Speed Awareness Group

West Pinchbeck

Our voice and our choice for many years to come

The decision of our excellent local MP John Hayes MP (pictured) to step down from the Government means that Mrs May has lost from her top team one of the best orators in the House and someone with a vast knowledge of the workings of Westminster.

There is no doubt he will be missed on the front bench, but welcomed with open arms by backbench colleagues of all parties.

John’s ideas and achievements on key matters – from skills and energy policy to national security and transport – have helped to shape the nation.

Also, as – by far – the most witty and stylish speaker from the dispatch box, his generous spirit and joviality have made many parliamentary occasions altogether more agreeable (the removal of ties by MPs when addressing one another springs to mind!).

John has served this and the previous Government in numerous roles during his 20 years of public service so far.

But perhaps the most remarkable thing about John Hayes is that throughout all this he has, through sheer dedication, earned a reputation an outstanding constituency MP, in fact he is arguably the best of all.

Knowing him, I know that all this will continue.

The freedom he now has means he will range widely across the subjects, campaigns and causes close to his heart and in the interests of the local people amongst whom he lives.

John’s move means that he can challenge at all levels the Government and the opposition.

I look forward to seeing the transformation of Minister John Hayes to Backbencher John Hayes. I have absolutely no doubt that his presence in the House of Commons will be felt still and that few new ministers will anticipate his questions without a degree of nervousness because John’s steely determination to do what is right for the people is as well-known as his kindness. He is truly the peoples’ voice and will be our choice for many years to come.

Paul Redgate

South Holland and the Deepings Conservative 
Association

Home is now outstanding

It is extremely disappointing that, in your article on The Bungalow retirement home, Park Road, Spalding, published in the Spalding Guardian on January 18, you failed to clarify that the care home has been under new in-house management since January 2013.

In order to find accommodation for a very close relative, who was diagnosed with 
severe dementia at the age of 94, I visited many residential care homes and considered The Bungalow to be by far the most suitable. My aunt has lived at the care home since December 2014. I visit her three times a week.

I wish to bring to your readers’ attention that I and other visitors have nothing but praise for the way in which The Bungalow is managed.

The ability of its carers and other essential members of staff is outstanding. Their kindness and unpatronising attitude towards the residents is exemplary. No one is left unattended; all the differing and sometimes difficult needs of the residents are dealt with quickly.

The Bungalow has a very happy atmosphere. It is obvious that all the residents trust and adore the carers, and that the carers adore them. I have visited others in care homes, but I regard the facilities as well as the love and care shown at The Bungalow to be excellent and of the highest quality.

Fiona Stevenson

Billingborough

HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By MP John Hayes

The House of Commons is, perhaps, at its best when debating matters so unquestionably in the national interest that they are beyond party political brickbat.

Such was last week’s consideration of the Space Industry Bill. The proposed legislation provides a framework to allow and encourage further investment in the space industry in this country.

Crucially, in doing so, it does not attempt to predict an unpredictable future. Such a dynamic sector as space travel will be unrecognisable in five or ten years’ time as the technology grows and alters.

Further measures will be needed to bring the Bill’s essence to life as we have a clearer picture about what the specific requirements are.

People with the right skills are always needed. My interest in the development of practical skills is long-standing and so I am proud of the progress which we have made in elevating technical and vocational competences.

But although great strides have been made, there is much more to be done. 
According to the OECD, fewer than 10 per cent of the UK adult population aged between 20 and 45 have professional education and training qualifications, compared with more than 15 per cent in the United States and Australia and almost 20 per cent in Germany.

​These mid-range technical qualifications lead to higher technical learning, and it is here that we must do more.

British companies are at the forefront of scientific and engineering developments and achievements of which we can all feel proud, but we must resist resting on our laurels.

Britain’s best future lies as a high-tech, high-skilled nation, with people – able to develop their skills, aptitudes, taste and talents – ready to make that future a reality.

The challenges we face are not purely technological; they are distinctly, profoundly human matters.

Many in South Holland and the Deepings will gain opportunities through such skills.

Having made hundreds of speeches from the front bench over the last 20 years, last week I spoke from the back benches for the first time since 1999.

I was pleased to do so in a debate on a Bill which I helped to shape. That colleagues – from all parties – made such appreciative comments on my record in Government shows just how generous Parliament can be.

As I said in my speech last week, those chosen to serve the people have a duty – indeed a mission – to promote the common good and the national interest.

By creating the conditions for new developments to flourish, the Space Industry Bill does exactly that. It is about changing lives by changing life chances, inspiring a new generation to look up and travel what Milton called “A broad and ample road, whose dust is gold, / And pavement stars.”

Previously...

New freedom and zeal to represent my constituents

Latest results round-up from Boston and Lincoln magistrates’ courts.

Boston Magistrates’ Court

December 8

Slawomir Waldowski (39), of Castle Close, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £400 fine, £40 v/s, £200 costs, 6pts.

December 11

Paul Knight (40), of Main Street, Ailsworth. Driving while disqualified (Baston). 16 weeks prison, £115 v/s. Drink driving. 16 weeks prison concurrent, disqualified from driving for 48 months. No separate penalty for no insurance. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge. No adjudication on commission of a further offence during operational period of suspended sentence order. The defendant was give a suspended sentence of imprisonment of 12 weeks suspended for 15 months implemented as a sentence of four weeks concurrent for original offence in respect of which a suspended sentence order was made.

December 12

Noel Marrows (61), of D’Eyncourt, Kirton. Assault (Kirton). 12 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s, £310 costs.

December 13

Saul Parsons (26), of Haconby Lane, Morton. Assault (Bourne). £200 fine, £50 compensation, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Alan Curran (64), of Hereward Way, Deeping St James. Failed to give specimen of breath (Grantham). £330 fine, £33 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Andris Cinkus (35), of St Thomas Road, Spalding. Drink driving (Spalding). Community order with 200 hours unpaid work, £85 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 36 months.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

December 8

Jeffrey Oduro (25), of Apollo Avenue, Peterborough. Drove whilst disqualified (Market Deeping). 18 weeks prison sentence suspended for 24 months with 100 hours unpaid work, £115 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 18 months. No separate penalty for possession of cannabis and no insurance. Drug destroyed.

Jamie Wyer (19), of Thyme Avenue, Bourne. Not being at place of abode and had articles for use in the course of, or in connection with, theft of a motor vehicle namely hammer and other tools (Bourne). Community order, curfew requirement, rehabilitation activity requirement. Attempted theft. Community order, £400 compensation. Interfered with a number of motor vehicles, or anything carried in or on the same with the intention that an offence of theft of said motor vehicle or part of it or of anything carried in or on the said motor vehicle or an offence of the Theft Act 1968 should be committed. Community order, curfew, rehabilitation requirement. Attempted theft. Community order, £600 compensation. Theft of a bank card. Community order, £121.07 compensation. Two counts of committing fraud in dishonestly making a false representation to make a gain (Milestone Road Petrol Station, Bourne and McDonald’s, Bourne). Community order.

December 11

Matteusz Krajewski (23), of Atton Avenue, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Edgaras Matickas (26), of London Road, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months. No separate penalty for failing to give driver ID (Lincoln). 6pts.

Robert Stawinski (39), of Lucetta Gardens, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £770 fine, £77 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 18 months. No separate penalty for failing to give driver ID (Lincoln 22.2.17). No separate penalty for failing to give driver ID (Lincoln 20.4.17). 6pts.

Derek Casey (22), of Little Dog Drove, Holbeach St Johns. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Paul Robinson (64), of Lushs Bridge, Frithville. Speeding (Crowland). £66 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Bernard Wade (89), of West Stonebridge, Orton Malborne. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Nathan Stevens (29), of Clipston Walk, Westwood. Possession of methadone (Deeping St James). £250 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs. No separate penalty for possession of cannabis. Drugs destroyed.

December 12

Ionut Popa (23), of Lindsells Walk, Chatteris. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Martins Apsitis (25), of Station Street, Boston. No insurance (Spalding). £230 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 8pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Clodiann Cela (20), of Kilham, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough. No insurance (Whaplode). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Michael Eagle (33), of North Road, Gedney Hill. Speeding (Leadenham by-pass). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Jason Fovargue (32), of Hereward Road, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Sandra Herd (56), of Robingoodfellows Lane, March. Speeding (Whaplode). £85 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Garry Sibanda (28), of Glebe Farm Drive, Cambridge. Speeding (Crowland). £85 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

December 14

Paul Charrington (47), of NFA. Stole two gift sets worth £28.50 belonging to Boots (Spalding). Community order, rehabilitation activity requirement, £100 fine, £85 v/s, £85 costs, punitive element fine £100. Stole toiletries and cleaning products worth £649.09 belonging to Savers (Spalding). Community order. No separate penalty for using threatening or abusive words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour (Dominos Pizza, Spalding). No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

We look back to the Free Press this week in 1999

Fourteen-year-old Stacey Adlard followed in the footsteps of her sister by receiving the highest award a Guide can achieve.

This made Stacey the second member of 1st Sutterton Guides to be presented with the Baden Powell Trefoil Award.

Guide leader Doreen Wells was proud of the sisters’ achievements.

She said: “I have known them both since Brownies and am very proud indeed. My retirement is approaching and they have given me something good to remember.”

Children pack out chorus at 1999 panto

Crowland Amateur Dramatic Society had its biggest chorus to date at St Guthlac School.

The company performed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as its late pantomime, and featured 36 children aged 10 to 13, all from local schools.

Producer and co-founder of CADS, Carole Parnell, said the panto, written by Peter 
Denyer, took almost four months to rehearse. The group was founded by the late Eric Smith, of Crowland, togther with Carole and Jayne Munton.