GAVIN MILLER and MIKEY CLARK review the latest cinema releases.

FILM REVIEW:

THE POST (12A)

SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX PETERBOROUGH, OUT NOW

CAST: MERYL STREEP, TOM HANKS, BOB ODENKIRK, BRADLEY WHITFORD, TRACY LETTS, BRUCE GREENWOOD, MATTHEW RHYS, DAVID CROSS, CARRIE COON, SARAH PAULSON, JESSE .BRIE & MICHAEL STUHLBARG

RUNNING TIME: 1 HRS 56 MINS

DIRECTOR: STEVEN SPIELBERG

This Spielberg/Streep/Hanks collaboration is well deserving of its Best Film Oscar nomination.

It may have just fallen shy of this year’s major players – Three Billboards, Lady Bird and The Shape of Water – but seeing the stellar acting force of Meryl Streep (who also garnered an Academy Award nom) and Tom Hanks is worth the admission price alone.

Steven Spielberg helms the duo in this biographical political drama that chronicles the cover-up that spanned four US Presidents and pushed the country’s first female publisher, Kay Graham (Streep) of the Washington Post, and its hard-driving editor, Ben Bradlee (Hanks), to battle the government in publishing the top-secret Pentagon Papers.

After the New York Times drew first blood by writing initial articles about the report – which showed The White House had lied about their involvement in the Vietnam War – a Federal Court prevented them from publishing further articles.

But when Bradlee’s right-hand man Ben Bagdikian (Better Call Saul’s Bob Odenkirk) locates the ‘in-hiding’ American military analyst Daniel Ellsberg (Matthew Rhys) – who leaked the papers in the first place – Graham has to make a decision whether to gazump the Times by re-commencing the revelations.

The only problem is Graham has just taken the paper public on the Stock Exchange and has to not only make the decision to back her editor – who is looking to go to press with the story despite a restraining order that could get them indicted for contempt – but make sure potential investors are not left disillusioned by the Vietnam War expose.

What unfolds is a taut and tense movie that is generally enthralling from start to finish, despite sometimes giving away its rushed production time with some choppy editing and quick scripting.

It doesn’t quite go as in-depth with the scandal as some viewers may expect, but there’s no denying that Streep and Hanks – along with a noteworthy supporting cast under the tutelage of Spielberg – still print a headline story, with some stellar work.

With a touch more care and attention it could have got among the awards – but as it stands, The Post strongly delivers.

Rating: 4/5 Gavin Miller

Neeson fails to rail against formula

THE COMMUTER (15) SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX, PETERBOROUGH

OUT NOW

CAST: LIAM NEESON, VERA FARMIGA, PATRICK WILSON, JONATHAN BANKS, FLORENCE PUGH, SHAZAD LATIF & SAM NEILL

RUNNING TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS

DIRECTOR: JAUME COLLET-SERRA

It’s probably time Liam Neeson showed us a different set of skills – despite this again being serviceable action fare.

In recent years, you pretty much know what to expect when walking into a Neeson film – an action-packed B-movie thrill-ride that really has little new to say.

The Commuter fits somewhere in between Taken and Non-Stop as Neeson plays Michael, an insurance salesman whose train commute (which he’s been doing for 10 years) becomes far from routine.

He is approached by a mysterious stranger (Bates Motel’s Vera Farmiga), who blackmails him into finding someone on the train who ‘does not belong’ in return for a cash reward.

Michael must discover the identity of the passenger before the last stop, but as he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realises a deadly plan is unfolding and is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy – one that carries life and death stakes for himself and his fellow passengers.

The biggest criticism is that for a ‘guess who’ movie, the director didn’t really give us a chance to . . . well, guess who.

Other than one little minor thing that happens near the start of the commute being relevant, discovering who doesn’t belong on the train is just a guessing game – as that takes a back seat when the trademark Neeson action kicks in.

The familiarity of The Commuter is perhaps heightened by this being the fourth collaboration between Neeson and Non-Stop, Unknown and Run All Night director Jaume Collet-Serra – but actually more of the same isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as this pretty much does what it is predictably expected.

At the end of the day, if Liam Neeson films are a guilty pleasure – like they are mine – then you’ll probably enjoy this too. It’s as simple as that.

Rating: 3/5 Mikey Clarke

Disney and Pixar create another winner

COCO (PG)

SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX PETERBOROUGH, OUT NOW

VOICE CAST: ANTHONY GONZALEZ, GAEL GARCIA BERNAL, BENJAMIN BRATT, LANNA UBACH, ANA OFELIA MURGUIA, RENEE VICTOR, JAIME CAMIL, SOFIA ESPINOSA & EDWARD JAMES OLMOS

RUNNING TIME: 1 HR 45 MINS

DIRECTOR: LEE UNKRICH & ALFRED MOLINA

Pretty much everything that a Disney/Pixar collaboration touches turns to gold – and they’ve done it again with another colourful enchanting tale.

For anyone who has been to the Mexico land in Epcot’s World Showcase in Florida – this movie takes that Disney-based setting and gives it a musical pulse.

Aspiring young musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) – baffled by his family’s generations-old musical ban – dreams of becoming as accomplished as his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Miss Congeniality’s Benjamin Bratt).

Miguel’s great-great grandmother Imelda – whose daughter Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguia) is still alive but in declining health – banned music in the family after her husband left her and her daughter to pursue his own career.

This left a sour taste and has been supported by the family – who turned their hand to shoemaking – ever since, including Miguel’s parents.

But when Miguel inadvertently damages a photo of Imelda during some family festivities, it shows her husband holding Ernesto’s guitar – but with his face torn from the image.

Concluding that he’s Ernesto’s descendant, Miguel enters his mausoleum shrine and steals his legendary instrument – which propels him into the Land of the Dead.

As he aims to track down Ernesto – with the aid of his deceased relatives and a charming trickster (Gael Garcia Bernal’s Hector) – Miguel gets more than he bargained for as this beautifully-rendered world opens his eyes and reveals the truth to his family’s heritage.

But while this maybe isn’t a Pixar film that will satisfy the entire children’s age demographic – my nearly four-year-old son Joshua enjoyed it for the most part but probably preferred Cars 3 – there’s no denying there’s a tender and emotional story that unfolds to its melancholic musical backdrop, probably better suited to kids eight and up.

It might not linger in the memory like some other more obvious Pixar outings due to that, but it is still another truly inspiring entry – that also boasts arguably the most lifelike animation yet seen on-screen – that has oodles of charm.

And for that reason it’s well worth going loco for Coco.

Rating: 4/5 Gavin Miller

Out this week at Showcase de Lux, Peterborough:

MAZE RUNNER: THE DEATH CURE (12A), FROM FRIDAY

In this epic finale to dystopian teen trilogy Maze Runner – which was delayed after lead star Dylan O’Brien was seriously injured in an on-set accident – Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet.

To save their friends, they must break into the legendary last city, a WCKD controlled labyrinth – which just may turn out to the deadliest maze they’ve ever faced – and try to find a cure for the deadly disease, known as the Flare, which has blighted mankind.

ALSO SHOWING:

EARLY MAN (PG), FROM FRIDAY

12 STRONG (15), FROM FRIDAY (TBC)

DOWNSIZING (15), OUT NOW

Coming up at South Holland Centre, Spalding:

BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12A)

FROM MONDAY

In the wake of the sexual revolution, this 1973 tennis match between women’s champ Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-male player and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was billed as the Battle of the Sexes.

It became the most watched television sports event of all-time – reaching more than 90 million viewers worldwide – and is chronicled here by the acclaimed directors of Little Miss Sunshine.

ALSO SHOWING:

MOLLY’S GAME (15),FROM FRIDAY

MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE (U), FRIDAY 4.30PM & SATURDAY AT 2PM

Hello, my name is Amelia. I’m very friendly and love cuddles. I love to go out on long walks and am gentle on the lead, but have been working on my directional skills.

My favourite thing is getting lots of cuddles... I will happily spend all day playing with my toys and having lots of fuss.

Since being at Jerry Green Dog Rescue the lovely staff have introduced me to other dogs, I have walked nicely with them and could possibly live with another calm dog. I am used to being left home alone for around four to five hours but might have accidents if you leave me any longer.

I could potentially live with children after careful introductions at the centre. I’m not sure yet if I would want to share my house with a cat.

CALL: 01205 260546

EMAIL: slincs@jerrygreendogs.org.uk

• Did you know the care for seven out of 20 dogs at our rescue centre is funded by a gift left to us in a will?

We are holding an event this march at Roythornes Solicitors for anyone interested in learning more about leaving a gift in a will to our charity.

Come along for a no obligation presentation about how a gift in a will can not only be a great way to help a rescue dog when they need you the most, but also how it can benefit you.

If you want to make a difference but you don’t have the free cash to do it now, this is a great way to make a huge impact and be remembered for something great.

Hear from our centre manager about our vision for the future and what you can help us to achieve and also from a will writer who can inform you about the best way to give, while ensuring your family and friends are still looked after. Our partner solicitiors will also be offering discounted or free appointments on the day to all attendees.

Ask any burning questions, meet some of our dogs and have a few delicious nibbles.

Place are limited, so to book please contact Elizabeth on 01652 653343, extension 2113 or email elizabeth.hempstock@jerrygreendogs.org.uk

This is a free event and will be held on Thursday, March 8, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at Roythornes Solictiors, Enterprise Way, Spalding PE11 3YR.

• Did you know the care for seven out of 20 dogs at our rescue centre is funded by a gift left to us in a will?

We are holding an event this march at Roythornes Solicitors for anyone interested in learning more about leaving a gift in a will to our charity.

Come along for a no obligation presentation about how a gift in a will can not only be a great way to help a rescue dog when they need you the most, but also how it can benefit you.

If you want to make a difference but you don’t have the free cash to do it now, this is a great way to make a huge impact and be remembered for something great.

Hear from our centre manager about our vision for the future and what you can help us to achieve and also from a will writer who can inform you about the best way to give, while ensuring your family and friends are still looked after. Our partner solicitiors will also be offering discounted or free appointments on the day to all attendees.

Ask any burning questions, meet some of our dogs and have a few delicious nibbles.

Place are limited, so to book please contact Elizabeth on 01652 653343, extension 2113 or email elizabeth.hempstock@jerrygreendogs.org.uk

This is a free event and will be held on Thursday, March 8, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, at Roythornes Solictiors, Enterprise Way, Spalding PE11 3YR.

All the latest news from Spalding’s South Holland Centre

With his sharply tailored suit and easy charm, singer-pianist Anthony Strong seems to happily fill the role of ‘The English Gentleman’ often thrust upon him.

His swaggering vocals and swinging piano style are matched by an energy that has entertained audiences at his live shows around the world.

Anthony’s repertoire is unashamedly ‘old school’- from jazz standards and classics through to early Stevie Wonder and Motown.

In his upcoming concert at the South Holland Centre on Thursday February 1, Anthony pays tribute, in song, to some of the greatest male jazz singers of all time, treating audiences to renditions of Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E; Ray Charles’ Hallelujah; Tony Bennett’s Stepping Out; and Frank Sinatra’s They Can’t Take That Away.

The line-up for this fabulous concert is Anthony Strong on piano and vocals; Spencer Brown on bass; Dave Ohm on drums; Gavin Broom on trumpet; and Duncan Eagles on sax. Tickets are £15 or £14 concessions.

The following week sees the much anticipated return to the Centre of Colorado’s five-piece bluegrass band The Railsplitters. Their music draws on a range of influences including Americana, modern pop and rock ‘n’ roll, as well as bluegrass pioneers Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs.

This acclaimed US band has received rave reviews on both sides of the Atlantic for their powerful vocals and exceptional musical range on mandolin, fiddle, banjo, guitar and upright bass.

The band played to a packed house for their debut concert in Spalding back in 2016, so we are expecting a busy evening when they return on Thursday February 8. Tickets are £13.50, £12 concessions and £7.50 for under 26s from the Box Office 01775 764777 or www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

GEMS FROM THE ARCHIVE: A monthly column by DR MARTIN BLAKE, of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society, looking at interesting artefacts from its museum

In 1731 John Grundy Sr, a notable surveyor and hydraulic engineer, arrived in Spalding to survey the area for local landowner the second Duke of Buccleuch.

The following year the Duke became patron of the Spalding Gentlemen’s Society (SGS). Grundy became a member of the Society in 1731 and was commissioned by the SGS to produce a map of Spalding. This map of 1732 remains to this day one of the most important historical documents relating to the history of the town.

The built-up area of Spalding in the early 18th century was enclosed within a triangle bounded by the River Welland to the east, the street we now know as Market Square and Hall Place to the west, and to the north by another river known as the Westlode, now commemorated in the name of Westlode Street. The area outside this triangle according to Grundy’s map was mostly given over to orchards and gardens.

The term ‘lode’ indicates that the Westlode was an artificial drainage channel; it flowed from a junction with the River Glen at Pinchbeck Bars, alongside Dozens Bank to Pode Hole, then followed the route of the present-day Bourne Road, Winsover Road, New Road and Westlode Street to meet with the Welland near the west end of Albion Street. Some authorities believe that its origins go back to Roman times; it is certainly of some antiquity.

The Westlode was no mere drainage ditch, however. Various accounts state that it was navigable along its whole length, and barges plied their trade between the Glen and the Welland, where they could transfer their goods to larger boats to take advantage of the latter’s outfall to the sea. The junction between the two waterways was controlled by a sluice gate. Grundy’s map shows what appears to be a landing stage in the area which now forms the Sheep Market, presumably for foot passengers and produce destined for the town itself, particularly corn. According to Old Robin Harmstone, whose memories are recorded in the 1846 book ‘Remarkable Events connected with the History of Spalding,’ no less than five bridges crossed the Westlode in the course of its passage through Spalding. It may not, however, have been the most fragrant of waterways; a footpath along the south bank is recorded on the map as Rosemary Lane, apparently an ironic reference to the noxious odours rising from its polluted waters, although Old Robin remarks that the water was ‘always fresh and pure’, perhaps a piece of selective memory.

By the end of the 18th century, the Westlode’s days as a waterway were drawing to an end. Early in the next century much of it was filled in, often with silt dredged from the Welland, and the urban section covered over. The sluice gates were removed, and in 1822 a turnpike road was opened between Spalding and Bourne. The end of the Westlode removed a barrier to the northward expansion of Spalding, and development soon began in the direction of Pinchbeck and Boston. A small section can still be seen today, however, albeit much diminished; the Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 map identifies a drain running south of Bourne Road between Pode Hole and Monk’s House as ‘Westlode Drain’.

Grundy’s map also features drawings of buildings in and around Spalding, suggested to him by members of the SGS, some of which no longer exist. These include the old town hall, which stood in what is now Hall Place, and the Chain Bridge, which opened for the passage of seagoing ships, just east of the junction between the Westlode and Welland. Some remains of the Prior’s prison still stand, of course, as the Prior’s Oven micro-pub.

Framed and poster tube B&W prints of a lithograph of the Grundy map are currently on sale at Bookmark, Ayscoughfee Hall and directly from the Society. The next Open Day at the Society’s museum in Broad Street is on Sunday, February 18. Visitors will be able to see Grundy’s map, Old Robin’s published memories, his walking stick and much more in the Society’s fascinating collections. For more information, visit sgsoc.org and the Facebook page – Spalding Gentlemen’s Society.

Previously...

From hero to zero, 18th Century style

DOCTOR CALLING: A weekly column by the chairman of South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group KEVIN HILL

During this Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (January 22 to 28) South Lincolnshire CCG is reminding people that the disease can kill – yet regular screening helps save thousands of lives every year.

Women in England and Wales aged between 25- and 64-years-old are invited to cervical screening, also known as a smear test, every three to five years.

Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, rather screening programmes help to prevent cancer by detecting early abnormalities in the cervix, so they can be treated.

If these abnormalities are left untreated they can lead to cancer of the cervix (the neck of the womb) and we know that on average cervical screening helps save the lives of approximately 4,500 women in England every year.

Every day in the UK eight women are diagnosed with cervical cancer with three women dying as a result every day.

It is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under. Despite this, more than 20 per cent of women invited for screening do not attend.

Cervical screening can prevent around 45 per cent of cervical cancer cases in women in their 30s, rising with age to 75 per cent in women in their 50s and 60s who attend regularly.

Research shows that both awareness of cervical cancer and uptake of screening are considerably lower amongst women from minority ethnic communities in comparison to the wider population.

Having your cervical screening sample taken should only take matter of minutes.

In the UK, GPs and practice nurses take the majority of cervical screening samples. You can bring a relative or friend with you and you can request a female nurse or GP to take the sample.

As with all cancers, the earlier a problem is spotted, the better the patient’s outcome. Screening saves lives, and we are committed to helping and encouraging all women to access this vital service.

For more information about cervical cancer and the Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, go to www.jostrust.org.uk

Previously...

Don’t forget to buy your medicines over the counter

Spalding United and Holbeach United both lost at home to leave Gary King and Seb Hayes with little to celebrate on their birthday.

Newly-appointed Tulips skipper King was sent off for violent conduct in his first game since taking the armband following Adam Jackson’s return to the Tigers.

Anthony Malbon, Lee Cropper and Kyle Diskin put Kidsgrove Athletic 3-0 up at the Sir Halley Stewart Field - although Paul Walker was credited with an own goal for Diskin’s effort which doubled the lead.

James Tricks replied in stoppage-time - but that could hardly be classed as any consolation.

The result leaves Spalding 13th in the Evo-Stik South and only six points off the bottom.

Holbeach were also beaten 3-1 at Carter’s Park, having switched the fixture from Desborough Town due to storm damage.

Jason Turner, Dan White and Taras Petranyuk opened up a three-goal advantage for Ar Tarn before Luke Avis pulled one back.

Holbeach’s first home defeat of the season left Tigers boss Hayes feeling frustrated as they slipped to sixth spot in the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division title race.

Deeping Rangers dropped to fourth as their scheduled trip to Leicester Nirvana was postponed.

Division One leaders Pinchbeck United struck twice in stoppage-time as they shared eight goals with Bourne Town at Abbey Lawn.

The Wakes were 2-0 ahead after 12 minutes thanks to Richard Nelson’s tap-in and keeper Dan Swan’s own goal.

The Knights got level through top scorer Ollie Maltby and substitute Andrew Tidswell, only for Adam Rothery to make it 3-2 four minutes before the break.

Jezz Goldson-Williams restored the two-goal lead until Tyler Wright and Jack Smith rescued a remarkable point for Pinchbeck, extending their unbeaten run to 16 games.

EVO-STIK SOUTH

Bedworth 2 Gresley 0, Corby 1 Frickley 2, Leek 1 Chasetown 2, Loughborough Dynamo 0 Carlton 3, Newcastle 2 Sheffield 0, Peterborough Sports 4 Belper 0, Spalding 1 Kidsgrove 3, Stamford 3 Basford 1, Stocksbridge Park Steels 2 Romulus 1.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Boston 3 ON Chenecks 4, Cogenhoe 1 Rothwell Corinthians 0, Eynesbury 3 Kirby Muxloe 1, Holbeach 1 Desborough 3, Peterborough Northern Star 1 Daventry 3, Sileby 0 Yaxley 2, St Andrews 2 Harborough 3, Wellingborough 5 Sleaford 0.

Division One: Bourne 4 Pinchbeck 4, Long Buckby 2 Harrowby 2, Melton 1 Blackstones 1, Oakham 0 Potton 7, Raunds 1 Lutterworth Town 1, Stewarts & Lloyds 1 Buckingham 4, Thrapston 2 Olney 2.

Reserve Division: Bugbrooke St Michaels 3 Peterborough Northern Star 3, Newport Pagnell 1 Raunds 1, ON Chenecks 3 Stewarts & Lloyds 2, Potton 2 Irchester 2, Whitworth 1 Oadby 4, Yaxley 3 Cogenhoe 1.

BALCAN LIGHTING SUPPLIES LINCOLNSHIRE LEAGUE

Brigg Development 0 Immingham 3, Ruston Sports 0 Horncastle 3, Sleaford Sports 2 Wyberton 2.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH AND DISTRICT LEAGUE

Premier Division: Deeping Res 5 AFC Stanground Sports 1, Leverington Sports 5 Warboys 2, Moulton Harrox 2 Thorney 1, Peterborough ICA Sports 5 Ketton 0, Sutton Bridge 3 Sawtry 0, Whittlesey 1 Stamford Lions 1.

Division One: Crowland 4 Ramsey 3, Netherton Res 4 Uppingham 1, Oundle 2 Kings Cliffe 1, Peterborough Polonia 1 Wittering Harriers 4.

Division Two: FC Parson Drove 7 Langtoft Res 0, Rippingale & Folkingham 6 Parkway Eagles 3, Stilton 2 FC Peterborough 3, Whittlesey Res 3 Netherton A 1.

Division Three: Feeder 1 Farcet 1, Holbeach Bank 4 Whittlesey A 1, Premiair 4 Stamford Belvedere Res 0, Riverside 1 Brotherhood Sports 10, Uppingham Res 1 Oundle Res 2, Whaplode Drove 1 Thorpe Wood Rangers 4.

Division Four: Huntingdon Rovers 0 Long Sutton Res 1, Parkside 3 Whittlesey B 2, Peterborough NECI 4 Orton Rangers 1.

Division Five A: Spalding A 3 Premiair Res 5, Wittering Harriers Res 2 Glinton & Northborough Res 5.

Division Five B: FC Peterborough A 4 Sawtry Res 2, Gunthorpe Harriers 1 Stanground Sports 9.

PFA JUNIOR CUP

Quarter-final: Cardea 4 Leverington Sports Res 1.

SPALDING INTER-SERVICES TROPHY

Semi-finals: Long Sutton 5 Tydd St Mary 0, Spalding Town 5 Holbeach Bank 0.

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, wants 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, 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’re tackling the problem of unwanted animals at source.”

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

Wow – what a game!

At the end of this season, we could reach a century of live matches with full coverage.

Right now, though, it just seems impossible to think we will see better entertainment than we saw during Saturday’s derby at Abbey Lawn.

If the richest league in the world had supplied drama like this, all of those former professionals would discuss it for days as TV’s panel of pundits.

Well, this proved that you don’t have to earn obscene amounts of money to put on a show.

In summary, Bourne Town twice established a two-goal advantage – then Pinchbeck United hit back with a couple of stoppage-time efforts to extend their unbeaten run.

It was simply incredible – an unbelievable finish to a brilliant afternoon!

The Knights’ record was under threat after only 12 minutes as the Wakes went 2-0 up.

The opener came when Dan Swan failed to collect Max Cooper’s free-kick and Gav Cooke knocked the ball across for Richard Nelson’s tap-in.

Swan’s own goal made it double trouble for the league leaders as he pushed out Adam Rothery’s drive – only for Tyler Wright’s attempted clearance to bounce over the line off the keeper.

Prolific marksman Ollie Maltby clipped a neat finish past Rhys Evans to reduce the deficit.

Pinchbeck were level as Wright’s left-wing cross was instantly controlled and then blasted home by substitute Andrew Tidswell.

Four minutes before the break, Rothery restored the home advantage from a tight angle.

Player-boss Ian Dunn came on for the start of the second half as Pinchbeck switched their system in a bid to get back into the contest.

However, Bourne added a fourth goal as Cooper released Jack Humphries and Jezz Goldson-Williams knocked in the rebound after Swan fumbled the initial shot.

Swan kept out Humphries, Cooke and Eddie McDonald while Tidswell, Aaron Eyett, Maltby and Chris Shipley had chances at the other end.

Humphries should have put Bourne 5-2 in front but then Goldson-Williams was forced off due to a dislocated shoulder.

After three-and-a-half minutes of stoppage-time, Wright’s long-range effort bounced beyond Evans.

Within 60 seconds, Jack Smith claimed the final touch in an almighty scramble on the line as Pinchbeck picked up a last-gasp point.

Amid the drama, Bourne’s frustration was highlighted by the fact Smith had escaped punishment for a couple of 
off-the-ball incidents during the second half.

The Wakes should have held on to win it – but you can’t fault the fighting spirit from the Knights to somehow get their reward at the end.

It was pulsating, thrilling and absolutely crazy. There were plenty of mistakes but honours were even after an amazing afternoon.

BOURNE TOWN
4-3-3: Evans; Elger, Smitheringale, Cooke, Cooper; Bottreill (sub Avis 77 mins), McDonald, Rothery; Goldson-Williams (sub Flood 72 mins), Nelson, Humphries. Subs not used: Zealand, B Moss, Mountcastle.

PINCHBECK UNITED

4-2-3-1: Swan; Gordon, Brooks, Jack Smith, Wright; Shipley, Bishop (sub Dunn h-t); Josh Smith (sub Sergeant 62 mins), Ogden (sub Tidswell 22 mins), Eyett; Maltby. Subs not used: Edwards, Robinson.

REFEREE

Shaun Gray.

GOALS

Nelson (8 mins, 1-0); Swan og (12 mins, 2-0); Maltby (15 mins, 2-1); Tidswell (35 mins, 2-2); Rothery (41 mins, 3-2); Goldson-Williams (55 mins, 4-2); Wright (90+3 mins, 4-3); Jack Smith (90+4 mins, 4-4).

BOOKINGS

Ogden, Bottreill, Nelson, Jack Smith (unsporting behaviour); Humphries, Wright, Rothery (fouls).

ATTENDANCE

98

Two stoppage-time goals took Pinchbeck United’s unbeaten run to 16 games.

The Knights remain seven points clear of second-placed Raunds Town with a game in hand ahead of next weekend’s top-of-the-table showdown at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.

Pinchbeck came from 2-0 down against Bourne Town but they trailed 4-2 until Tyler Wright and Jack Smith struck at the end of Saturday’s derby.

Player-manager Ian Dunn said: “Fair play to them for putting everything on the line and going for it.

“We made four terrible errors for the goals. If they had won, we would have admitted that they deserved it.

“With two minutes to go, we pulled something out of the bag and perhaps that point will prove crucial at the end of the season.

“This result might give us a massive boost so it was difficult to go into the dressing room and tear into the players.

“The quality wasn’t there and our decision-making was poor.

“It was great entertainment but it could have finished 7-4 because we missed a few gilt-edged chances as well.

“Dan Swan had a bad day at the office but he recovered to make one or two good saves after those errors.

“We are very proud of the unbeaten record.

“At 4-2, Bourne’s players were laughing and joking - but we kept going and peppered their goal.

“We caused them a lot of problems and there was always a chance of getting caught out.

“It was a case of taking risks to get some rewards.

“We always set out to get goals but taking one point from scoring four times tells you where the problem lies.

“Overall, we can’t make mistakes like that.”

Assistant manager Allan Ross added: “The fourth Bourne goal at the start of the second half came against the run of play.

“We had all the pressure and got caught by a sucker punch.

“We play to win every game and we don’t want draws.

“We respect Bourne and we knew it would be a tough game.

“We can’t say we were ill-prepared because we expected it to be difficult.

“In all fairness, we had a huge amount of opportunities in the final 10 minutes. People might forget those chances and think we were lucky at the end.

“We are not happy with the performance or the fitness levels - even though our training was the same ahead of this game.

“We’ve taken a point but the lads know there is competition for places instead of thinking that they are comfortable.

“We will train twice this week and work harder to prepare for the Raunds game.”

Bourne Town’s joint managers were left with mixed emotions after a two-goal lead was wiped out at the end of the derby on Saturday.

Jimmy McDonnell remained positive following the 4-4 draw with Pinchbeck United - but his colleague Phil Gadsby felt “devastated” at the double blow.

The Wakes were 2-0 up after 12 minutes and they led 4-2 for the majority of the second half.

McDonnell said: “The assistant referee’s flag might have gone up for a foul on the keeper or handball before Pinchbeck’s fourth goal.

“To be honest, though, at 4-2 we ran out of ideas.

“Tom Sergeant and Ian Dunn came on so we knew Pinchbeck would try to hit them.

“We had two massive chances to go 5-2 up as well.

“However, we have taken a point off the side with the biggest budget in the league.

“They are the favourites to go up but I thought we were the better side for most of the game.

“We scored good goals and unfortunately at the end we couldn’t hold on.

“We’ll take the positives from playing good stuff and creating chances. As a group, we can’t change anything now.

“Pinchbeck know they got out of jail on the day.

“They are a top-of-the-table side who beat us 4-0 earlier in the season.

“We battered them for long periods on Saturday and we played really well.

“As a player, I never pulled out of any tackles but we saw Liam Ogden kick out at Eddie McDonald. It sums that up when he was substituted straight away.

“Now we’ve got to do it all over again with back-to-back results.

“We have a strong squad with a few players to come back so the club are heading in the right direction.

“There was a little bit of naivety but I hope these lads stick together.

“I felt the game was never going to be on but we had two blokes on the pitch all day then a group of 10 were helping on Friday night. They deserve all the credit.”

Gadsby added: “It was frustrating at 4-3 when we tried to knock the ball around instead of playing into channels.

“The referee missed a couple of shocking incidents off the ball and we’ve lost Jezz Goldson-Williams to a dislocated shoulder following one of those fouls.

“We fancied ourselves in the changing room and we thought we could end their unbeaten run.

“We kept going until stoppage-time against the best side in the league.

“The table doesn’t lie and there is no reason why we can’t finish just behind them because we’ve still got to play all the teams above us.”

Your views on Brexit, politics and speeding – plus Thought For The Week

Letter writer deserves a ‘Fake News’ award!

Alan Meekings’ grasp of facts is always mixed but if anything is slipping even further from reality (Free Press letters, January 16).

I had a look: the number of people in work is up by over three million since 2010 and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1975.

Production has grown for the last eight months— the longest streak since 1994—and manufacturing output is at a ten year high.

This is not La-la land, Mr Meekings, but Britain, thanks to excellent leaders including our local MP who sadly isn’t in the Governemnt any more – how they will miss his common sense approach.

PS: Can I nominate Mr Meekings for one of Donald Trump’s ‘Fake News Awards?

Michael Richards

Spalding

Lumbered with harmful policies

Thank you for correcting me M Meekings (Guardian letters, January 18). I understand that you are cross that Remain lost the referendum, so very convincingly in this constituency. I doubt there is anything any leaver can say that will please you.

I missed out the word “significant”, before “new laws”. Mea culpa. Whilst qualifying the statement it is admittedly open to interpretation but the basic fact that we are outvoted remains true.

Your own figures appear on a webpage fullfact.org Perhaps you would also like to look at the following one from King’s College London: ukandeu.ack/explainers/does-the-uk-win-or-lose-in-the-council-of-ministers/

It’s next to the ‘fullfact’ one and clearly shows that we, by a very big margin, lose more votes than any other nation and that the longer we remain the less influence we have.

In addition we frequently “trade” policy issues for political reasons, resulting in one area of policy against UK interests being accepted in order to avoid worse potential problems in another.

A good example is our fishing industry. It is quite impossible to measure the frequency of this ploy and the amount of harm EU policies do to us is a matter of opinion. In short, however, it’s clear that we get lumbered with policies harmful to us all the time. The point here is that once outside this would not happen. Roll on Brexit.

UKIP and other Leavers have no emotional dislike for the EU, our view is based on a wide range of different factors. I voted for the Common Market, a trade only group of a limited number of nations. The monster it’s now become is quite a different animal.

Paul Foyster

via email

More good than most MPS could dream of

Mr John Constable says he is not an “avid reader” of the excellent weekly column written our local MP, John Hayes (Free Press letters, January 16). Perhaps he should become one. He would learn just how much positive difference Mr Hayes has made.

He has done superb work locally. From working with the League of Friends to bringing our new Johnson Hospital to Spalding, fighting to save the Garth School from closure, to taking up the cause of Long Sutton shopkeepers faced with huge rate increases, John is always ready to stand up for local people.

But most of all he is 
acknowledged by parliamentarians on all sides as one of the most effective representatives in the Commons.

The record speaks for itself. As Skills Minister, he delivered the biggest increase in apprenticeships in modern times.

As Security Minister, he guided measures to counter terrorism and kept us safe through Parliament.

As Transport Minister, he introduced the biggest road investment programme for years (including the A1 and the A47) and revitalised the ports and shipping sector with his maritime growth strategy.

I could go on, but for now let it suffice to say that all these things – skills, security, transport – affect people in South Holland and the Deepings. John Hayes has made far more difference for the better than most MPs can ever dream of.

Andrew Livsey

via email

A calm and reasoned approach is needed

Whilst I sympathise with the ‘Nimby’ aspects of Reuben H Holmes’ letter (Guardian, January 18), they don’t bolster his argument. I intend to be more analytical and pragmatic.

As much of today’s village, including the Mountbatten Estate and Redmile Close, didn’t exist when I moved here. I feel that the effects of closing the Sugar Beet factory and Spalding Cattle Market plus today’s agricultural dependence on mechanisation were always way beyond our local government’s understanding or ability to plan for.

In truth though, our worsening health, education and social provisions, and increased traffic together with (perceived) reductions in comparative property values were always foreseeable and avoidable.

Nonetheless, we are where we are, having to face the prospect of another 4,000 houses (plus 1,000 or more spec-build ones) and unknown random light industrial units on our doorstep.

But please Mr Holmes, don’t unfairly blame the hard pressed motorist for all your problems.

Mostly, the traffic you refer to is ‘passing through’ in pursuit of business or employment, and the primary role of any road system is to shift as much traffic as possible as quickly as possible.

In your vicinity I do not believe that there is any measurable variation in noise or vibration at 30- or 40- or 50-miles-per-hour, other than the factor you haven’t included which is ‘duration’.

Essentially, one solitary car passing at 50mph on a properly maintained surface will cause less overall disturbance than it does at 30mph.

I deplore speeds of 90mph on the old main road through Cowbit but understand the virtually 70 per cent of drivers who apparently think that speeds moderately above 30mph are safely achievable.

Particularly when coming from Crowland as there are no properties to the left side of the road there anyway.

This also applies to most of Westmarsh Road between Pinchbeck and Spalding.

As I wonder whether Mr Holmes shares my lifelong motoring interests and experiences, I repeat my concerns regarding both mud on Wardentree Lane near his property, and the driving habits of some local drivers in and out of Morrisons etc etc.

Driving unduly slowly can be classified as ‘without due care and attention’ and carry a nine-point driving licence penalty.

However, I don’t intend to give dashcam evidence of such driving (and worse) to the authorities yet, as it would only empower those who are clamouring for all over-70s to have to take a new driving test.

This could prove far more disastrous for much of our elderly rural population than a few points would for Mr Holmes’ supposed ‘criminals’.

Overall, therefore, such topics deserve a calm, reasoned approach, rather than irrelevant bigotry.

Leon B Tetherton

Pinchbeck

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

When you have an important message to declare, it is vital to share it in a way that listeners can relate to and understand.

Jesus was a master of sharing a message, and used different methods to do so. His message was simple, yet life-changing, and He communicated it through prayer, actions, telling stories, preaching to large crowds and meeting individuals. When Jesus spoke, people listened!

In the same way, we look to convey the message that Jesus is the light of the world, Saviour to all who believe in Him, and have a couple of events coming up where that message will be shared in different ways.

Through song, we have superb young musician Chloe Reynold joining us for a gig on February 23.

Through conversation and humour, we have eminent author Jeff Lucas joining us as part of his “There are NO ordinary people” tour.

And through theatre, the ‘Searchlight Theatre Group will accompany Jeff on March 23.

These evenings will bear witness, through testimony and experience, that Christianity is powerful and relevant, and that it impacts and changes the everyday into the extraordinary.

Interested? Go to our Facebook page or website www.spaldingbaptist.org.uk to find out more.

Ben Clarke

Spalding Baptist Church

HEALTH AND WELLBEING: With beauty and wellbeing expert Jo Esdale

My clients are constantly looking for new and innovative treatments to improve their skin health and complexion.

Twelve months ago I introduced an LED Light Therapy machine and use it daily helping my clients with a variety of skin conditions and concerns.

LED coloured Light Phototherapy offers many benefits, delivering maximum results and has fast become one of the most popular treatments available today, used by celebrities.

So how does it work?

The light waves stimulate the basic energy processes in the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the energy components of each cell which uses oxygen in the production of energy (ATP). The light absorption increases the production of ATP, the cells absorb specific nutrients becoming healthier and stronger.

Treatments can be performed on a wide range of skin imperfections and conditions such as acne, scarring, Rosacea, ageing, hyperpigmentation sensitivity and inflammation.

Red LED

Red light has been proven to rejuvenate the skin and trigger the repair mechanisms to reduce inflammation and diminish the signs of ageing. The red light opens pores, aids hydration, helps to eliminate toxins and accelerates healing and is ideal for mature skin conditions.

Blue LED

Blue light has been proven to normalise oil production, eliminate toxins and destroy the P Acne bacteria. Blue light also provides a soothing, calming, anti bacterial and anti inflammatory property.

Green LED

Green light helps to even out the complexion by reducing pigmentation.

Yellow LED

Yellow light is renowned for detoxifying, tightening and toning.

It encourages healing and rejuvenation targeting visible signs of ageing.

For maximum results I provide bespoke skin treatments combining LED Light Therapy with other electro therapy devices such as radio frequency and micro-current.

If you are concerned about skin ageing, lines and wrinkles or you have a skin condition that you are concerned about please contact me at my clinic on 01775 249425.

Spalding Guardian Nostalgia

Gosberton Risegate resident Mark Joy has sent us this picture of wheat being combined in 1959.

1959.

Mark says: “My Dad, Gus Joy, is driving the lorry and Fred Wilson is operating the combine. “They were working (and did for many years) for Proctor Bros Ltd,of Gosberton.

“The combine is a Claas vehicle and the lorry a J5 Bedford reg OJL 521.

The photograph was taken on a remote field called Pump Field, close to the South Forty Foot Drain, at the bottom of Broad Drove (almost three miles from Gosberton Clough, on Surfleet Fen Farm.

TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

Last November I sat in the South Holland Centre watching The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, performed by my SADOS friends. Narnia had been plunged into a perpetual winter by the White Witch: rivers and lakes were frozen, trees heavy with snow.

Skip a few weeks. Dougie and I, like Peter and Susan, stepped through the back of the wardrobe and entered a similar world of freezing temperatures and a landscape draped with a blanket of snow.

We didn’t grab a couple of full-length fur coats to keep out the cold, but a few woolly layers and thick padded ski jackets were the next best thing.

Our Narnia was Finnish Lapland. We were in Ylläs, 150km north of the Arctic Circle, having booked a week there to try out cross-country skiing.

After the success of our previous walking holiday in Austria with Inntravel, we sought them out again to provide us with our winter wonderland experience.

We visited the Polar Nights when the sun doesn’t quite rise above the horizon, though its rays do peep over. The pale pink sky reflects off the snow as sunrise and sunset seem to merge into one another.

This was a week of late breakfasts, a few short hours of intense activity followed by cosy, candle-lit evenings and blissfully long sleeps.

Our accommodation was a little cabin in the grounds of the Hotel YlläsHumina. Underfloor heating and beds that Goldilocks would claim to be ‘just right’ made this a treat to return to each day.

Even more of a treat were the evening buffets at the hotel. Don’t tell the children but in Lapland they eat a lot of reindeer. Rudolph plus Prancer and Dancer were on the menu most nights.

Hearty casseroles, slabs of steak and huge dollops of creamy mashed potatoes. And oh, the puddings! Fruit crumbles, chocolate mousses and wobbly panna cotta. This was five-star comfort food.

It’s a wonder we were able to move each day after such huge dinners, but we had to burn off those calories somehow.

We found cross-country skiing fairly easy to master and it’s certainly less scary than downhill skiing. It does, however, involve a good cardio-vascular workout if you want to travel any distance with the kick-and-glide technique.

At this latitude, there’s always the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. I was half-hearted in my Aurora hunting, managing only a cursory glance around the door on a clear night.

On Day Six I felt we needed to be more proactive so, after 10pm, when the village lights were turned off, we joined a few others on the nearby frozen lake.

Minutes later we saw a green glow in the sky and then the colour sharpened and its shape curved into a striking arc.

Another patch of green lights appeared, as if puffs of smoke were coming out of a chimney.

It was a magical experience. I put my camera away as it couldn’t capture the beauty of such a sight. Far better to just stand and watch and be in awe.

• You can read Trish’s blog at www.mumsgoneto.co.uk

Previously...

Joining Nigella at her table

A 20-minute spell that scrum-half Guy Cunningham described as “the best rugby we’ve played in seven or eight years” put Deepings out of sight.

Linchfield Road was lit up by three early tries from Gareth Silverwood, Jack Elliot and Cunningham - two of them converted by Chris Owen - which effectively saw off Wellingborough Old Grammarians.

But Deepings were prepared to play hard as well, digging deep to hold out their opponents when they were camped just 10 metres away from the home side’s try line.

The forwards, led by props Silverwood and Ben Rippon, along with hooker Dom Peacock and formidable locks Kirk Green and Peter Bradley, made sure Wellingborough OGs could only cross the try line three times.

Any threat of a comeback after an early second-half converted try was snuffed out when Peacock went over after a scrum and rolling maul five metres out.

Final proof of the Green Machine’s ability to see the game out came after a combination of steely discipline when refeering decisions seemed to go the way of the visitors - eventually scoring an unconverted try to make the score 24-17.

Deepings went straight down their opponents’ end and put together the best try of the match which started with a scrum on the OGs’ 22-metre line before the ball was spread wide for man of the match Nathan Pound to touch down for a try.

It was the third straight win for Deepings, even with a reshuffle which saw captain Lance Charity move to blind-side flanker and Green switch from his customary prop role.

With a bonus point coming their way as well for scoring more than four tries, Deepings are all set to consolidate third place in the league when they visit Aylestone St James on Saturday.

After the game, Deepings coach Tim Hutton targeted home league wins in March against Bedford Swifts and Brackley - plus silverware.

Hutton admitted that “the league is probably beyond us” after a slow start where the Green Machine lost three of the first four games of the season, including one at Wellingborough where Deepings fielded an under-strength side.

But after sweet revenge on Saturday, Hutton said: ”We started with a bang and then when Wellingborough OGs came into the game, we battled it out and put in a performance.

“We used the elements well in the first half, with good kicking from Chris Owen, and they couldn’t come back into the game because we were too far ahead.

“Being able to respond to their scores in the second half was all that we needed to do.

“Now we want to go undefeated at home for the rest of the season and win one or both of the cup competitions we’re in.

“The league is probably beyond is because we lost so many games at the start of the season.

“But people are now consistently available so that we can come together as a team which is important and will be even more important in the weeks ahead.”

Captain Lance Charity said: “It was a great game where we started very strong, bagging three tries early on.

“In the second half, we did what we needed to and the lads fought very hard in defence so as to not let them back into the game.

“We showed great character in our final ten metres of the field and it was a good feeling to see ourselves seal the win with a great team try from Nathan Pound at the other end of the pitch.

“It was a well-earned win where we showed real character and belief, grafting it out in the second half, so I’m very pleased with the boys.”

DEEPINGS: Rippon, Peacock, Silverwood, Green, Bradley, Charity, Cannell, Trotman; Cunningham, Owen, Kenton, Pound, Elliot, Thompson, Jones. Subs: Osborne, Harding, Meikle, Dobie, Broome.

TRIES: Cunningham, Elliot, Silverwood, Peacock, Pound.

CONVERSIONS: Owen (2).

STAR MAN: Nathan Pound - drove Deepings in attack and more than played his part in defence too.

WHO’S NEXT: Aylestone St James (A) - Saturday.

CABINET CALL: A weekly column written by members of South Holland District Council’s Cabinet. This week with: COUN GARY TAYLOR

In my first Cabinet Call article for 2018, I am going to touch briefly on the discussions which families and businesses have at this time of year. It’s briefly looking back over the past year and then looking ahead and planning future plans of actions and priorities.

As you know, a common criticism of politicians at all levels is that of broken promises, failing to deliver on promises, being out of touch and only being visible at election times.

I have questioned each one of those points and I don’t believe that is the situation with my department or our council.

We are on track with delivering the corporate priorities as promised, such as the enhanced CCTV and have responded to public concern and made improvements to our leisure centres, as well as continuing to invest in local community events such as the popular 1940s event, open arts competition and the pumpkin festival.

Councillors must continue to be available and visible in order to represent their communities, stand up for residents’ concerns and give a voice to the most isolated and vulnerable in our community.

Social media has an ever-increasing role to play, however it does not replace more traditional ways of communicating or receiving or sending information.

I have recently seen case studies for our CCTV, which shows success stories in identifying and gathering evidence, but only when incidents are correctly reported by using the official methods.

Thousands of people may be reading about a particular incident and commenting on social media about the lack of action, but unless these incidents are officially reported the authorities are unaware of the particular incident.

It’s a numbers game and reporting the official figures can help to produce a business case for more resources into an area.

We demonstrated this recently by putting together a business case to a government fund in order to recruit community wardens into our district.

Later this year they will be seen to patrol our towns and villages and work with police and partners in order to provide information, education and enforcement.

This is because we have listened to the concerns of our communities and are taking action in order to support our law-abiding residents and delivering on our priorities in order to make South Holland a pleasant environment in which to work, socialise, retire and do business.

Previously...

COUN PETER COUPLAND: Budgeting for now and for years ahead

Holbeach United suffered their first home defeat of the season on boss Seb Hayes’ birthday.

Jason Turner, Dan White and Taras Petranyuk opened up a three-goal advantage for Desborough Town before Luke Avis pulled one back.

Hayes said: “It took us too long to get going.

“Once we got into the game, we created so many chances. But we had put ourselves under too much pressure to convert them.

“You can’t give away a 3-0 lead and then decide to start playing.

“I’m not making excuses. We are going through a bad patch which started in the second half at home to St Andrews, carried on at Yaxley and then continued against Cogenhoe United until the game was abandoned.

“In the last 40 minutes on Saturday, I thought that we absolutely battered Desborough when they had everyone back in their half.

“If we’d taken our chances, we could have nicked a draw.

“We changed the system to 3-4-3 but we started doing what we are good at.

“We needed to play with more intensity, work harder, pass it forward and show more belief. As a group, we have not responded well enough.”

The fixture was switched from Desborough’s Waterworks Field due to storm damage.

Boss Chris Rawlinson will consider more changes to stamp out Spalding United’s poor discipline.

Newly-appointed skipper Gary King was sent off on his birthday, having taken the armband following Adam Jackson’s return to Holbeach United.

King was dismissed when the Tulips were already 2-0 down on Saturday as Lee Cropper’s first-half opener was followed by an own goal from Paul Walker just four minutes into the second half.

Kidsgrove Athletic captain Anthony Malbon added a long-range third and James Tricks replied in stoppage-time.

Rawlinson said: “We were in control of the first half, although we didn’t really create anything in the final third.

“They defended resolutely when we had a lot of the ball but our centre-forwards were too wide.

“We were a little bit too deep and you could tell that Ben Davison was back from a few weeks out.

“The pitch was sticky which made it difficult as well.

“On the balance of play, if we had gone in level at half-time I think it would have been fair.

“Conor Marshall was forced off with a knee injury so we had to move people around.

“We tried to make positive changes with Davison in midfield and I thought Tricks was excellent up front.

“At 2-0 down, though, we got grumpy among ourselves instead of grouping together and having a go at getting out of it.

“We can’t have that anymore. The red card was criminal because you can’t retaliate.

“There was a five-minute spell when it became a bit fiery.

“Then another melee broke out on the other side of the pitch and, regardless of whatever else happened, King threw a punch which missed their player and hit Jonny Lockie.

“We had problems with discipline earlier in the season and I spent 15 minutes before Saturday’s game warning the team not to get silly bookings.

“All of a sudden, we were down to 10 men again.

“Malbon is probably the best centre-forward in the league and he scored a very good goal, although he was given too much space with nobody around him.”

The result leaves Spalding 13th in the Evo-Stik South and only six points off the foot of the table.

Next weekend, the Tulips face a trip to bottom-markers Gresley.

Rawlinson added: “The pressure is back on but we are looking up because of the squad here.

“We shouldn’t be contemplating looking our our shoulders but there are probably six other teams who feel exactly the same way.

“It’s all about ourselves now. There are tough games coming up and we can’t have any indiscipline.

“I need to have a long think about it, to be honest.

“The club had a warning from the Football Association that we need to improve our record so there will have to be changes.”

We look back at the Free Press in the final year of The Great War - 1918

Pinchbeck Mills were to be restarted it was announced, to the delight of an enthusiastic meeting in Spalding.

An announcement was made that the Government inaugerated a scheme to revive the flax industry – and the Spalding area was chosen for growing and dealing with it.

Local agriculturists 
immediately promised to grow nearly 650 acres of flax – the area required was 1,000 aces, but there was not the slightest doubt that this would be secured.

The flax grown locally was to be dealt with at the old Pinchbeck flax mills, which were temporarily taken over by the Government.

The meeting was one of the most crowded and enthusiastic gatherings of farmers seen for some time and a warm welcome accorded the scheme.

The large room at the White Hart Hotel was the meeting place.

A Mr Foster was the first speaker and in opening 
expressed his gratification at seeing so large and influential an attendance of the farmers present.

Proceeding, he said the country was face to face with a problem of the greatest importance – that of how to secure flax essential for war purposes and he hoped the farmers present would help the Government solve the problem.

Dr Hare said the reason flax production had failed in this country was because we could not compete with the cheap 
labour prevailing in Russia and secondly, because in Belgium and Holland, after the framer had grown the crops, they were taken in hand by 
experts who had made a special studyof the subject.

During the past year, the demands had been so great that the War Cabinet asked to secure at least 70,000 acres of flax. The Development Board accepted the task and decided that special preference should be given to those districts where flax had been grown in the past – such as Spalding and Pinchbeck.

WARD’S WORLD: By John Ward

It often comes up in conversation, and it seems to have been ‘open season’ of sorts lately, as I am asked why or how I know or have known so many what could be best described as total barm-pots or complete idiots with the possible exception being incomplete idiots but they are doing their best to keep up and are working hard at it.

Some of it was sparked via this very column you are now reading as I have mentioned a few along the way in various situations and I am often asked how did I meet these people and the safest answer is I didn’t go looking for them.

They have sort of turned up in a manner of speaking, some in human form with others questionable as they are waiting for test results from their doctors or vet’s to follow on but hopefully the following might shed some light on it with it all crystal clear and if this is the case, please do let me know as I am as interested as anybody else.

I was born at an early age and since then it’s been one long haul in a sense as you have to appreciate that as a family we operated an ‘open door’ strategy to anybody and at times, any thing that seemed to wander over the threshold to seek knowledge or a cup of tea, that seemed to basically set the mould if you like for meeting or knowing folk with my mum, of the people for the people, being a leading exponent in this field of human endeavour.

If it was an Olympic sport, she would have been weighed down with gold medals galore and she would be the first to moan about the cost of the Brasso and dusters to clean them with.

Being brought up in an age of making one’s own entertainment – this was the PD age as in Pre-Digital – as we communicated with one another by speaking to each other (unlike today where hand held devices are used if mere feet way) and in some cases many at one time and this was called in some circles ‘crowd control’ and came in handy at football matches and the humble but basic jumble sales before they became elevated to car boot sale status.

It was the people that I grew up among or near that have left an impression most – some did a very good Tommy Cooper sort of ‘Just like that!’ and if you closed your eyes, you would swear he was standing there next to you but if Mavis at the local fish and chip shop impersonated his voice and it was only her tag line of ‘Do you want any batter bits chucking in with your order?’ that shattered the illusion.

One form of ‘entertainment’ meant you briefly saw people depending on how quick you were and this was the fine art of ‘cherry knocking’ in that you rung somebody’s door bell or played the Anvil Chorus on their ornate door knocker, then allow a few seconds before running off in the opposite direction as the occupier went to the door.

This has all but vanished although I understand it’s used as a ploy nowadays by various parcel deliverers who have made it their own by knocking on your door, leaving a card to say they have been (polite or what?) then clearing off with your parcel/item still with them but I have never worked out what they gain by it unless they have shares in or they partly own printing companies.

One delightful way of meeting assorted folk was mum’s (or our) kitchen which at times resembled a fortune teller’s tent or cubicle as assorted friends, combatants or frankly the deranged that had somehow come to this oasis of culture to have verbal exchanges on things or people that were doing things in the world, or two doors down that ranged from ‘We knew he was up to no good anyway – I mean, that crowbar’ and ‘How could they get Planning Permission to do that as it floods most of the time – I want cremation when I go, no messing about’.

Expected but unexplained visitors were a joy at times to break the excitement up.

Due to my background – it’s the small clearing with the wooden shed – I often had folk, supposedly intelligent types (they inferred...) who came to see me for assorted reasons, research or what have you although at the time, I was now up and away from mum’s emporium of wonderment but I would take the occasional doubtful person/case over to meet her – she liked the challenge I think.

One such case in question was Educated Edgar, writer and researcher and all-round ‘mummy’s boy’ who was doing research on whatever the flavour of the month was then, whom seemed to be impressed with mum.

During a verbal challenge with her he mentioned he had ‘come away with a First from Oxford’ to which mum replied with ‘well, it may have cost a few extra bob for the ticket but at least you had the carriage all to yourself I suppose..’ He covered his shock well on hearing that but pointed out it was a degree he was referring to and straight as a die, mum replied with ‘I have always liked that Diana Ross and she had done really well for herself since leaving the other two – nice hair as well..’.

To this day when I see a train, on time or not, my mind seems to wander to Diana Ross but with others it might be the ‘Flying Scotsman’ but to me, it’s Diana Ross.

The then culture as well as the people was totally different. In those days if anything went remotely wrong, the cry of ‘It’s a fair cop – you got me bang to rights’ would or could be heard as those offending where basically all but banished for their misdemeanours as opposed to nowadays where after the dust has settled with no real result of sorts such as who was to blame, the phrase is now ‘Lessons have been learnt’ which equates to those who have indeed been caught out will be moved on, promoted even and be but a mere speck on the pages of history until they surface later on to do the same again but differently – and much more quietly.

I will admit I do miss those brainstorming sessions now a long time ago in mum’s kitchen that could well translate as some bizarre form of training ground that had so much in common with TV’s ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ that gave rise to the thought of just how did, or do, the supposedly intelligent lot get on with their antics or more to the point how do they assess they are indeed brighter than the average paraffin lamp?.

Mum was at a local community fair event with a friend and was looking at the assorted cage birds as in budgerigars etc as she overheard one ‘hooper class’ lady say ‘Isn’t height (it) amazing they nev-var (never) get any bhiggar (bigger) in shiz (size)’ to which mum suggested they would not get any ‘bhiggar’ as they were walking around on a sheet of sandpaper in the bottom of their cage and obviously wearing their little feet away in the process and so would always be small and why eagles are bigger because they don’t walk around on sandpaper.

It would have been a dream meeting – my mum and Sir David Attenborough – although it’s possible a gorilla did venture into her kitchen but she never kept any bananas in the fruit bowl.