A 25-year-man needed surgery for an arm injury after glass in a door was smashed at the Anglia Motel in Fleet.

It happened during the early hours of Sunday morning but police investigating the incident were satisfied that it wasn’t an assault.

Police are looking for the owner of a ride-on mower that was taken from a site in Spalding.

The red Countax C400H mower was recovered from an address in the town on December 13 but after repeated efforts, police are yet to trace its owner.

Detective Sergeant Sean Spencer of Cambridgeshire Police said: “I would urge anyone who owns such a mower to check that it hasn’t been stolen.

People should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.

The search for the last ever Spalding Flower Queen has begun, with a teenager from Weston the first hopeful to be featured in this week’s Lincolnshire Free Press.

Lucy Poole (18), of High Road, especially wants to be a flower queen because this year will be the last chance anyone gets to ride in the stunning parade of floral floats that attracts people from all over the country.

The historic parade takes place on Saturday, May 4. Lucy said: “I didn’t make it to the final last year but was chosen to be a butterfly. I’d love to be flower queen. Who wouldn’t want to wear a pretty dress?”

Read why Lucy thinks she’d make the perfect flower queen and how to be in the line-up in tomorrow’s Lincolnshire Free Press, where you’ll find the entry coupon.

Preliminary interviews will be at Tulip Radio on Thursday, March 7, and five finalists will be invited to a reception at Ayscoughfee Hall on March 15, where the winner will be crowned. Closing date for entries is Thursday, February 28.

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian are also looking for the perfect pair to be the flower parade’s Prince and Princess.

This is the 16th year we have run this competition to find two youngsters - and one boy and one girl will pay key roles in this year’s flower parade on Saturday, May 4.

Full details and the entry coupon are also in tomorrow’s Lincolnshire Free Press. The closing date for entries is noon on Thursday, February 14.

Anyone interested in the affairs of the Royal Navy or in World War One in general is invited to attend The Western Front Association’s meeting on Thursday (24).

It’s at St Paul’s Parish Church Hall at Fulney (7.30) and branch chairman John Chester is giving a talk about the first Falklands war that took place nearly 100 years ago.

Spalding magistrates banned a Thurlby woman from driving for six months.

Lesley Inman (44), of Lawrance Way, drove in Meadowgate Lane, Bourne, without insurance on August 29 last year.

The court heard on Thursday that Inman already had six points on her licence and the insurance offence took her to 12, triggering the ban.

She was also fined £600 and must pay £85 costs with a £13 victim surcharge.

South Holland’s elderly residents are facing a mountain of confusion over what care is available to them and at what cost.

Day centres are becoming more of a lifeline for those who can afford them as subsidies are lost in local government spending cuts.

For those lucky enough to be fit and healthy, staying in their own home means keeping independent and having a nest egg to leave to their children.

But there are others for whom staying at home means hours staring out of the window alone waiting for a frozen meal or to be put to bed.

As more care homes close, an army of unpaid carers are looking after partners with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease 24/7 and collapsing under the strain.

There was a time when the elderly in our society were well-respected – when senior citizens were thought of as wise and insightful and to be treasured.

Retirement was an opportunity to enjoy everything they had worked hard for, especially for those who had served their country well during the wars.

And when the time came for them to need special care, there was funding available to provide it in council-run homes.

A Lincolnshire Free Press investigation looks at the plight of the district’s elderly but also focuses on help and support that is available.

Loraine Wigston, manager at Holbeach Hospital care home said: “The Government may think it is doing a fine job keeping the elderly in their own homes trying to promote independence, but they also have a right to have fulfilment and people to chat to at all times and still have their independence.

“Homes are closing as well as day care centres, so what is left for our elderly generation? Certainly not to sit looking at four walls day in day out.”

For the full story, see Tuesday’s Lincolnshire Free Press,

The new vicar of Holbeach is inviting everyone in the community to come to her induction service at All Saints Church next Monday.

The Rev Rosamund Seal said: “It’s an open service and anyone who’d like to come along is very welcome.”

Bishop Christopher of Lincoln is making his first visit to the town to conduct the service and Archdeacon Tim Barker will be in attendance.

Mrs Seal and her family will continue to live at Moulton Vicarage in her previous parish awaiting the completion of the new vicarage at Holbeach in September, so she’ll continue to commute the few miles to her new job.

Her first Sunday service will be on February 3 and as it’s on Candlemas which celebrates the boy Jesus’ recognition by the elders in the Temple, she’s asking children to bring their grandparents and older relatives and friends along, and vice versa.

She said: “It’s about the important relationship between older people and children.”

Holbeach Business Forum chairman David Hudson says that investing in making his rented shop look smart and welcoming is a road to commercial success that other Holbeach businesses can follow, and profit from.

David and his wife Debra opened Toto Shoes 18 months ago on a prominent site that greets visitors at 2 High Street.

David said: “Debra and I have lived in Holbeach when it was a thriving commercial centre and we’re convinced it can be so again.

“ I have a job and she has a hairdressing business but we decided to rent ourshop from the parish council and do it up as a catalyst for bringing back the good times to Holbeach.

“We’ve shown that you can open a nice-looking shop with decent quality products and survive here.

“In the business forum we can’t make landlords smarten up run-down high street buildings but we can show that it pays to do so.

“There are lots of great shops and other businesses in Holbeach that look after their premises and a few that don’t.

“In the Business Forum our first step has been to ask the district council to waive market stall rents to encourage new businesses to get off the ground in Holbeach.”

A meeting in Weston Hills tonight to discuss rural community policing issues is going ahead despite the absence of Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick.

He was due to attend the meeting organised by Spalding East Rural Community Panel at Weston Hills Village Hall but heavy snow in the county has forced Mr Hardwick to cancel his plans.

The meeting at 7pm will be attended by Inspector Jim Tyner, community policing inspector for Spalding, and for more details, call Anthony Casson on 01775 723965.

Eight hundred fewer victims of crime are walking the streets of South Holland.

This encouraging figure was revealed by new Community Policing inspector Jim Tyner (pictured), as he addressed Spalding Town Forum on Thursday.

On day three of officially taking up his new post, Insp Tyner said he welcomed the chance to reflect on issues concerning the public and share his priorities for 2013.

Once likened to a stick of rock with Spalding stamped through it by one of his officers, he said: “I’ve policed the area for 20 years and I am passionate about it.

“So being able to share my priorities with the forum and residents is important to me. After all, we all want the same thing.”

Insp Tyner said statistics for the current financial year showed a 20 per cent reduction in crime across South Holland, compared with the same period last year.

He said: “I like to think of it as 800 fewer victims. Theft of vehicle shows a 27.4 per cent reduction, 31 less crimes; theft from vehicles shows a 31.9 per cent reduction – 107 fewer victims.

“We have had 54 less dwelling burglaries (12.6 per cent reduction) and a 31.5 per cent reduction in criminal damage (223 less victims).

“However, while we have had a great reduction in the number of crimes being committed, my focus will now be on improving our detections.”

Among main concerns highlighted by Insp Tyner was anti-social behaviour. He said: “Street drinking in Spalding town centre remains an area of concern for many people. Operation Trunk is still running and I have an officer committed to town centre street patrols.

“Although calls from the public about street drinking have significantly reduced, we are still targeting this.”

A breakdown was given as follows:

* In September, there were seven calls and 14 people were dealt with by officers on patrol.

* In October there were six calls and 42 people were dealt with by officers.

* In November this dropped to two calls and 17 people dealt with by officers on patrol.

* In December calls remained at two with nine people dealt with by officers.

Explaining a rise of street drinkers in October, Insp Tyner said it was as a result of officers giving up all leave from June to August during the Olympics and holidays being taken at this time.

He said: “There were fewer officers on the streets as a deterrent and the figure reflects response to calls.”

A reduction in violent crime was also encouraging.

Insp Tyner said: “Traditionally, violent crime has been linked to night time.

“Effective licensing checks and working closely with the district council’s licensing team and SIA accredited door-staff means that from December 12 to January 9 there were only nine recorded violent crimes linked to night time.”

Other priorities were visibility, working with volunteers, CCTV and the introduction of street pastors – and there was a firm promise: “My local personal priorities for South Holland are for my officers too.”

Tigers A saw their Holbeach and District League Division One title hopes suffer an untimely knock as they were stunned by Sutton Bridge RBL.

Just a week after seeing off chief rivals New Saracen’s Head C, Tigers were left licking their wounds thanks to last-leg 
heroics from Paul Quested.

In a match that saw Jonny Walker and J Denton throw 180s, Tigers led 11-10 ahead of the final showdown between Quested and A Dunham.

The Sutton Bridge ace duly delivered a 2-0 success – and a cracking scalp for his side.

Down in Division Three, there was better news for leaders Tigers C. With Lee Ransom making a 130 checkout in an 18-dart leg, they defeated New Inn 13-8 to stay two points clear.

New Saracen’s Head A remain hot on their heels in second. Ken Beeton nailed a 140 in their 15-4 success over friendly foes New Saracen’s Head B.

• It was a case of 180s galore in the Aaron Moyses Spalding Town League last week.

Mark Dixon set the tone for Drayman’s Arms A’s 6-1 home win over Royal Mail Cart with an early maximum. Only a doubles victory from Mick Wakefield and John Kidrowicz denied them a whitewash.

Alf Brewin also notched a 180 for Drayman’s Arms B, but his side were defeated 6-2 by fellow club team Drayman’s C.

Another to pepper the treble 20 was Ash Knott of Pied Calf. His maximum actually came in a 2-1 loss to Brennans Bar’s P Barnett, but Pied Calf recovered to win 5-2 overall.

Towards the top of the table, Fenway B were handed a surprise 4-3 reverse at Lincoln Arms A. That victory was inspired by a stunning 145 finish from Lincoln’s Kevin Carter.

• Fenway A moved joint top of Division One in the Spalding and District Ladies’ League with a 12-8 victory over Ship.

It went right down to the wire, but a 2-1 doubles triumph from Trish Cunningham and Maddy Oldfield sealed the success.

Blue Bell were also on winning form in the top flight, as they dispatched Holbeach USC 11-7 on their own oche. D Depear was their star turn with a 3-0 individual victory.

Meanwhile, Doreen Hewitt fired a 140 in the 9-9 draw between Lincoln Arms and Riverside.

Holbeach B raced eight points clear at the top of the Spalding and District Billiards League with a 5-2 success at Consti D.

Wins from Ashley Bunn (R90) and Nigel Ward (R100) got the job done, with Bunn managing a 23 break. That was matched twice by Stewart Davies (R20), who was Consti’s sole frame winner.

Best break of the week went to Consti B ace Mick Johnson (O160), who pocketed a cracking 70 against Pyramid B. But the Bourne side ran out 5-2 winners, thanks to wins from Maurice Phillipson (R80) and Martin O’Connor (R10).

Also on fine form was Crowland B’s Rob Childs (O190) in a 5-2 victory over Crowland A. He made 64, 57, 43, 38 and an unfinished 58 en route to a frame win.

Elsewhere, Consti A won 4-3 at Pyramid A despite two 23 breaks from John Twell (R60).

• Results: Consti B 2 Pyramid B 5 (497-562); Pyramid A 3 Consti A 4 (557-531); Consti D 2 Holbeach B 5 (520-567); Crowland B 5 Crowland A 2 (585-481); Consti C 3 Pyramid A 4 (520-486).

• Correction: 19/11 – Consti C 0 Crowland A 7.

Dark Knights suffered their first Spalding and District Table Tennis League (sponsored by Vital Recruitment) Division Two loss of the season on an otherwise quiet week of action.

On the tables, a combination of postponement and playing matches early meant just two games, both from Division Two, went ahead.

This division is splitting into two, with three teams fighting for honours and two battling to stay out of the basement.

Dark Knights saw their unbeaten record shattered by Castle Sports. Although three games finished in regulation, the singles were so close that the points tally showed just one different – in favour of the losers.

Deciding factor was the doubles, which Castle took in five ends for a 3-2 victory.

Richard Matthews scored a double for the losers, while Mike Mulligan and Nicola Wilkinson scored one each for Castle.

Nomads and Ha’st finished on the same score, the latter also taking the deciding doubles.

Once again it was one player, Jonathan Black of Nomads, who scored a double, but Stewart Duffill and Hannah Gilbert’s point each, along with the doubles saw them edge home.

Dark Knights move to top, but just two points separate the top three, while Ha’st leapfrog their opponents on the strength of having won their match.

• Despite seeing just the two matches played, the Spalding and District Table Tennis League still attracted just over 20 members and friends last week.

This included some new visitors who played each other and spent some time with one of the members discussing play and practising with the robot.

They are more than welcome to return and others are invited to follow suit – they will all be made most welcome.

Tomorrow night sees the start of the Guardian Cup, so there are free tables for those not involved at this stage.

All matches take place in the Castle Sports Complex’s indoor hall.

For more information on the league, visit www.spaldingtabletennisleague.co.uk

Nene Valley Harriers are toasting two team titles in the North Midlands League after the under-15 boys and senior women finished in style.

The final round of the league was at RAF Cranwell – although a clash with the Lincolnshire Schools meet just down the road at Caythorpe saw the Harriers’ junior section hit very hard.

The under-15 boys had a 35-point cushion before the start and went about securing the win in fine style. Damian Rutterford led the team with a strong sixth, while Dan Corrigan (8th) and Ollie Bowling (10th) placed well too.

Jack Steward also had his best run of the series in 18th, which was enough for the boys to take the league title. Bowling finished second overall, ahead of Rutterford in third.

The senior ladies started in a strong position too. Cat Foley sprinted to a fine second place, with Ruth Jones not far behind in fifth and Nicky Morgan placing 18th – giving the ladies an unbeatable score.

To add to the overall team title, Foley finished as second individual.

Elsewhere, the under-13 boys finished third. They made a great attempt to catch leaders Charnwood, with Zak Stevens (6th), Ollie Oakley (10th) and Charlie Bamford (13th) all scoring superbly.

The under-15 girls also finished third overall. They were led in by Elisha Reid (13th) in her first run since illness. Hannah Randall wasn’t far behind in 14th, with Leigh Ann Rose 15th, Annie Grey 17th and Alison Church 20th.

In the senior men’s race, Josh Lunn had an excellent performance to finish seventh, while Michael Moore again produced with a 24th.

Sean Beard was 39th, while under-20 Ross Huskisson had his best run in 63rd. Rob Payne (64th), Callum Reid (71st) and Tim Hunt (118th) also placed well.

In the under-11s, Matt Church (18th) and Tom Friend (29th) did well in the boys’ race, while Hannah Ray was the 29th girl home.

He’s been entertaining shoppers in Spalding for five years with his unique brand of guitar playing and singing.

But now Sheep Market busker “Dave the Furry Man” can claim his place alongside music legends such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles after being presented with a framed gold disc for his services to street music outside The Pied Calf pub.

The popular guitarist was moved to tears by the gesture from a group called Rockin’ Around Spalding and the disc was inscribed with the message “Milestones in Music –Dave The Furry Man.”

He said: “They thought I should have a gold disc because I’m out there in all weathers playing my guitar.

“I was presented with it on the street just before Christmas and tears came to my eyes because I never thought I’d get one.”

The Furry Man, originally from London, made his debut playing on the streets of Peterborough in 2005 after being diagnosed with cancer and motivated to raise money for the hospital where he was treated.

He moved to Spalding about three years later and has been playing music in the town centre ever since.

“More than 3,400 people have seen me on Youtube since I was put on it last month,” Dave said.

“So I’m very proud of my gold disc which I’ve put under lock and key for safety.”

Spalding United manager Pat Rayment has committed his short-term future to the club after a weekend of intense speculation.

It was rumoured that the Tulips chief offered his resignation to the club on Friday night – a suggestion that was played down by Rayment the following day.

Appointed almost exactly a year ago, the former Peterborough United defender insists he’ll guide the club through a potentially massive three months as they go in search of four trophies. But the former Deeping Rangers boss stopped short of discussing anything beyond the conclusion of the current campaign.

“I’m committed until the end of the season,” confirmed Rayment. “When I came here I said there was a two-year plan and I stand by that.

“It’s a really important few months for the football club. It’ll be a mixed bag, we could end up getting promoted, going to Wembley and winning a few cups...or we could get nothing.”

Rayment’s stance will come as a major boost to Spalding’s followers, with the Tulips 
enjoying their best season since winning the UCL Premier Division title under Dick Creasey back in 2004.

They’ve won 14 of their last 17 games, losing just once – 2-1 at leaders Holbeach United on Boxing Day – since October 9.

But Rayment is unsure when his side will actually get back on the field, with the big freeze well and truly setting in.

With the Tulips still having 17 league games, the UCL League Cup, Lincs FA Senior Trophy and also the FA Vase to contest, a fixture pile-up is now inevitable.

Saturday’s Vase tie at Ely City was called off because of the snow (see page 71) – and the Tulips chief reckons they’ll be waiting a while for their next game to be staged.

Rayment added: “There’s no way the FA Vase or any game will be on this week and I just can’t see any football being played by at least February 2.”

If they can see off Ely, Spaling will host Rye United or Guernsey in the Vase’s last 16.

• Spalding’s FA Vase fourth round tie at Ely has been rescheduled for this Saturday. Should it be called off again, it will be played the following Saturday. Vase fixtures take precedence over all other games.

GREAT FOR THE FAMILY

Peppa Pig is due to visit an event being put on by the Jubilee Pre-school at Gedney Hill on Saturday (10am to 2pm). It’s a table top sale at Memorial Hall and the entrance fee is 20p, with money raised going to the pre-school’s funds.

LIVELY NIGHT OUT

Celebrate Burns Night at St Mary’s Church Hall in Pinchbeck tomorrow (8.15pm) with a no frills ceilidh with haggis and even a few kilts. Tickets are £8 by contacting 01775 722873 or 01775 766170.

QUIET NIGHT IN

We all wish we could come up with tasty, nutritious meals that don’t take long to cook – and now we can. Be inspired by Jamie’s 15-Minute Meals recipe book that includes flavours from all over the world. Available from as little as £12.

UPDATE TUESDAY 9.30am: Students at Thomas Cowley High School are facing their second day away from the classroom after lessons were cancelled again today.

A message on the school’s website said lessons were cancelled because of “dangerous site conditions” affecting about 650 students.

Year 10 geography exams went ahead yesterday but there is no indication yet of whether the school will be open tomorrow.

MONDAY 9.15am: Heavy overnight snow has caused severe disruption to roads and schools in South Holland and The Deepings today.

Thomas Cowley High School in Donington and Willoughby School in Bourne are both closed today, although senior staff at the High School are advising students sitting their geography exam today to come in for 1.15pm.

There were widespread tailbacks on roads coming into Spalding, Bourne and Market Deeping, including the A15, A16 and A17.

Conditions were particularly hazardous on the A15 North Street between the A151 Abbey Road junction in Bourne and the A1175 in Market Deeping because of ice and snow.

For more information on school closures, log onto www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/SchoolClosures

Whether your hobby is new motorbikes or restoring old bikes, a show at Springfields Events Centre in Spalding this weekend will be of interest.

The annual Springfields Bike Show returns on Saturday and Sunday (10am to 5pm).

It’s the first motorcycle exhibition of the year and thousands of visitors turn up to enjoy the incredible show bikes, buy new equipment, meet the clubs (Lincolnshire Triumph Club has a display) and check out celebrity guests.

This year, Jerry Thurston from the television show Salvage Squad is due to restore a 1926 Norton 18/19 Brooklands at the show. He is also due to work on the rebuild of several engines and demonstrate alloy polishing.

Admission is £7 for adults, £3 for children under 16 – parking is free. To register for discounted entry, email jason@i-e-m.org.uk

The Society for Lincolnshire History & Archaeology South Holland Group is meeting at St John’s Church lounge in Spalding tomorrow (7.30pm).

There is a talk by Brenda Harper entitled 2000BC to 2000AD. Everyone is welcome, although a donation is requested from non-members.