Quantcast
Channel: Spalding Guardian MSGP.syndication.feed
Viewing all 29942 articles
Browse latest View live

AWB abolition causes split

$
0
0

Opinion appears to be split over the merits of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.

MPs who voted in favour of abolition – without debate – have been accused of being underhand by Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

The wages board has set minimum wage levels for farmworkers in England and Wales for more than 60 years. Mr Irranca-Davies says abolishing it could cost low-paid rural workers and the wider rural economy up to £260m.

However, the NFU says its abolition will bring agriculture alongside other 21st century industries.


Man charged with Whaplode burglary

$
0
0

A 20-year-old man from Whaplode is due to appear in court charged with a burglary in the village earlier this week.

Matthew Rhodes, of Stockwell Gate, is to appear before Spalding magistrates on May 16 in connection with a burglary at a house in Mill Lane.

It took place some time overnight between Monday April 22 and Tuesday April 23.

NFU competition to fight Lincolnshire’s rural crime

$
0
0

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched its Country Crime Fighters Awards 2013 to support anti-crime initiatives in rural Lincolnshire.

The insurer is offering cash prizes of £1,000 in the competition which helps to recognise and celebrate unsung rural heroes who have prevented crime in their communities.

Nominations can be submitted online by May 31 at www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters.

Lincolnshire farmers take action on Bovine TB

$
0
0

THE NFU has reiterated the importance of knowing an animal’s provenance as Lincolnshire farmers take action to prevent the spread of Bovine TB.

The disease has been found in neighbouring counties Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Fox made drinker crash in ditch

$
0
0

A woman more than three times the drink-drive limit crashed into a ditch when she swerved to miss a fox.

Emergency services were called to the A151 at Dozens Bank, West Pinchbeck, shortly after 10pm on January 12.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, told Spalding magistrates that Denise Clark was freed from her car by ambulance paramedics and a blood sample at hospital showed 268 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood – more than three times the limit of 80mgs.

In a statement to police, Clark admitted drinking that evening and said she had an argument with her partner, resulting in them splitting up.

Clark then went to a Spalding pub run by her father, had more to drink, and then went off to find her ex-partner.

As she drove towards Bourne, a fox appeared in the road and caused her to swerve and go into a ditch.

Clark (38), of Arnhem Way, Bourne, was given a community order with nine months supervision by probation and a requirement to have six months’ alcohol treatment.

She was banned from driving for 24 months, but can cut six months off that if she completes a rehabilitation course.

Clark received no separate penalties for driving without insurance and without a valid licence.

Magistrates ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Clark pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Solicitor Anita Toal, mitigating, said: “Unfortunately, due to an argument, this defendant took the foolish decision to get behind the wheel of a car when she had drunk too much.”

Following the argument, she went into the pub which her partner’s parents own and then decided to go home.

“She appreciates the aggravating situation of the high reading and obviously she is utterly ashamed of herself today,” Mrs Toal said. “She tends to drink and tends to binge drink when she has a problem and that is what happened on this day.”

Clark had voluntarily referred herself to Addaction to get help with her drinking.

Mrs Toal said Clark had insurance, but it was not valid because her driving licence had been revoked at the time of the offence.

It’s all out war in the name of free family fun

$
0
0

War will break out this week at the St George’s Weekend in Long Sutton, but it’s all in the name of family fun as the town holds its fourth extravaganza to celebrate England’s patron saint.

English Civil War reenactment group The Trayned Bands will take part in the town’s biggest parade so far as well as recreate life lived by soldiers in The New Model Army when they set up camp at Cinder Ash Field.

St George’s Weekend is organised by EELS (Events and Entertainment in Long Sutton) and they have splashed out £5,000 so everyone in the town can enjoy a free party.

EELS secretary Bobbie Ashton said: “There are families here that have three or four children and we wanted to give them an event with no entry fee.

“If they don’t wish to, they don’t have to spend any money – they can bring their picnics along.”

The parade starts from the fire station at 10am on Saturday, winding its way to the field where there will be two days of entertainment.

Brand new in the parade this year is a 24ft long, 14ft high dragon – and it will breathe smoke.

There will be 1960s scooters, classic motor bikes, Army Cadets, Town Crier Charles Moore, a float from Long Sutton in Bloom, and more.

The parade is expected to arrive in the field between 11am-12pm, when Channel 4’s Time Team star Francis Pryor will officially open the event.

At 12.30pm there will be an X-Factor style competition for young singers.

Other weekend attractions include a live theatre with The Wizard of Oz, DJ Matt “RV” Harvey, a children’s funfair, Holbeach Brass Band and displays of classic and vintage vehicles.

Driver had ten ‘free’ fill-ups at the Co-op

$
0
0

A driver had ten “free” fill-ups at Co-op petrol stations when he took advantage of their system of allowing customers to pay within seven days.

Gregory Bailey visited Lincolnshire Co-operative’s filling stations in Spalding, Long Sutton and Whaplode over 15 months and didn’t pay a penny for a fuel bill totalling £455.04.

Individual amounts over the period from September 2011 to December 2012 ranged from £20 to £75, Spalding magistrates heard on Thursday.

Prosecutor Jim Clare said Bailey had presented a payment card, but it was rejected because he had insufficient funds.

Each time he was given an “inability to pay” form by a member of staff, in which he signed an agreement to pay-up within seven days.

Mr Clare said: “On each occasion he fails to pay.”

Bailey (27), of South Drove, Spalding, was given an eight-month community order and ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay £455.04 compensation to the Co-op.

Bailey pleaded guilty to ten counts of dishonestly making off without payment at the garages.

Magistrates made no order for costs and waived the usual victim surcharge because of his limited financial means.

Solicitor Beris Brickles, mitigating, said Bailey is an out of work stone mason, who specialises in laying marble floors.

In the early days of the offending, he was expecting employment but it failed to materialise.

Usually when people fail to pay at filling stations, they draw fuel and then drive straight off the forecourt.

But Bailey went into the garage office each time and completed a “contract” to pay within seven days.

He also had his photograph taken.

Mr Brickles said: “On each occasion he wasn’t attempting to hide himself.

“He has abused the system and surprisingly the Co-op has allowed him to abuse the system.

“I think he was surprised that they gave him as much time as they did.

“When the police did come knocking on his door, he was cooperative and made full and frank admissions.”

Mr Brickles said the offences are not continuing because Bailey was disqualified from driving for motoring offences and very sensibly got rid of his car.

He said Bailey owes the court £900 in motoring fines.

CRICKET: Ambrose urges Town to stay positive ahead of Sleaford trip

$
0
0

Spalding Town’s first team skipper Rob Ambrose isn’t too downbeat after Saturday’s derby defeat to Market Deeping.

Hosts Town were skittled out for just 84 in their Lincs ECB Premier Division opener, as Deeping picked up a five-wicket success.

Next up for promoted Spalding is a trip to Sleaford on Saturday (12.30pm) – and Ambrose is urging his side to stay positive.

“To be honest, the toss is key at this stage of the season,” said the captain. “We lost it and struggled on a wet wicket.

“But I must give credit to the lads, we could easily have crumbled. Instead, we took five wickets and got ourselves some points.

“We move onto Sleaford now. The pitch will be a bit better I’m sure, but again the toss will be key.

“We have to accept that we’ll lose more games this year – there are no easy games at this level.

“But that’s why we wanted to get promoted. It’s important that we stay positive.”


POOL: Marvellous Mark enjoying hot streak

$
0
0

Spalding and District Snooker League ace Mark Gray has enjoyed a sizzling spell on the pool scene in recent weeks.

The Baston ace, who made a record 141 break in last season’s snooker campaign, won the ‘Hertfordshire Tour Event 2’ at Waltham Cross over the weekend.

Up against 95 other players at the Rat Pack Hall event, Gray’s expectations weren’t too high – as it was only the second time he’d ever played in a traditional ‘English pool’ competition.

He made confident progress to the last eight, beating Dave Belcher ( Essex ) 5-3, Karl Sutton ( Birmingham) 5-4 and England under-21 international Scott Anderson (Stamford) 5-1.

Next up was a clash with close friend Jason Bates from Morton. ‘Granite’ was on the brink of going out at 0-3, 1-4 and 3-5 down, but went on to win 6-5. He then saw off Frankie Costello ( London) in the semis, before a stunning 7-1 success over 2010 world champion Phil Harrison in the final.

Gray trousered a cool £500 for his efforts – and made it three super showings in as many recent outings.

He also won T9B (Total 9 ball) UK Championships in Cambridge three weeks ago, before placing third in the second GB9 event of the season at Telford last week. This ensures that Gray remains the UK’s top ranked player.

EQUESTRIANISM: High School girls earn place in national finals

$
0
0

Spalding High School’s equestrian team enjoyed extraordinary success at a recent national championships qualifying event in Essex.

The talented girls achieved team and individual success in each of the four ‘Jump with Style’ classes, entered against very strong competition at the Norton Heath competition.

Overall, the Spalding squad achieved two first places, one second and a third – with four riders also achieving individual honours.

The 70/75cm team of Olivia Gresswell, Nina Halgarth, Helen Peach and Amy Whittington achieved three clear rounds and were placed third in the class, just missing out on qualification for the national finals.

Helen Peach was also placed third individually.

Also on-song was the 80/85cm team of Lucy Daly, Alice Gresswell, Halgarth and Holly Hetherington, who rode four clear rounds to secure second place in the class.

That was good enough to clinch qualification to the national championships.

Hetherington and the team achieved two first places, one second and a third – with four other riders also achieving individual honours.

Olivia Gresswell also rode individually in the class, riding two clear rounds, while Lucy Daly was placed second individually and qualified for the national championships, closely followed by Hetherington in third.

Spalding also entered two teams in the 90/95cm class, with the first team of Christina Faulkner, Hetherington, Yasmin Peach and Zoe Smith riding three clear rounds and winning the class.

The team qualified for the national championships and Hetherington achieved third place individually, with Smith six.

The second team of Daly, Alice Gresswell, Hetherington and Smith gained some valuable experience but did not manage to place.

Meanwhile, the 1m/1.05m team of Faulkner, Peach and Smith rode three superb rounds and were the only team to go clear in the class.

Consequently, they won the class and qualified for the national championships – with Smith also competing individually and winning the class.

Not done there, she achieved fourth place individually on her other ride.

TIGERS: Holbeach chief nonplussed by Saints loss

$
0
0

It was a case of ‘after the Lord Mayor’s Show’ for UCL Premier Division champions Holbeach United as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat at St Ives Town on Tuesday night.

Dom Lawless (25) and Karl Gibbs (74) netted for the second-placed Saints, ending the Tigers’ chances of reaching 100 points for the season.

It’s only the fourth league loss for John Chand’s side this season – but the title-winning Holbeach boss admits that he won’t lose any sleep over it.

Chand said: “Having won the title on Saturday without playing, this was the first time the lads had been together since then.

“Everyone was on a high and there was no pressure for the first time in a while.

“I don’t care who you are, it’s hard to get motivated in those circumstances. It was a good game, but for us there was nothing to play for.”

The Tigers will lift the league title after their season finale at Irchester United on Saturday (3pm).

A bus for fans is leaving Carter’s Park at 12.30pm. Anybody interested in reserving a place should call 01406 424761 at the earliest opportunity.

Tigers: Overton, Flack, Jackson, Smith, Brown, Turner (Napier 60), Allen, Hughes, Griffiths, Ogbonna (Jagroop 50), Treacher (A Stevens 50).

Mum and six-year-old son murdered in their home

$
0
0

A family have been left “shocked” by the tragic murder of a mum from Sutterton and her six-year-old son at their Lancashire home.

Lisa Clay (41) and her six-year-old boy Joseph Chadwick, pictured together on the right, were found dead at their bungalow in Bolton-le-Sands near Preston on April 9.

Lisa grew up in Sutterton and worked at Jessops china shop in Dolphin Lane in Boston before leaving the area about eight years ago.

Her parents – Marlene and Joseph – also lived in Sutterton, Marlene moving to Kirton when Joe died about 20 years ago.

A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: “The family are absolutely devastated.

“It was absolutely terrible news – we are still in shock about it all. The police have been very supportive and sent two ladies from Lancashire to come to talk to us.”

Lisa first moved to Morecambe before heading to a bungalow in Bolton-le-Sands a few weeks ago.

Paul Chadwick (34) was arrested and has since been charged with the murder of Lisa and Joseph.

Chadwick, of Lowlands Road, Bolton-le-Sands, is said to have been Lisa’s partner and Joseph’s father.

Chadwick appeared before Preston Crown Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

The case was adjourned for what is expected to be a three-day trial, listed for October 14.

He was remanded in custody.

A Home Office post mortem examination carried out on Lisa and Joseph revealed that they both died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Police had said they were confronted with a “distressing scene” as they entered the property following a call from a concerned member of the family.

Lisa’s family said that a number of people in the Sutterton area may remember her, and are keen to try to inform as many friends and former colleagues as possible.

Voyeur could face jail sentence

$
0
0

A man who turned voyeur to spy on his female housemate while he was living in Surrey must wait to hear his fate.

This week magistrates at Croydon heard that Jason Shotton (23), of Hall Hill Road, Holbeach, recorded images of the woman.

Shotton, who pleaded guilty to voyeurism in September 2011 for the purpose of sexual gratification, was told he could be committed for sentence to a crown court and could be jailed.

Shotton’s voyeurism came to light when a friend of the victim went through his belongings and found the images. The victim was distressed by the discovery, although Shotton had not circulated the images.

District Judge Sue Green, who bailed Shotton to return to court on May 14, told him: “It is too serious to deal with without the assistance of probation. All options are open, including committal to the crown court for sentence, and no promises are being made.”

Good support for homes

$
0
0

A group set up to bring 14 new “community homes” to Pinchbeck says suggestions made by residents at an open meeting will be considered as it progresses its plans.

More than 80 people found out more about Pinchbeck Community Land Trust’s plans for the new homes at an event last week.

Those who attended were able to share their views 
and ask questions of the developers and architects, as well as representatives of Lincs Rural Housing Association, which will manage the house letting.

The new homes, which would be available to rent for the people of Pinchbeck at an affordable rate, could be built on the “Flaxmill Field”, with access off Flaxmill Lane.

Steve Colby, chairman of Pinchbeck CLT, said: “We were delighted with the response and I am happy to say there was general support for the development.

“We recorded lots of useful suggestions from visitors who came to see the plans and ask questions.”

More than three quarters of those who attended also signed up as shareholders in the CLT, which allows them to vote at general meetings.

All income received by the CLT will be used for projects in the community.

Wonderful facilities on offer at The Umbrella

$
0
0

Local charity SPOTS has taken over the management of Spalding’s Youth Centre and given it a new lease of life by renaming it ‘The Umbrella’.

The activities that have run at the centre will continue to do so but there is now the opportunity for other local organisations to take advantage of the wonderful facilities on offer.

The Umbrella boasts three spaces – the main large sports hall/function hall, upstairs coffee lounge and music suite – all are now available for hire at very reasonable rates to groups, clubs and other organisations as well as for private parties.

By popular demand Spalding Youth Club, that’s been run by SPOTS for three months and now has more than 60 regular attenders, is getting an extra night to encourage more young people to access its facilities.

Darren Maddison, who helped set up SPOTS in 2006 said: “SPOTS stands for Supportive Parents of Tomorrow’s Stars. It was formed to enable local youngsters to access performing arts.

“SPOTS has helped young people to participate in activities that will give them core life skills, build confidence and have fun.

“The charity also offers respite for parents and carers, and now it’s running The Umbrella and seeking to open it up to serve the whole South Holland community”.

Regular users of The Umbrella will include Polka Dot Academy and Limelight Youth Theatre, who run dance and drama classes for children of all ages, Spalding Youth Club, The Childminders’ group, Tumble Tots and The Holiday Club.

Youth club members have been consulted on how they’d like it to develop and SPOTS are following their wishes by holding a second weekly club night on Fridays.

For information about hiring any of the spaces, booking onto any of the activities or getting involved in SPOTS call The Umbrella on 01775 712359.

l The Umbrella, Westlode Street, Spalding. 
Telephone 01775 712359.


Chamber Talk by Spalding and District Chamber of Commerce vice president David Norton

$
0
0

Flower Parade 2013

The last parade will take place on Saturday, May 4 and I urge everyone to come and line the route to support all those taking part and to get what will be the last photographs of the unique float structures that have helped make the Spalding Flower Parade such a worldwide success since it started in the 1950s.

Unfortunately, for the first time in its history, it looks as though there may be no tulip heads available to decorate the floats. As I am sure you are all aware, the late cold weather has meant that spring has been delayed and even daffodils are only just coming into full bloom.

However, the parade theme this year is Let’s Celebrate and all the floats will be ready to join the parade, even though they may be decorated in different ways, which will certainly make them even more worth seeing.

All those involved in planning this last parade and all the children and other participants want you to be there to cheer them on their way.

People’s Parade 2014

When it became obvious there would be no money available to support future flower parades from the district or county councils, the Chamber organised a meeting of current and prospective stakeholders with John Hayes, MP chairing it.

Chamber members were concerned that South Holland was losing the one great opportunity it has to showcase and celebrate the best of our area, with nothing planned to take its place.

It has now been agreed we should hold an open meeting at the South Holland Centre on Saturday, May 18 at 11am to share ideas about possible events to replace the flower parade.

Currently there is a proposal that we should organise a People’s Parade on a Sunday in July, with organisations and clubs creating their own floats – these could be as modest as a decorated wheel-barrow or a trailer with entertainers.

The event would give participants the chance to promote their organisation or club.

During the following week there could be various events organised such as jazz and folk evenings to fruit and veg mosaic and sculpture displays. The following weekend would be a food festival to showcase local products and producers. This could therefore become a week long South Holland Food, Flower and Arts Festival.

It is hoped that local organisations, clubs and churches will send representatives to the meeting and free tickets are available from the box office. Please get a ticket as the theatre has a maximum capacity. We are grateful to Coun Angela Newton for funding the cost of the theatre for this meeting which John Hayes will chair.

Bunting again!

Spalding town centre will be brightened again throughout the summer by festive bunting.

The bunting will go up in time for the flower parade and will stay up until mid-September. Hopefully this will make the town look bright and welcoming throughout the summer for both residents and visitors.

Opinion split over AWB

$
0
0

Opinion appears to be split over the merits of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.

MPs who voted in favour of abolition – without debate – have been accused of being underhand by Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

The wages board has set minimum wage levels for farmworkers in England and Wales for more than 60 years. Mr Irranca-Davies says abolishing it could cost low-paid rural workers and the wider rural economy up to £260m.

However, the NFU says its abolition will bring agriculture alongside other 21st century industries.

The six talented musicians

$
0
0

Six talented south Lincolnshire musicians

Jo has also played around the world and co-authored three early music/drama/history school project books. She was responsible for music at Linchfield Primary School for over 20 years. Janet learned the recorder at junior school and discovered the delights of other early instruments while playing with a group in Norwich. John has conducted choirs and orchestras and been musical director for many G & S operas. He has arranged for chamber groups and been a music examiner for over 20 years. Both Victoria and Ann worked as woodwind teachers.

The concert is part of The Priory Church Art & Flower Festival, which takes place on Saturday (10am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm), May 18 and 19.

Deeping St Nicholas grower talks about... the weather

$
0
0

Nearly every time I write my column I am writing about the unusual weather we have had.

This time is no exception as we have had such unusual weather again.

The maximum temperature during the last ten days in March was only 5 degrees C. Most of the time it was windy as well so it was feeling a lot colder than the temperature suggested. In fact, there were more frosts in March than there were in January or February.

As a result March was a colder month than January.

None of us can remember the countryside looking so brown in early April before although I do remember in 1960 that it snowed on eight of the first 12 days in April – and my diary confirms that, as I had started keeping a diary in November 1959.

None of us can ever remember the rape crop getting smaller in February and March. The pigeons have been so hungry they have been eating the crop and have been very difficult to keep off the rape crops.

Quite simply, in cold weather the birds have to eat more food to keep themselves warm, whereas we just use more oil or gas.

Fortunately as I am writing this spring is appearing.

Swallows, whitethroats, yellow wagtails and blackcaps have all returned from Africa.

Leaves are appearing on trees... and the lawns need cutting.

Murder: ‘Heaven has gained someone super special’

$
0
0

Friends say the murder of “a ray of sunshine who always had a smile on her face” will leave a huge hole in their lives.

Charlotte Piccaver (26) was a well known face around Spalding and had a wide circle of friends.

Many have left messages of condolence on her Facebook page, saying how much she will be missed.

Laura Harris, who was one of Charlotte’s best friends, told the Spalding Guardian she is struggling to cope after finding out about the murder through Facebook.

She said initially, she had thought the news was a prank.

Laura said: “I was desperately trying to get hold of her on her mobile so she could tell me it was all just a sick joke.

“When I found out it wasn’t I just went into shock and I’m still struggling.

“Charlotte knew everyone in Spalding. I’ve known her for several years and she would come round mine and we’d go out clubbing.

“She was a nutter, but a good nutter. She was always there when you needed her.

“No one can believe what has happened,

“She would do anything for anyone.”

Another friend Shawn Smith described Charlotte’s death as “tragic”, saying: “Whenever you saw her she just cheered you up. She was a ray of sunshine.

“She always had a smile on her face, even if she was feeling down or had problems.

“She was one of the most special people I’ve ever known – I can’t believe she has gone.”

Amanda Simpson said she became “like a second mum” to Charlotte when she shared a house with her daughter Lisa-Marie Simpson in Spalding a couple of years ago.

She said: “Charlotte was so beautiful and was one of those people who would always stick up for others.

“She was such a good friend to my daughter – they were like sisters.

“Lisa-Marie was away at a concert when she heard and contacted me to see if it was true.

“I inboxed Charlotte on Facebook but didn’t get a reply, then I saw the ‘rest in peace’ messages on her timeline.

“Charlotte was so well-liked by everyone. We are all devastated.

“Heaven has gained someone super special.”

And Sarah Adcock, who grew up in the same street as Charlotte, said the 26-year-old – known for her trademark brightly-coloured beanie hats – was “a law unto herself”.

She said: “She had a heart of gold but she was always up to mischief.

“Her death is a huge shock.”

Viewing all 29942 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>