Scorching Spalding is seeing an upsurge in visitors, with shops bustling, pubs buzzing and tourists enjoying a trip on the water taxi.

Simon Clarke, operations manager of the Water Taxi, said: “It’s been what we’ve been waiting for for the past three years.

“We are very weather dependent, but all of our four boats are very busy, with coaches coming into town and then taking a trip to Springfields.

“Take-up of evening private hire and self-drive hire is also very good.”

A greater footfall is being enjoyed by businesses in town that are still enjoying the success of the Independents’ Day event.

Nikki Austin, representing The Crescent Traders who organised the event, said the sun had centainly helped keep the feel-good factor going.

She said: “Business is booming. We are doing everything we can to keep the vibe going.”

Rumblings to Go has been doing a roaring trade in the sale of salad boxes.

Tracey Graves said: “We just can’t keep up with demand. People are really enjoying picking up a salad or sandwich and sitting in Ayscoughfee Gardens and soaking up the sun.”

Ice-cream sales are also up, with Laddies of Holbeach reporting a bumper year.

Owner Richard Ladbrooke said: “It’s the longest stretch of good weather since 2006 so naturally our sales reflect that. We’ve been very busy.”

The good weather has also seen revellers flocking to use beer gardens.

Pete Williams, of the Punchbowl, said: “People are loving our beach-themed beer garden and are really enjoying relaxing in the deckchairs.”

But as everyone basks in the good weather, there is concern for the most vulnerable residents – the elderly and pets.

Barbara O’Neill, of Boston and South Holland Age UK, said it was important residents made sure elderly relatives were taking enough fluids and also closed windows when they went out to prevent thefts.

Vet Savers in Spalding reported seeing a number of pets with heatstroke.

Veterinary nurse Suzhy Winfield said: “People are dousing them with water but it shocks the system.

“Placing disposable gloves filled with coolish water around them is best.”

The final few entries have been trickling in for the Best Front Garden Competition.

The Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian have been running the competition in conjunction with the Spalding in Bloom committee.

It has been sponsored by Birchgrove Garden Centre, which has put up prizes of £50, £25 and £10 for the winning three entries.

The closing date was on Saturday, and now the judges are planning visits to all of the front gardens that were entered to make their decision.

Judging will take place between July 29 and August 12 and the winners will be announced on Thursday, August 22.

The owner of the winning garden will receive the Spalding in Bloom Best Front Garden Trophy and entered into the East Midlands in Bloom Front Garden Competition in 2014.

Ben Wilson consolidated third place in the Motorpoint British Supersport Championship with two solid showings at Brands Hatch.

The Kirton race ace sealed finishes of third and fourth at round six of the series over the weekend, which represented a 29-point haul.

But wins for Staurt Easton (sprint race) and team-mate Alastair Seeley meant that Gearlink Kawasaki rider Wilson lost ground on the top two.

After encountering gearing problems with his bike throughout free practice and qualifying in Kent, Wilson started the sprint race from eighth place on the second row of the grid.

But as the ten-lap affair got under way he soon began to move upfield, picking off the riders ahead to move into fourth place at the midway stage of the race.

Red-hot Wilson continued his forward move by passing Graeme Gowland one lap later, setting his fastest lap of the race in the process.

Wilson then overtook Easton for second at Paddock Hill bend, but was unable to make the move stick and the Yamaha racer forged back ahead at Druids a few seconds later.

The top four broke away from the pack, with places being exchanged throughout the remainder of the race. On the dash to the flag it was Easton who took the win from Seeley, Wilson and Gowland who all crossed the finish line within 0.4 of a second.

Wilson began the feature race from the second row once again – and this time got a fantastic start to get the hole shot into Paddock Hill.

He held the lead throughout the first two laps, but was pushed back to fourth one lap later. And although he pushed hard, Wilson was unable to get back on terms with the three riders ahead.

He spent the rest of the race fending off the attentions of Jason O’Halloran, crossing the finish line with a 1.8 second advantage over the Samsung Honda rider to claim 13 championship points.

Added to the 16 he picked up in the sprint race, Wilson’s total for the season is now 189 – some 19 better than the fourth-placed rider.

He’s now 21 points behind Easton in second, with Seeley way out in front on 250.

The next round is at Oulton Park over the weekend of August 9-11. The picturesque venue is one of Wilson’s best tracks and he will be seeking two top results to move him closer to the series lead.

• Overall standings: 1st A Seeley (Gearlink Kawasaki) 250pts; 2nd S Easton (Mar-Train Yamaha) 210pts; 3rd B Wilson (Gearlink Kawasaki)189pts; 4th B McConnell (Smiths Triumph Racing) 170pts; 5th G Gowland (Seton Tuning Yamaha) 138pts; 6th G Richards (Smiths Triumph Racing) 80pts; 7th J O’Halloran (Samsung Honda) 79pts.

• Remaining rounds: R7 Oulton Park (Aug 9-11); R8 Cadwell Park (Aug 24-26); R9 Donington Park (Sept 6-8); R10 Assen (Sept 20-22); R11 Silverstone GP (Oct 4-6); R12 Brands Hatch GP (Oct 18-20).

Police want to trace a group of youths seen playing football outside a church hall in Spalding where three windows were smashed.

It happened at the Vista community hall off Church Gate where a ball is thought to have caused damage to the windows at about 8.20pm on Monday.

Members of St Mary and St Nicolas Church were meeting at the Vista when the incident happened and anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 508 of July 22.

Andrew Tidswell opened his Spalding United account in a 1-1 draw at Coalville Town on Tuesday night, while Deeping Rangers held Stamford 2-2 at Outgang Road.

Higher-graded hosts Coalville took the lead early in the second period when Anthony Carney nodded past Michael Duggan from close range.

But Tidswell, who won the UCL Premier Division’s golden boot with Holbeach United last term, bagged the first goal of his second stint with the Tulips from a trademark free-kick to earn Pat Rayment’s side a draw.

Spalding are back in action at home to Moulton Harrox tomorrow (Thursday) night (7.45pm).

Deeping, meanwhile, were spot-on to secure a share of the spoils with Step Three visitors Stamford. Spencer Tinkler (9) and Craig Parker (61) both netted from the spot for Tuncay Korkmaz’s men.

Tonight’s football sees Holbeach United visit South Holland neighbours Pinchbeck United (7pm).

More on the pre-season football in Thursday’s Spalding Guardian.

By Spalding and District Chamber of Commerce president Phil Scarlett

Our well attended AGM was on July 2 and we had a most interesting speaker who captivated the audience with his account of the Market Rasen BIG project which became one of the first Portas Pilot towns.

Richard Hallsworth is a founding member and he described the challenges they faced from being one of the twelve selected towns through to the achievements of the last two years of re-energising the town centre and particularly their market.

In addition to the £98k they were initially awarded, they received a further £101k earlier this year to continue their work.

He listed their achievements, amongst which were the appointment of a town centre manager, halving the number of empty shops, two community shops, 12 BIG markets with a waiting list to attend and the encouragement of higher standards and innovative thinking.

He left us with a vision of what can be achieved and a reminder of how town centres must change in the future to be successful with Mary Portas’ philosophy – “town centres are a multi functional social space”.

Richard encouraged us in our quest for a town centre manager to co-ordinate retailers activities, improve standards and market the town.

Christmas lights switch-on, Sunday, November 17

Bet you’re not thinking about Christmas at all. We are planning right now this year’s lights switch on. It will be earlier than previous years as traders are proud of our Christmas lights and wish to have them creating a festive feel for longer.

Again this year the day will be co-ordinated by Jan Whitbourn of Tulip Radio. She is interested in hearing from school choirs who would like to sing in the town centre at the lights switch-on. She would like all schools to come and sing one song, dress up, acting throughout the song and enjoy themselves.

If you know anyone who may be interested in getting involved in any way, would like a stall to raise funds for their charity, have a dance team and would like to showcase what they do, individuals who can sing and would like to show us their talent or would just like to help out, please do contact Jan as soon as you can, the sun may be shining but the snow will soon be here!That’s cheered us all up! Contact Jan at admin@tulip-radio.co.uk

Chamber Membership

We have been tidying up our website and invite businesses to take a look at our aims and activities by visiting www.spaldingareachamber.co.uk Please consider joining us and participating in business events and sharing your views on how South Holland can be a great place to do business.

Work is under way at St Mary and St Nicolas Church, Spalding, to make it more inviting for visitors.

Tombstones damaged by frost and other bad weather are being repaired in the churchyard and there are also plans to create a new entrance, refreshment area and improved heating at the back of the 13th century church.

Rev John Bennett, church vicar, said: “The churchyard is a public open space and the work there is the result of some damage to table top tombs which we have asked a locally-based builder to cement back in place.”

People in the Gedney and Sutton St Edmund areas with an interest in policing are being invited to join the Suttons neighbourhood beat panel.

Meetings are held every three months and last for about two hours each when policing issues in Gedney Drove End, Gedney Dyke and Throckenholt, as well as Gedney and Sutton St Edmund, are discussed.
For more details, email thesuttons.npt@lincs.pnn.police.uk or call 101 and ask for Holbeach Police Station.

FAMOUS DATE: As Catherine Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to the future King , a Wyberton mother was doing the same.

Jyothy Thomas (33), of London Road, gave birth to her 7lb 1oz daughter Liana at 5.04pm.

Dad George (35) said the pair felt something “really special”.

The couple have two other children Abel (6) and Fiona (2).

Pupils at Cowbit St Mary’s C of E Primary were transported into Roman times for a day of fun and learning.

Years 2, 3 and 4 dressed up as soldiers from the Roman Empire and Greek goddesses.

The day involved designing and making Roman shields from sketches in a book and making pizza.

As well as tucking into pizzas, they also tasted popular foods from the time such as figs, pomegranates and dates.

Teacher Rochelle Holden said the day was a great success.

She said: “The pupils especially enjoyed tasting the food and the role play when they were in the Roman Legion.”

Pictured in their costumes are (from left) Caitalin Benke (8), Bennie Holdway (7), Toby Holdway (8), Lauren Nix (7) and Connor Scales (8).

Budding artists at St John the Baptist School in Spalding got the opportunity to show off their work at a special exhibition. 
Year 5 displayed their work in the hall of the school in Hawthorn Bank and parents were invited to go and have a look at it. 
The work was part of a still life project, including paintings, mosaics and sketches.

School administrator Leanne Bland said the work made the hall looked stunning.

She said: “Parents were very impressed with what the pupils had been doing in their still life classes and pupils enjoyed showing it off.”

Featured with his picture is Benjamin Reeves. SG100713-345NG

Bracebridge Heath (267-8) drew with Spalding (200-9): Stand-in Spalding skipper Josh Newton heaped praise on his team-mates after they picked up eight more points in their bid for Lincs ECB Premier League survival.

Having been set a target of 267-8 by hosts Bracebridge Heath on Saturday, Town refused to fold in their reply as they closed on a stubborn 200-9 to earn a losing draw.

Leading batsmen Warren Nel (85) and Mike Kearns (73) gobbled up the lion’s share of Town’s runs, while Joe Broomfield (12) almost got the visitors inside 75 per cent of their target and additional points.

The result leaves Spalding 32 points clear of second-from bottom Haxey, who lost heavily to Market Deeping.

An impressed Newton said: “I’m really proud of the team today. We did really well to get eight points out of a tough game.

“We are all very eager to get stuck into Louth next week.”

Hosts Bracebridge, perennial contenders for the title, won the toss and elected to bat on what can only be described as a road of a track.

Mike Kearns (1-47) and brother Charlie Kearns (2-75) both bowled with venom and aggression and were unlucky not to pick up early wickets.

Heath opener Paul Cook was in supreme form and stroked the ball to the boundary with notable disdain en-route to a sensational 117 from 137 balls.

Michael Kearns eventually got the breakthrough with the score on 96, as he slammed a sharp yorker under the bat of Nicholas John’s (31) bat, which sent leg stump cart wheeling.

Having got off to a good start Bracebridge then lost regular wickets thanks to South African superstar Nel (4-56).

The all-rounder bowled with splendid cunning and guile and once again managed to bamboozle numerous Bracebridge batsmen with his famous doosra delivery.

Spalding showed supreme grit and determination and managed to peg Bracebridge back to 267-8 off their 50 overs, with James Bentley (51) also on-song.

Town then got off to the worst possible start in their reply when Durban native Nabeel Bhayla was snared by Matt Carter (4-46) for just one.

But Nel and Michael Kearns put on a great stand of 147 for the second wicket.

Nel’s 85 included three sixes and nine fours, while Kearns found the rope 12 times in his 104-ball 73.

However, when both fell wickets tumbled at regular intervals, with Matt Bradley (5-64) the chief destroyer.

Young ace Broomfield struck some lusty blows down the order, but it was Simon Juckes (2no) and Maxwell Cusack (1no) who ensured Spalding ended up on 200-9 off their 50 overs.

Next up for Town is a crunch home tussle with relegation rivals Louth at Spalding Grammar School (12.30pm) on Saturday.

The NHS trust that provides mental health, social care, learning disability and drug and alcohol services to the people across Lincolnshire has opened its annual awards to receive nominations from members of the public.

Peoplewho have accessed services, their carers and family members are invited to help Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust thank individual staff members, teams and NHS volunteers by nominating them for a Making a Difference Every Day award before August 2.

This will be the fifth year the Trust has held its awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers.

The public nomination category has always been extremely popular in 2012 and over 180 nominations were received.

Trust Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “It’s such a pleasure to be able to recognise those special people who go above and beyond the call of duty in their roles and who demonstrate real commitment to provide a high standard of care, ultimately helping to promote individuals’ wellbeing.”

The winners of the Making a Difference Every Day awards will be announced in November. To make a nomination go to www.lpft.nhs.uk or contact the Trust’s communications team on tel: 01529 222275 for a freepost nomination form.

Help is at hand for people aged 60 and over to enjoy all that Lincolnshire has to offer this summer.

As well as helping people to stay safe at home, First Contact also gives the over-60s access to a wide range of services and information to enjoy an independent lifestyle.

By completing a simple checklist, First Contact can put you in touch with organisations that can help older people become more active or visit somewhere new.

Alison Whiting, First Contact central co-ordinator, said: “We find that some people we visit feel isolated.

“They want to get out more and become more sociable, but don’t know where to start. We can help them find activities and groups that are tailored to their interests, and this can open the door to a whole new outlook on life.”

Older people with a bit of spare time on their hands can also find out how they can make new friends by volunteering in their community.

First Contact can put people in touch with the local volunteer centre to learn about becoming a volunteer and the hundreds of opportunities that are available.

Local First Contact field co-ordinators can also provide information about local lunch clubs, social and activity groups and information about public transport is also available.

Call First Contact on 01522 782172, email firstcontact@lincolnshire.gov.uk or go online at www.firstcontact.org.uk to get a checklist to fill out.

Checklists are also widely available in GP surgeries, libraries, parish council offices and other locations. Return them via the freepost address on the form.

A new Polish publican is bringing communities together with a toast – and a cool English pint.

Since Grzesiek (Greg) Wiglusz opened the Station Gates 
pub in Winsover Road four weeks ago, he says he is getting excellent feedback from all of his English and Polish punters.

He said: “It’s going really well. We have Polish and English using it – and they keep coming back which is the important thing.”

Greg is new to being a publican but he is enjoying the challenge. He moved to Spalding 12 years ago, at first working in the fields and factories and more recently running a cleaning business.

He said: “I decided to open a pub because a lot of Polish do not feel comfortable going in English pubs.

“I wanted to open one where all communities felt welcome and comfortable.

“Now all nationalities can get together and have a few beers. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have a good time.”

After decorating throughout, the pub now has maroon and cream decor with cool blue lighting behind the bar, large pot plants in the corners, an 80-inch TV and a similar sized hand-painted eagle on the wall – the emblem of Poland.

Greg said he thought the English name was a nice spin on the long-gone rail network in Poland.

At the moment he has three Polish members of staff, but this could expand as there are plans to offer Polish and English food at a later date.

Euro draught beers on sale include Zywiec, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel, as well as Fosters and Guinness.

The pub is open on weekdays from 4pm to 11pm and at weekends from noon to 11pm.

Hearts were sinking at a summer pool party for Guides at Gedney Hill because the group’s future is uncertain.

Leader Jane Reid will be leaving at Christmas and the group desperately needs someone to take her place if it is to carry on.

She set up Gedney Hill Guides in 2010 after training as a leader at Sutton Bridge.

There are now 12 members, aged ten to 16, who all had a splashing time at the party at a private pool, which was the last meeting before the summer holidays.

Jane (54) said: “It was great fun – it would be such a shame if the group couldn’t go on.”

Leaving after five years has not been an easy decision. Jane, whose job looking after the website at the University Academy Holbeach is going full-time, said: “It’s been wonderful – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“But my career is taking off and I have other family commitments and it’s just time to move on.”

There is no age limit to being a leader – the person just has to be enthusiastic and fun-loving.

Jane said: “It’s a good fun job – the girls want to have fun and learn new things so the more activities you can bring them the better.

“They come as shy ten-year-olds but by the time they move on to other things from 14 they are more mature and confident.

“Lots of parents have thanked me for running the group – it’s very rewarding.”

Anyone who is interested in being the new leader is asked to call Jane on 01406 330830 or email jane.reid@talk21.com

A man punched and kicked his partner after she confronted him about “flirty” texts from another woman.

Ian Peckett (29) and Angela Hobson had been going out for three months when they had an outing and returned to her home in Moulton Seas End and he fell asleep in the chair.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said while Peckett was asleep, his mobile phone went off and Ms Hobson saw messages from another woman that were “quite flirty”.

She woke him, he wanted to know why and Ms Hobson asked about the messages.

Peckett pushed her to the floor, she got up and he pushed her to the floor again.

Mr Clare said when Ms Hobson got up a second time he pushed her against a window, held her around the throat, and Miss Hobson began scratching him in an effort to get free.

She said in a statement: “He was shouting at me right close up in my face. I kept shouting at him to get out of my house.”

Mr Clare said Peckett picked up Ms Hobson’s clock from the mantelpiece and threw it to the floor and the clock broke into pieces.

Peckett pushed Ms Hobson again and she again landed on the floor.

Mr Clare said he then punched her head and kicked her to the side around her hip area.

As Peckett walked away, Ms Hobson ran out and locked herself in her car and dialled 999.

The attack left her with red marks, grazing and a lump on her head.

Mr Clare told magistrates: “She points out that she feels this is the end of the relationship and says ‘I don’t want him back to my house’.”

Police handcuffed Peckett and while at the police station he hit a wall with the handcuffs, making indentations in the wall.

Mr Clare said Peckett had a previous conviction for violence against another partner and had been made subject to a programme to combat domestic abuse.

Magistrates adjourned the hearing to August 22 for a probation report.

Peckett, of Thistley Close, Coulsden, Surrey, admitted assault by beating, criminally damaging a clock and criminally damaging a wall at Boston Police Station.

Long Sutton Sun 1st (208-9) lost to Uffington (209-7) by three wickets: Long Sutton’s premier Sunday side suffered an agonising defeat in an unbelievable Rutland League Division Three game.

Winning the toss on a wicket which looked bowler friendly, Sutton skipper Jake Burton elected to bat hoping the pitch would deteriorate.

This looked to be a poor decision as Sutton lost Phil Coote (5) and Paul Edgeller (0) in the early exchanges before Rav Sangha (3) and Steve Skoulding (23) also fell.

They began to rebuild through a stubborn partnership from Chris Battle (26) and Jeremy Smith (23), moving Sutton past the 100 mark. But, when both were dismissed along with big hitter Barry Stanway (2), the visitors were looking at a well below par score.

An accelerating stand between Matt Bull (22) and Burton (30no) reignited the innings, before brothers Jack (11) and Jordan Keeble (2no) supported their skipper to guide Sutton to a decent total of 208-9.

In reply, the strike bowling pair of Stanway and Paul picked up two early wickets to put Uffington on the back foot.

This brought Tom Bentley (60) to the crease who crashed his way to a half century before being caught on the boundary of the bowling of Burton (1-52).

Sangha (2-45) was then introduced and he picked up two crucial dismissals to put the game back in the balance. With Edgeller (4-35) returning to bowl the final overs, he took two wickets in two balls to throw the game back in Sutton’s favour.

They couldn’t get rid of Damien Herrick (69 not out) though, as he got his side home with a ball to spare.

Battling Pinchbeck were unfortunate to suffer a three-wicket loss against Lincoln Lindum 3rd in South Lincs and Border League Division Two on Saturday.

Batting first, openers Ed Grant (29) and Sam Smith (26) gave Pinchbeck a solid start but they were unable to push on as they would have liked and were pegged back with Lindum skipper Begley (3 -19) the pick of the bowlers.

Fortunately, James Cole (29) and skipper James Langford (20 not out) stood up to be counted and were able to guide the hosts’ total to 158-8 after 45 overs.

Pinchbeck then got on the front foot in the field thanks to three early wickets from Andrew Beeston. However, that good start gradually turned to frustration as Pandey (42) and Marris (37) responded with an excellent partnership.

Smith got a welcome breakthrough for Pinchbeck backed up by two further strikes from Langford – including a brilliant caught and bowled to reduce the score to 121-6.

But with overs to play with Lindum sensibly knocked off the required runs for the loss of one further wicket and take the points.

The top two clashed in EBF Spalding and District Bowls League last week – and the bragging rights went to Moulton Harrox A.

That’s because they edged 4.5 points clear at the top of Division One following a 4-2 away triumph at Spalding Town A, who slip down to third.

In a game befitting of the occasion, both sides won two rinks apiece – but it was the convincing 25-11 set success from M Stokes, M Perkins and R Duke that sealed a 77-70 aggregate victory.

Donington are now second after they dispatched Whaplode Drove A 5-1 on home soil.

They racked up three impressive rink wins to amass a total of 96 shots, with 28 of them coming from R Slaughter, D Slaughter and J Needham (28-11).

The big winners in the top flight were Royal Mail Cart A. They crushed Carter’s Park 6-0 away from home, bagging 92 shots in the process.

Of their four winning rinks, a 30-8 return from N Baker, P Horsfield and M Simpson was the highlight.

Almost as impressive were Ayscoughfee A, as they eased past Carter’s Park A 5-1.

Some 31 of their 93 shots came from the red-hot trio of T Gowling, M Bingham and C Warboys.

Dropping down to Division Two, Moulton Harrox stay top thanks to a battling 4-2 home triumph over Swineshead.

Both teams grabbed two set successes, but table-topping Moulton edged the aggregate spoils 78-67.

Their biggest rink return was a 26-12 triumph from V Duncan, John Taylor and S Kirby.

Red-hot Bourne Town A are hot on their heels in second having tonked Holbeach USC A 6-0.

They pocketed 105 shots en-route to the whitewash and saw K Exton, V Stevenson and P Dimbleby prevail 33-7 in the most emphatic set.

At the other end of the table, Goodfellowship won their basement battle with Consti A 5-1. S Moore, A Everitt and J Moore (26-13) top scored.

Meanwhile, Sutton Bridge A’s remarkable record in Division Three continued as they made it 11 wins from as many games.

The latest team to incur their wrath were Castle B, who went down 5-1. The leaders scored 102 shots, with a hefty 32 coming from R Larham, C Green and J Barker.

Another side to rack up a century of shots were Ayscoughfee B, who had way too much for Castle B.

An impressive 37-7 rink win from M Copcutt, A Jones and G Brakes headlined their maximum 6-0 success on their home green.