The Historic Walks booklet has been produced in association with South Holland Life.

South Holland Life – www.southhollandlife.com – is a digital archive created by Chain Bridge Forge in conjunction with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The website is designed to celebrate the history and culture of South Holland, and offers access to a huge archive of oral history, transcripts, documents and photographs.

The website is interactive, with the option to add comments and share memories on existing subjects or to submit old photographs on new topics for the archive.

The website has archive material on subjects ranging from people’s memories of the forge to the story of Spalding Flower Parade.

It also has links to the history of towns and villages in the area as well as local attractions.

Historic Walks is available for £1.50 from Chain Bridge Forge, Ayscoughfee Hall Museum, South Holland Centre and the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian reception offices in The Crescent.

The Friends of Chain Bridge Forge are also making a video of the walks, with photographs from the past running alongside the street scenes of today.

Lincolnshire ‘s chief constable is to be a keynote speaker at a conference looking at the first year of police and crime commissioners.

Chief Constable Neil Rhodes will be among a dozen speakers , including commissioners and representatives of police and crime panels and probation services, at a conference in October.

The National Police and Crime Commissioners Conference will look at the lessons learned in the first year and the key challenges in delivering police and crime plans.

A spokesman for event organisers Capita Conferences said: “With further responsibility for making grants for other organisations and ensuring police are accountable to the communities they serve, it is essential to hear best practice and ensure that police and crime commissioners are meeting the needs of their local area.

The event will cover topics such as funding and commissioning, the role of police and crime panels and working with victims and witnesses, giving delegates the opportunity to talk to colleagues about best practice.

There will also be discussion on the role of police and crime panels in scrutinising the work of Police and Crime Commissioners.

Police and Crime Commissioners were elected last November, but it has been a shaky start for the role in Lincolnshire.

Independent candidate Alan Hardwick, a former TV news presenter, won by 4,000 votes.

But just a few months later, in February, he was hitting the headlines when he took a decision to suspend Neil Rhodes.

Initially he refused to give an explanation for the suspension, but later revealed it was over an allegation at an employment tribunal.

In March, the suspension was overturned following a hearing in the High Court, where a judge labelled it “irrational and perverse”.

Mr Hardwick insisted he stood by his decision when he was quizzed by a committee of MPs, despite the £50,000 bill the High Court hearing landed him with.

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Panel chairman Coun Ray Wootten was also asked by MPs why it took 72 days to organise a crime panel meeting to look at Neil Rhodes’ suspension.

Mr Wootten later resigned as chairman and Norman Norris is acting as interim chairman until the group’s next meeting, which is due to be held in September.

Tonight’s 1st Choice Royal Taxi Spalding Town midweek Twenty/20 final promises to be a thriller after an incredible final fixture in the group phase of the competition.

Royal Taxi B booked a date with Spalding under-23 in the final with a sensational show against Long Sutton in a ‘winner takes all’ showdown.

Sutton held the advantage ahead of the 16-over match, as they needed only a draw to proceed through.

They won the toss and elected to bowl – but were punished by a blistering barrage from the big-hitting Royals.

Every Sutton bowler went around the park as the strong Taxi team posted a whopping 187, leaving the group leaders with a near-impossible run chase.

They gave it a go, but Sutton closed on a respectable 127, which sent Royal Taxi through to the final.

The final (Friday) will get under way at 6pm at the Memorial Field, with the club bar open and a decent crowd expected.

Organiser Russell Whitworth said: “We hope to see a good crown supporting what we expect to be our own local big bash.”

Aaron Williamson is hoping to put his torrid start to the Renault Sport Clio Cup UK Championship behind him this weekend.

The Holbeach Drove ace started off the year with huge success and lofty ambitions, having launched his own team and topped the early-season time charts.

But it’s been a tail of hard luck, disappointment and car troubles for the young racer ever since – with pretty much everything going wrong for Team AWR.

However, Williamson is back under the guidance of his former team Finesse Motor Sport Ltd (FML) at Snetterton this weekend.

And he’s hoping that Team AWR FML will deliver a strong finish to the campaign.

The talented racer said: “We’ve had no luck at all. Anything that could go wrong, has gone wrong.

“The various car problems, coupled with the bad luck, has resulted in the worst season points-wise for me yet.

“As team owner and driver, I have learned so much. The biggest lesson has been accepting that it doesn’t always go your way.

“I have also learned to always take any positives, however small, away from each race. We have to turn every mistake we’ve made into a positive and put it all into practice for the next meeting at Snetterton.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to Neil at Team FML for all his hard work over the summer break.

“I’d also like to thank to my sponsors Sopp + Sopp, MI Electrical, PWM Recycling, Berridge Waste Paper and Sackers Recycling for continuing to believe in my ability.”

The Renault Clio Cup is a support race to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), which will be televised live on ITV4 on Sunday from 11.15am.

This weekend’s sporting fixtures...

SATURDAY

• Cricket: Lincs ECB Premier League (12.30pm): Hartsholme v Sleaford; Market Deeping v Grimsby; Lindum v Louth; Bracebridge Heath v Skegness; Woodhall Spa v Bourne; Haxey v Spalding.

• South Lincs & Border League (1.30pm): Premier Division: Belton Park v Lindum 2nd; Boston v Moulton Harrox; Bourne 2nd v Woodhall Spa 2nd; Skegness 2nd v Billingborough; Sleaford 2nd v Stamford Town; Welby v Grantham.

• Division One: Baston v Thomas Cook; Blankney v Long Sutton; Heckington v Boston 2nd; Spalding 2nd v Market Deeping 2nd; Stamford Town 2nd Friskney.

• Division Two: Cavaliers v Burgh & District; Freiston v Spalding 3rd; Grantham 2nd v Claypole; Lindum 3rd v Timberland; Long Sutton 2nd v Boston 3rd; Pinchbeck v Welby 2nd.

• Football: Pre-season friendly (3pm): Spalding Utd v Kettering Town; Holbeach Utd v Greyhounders; Ely City v Deeping Rangers.

SUNDAY

• Cricket: South Lincs & Border League (12.30pm): Division One: Billingborough 2nd v Moulton Harox 2nd.

• Rutland League (1.30pm): Division Three: Ketton v Spalding Sun; Yaxley v Long Sutton Sun.

• Division Seven: Spalding 2nd v S&L Corby.

TUESDAY

• Football: Pre-season friendly (7.45pm): Holbeach Utd v Boston Utd XI.

The Ninjas will square off against The Nerds in a mouth-watering final after both sealed top spot in their respective Long Sutton Summer Hockey League pools last week.

Starting in the Moulton Pool, Ninjas rounded off their group fixtures with a dominant 6-0 win over The Pressies in an all-Sutton affair.

The Pressies battled well and contained the Ninjas, with Nick Bailey, Jason Mallet, Laura Temple and Lisa Baker all working hard to feed the ball up to the strike twins of Becky Kierman and Katie Ireland.

However, as the game settled the Ninjas had a little too much for them, with Robyn Gribble, Danny Sisson and Leanne Woodhead excelling.

Gribble opened the scoring with a stunning strike and added an equally impressive second before half time.

In the second period, Sam Carr and Adam Taylor worked well in defence but a couple of sublime Sisson finishes and a poacher’s goal from Adam Sisson – along with Gribble completing her hat-trick – made the final score 6-0.

In the other Moulton match, Spalding 1st saved their best performance for last as they saw off Wisbech 2nd 3-0.

Without a win in any of their previous five games, Spalding took the clash to their opponents and got what they deserved when Pete Wright scored to make the score 1-0 at the break.

At the other end, excellent defending and good keeping from the Spalding stopped Wisbech from getting on the scoresheet.

Spalding’s performance was rewarded with two more goals – including a second from Wright.

Despite the defeat, Wisbech finish second and qualify for the third/fourth place play-off.

In the Crowland Pool, all eyes were on top two Nerds and Sutton Sabres as they battled for a place in the final.

The Nerds eventually progressed to the showpiece match after an entertaining 0-0, meaning the impressive Sabres have to settle for a third/fourth play-off match against Wisbech 2nd.

Both teams worked to earn an early advantage, but were frustrated by a mix of woodwork, fine goalkeeping and excellent defending.

Ben Shore, Connor Allen, Gary Hales and Jeorgia Carr will wonder how they did not open the scoring in this game – and with both teams playing fair committed hockey, there was a lot to admire about the match.

Harry Thorpe and Laura Temple looked impressive for the Nerds, with the experienced Hales always willing to offer options.

For the Sabres, captain Shore, Lisa Baker and Louise Southgate drove the team on, but neither could break the deadlock.

Although the other match between Spalding 2nd and Wisbech 1st was something of a dead rubber, it was perhaps the best game of the tournament.

Spalding ran out 2-0 winners, with Glen Perkins and Annie Dalton the scorers.

Finals night is at Long Sutton Hockey Club tonight (Friday), with the action getting under way at 7pm.

Pat Rayment wants Spalding United’s fans to turn out in force for their final pre-season game of the summer this Saturday.

The Tulips host Southern League Division One Central outfit Kettering Town at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm) – and boss Rayment is planning to field his strongest possible side.

Andrew Tidswell, Lee Canoville, Jamie Stevens and Miles Chamberlain are Spalding’s only absentees ahead of their last game before the UCL Premier Division opener at home to Northampton Sileby Rangers on Saturday week.

Rayment said: “I hope the fans come down and take a look at us. They will bring plenty of support, so it’d be nice if we could match them.

“It’ll be a tough game, I know Kettering are aiming for promotion. The plan is to field the side we’d like to start the league season with.”

Spalding have confirmed a deal to bring winger Matty O’Neill back to the club, but are unlikely to seal a permanent move for on-trial defender Nathan Horne.

Former Tulips striker Gary King played 70 minutes on trial for King’s Lynn Town in a 5-4 win at St Neots Town on Tuesday night.

True friendship and a word of thanks have proved profitable for a Deeping St James shopper after winning a new-look worth more than £350.

James Denniston has a new suit, shirt and tie in his wardrobe after praising staff from the T.M. Lewin menswear store at Springfields Outlet Shopping, Spalding, where he bought himself a suit and some shirts in June.

He was so impressed with the service given to him by sales associate Louise Fuller that he decided to recommend the store to a friend.

But James went one step further and contacted the store’s head office in London to tell them about his positive experience.

A Springfields spokeswoman said: “James stated that he had received excellent service, more than the usual retail shop, and that he was very pleased with his suit.”

When his friend also bought a suit from the store on James’s recommendation, he was randomly selected to receive the stylish prize.

Store manager Karen Fuller said: “I am very proud of the fantastic comments we received and it’s great to see someone local win this prize.”

This semi-detached three bed cottage has two reception rooms, a kitchen, utility room, and four piece bathroom.

There are front and rear gardens, a garage and off road parking.

It would make an ideal first time buy or investment property, and has no forward chain.

There is a primary school nearby, and the property is close to Pinchbeck with schools, shops and bus routes to Boston, Spalding and Kings Lynn.

Abuse towards “frontline” staff at South Holland District Council will not be tolerated.

Although incidents of verbal or physical abuse towards members of staff dealing with the public are “infrequent”, a zero-tolerance approach is in force to protect them.

In the past year, South Holland District Council has called the police three times after members of the public verbally abused staff, and once because a member of staff was physically assaulted.

Council leader Gary Porter said: “Incidents of abuse towards our staff and those of Compass Point Business Services, which provides the council’s customer services, are infrequent.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse towards staff and will act robustly where it does occur.

“One incident is too many but, thankfully, cases are rare.”

Barry Bradley, the district council’s Street Scene Manager (Enforcement), is in charge of a team of three staff, whose role includes monitoring the district council’s pay and display car parks.

He said: “The lads might encounter a bit of verbal abuse now and again, but they are trained to deal with confrontation.

“Certainly it is not a big problem for us.”

Five men who fought a life and death battle to save a man from being burned to death in the blazing cab of a refuse truck are to receive top national bravery honours.

If they had not risked their lives to pull him from the blazing wreckage, recycling supervisor Ian Simmonds (42), of Ryhall, who had been a passenger in the truck, would have died an agonising death in the flames.

The horror crash happened on the A 15 at Baston on the afternoon of June 1 last year.

The driver of the car which crashed head-on into the truck was killed.

Mr Simmonds received a broken leg and arm and was badly burned but thanks to the rescuers who ignored the possibility that the blazing truck could explode killing or maiming them, he survived.

Now Carl Creasey (39), of Hubba Crescent, Swineshead, who led the rescue, is to receive a rarely awarded Royal Humane Society Bronze medal for his bravery.

The award has been personally approved by Princess Alexandra, the Society’s president.

And four other men who joined the rescue battle are to receive Royal Humane Society certificates of commendation.

In addition to the awards, they all also won the personal praise of Dick Wilkinson, Secretary of the Royal Humane Society.

Speaking at the Society’s headquarters in London, as he announced the awards Mr Wilkinson said: “They all richly deserve the awards they are to receive.

“Without doubt they put their own lives on the line to save Mr Simmonds who was trapped in the blazing cab of the refuse truck.

“But for their action Mr Simmonds was facing an agonizing death as the fire took hold of the vehicle.”

Describing what happened Mr Wilkinson said: “The car crossed the road into the path of the refuse truck that was travelling at 40-45mph.

“Following the head-on collision, the truck came to rest at the side of the road. It was quickly engulfed in flames.

“Mr Creasey was travelling in the same direction as the car and, when he saw the truck facing him, he stopped and rang 999.

“However, the truck driver shouted that his passenger was trapped in the cab.

“Carl then abandoned his call as he saw the front of the truck become engulfed in flames and smoke.

“The windscreen of the truck had come out in the collision and despite the flames he jumped on the bumper of the truck and hooked his arms under the armpits of the trapped man and tried to pull him out.

“At this stage he was unable to get him out but he called on the others who were now present, to help him. They formed a line behind him and, with the extra weight, he pulled the man free.

“He then administered first aid to the injured man who had a broken arm, a double open fracture to his lower left leg and 11 per cent burns to his left side.

“The fire was so bad that it put the truck ‘beyond meaningful examination’.”

The others involved in the rescue, who are to receive Royal Humane Society certificates of commendation, are Adam Lessiter, of Aveland Way, Boston, Damon Lloyd, of Falklands Drive, Wisbech, Sam Penhallow and Adam Poole, both of Harlow.

No date has yet been fixed for presentation of the awards.

Police have confirmed several reports of young people in the area claiming to be selling pictures to pay for their education.

The young people are telling residents that they are deaf and to buy the art to help them fund their schooling.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.

A man accused of carrying out two murders is to face trial later this year.

Mehmet Ali Ozen (41), of Red Lion Street, Boston, denied the murders of both Charlotte Piccaver (26) and Darren Harwood (26), on April 21 this year when he appeared before Lincoln Crown Court on Friday.

Ozen also pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Keyleigh Wright (24) on the same date.

Judge Michael Heath adjourned the hearing for a two week trial scheduled to begin on December 9.

There was no application for bail and Ozen was remanded in custody.

The charges follow an incident at a property in Red Lion Street, Boston, early on the morning of Sunday, April 21.

Ms Piccaver was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Harwood died later in the Pilgrim Hospital, Boston. Both had suffered stab wounds.

Ms Wright was taken to the same hospital where she was treated for less serious injuries.

Rafters of all ages will be messing around on the water on Sunday thanks to the annual Deepings Raft Race.

The event kicks off at 11am with, racing starting from noon with the under 16s race.

Races continue throughout the afternoon with the trophy presentation scheduled to take place at about 4pm.

The theme for this year is Hawaiian beach party, so people are encouraged (but not forced!) to don their grass skirts and leis and join in the fun.

So far there are 26 teams registered and there’s still time to get involved with entries being taken up to and on the day.

The categories this year are under 16s race, main race, fun race, ladies race and pub race.

Eight of the raft teams are raising sponsorship either for the fund to continue the raft race or for their own chosen charity.

So far 16 rafts have entered the fun race and there will be seven in the main race.

More entries are urgently needed for the pub race, which has just two competitors so far and the ladies race, which just one entry.

Raft Race chairman Kevin Barber said: “We are also struggling for under 16s so if anyone can encourage some junior teams that would be great.

“So far 14 of the raft entries are new to the event and 12 are old hands, so it’s all lining up to be a great day.”

The Iron Horse Ranch House in Market Gate is hosting a raft race party weekend, kicking off at 7pm on Friday night.

The fun continues over the weekend between 2pm and 11pm on Saturday and noon and 9pm on Sunday.

There will be food and live music on offer and admission is free.

To find out more about the raft race or to download an entry form, a trade stand form or a sponsorship form, visit ww.deepingsraftrace.co.uk and click the links.

The race’s main sponsor this year is the Boundary Fish and Chip Shop and River Restaurant.

A juvenile on a Spalding river bank, believed to be a young girl, was taken to hospital by ambulance suffering from “alcohol-related” symptoms.

East Midlands Ambulance Service was called on Friday teatime to the Coronation Channel Bridge – a favourite location for teenage swimmers – in spite of warnings they are putting their lives at risk.

However, one of the swimmers said the ambulance had been called to a 12-year-old in a group of girls further down the bank.

Sam Forrest (18), of Weston, said: “From what I understand it was a 12-year-old girl who had been drinking.

“We think they were just trying to show off, but the girl got sick and the ambulance was called.”

A spokeman from EMAS said; “There was an ambulance at Coronational Channel Bridge in Spalding, near the entrance to Springfields, on Friday about 6.15pm.

“I understand it was alcohol-related, although a lot of teenagers are jumping in there in spite of warnings about the dangers.”

This incident highlighted a 15 per cent rise in calls to EMAS due to alcohol-related calls in the hot weather.

“This puts our frontline crews under extra pressure and we’re encouraging the public to drink sensibly to avoid becoming a casualty.

“We think they were just trying to show off, but the girl got sick and the ambulance was called.”

A spokesman from EMAS said: “There was an ambulance at Coronation Channel Bridge in Spalding, near the entrance to Springfields, on Friday about 6.15pm.

“I understand it was alcohol-related, although a lot of teenagers are jumping in there in spite of warnings about the dangers.”

During the hot weather there has been a 15 per cent rise in alcohol-related calls to EMAS.

The spokesman said: “This puts our frontline crews under extra pressure and we’re encouraging the public to drink sensibly to avoid becoming a casualty.”

There have been a number of warnings about the dangers of drinking alcohol during the heatwave.

Insp Jim Tyner said: “People are often tempted to drink more alcohol in warm weather. I would advise people to think twice about going in to open water such as the Coronation Channel to cool off.

“I know that it can appear very inviting on sunny days, but the reality is that entering in to any open water can have tragic consequences.

“In addition, this can slow your reaction time, increasing the chances of hypothermia and impairing your judgement.

“People can get drunk quicker in hot weather, leading to dehydration and medical emergency.”

Yesterday (Wednesday), Network Rail launched a digital and poster campaign to highlight the dangers drunken train passengers get themselves into in the country’s rail stations.

More than 1,600 people were injured in trips at 17 stations run by Network Rail in the past year – with drink a factor in many.

A spokesman said: “We want people to enjoy their evenings and get home safe. The only thing we want to see fall is the number of incidents.

“The message is just as relevant in Spalding as other parts of the country.”

Teresa Roche, assistant director for public health at Lincolnshire County Council, suggests drinking plenty of soft drinks and eating to slow down the effects of alcohol.

“Alcohol lowers your reaction times and your sense of danger, so there are some activities that you should avoid.”

Pete Williams, owner of the Punchbowl in Spalding, said he puts packs of bottled water at the door which are given free to customers who need it when leaving the pub after a night out.

He said: “We sell it inside for £1.50, but give it away to customers when they leave.

“The effect of alcohol can creep up on you suddenly – sometimes when you go into a warm building or go outside in the cold.

“In licensed pubs, drinking is supervised. Fortunately, we haven’t had to call an ambulance, but we have sat down with customers outside and given them water.

“It concerns me kids have been drinking on the riverbank – for the price of three drinks in a pub they could buy a bottle of vodka in a supermarket – and that could kill them.”

The number of children killed or seriously injured on Lincolnshire’s road has doubled in the past two years.

Latest figures from Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership show 32 children were seriously injured in 2012, with one child killed.

In 2010, there were no children killed and 22 were seriously injured, rising to 29 serious injuries in 2011.

John Siddle, of LRSP, said it was hard to know what had caused the increase but by studying the information surrounding the figures it was clear that many of the accidents were as a result of children making mistakes.

These included playing in the road, misusing pedestrian crossings, ignoring crossing signals and misjudging the speed of approaching vehicles.

Mr Siddle said: “Some, if not all, of these accidents could have been prevented.

“That is why it is so important for us to go into schools and spread the road safety message.

“It is all about education and making sure children learn how to cross the road safely.

“A person’s peripheral vision is not fully developed until they are about 21, so children may not be so aware of what is happening around them.

“They need to be taught to look around properly and make safe decisions when crossing the road.”

A one per cent a year increase in the number of cars using the county’s roads could also be a factor, as could the popularity with many young people of using iPods or similar devices to listen to music through earphones while walking in the street.

Mr Siddle said: “We can never say for sure that any incident where a child is seriously injured is as a result of them not being fully aware of what is going on around them because they had earphones in or were texting, for example, but it is more than possible.”

A 68-year-old great grandmother was stumbling and her speech was slurred when her car was pulled over by police who saw her swerving on a Bourne back road.

Gillian Ward, of Baston Fen, Baston, appeared before Spalding magistrates on Thursday where she admitted drink driving.

She had 82 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35.

Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said police attended South Fen Road just before 6.30pm on July 6 when they saw Ward’s Mini Cooper travelling very slowly and swerving.

In mitigation, Phil Cookson said this was the first time Ward had ever appeared in court.

He said: “She’s ashamed and regrets her actions.”

But he said the swerving and driving slowly was “sensible” on South Fen Road to “save the bottom of the car”.

He said a ban would have a severe impact on Ward’s life as she would lose her job in Bourne and would be unable to help with childcare duties for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ward was banned for 18 months, fined £100 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge. She can knock four months off her ban if she completes a course.

A disqualified driver left the scene after colliding with a parked BMW.

Witnesses reported hearing a “bang and screech of tyres” in Hereward Road, on July 18 and when they looked, saw a Volkswagen Passat had collided with the BMW.

When they approached the Passat they saw the driver had his arm in a cast and appeared “dazed”.

He didn’t respond to the witnesses, with one saying he brushed her off as though he didn’t want a fuss.

She thought there could be a language barrier so went nearby where she thought she could find an interpreter, but by the time she returned the driver and his passenger had vanished.

Edvins Dinters appeared at Spalding Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he admitted two driving while disqualified charges – including an earlier incident on July 6, when he drove after an argument with his girlfriend. He also admitted failure to stop after an accident and two counts of having no insurance.

The court heard that the BMW had suffered minor damage in the collision.

They were told Dinters had been banned from driving last October for 20 months and had various previous convictions including drink driving.

Magistrates asked for a report to be prepared by the probation service, which was given verbally to the court.

The report said Dinters (48) usually lived at an address in Edward Road with his partner, but that there has been a “hiatus” in the relationship.

Dinters hopes the problems can be resolved and they can get back together.

Magistrates followed the report’s recommendations of a 12 month community order with 180 hours of unpaid work for driving while disqualified.and added a further two years to his driving ban. There was no separate penalty for no insurance or failing to stop.

Dinters was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge.

Mike Alexander, mitigating, said Dinters accepted his behaviour was wrong and he should not have got into the car.

Summer holidays may be in full swing but, with only 147 days to go, plans are already in place to get tills jangling in Spalding shops at Christmas.

Santa will arrive in town on Sunday, November 17, for the lights switch-on, amidst a day of activities in the Market Place and all around town.

The annual event that marks the start of the town’s festive season is being organised by Spalding and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Emails have already been sent out to local traders in the hope they will add to the atmosphere by dressing up and holding activities and competitions in their shops.

Committee member Jan Whitbourn said: “We decided to hold the switch-on on a Sunday this year to give traders an extra boost and so we didn’t clash with the Saturday market.

“There used to be a really successful Sunday market where people took along their own stalls, so we hope we can attract as many as possible so the town really buzzes.

“We’re trying to make it bigger and better to help the traders – after all that’s what it’s about.”

As well as the arrival of Santa with the Flower Queen Inca Honnor, in hopefully a novel way this year, there will be stalls, entertainment, choirs and activities and competitions in the shops.

There will also be the return of the popular dog show and Tulip Radio will be broadcasting on the day.

Local groups such as the Guides and Young Farmers are also being invited to get involved.

Jan said: “If you know any-one who may be interested in getting involved in any way – maybe a dance team that would like to showcase what they do, individuals who can sing and would like to show off their talent – please do contact me as soon as you can.

“We also need marshals and people to generally help out.

“The sun may be shining but the snow will soon be here!”

If you would like to take part, email Jan on admin@tulip-radio.co.uk

Vulnerable elderly people fear they will be left in the lurch by the loss of the wardens from their sheltered housing.

Residents at Lime Court, Oak Court, Ash Court and Hampton Close, Spalding, have organised a petition and a meeting with South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes where they hope to save the jobs of the two wardens they describe as “a blessing and a lifeline”.

South Holland District Council announced last month that 36 posts in its Supported Housing Service were at risk because its contract with Lincolnshire County Council to provide the service was due to end on September 30.

Since the announcement a letter has been sent out to residents of sheltered housing, saying after September 30 the district council will no longer be funded to provide the service.

But yesterday, council leader Gary Porter told the Spalding Guardian he was expecting an update at last night’s full council meeting.

David Moore, who is disabled and has lived at Lime Court for just over a year said: “The two wardens we have are, in my opinion, completely dedicated to their jobs and the wellbeing of the residents.

“Only last week my neighbour had a fall and I pulled her emergency cord and explained the situation to the warden on the other end of the intercom.

“Within two minutes she was there, checking my neighbour and assessing the situation.

“Just the fact that someone who knew what they were doing and someone with a professional caring attitude was on hand, means these wardens are a blessing to those who are vulnerable.”

Residents fear that if they lose their wardens they will have to rely on calling on someone as far away as Grantham to assist them.

Mr Moore said there is also a good community centre at the Spalding complex where he lives, but it would end up standing empty and unused because there would be no one on site to unlock it and provide access.

Tony McGinty, assistant director of public health at the county council, said: “We use third parties to provide services currently and we are in the process of changing what these organisations will be contracted to provide.

“A key part of the new service will include the provision of a 24-hour emergency call-out service, seven days a week, to those who need it.”

Residents will raise their concerns with MP John Hayes and district council leader Gary Porter at the meeting at Lime Court centre on Monday at 10.30am.