Browse thousands of antiques, collectables, jewellery, art, vintage, furniture and decorative items at an Antique & Collectors Fair with a Festive Flair at Springfields Events Centre in Spalding on Sunday (10am).

Admission is £1.50, under 16s free.

Double Booked, a comic satire about modern family life – complete with money worries, teenagers, parents and in-laws – is staged at the Market House, Long Sutton, on Saturday (7.30pm).

Tickets are £8 from the Market House or phone 01406 366767.

A race night is being held at Whaplode Village Hall on Saturday (6.30pm) for the Church Quinquennial Repairs fund.

Sponsored by Bob Creese, tickets cost £7 and include a sausage and mash supper. Horses are £4.

Contact 07949 244817 or 07904 110991 for tickets.

FROZEN – released December 6

FROZEN

Released: December 6

With Christmas around the corner, Frozen is a perfectly-apt family winter warmer in the run-up to the festive season.

After the likes of Wreck-it Ralph and Tangled, Disney have finally shown they can stand on their own two feet when it comes to modern day animation – with their latest in-house films showing they can compete with the company-owned Pixar.

The early reviews have been pretty good for this relatively ‘big name-free’ outing which sees fearless optimist Anna (Kristen Bell) try to find Snow Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) to put an end to an icy spell which traps a kingdom in eternal winter.

With mountain man Kristoff, his sidekick reindeer Sven, and comedic snowman Olaf in support – this should be just the ticket when it’s frosty outside.

SAVING MR BANKS

Released: November 29

Tom Hanks star as Walt Disney in this comedy drama, which sees him struggle to keep a promise he made to his daughters – making their favourite book, Mary Poppins, into a movie. It takes the House of Mouse’s creator all his concerted efforts to convince the author PL Travers (Emma Thompson) that it should receive the Hollywood treatment – catchy songs included.

OLDBOY

Released: December 6

Spike Lee takes on this remake of the cult South Korean film – as Josh Brolin’s Joe Douchette is imprisoned for twenty years for no apparent reason. When he is suddenly released without explanation, he begins an obsessive mission to find out who imprisoned him, only to discover the real mystery is why he was set free. Co-stars Samuel L Jackson and Sharlto Copley.

Property investors are being urged to come forward to take part in a scheme to bring empty homes back into use.

The South Holland Empty Property Matching Service is being run by South Holland District Council to put those looking to sell their vacant property in touch with willing buyers and investors.

The council is urging those with an interest in property investment to get in touch so that they can be contacted about opportunities to invest in empty housing stock in the district.

Coun Malcolm Chandler, portfolio holder for Regulatory Services, said: “This scheme is about helping owners of empty properties to sell, whilst bringing homes back into use and leveraging private investment into the housing stock.”

“It is another way in which South Holland District Council is working to reduce the number of empty dwellings and increase the supply of good quality housing in the district.

“I would encourage all property investors in the district to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The scheme, which is already running, is being promoted in the run-up to National Empty Homes Week, which gets under way on Monday.

The district council is also working in partnership with Boston Mayflower on a lease and repair scheme, which enables a homeowner to have necessary repairs funded and completed under a long lease of a property to the housing association.

If you are a property investor who is interested in registering for opportunities in the district, please contact the council’s Private Sector Housing team on 01775 761161 or email privatehousing@sholland.gov.uk

Gurkha Oven in Spalding is sharing its recipe for Special Chicken Bhuna with brandy.

It would probably work just as well with turkey, so it might be worth keeping the recipe in a safe place until you are looking for tasty recipes to use up Christmas left-overs.

you will need

Diced chicken breast (about 600g)

100ml brandy

1 tbsp sunflower oil

1 tbsp butter

2 onions, chopped

3 tomatoes, chopped

1tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp fresh ginger/garlic paste

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp ground coriander

½ heaped tsp ground turmeric powder

¼ tbsp hot chilli powder

½ tbsp garam masala

Salt (to taste)

Chopped coriander leaves

Chopped green chilli

Chopped spring onion

METHOD

Heat the oil in a large non-stick saucepan and add diced chicken and stir.

Cook the chicken for ten minutes then add the onions, butter, garlic and ginger.

Cook over a low heat for five minutes until brown coloured. Stir the onions constantly so they don’t start to stick.

Add all spices – the salt, cumin/ coriander powder, turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala – then slowly cook for four to five minutes.

Add the chopped tomatoes, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add 200ml water and bring it to a simmer.

Add the chopped green chilli, spring onion, diced onion, coriander leaves, 100ml brandy and cook for about five minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Adjust the seasoning to taste, garnish with fresh coriander, chopped chilli and spring onion.

Suitable with rice, naan and chapatti and, if eating post Christmas, relax!

Lincolnshire Police are investigating after around £60,000 was discovered floating in a Spalding river.

The cash was spotted floating in the South Drove Drain by a member of the public walking their dog on Friday, October 25.

The money was retrieved from the river by officers, whose initial count estimated the cash to be in the region of sixty thousand pounds. Police are intending to consult with the Bank of England for assistance with a formal inspection of the money and a final accurate count.

A large amount of the money has been damaged due to being in the water but officers say there is a “good quantity” of bank notes that appear to be in fair condition.

Police are considering detailed forensic examination of the money and have been granted a seizure order by the Magistrates Court to carry out an investigation into its origins.

DC Steve Hull, of Spalding CID, said: ‘It isn’t everyday that an amount of money like this is found and somebody must have information that will help the Police trace the lawful owner. I would be grateful to hear from people who have genuine information to pass on to me”.

The money will remain with the Police until the investigation is complete. If IT cannot be reunited with a legitimate owner then it will become the subject of a further court forfeiture order.

If you have information that you feel will help Lincolnshire Police, you can contact them on 101, quoting incident number 154 of 25/10/13. The Police wish to remind the public that evidence of ownership will be required if the owner wishes to come forward.

A 24-year-old man has appeared in court charged with attempted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon after an incident in Donington.

Jack Simon Hempsall of Park Lane, Donington, appeared at Grantham Magistrates Court yesterday after being arrested in connection with an incident on Quadring Road which left a 78-year-old man with cuts and bruises.

Hempsall was remanded in custody while the injured man is currently recovering in a south Lincolnshire care home.

Vandals have damaged a skate park ramp at Billingborough’s recreation ground and police are asking the public for information.

The damage was caused some time to the skate park ramp in Horbling Road some time between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Anyone with information should call 101, stating incident 106 of November 15.

Meanwhile, intruders burgled a house on Burghley Street, Bourne, after getting in through an unlocked front door.

It happened some time between 11.30pm last Sunday and 6am on Monday and anyone with information should state incident 69 of November 18 when calling the police.

Over 300 schoolgirls took part in a special Olympic Legacy football competition held at the Sir John Gleed and Spalding High School playing fields last week.

These School Games competitions form part of the London 2012 Legacy, which is to provide more competitive sport for children.

Special thanks to the Year 12 and 13 pupils from Sir John Gleed who refereed.

The Year 3 and 4 competition for small schools was won by Gedney Drove End, with Tydd St Mary second and Moulton Chapel third.

Bourne Westfield A were victorious in the competition for the larger Year 3 and 4 school, with Linchfield second and St John A third.

In the Year 5 and 6 competition for all schools, Bourne Abbey came out on top, with Tydd St Mary in second place and Bourne Westfield A third.

Pinchbeck United joint manager Gary Coomes was proud of his team despite a 4-0 premier division defeat at home to Uppingham Town on Saturday.

High-flying Town dominated play in the first half but could not beat home stopper Dawson, who was helped by some resolute defending.

With four reserve players called up to fill the holes left by injuries and unavailability, it was always going to be a tough ask for United but it remained goalless at the break.

Slack marking allowed the smallest player on the pitch to head home early in the second half and five minutes later it was two when a free kick snuck inside the near post.

From then on it was all Pinchbeck, but they had little to show for their efforts as Town scored twice more on the break.

Coomes said: “I could not ask any more from our players today. They all gave everything they had.

“I am proud of the effort put in and I hope that they continue that effort throughout the rest of the season.”

Pinchbeck: Dawson, Elderkin, Chilvers, Dickinson, Gardner, Boekestyn, Haslam, Harrison, Harker, Wheeler, Butler. Sub (not used): Mahon.

Moulton Harrox climbed up to fourth place in the premier division with the 6-1 home thrashing of Whittlesey Blue Star.

Martin Sandall hit a hat-trick for Harrox, with Benjamin Allen getting two and Joe Townshend also on target.

Crowland Town are in 11th place after a 5-3 home defeat against third placed Whittlesey United. Luke Elsom, Nathan Ginty and Chris Thomas were on the scoresheet for Town.

Deeping Rangers Reserves went down 3-1 at Riverside, with their solitary goal coming from Liam Buttery.

Pinchbech Predators U13 side are pictured at Glen Park, Surfleet, before their impressive 3-3 home draw with league leaders Barrowby U13 recently.

They are pictured wearing their new kit, kindly sponsored by MRN Recruitment.

Photo (NIKKI GRIFFIN): SG201013-224NG To order please visit www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/buyaphoto or call 01775 765433

Fierce rivals Holbeach United and Spalding United meet for the third time this season tonight (Wednesday) when they clash at Carter’s Park in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy.

The on-form Tulips have won the bragging rights so far, with a 4-0 home FA Cup win back in August and a 5-0 away victory last month.

But the Tigers, who have won the Trophy for the last two seasons, also go into the quarter final tie on a rich run of form after five consecutive victories.

Tulips boss Pat Rayment admitted yesterday he is struggling to fill the substitutes’ bench after losing players for various reasons.

Lee Canoville and Peter Bore have joined Lee Beeson and Jonny Allen on the treatment table, Mark Jones and Tom Roberts are cup tied, Sam Mullarkey unwell and Danny Hussey unavailable.

Trialist Louis Robinson (see page 62) did not sign forms in time to play in the game, although Rayment can bring in winger Jamie Thurlbourne, who has been playing for Ridgeons League side Newmarket but is dual registered.

“We are down to the bare bones but I will still be able to put a strong side out,” said Rayment. We absolutely want to win this competition... we want to win everything.

“Holbeach have done well lately and that willhave given them confidence, plus the fact it’s a derby game will put an extra spring in their step.”

Tigers chief Glen Maddison welcomes back Joe Braithwaite after suspension but loses Tommy Treacher, who is cup tied and likely to be replaced by the veteran Ian Dunn.

“We have improved in recent games after losing to them twice, and this will be a good measure of the progress we have made,” said Maddison.

“It was men against boys last time we played and we hardly got in their half.

“I want to see us really compete this time out. That is all I can ask for.”

Maddison was aware of Rayment’s depleted squad, but added: “They will still be a really strong side.

“They are a team with so much quality in it. We know how good they are as individuals and as a group.

“I was not surprised at all when they put ten past Boston recently.

“In fact I was only surprised they hadn’t made a few more teams suffer like that.

“They are too good for the United Counties League.”

* Kick-off at Carter’s Park is 7.45pm. For regular updates follow @lfpeditor on Twitter.

A man punched his girlfriend’s sister in the face, causing her to bleed from the mouth, after an argument turned violent.

Marcin Kulka (32), of Winsover Road, Spalding, had been out with his girfriend and returned to her home where the attack on Dominiki Siwczuk happened on September 28.

Kulka admitted assault before Spalding magistrates on Thursday when the case was adjourned until November 28 for a probation report.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said Dominiki was trying to sleep when she heard “raised voices and slamming doors” from Kulka and his girlfriend who came back at about 10.30pm.

“Dominiki got up and asked them to stop before thinking that Kulka was drunk and then she asked him how much more of his behaviour she would have to take,” Mr Clare said.

“She went back to her room and heard Kulka calling her sister abusive names, such as ‘slut’ and ‘whore’.

“Dominiki came back out and Kulka pushed her in the chest, then she raised her arms in defence and knocked his glasses off his face.”

Mr Clare said Kulka went on to throw some laundry at Dominiki before asking her to give him back a mobile phone he had lent her.

“She took her SIM card out of his phone and threw it at his feet, then the abuse continued until Dominiki’s sister shouted at Kulka to go to his room,” Mr Clare said.

“Dominiki heard him say to her ‘shut up or I’ll hit you’ and she told him to do it.

“Kulka hit her in the mouth with his left fist and she felt pain straight away before putting her hand to her face, taking it back and seeing a lot of blood.

“Despite everything, she never thought Kulka would hit her and she was in shock at what he’d done.”

Mr Clare said Dominiki called the police, despite her sister trying to convince her not to, and Kulka was arrested and charged with assault.

Carrie Simson, mitigating, said a probation report was needed “bearing in mind the level of injuries” and the domestic circumstances surrounding the assault.

More than 1,400 homes and businesses in Spalding will be able to sign up to superfast broadband two months earlier than planned thanks to the success of a multi-million pound project.

The onlincolnshire project is a partnership between Lincolnshire County Council, district councils , BT and the Government to boost broadband speeds across the county.

The early broadband boost has been achieved by engineers identifying areas where BT’s existing fibre network can be extended quickly.

More than 12,000 Spalding homes already have access to the high-speed technology through BT’s own commerical programme.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for IT at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Better broadband will bring a wealth of opportunities to residents and businesses alike and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to hit this major milestone in such a short space of time.

“Superfast speeds will mean that businesses will be able to increase their efficiency, create better connections with customers, and break into global markets.

“Improved broadband is not only vital for business growth, but for all residents accessing services, including the growing number of silver surfers, and for young people looking to download learning materials.

“But this is just the first step. Over the next few years we’ll be helping many more people join the online revolution.”

The project builds on the existing high speed infrastructure, so that by April 2016 at least 88 per cent of all county properties will have access to fibre broadband.

The council is also aiming for the remainder of premises to have access to a minimum of 2Mbps basic broadband as standard.

For further details on the project visit www.onlincolnshire.org.

Steps by Google and Microsoft to make it harder to find child abuse images online have been welcomed by a Lincolnshire detective.

Det Insp Simon Lovett, who heads the Lincolnshire Police Internet Child Abuse Team, said: “Anything that reduces the chances of anybody stumbling across these disgusting sites – or looking at them through being curious – has got to be a step in the right direction.”

But he says the move will not deter the more expert, computer literate paedophiles from tracking down child abuse images – and it won’t stop them from grooming children online.

Det Insp Lovett said parents and children must remain vigilant as online paedophiles are still at work in Lincolnshire.

They pose as children, befriend their victims and then start to make demands such as asking youngsters to expose private parts of their body or perform sex acts on webcams.

He said: “Children can become trapped in this cycle and they can almost become slaves to these people because they have to do their bidding.

“As Home Secretary Theresa May said a child can be at greater risk sitting in their bedroom on their computer than they are outside the school gates.”

Google and Microsoft’s Bing have agreed measures that mean as many as 100,000 search terms will now return no results that find illegal material – and trigger warnings that child abuse pictures are illegal.

In July, Prime Minister David Cameron called on the two companies – which handle 95 per cent of computer search traffic – to ensure searches that were unambiguously aimed at finding illegal images should return no results.

He also wants them to tackle the “dark Internet” where people share illegal images online without making them generally available.

A former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, Jim Gamble, says paedophiles will still “go on the dark corners of the Internet on peer-to-peer websites”.

Holbeach Town Band is being given marching orders to quit its parish council owned headquarters.

But it’s a slow march as the council has renewed the band’s lease on the Back Lane building for another two years while it decides how best to cash in on “a valuable piece of land”.

At its meeting last month, the council heard the land could be sold and the money used for other purposes rather than let the band stay there for a peppercorn rent.

It was agreed then the council should seek outline planning consent for the site and also keep the band fully informed so it could start to look for a new HQ.

The band’s existing lease is due to run out in March.

At last week’s meeting, Coun Isobel Hutchinson said: “It’s for the benefit of the whole of the town and not just for the few people that use the band hall.”

Coun Peter Savory proposed a two-year renewal for the band, saying: “That will give them a certain amount of security and a certain amount of time to find something better.”

Chairman Coun Terry Harrington declared an interest, leaving the meeting while the decision was taken on the band’s lease, but returned for the decision on possible development of the site.

The council agreed to look at revamping the whole of its Back Lane property and have a site visit to discuss development options.

Listings from Thursday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 27

Thursday

Information fair, highlighting range of local services for older people, 1-4pm, Weston Village Hall.

Textiles group, 10am-1pm, Unique Cottage Studios, Fulney Lane South, Spalding, PE12 6FA.

World War Two community pop up museum, 5-8.30pm, Long Sutton Primary School Hall.

Friday

Christmas craft fayre, 6-8.30pm, Peele Community College, Long Sutton.

Quiz night, 7pm, Weston Hills Village Hall, 01775 766907.

Sandringham Christmas craft, food and gift fair, and tomorrow and Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Quiz and fish and chip supper, 7.30pm, Moulton Mill.

Hi Energy karaoke, 8pm, Turpins Wine Bar, Long Sutton, 01406 365554.

Charity night for Help for Heroes, music from Haley Brothers, comedian Robby Jacks, 7pm, Spalding Services and Social Club, High Street, 01775 723955.

Saturday

South Holland Singers concert, Vivaldi’s Gloria and songs from the proms, 7.30pm St Mary and St Nicolas Parish Church, Spalding, tickets 01775 760757, Bookmark, Spalding or Hawkins Hardware, Holbeach.

Lincolnshire Rural Touring Theatre, Double Booked, 7.30pm, Market House, Long Sutton, 01406 366767.

Wood scavenging day at Bourne Wood, 10am-3pm, booking essential, 07760 468052.

Country and western night, singer Stig, doors 7.15pm, start with disco 8pm, Coronation Hall, Halfleet, Market Deeping, 01778 346348.

Celebrity Dan Osborne from Only Way is Essex making appearance, 10pm, Loaded Nightclub, Spalding, 01733 530523.

Quiz and hotdogs, 7pm, Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding, tickets 01775 769438.

Volunteer taster day, looking for volunteers to improve railway infrastructure, from 11am, Nene Valley Railway, Peterborough, 01780 784444.

Quiz, 8.30pm, Elizabethan Centre, Whaplode Drove.

Arts and crafts exhibition, 10am-5pm, Fleet Church.

Christmas coffee morning, 10am-1pm, St Bartholomew’s Church, West Pinchbeck.

Race night and sausage and mash supper, doors 6.30pm, first race 7pm, Whaplode Village Hall, 07949 244817, 01406 371900.

Sunday

Antique and collectors fair with a festive flair, 10am-4pm, Springfields Events Centre, Spalding.

Healing service with Ash and Sharon Kotecha, 11am and 6.30pm, The Lighthouse Church, Haverfield Road, Spalding.

Arts and crafts exhibition, 10am-5pm, Fleet Church.

Autumn wildlife walk, 2-4pm, RSPB Frampton Marsh Reserve, 01205 724678.

Bingo in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, doors open at 12.30pm, eyes down 2pm, Gedney Drove End Village Hall.

Spalding Ramblers, Northborough, Cambridgeshire, eight-mile walk, meet cul-de-sac north of crossroads 10am, 01775 630667.

Christmas fayre, Santa’s Grotto, 2-4pm, Saracen’s Head Village Hall.

Christmas fair, Santa’s Grotto, 11am-4pm, Surfleet Village Hall, 01775 680588.

Christmas fayre, snowboarding simulator, rodeo reindeer, Santa’s Grotto, over 40 stalls, 10am-4pm, Thomas Cowley High School, Donington, PE11 4TS, 01775 820429.

Monday

Donington and Quadring RBL meeting and AGM, 6.30pm, RBL Club, Quadring.

Tuesday

Spalding Music Club, family favourites with Vera Gowland, 2pm, Ivo Day Centre, Albion Street, Spalding, 01775 723435.

Dog microchipping event run by SHDC, 9am-noon, Holbeach United Social Club.

Wednesday

Holbeach Seniors’ Link meeting, 2pm, Royal British Legion Hall, Long Sutton, 01406 371500.

Sing South Holland Community Choir workshop, 6.30pm, St Thomas’s Chapel Schoolroom, St Thomas’s Road, Spalding, 01406 420218.

For the regular weekly listings visit www.spaldingtoday.co.uk or call into our offices in The Crescent to pick up your own personal copy.

The information in this column is supplied to us, please ring the organisers where possible to confirm the event before setting out on your journey.

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Listings from Thursday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 27

Music

Today

Chantel McGregor (rock and blues), 7pm, RBL, 3 Malting Lane, Donington, 01775 822228.

Saturday

Bad to the Bone, 8.30pm, Draymans Arms, Spalding.

Trev ‘Budgie’ Walton, 8.30pm, Lamb and Flag, Whaplode.

Mole Grips, 8pm, Rising Sun, Gedney Drove End.

Theatre

South Holland Centre, Spalding

Hi-de-Hi, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7.30pm.

Key Theatre, Peterborough

Peterborough Gang Show, The Snail and the Whale, K’Bourn and Overseas.

Cresset, Peterborough

Jethro 2013, Voulez Vous.

Blackfriars, Boston

King and I.

Stamford Corn Exchange

The Vegas Experience, Edwin Starrs Band and the Northern Soul Tour.

Cinema

PETERBOROUGH SHOWCASE, from tomorrow.

Captain Phillips, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Gravity (and 3D), Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa, Philomena, The Butler, The Counsellor, The Family, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Thor: The Dark world, Turbo.

For times visit www.showcasecinemas.co.uk

SOUTH HOLLAND CENTRE

Richard II (RSC Live), Wednesday, 7pm.

For times visit www.southhollandcentre.co.uk

From winter walks to Christmas craft and gift fairs.

Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 (5-8pm). Saturday, December 21 (10am to 4pm)

Playbarn, Springfields Outlet Shopping & Festival Gardens, Spalding.

Pottery & Glass Decorating: paint a Christmas decoration or mug, glass, money box or suncatcher to take home with you – prices start at 50p an item. Also, plates and mugs for baby hand and footprints as gifts or keepsakes. 07907 921108

Friday, December 6 (6pm to 9pm)

Fun Farm, High Road, Weston

Pottery & Glass decorating: paint a Christmas item or decorate a mug, glass, money box or suncatcher to take home with you – prices start at just 50p an item. 07907 921108

Friday, December 6 (7.30pm)

St Mary’s Church, Frampton

An evening with the Banovallum Singers: an evening of music and song in the lead up to the Christmas festivities. Tickets cost £5 and include tea, coffee and mince pies. 01205 722475/07967 559818

Saturday, December 7 (7.30pm)

Bourne Abbey Church

Bourne Choral Society Advent Concert: performing The Nativity by Eric Thiman, and other seasonal music. Soloists are Jenny Thompson (soprano) and Ian Stafford (tenor); musical director Jenny Bean; organist Stephen Webb. Tickets £7.50 available from choir members, Sally Anns, West Street, Bourne, or at the door. Light refreshment available. 01778 571081

Sunday, December 8 (10am to 3pm)

The Plough, Holbeach St Johns

Christmas Gift and Craft Fayre: great selection of locally made crafts, gifts and home produced fayre. 01406 540654

Monday, December 9 (7.30pm)

RSPB Frampton Marsh Reserve, Frampton

Birds in Myth and Folklore: hear the many strange tales told about birds – how the robin got its red breast, how cuckoos can help you win the lottery and why wrens hate Boxing Day. Tickets £4 adults, £2 children, booking essential. 01205 724678

Saturday, December 14 (7pm until late)

Function Suite, United Services Club, Holbeach

Christmas Family Night: a warm welcome awaits all the family with an early visit from Santa and dancing to Nick Gratton & his Treble Nine Road Show. Free admission, but children only admitted with adults. 01406 423134

Sunday, December 15 (2-4pm)

RSPB Frampton Marsh Reserve, Frampton

Winter Wildlife Walk: a gentle stroll with nature all around and an expert guide to identify wildlife. Tickets £4 adults, £2 children – booking essential. 01205 724678