After several personal bad experiences with Pilgrim Hospital in the past, and years of horror stories in the press, I was very apprehensive on being admitted last Sunday following a minor trip at home leading to a broken hip.

I was admitted to ward 3b and, from the moment I arrived, I was impressed with the excellent standard of care from every single member of staff, both support and medical.

Everyone was courteous, professional, caring and attentive, making a difficult and unexpected hospital stay less painful than expected.

Buzzers were promptly and cheerfully responded to – even at the most awkward times and by the most awkward patients.

Routine care was performed to the highest standards with both discretion and care.

I would like to say a public thank you to all involved in my care on ward 3b.

A review has been launched of Lincolnshire County Council’s drug and alcohol treatment service.

The current contracts –worth about £7 million – end next year, so the authority is now reassessing them with a view to getting a better service that also offers best value for money.

The council is responsible for the commissioning of substance misuse treatment in the county, and as part of a review of what is currently provided, it is carrying out consultation with people who have used these services in the last few years.

However, it is also interested in learning more from those who have not used these services but have concerns that they, or a friend or family member, should be receiving treatment.

A survey is available to fill in until 29 May at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/alcoholanddrugs.

Paper copies are available on request – see the website for more information.

By 1pm on Friday, May 8, it was all over. The Conservatives had won a Commons majority with a margin of four seats. Winning St Ives from the Liberal Democrats just after lunchtime seemed a formality.

Here in South Holland and the Deepings, the result had been known since around 5am – a safe Tory victory, the constituents secure in the knowledge that John Hayes, a proven Member of Parliament, would continue to serve them for another five years.

Why did Britain vote, not just for the Conservatives, but for a Conservative majority? Well, the answer is clear – they promised the electorate policies that will sustain for another five years: an EU in-out referendum, a chance to buy their house through the ‘right to buy’ scheme, increased NHS spending to £8 billion by 2020 and a pledge to negotiate new laws with Brussels to secure a fairer future for Britain.

And they proved they can deliver by rebuilding a shattered national economy left by a Labour government which admitted they spent all of our money.

Many will be disappointed that a ‘purple revolution’ did not sweep Britain. Many will be disappointed that the Conservatives have returned to Downing Street, some even more disappointed that they are free without any tether, such as the Liberal Democrats holding them back.

Why? Because the Conservatives have proven that they are the only party that can deliver their promises. The Lib Dems slowed the Conservatives down, slowed the course of change, and now they are gone – the Conservatives can deliver real change for a brighter, more secure future.


To the person who damaged my blue Ford Ka while it was parked in the Munro Medical Centre car park on Monday morning at around 11am, I would like to say “thankyou” – you could not even be bothered to try to find out whose car you had hit and I am now faced with what amounts to quite a large bill for the repairs.

I was only in the surgery for a few minutes to pick up a form from the reception, so I know that no one could have come in to check or ask about the ownership of the car.

The damage may not have looked very much, but nothing gets repaired cheaply these days.

If you have a conscience at all, you can leave your details at the surgery reception and they will pass them on to me. I can only live in hope.

The body responsible for community health in Lincolnshire, the Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, is looking for a non-executive director to join its board.

The successful candidate will have experience of working at a senior, strategic level in a large organisation, the trust says, and relish the chance to manage transformation as the trust strives to further improve services.

For more information, visit www.ntda.nhs.uk/blog/2015/05/12/lincolnshire-community-health-services.

The closing date is 11am on June 9, 2015.

I would like to thank all the residents in the Castle ward who voted to re-elect me as their district councillor.

I would also like to thank my family, friends and local residents for their support during this campaign. To receive 70 per cent of the vote in a town centre ward is a truly humbling experience.

When I talked about caring and campaigning for our community all year round, that was not a vague election slogan – it was a statement of how I have represented this ward in the past and how I intend to continue to do so in the future.

I have spoken to the independent runner-up in this election, Mark Le Sage, and he has many positive ideas for our area. I hope we can work together in the future.

Now that the election is over, I hope we can move on from some of the negative point-scoring comments we have read in this letters page recently and work together to make our area a more pleasant environment in which to live.

I can be contacted regarding district council issues on 07850 077117, via email at gtaylor@sholland.gov.uk or on twitter via @GaryTaylor26.

A crew from Spalding Fire Station has been called to a collision in Witham on the Hill near Bourne today (Saturday).

The crew was called to join others from Bourne and Stamford on the A6121 at about 3.24pm.

A tweet from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue service said that two people had been released from the vehicle using manpower.

I would like to say a huge thank you to every single one of the 1,922 residents of Long Sutton, Lutton, Tydd St Mary and Little Sutton who put their faith in me on May 7 by voting for me. I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by every single vote.

It has been a huge privilege to meet so many residents during this campaign and I look forward to meeting many more.

My thanks also go to everyone that helped Jack and I in our campaign delivering leaflets and displaying posters, to everyone that nominated us and to my husband Glenn for being so patient and supportive.

I would also like to offer my commiseration to David Wilkinson who has done so much for our community over the last eight years.

I will endeavour to do you all proud over the next four years by working hard and being a strong voice within the district and parish council.


May I congratulate councillors’ Avery, Slade and Sneath on their re-election. I know they worked hard to achieve their results. Well done.

I, like Doug Dickens, campaigned on my own without the resources and support that gave the Conservative and Ukip candidates an advantage.

I’m grateful, however, for the oxygen of publicity I gained when the above councillors responded to my comments about their involvement with the church magazine.

It gave me the opportunity to promote my main message; that I’m opposed to squandering taxpayers’ money in any way, shape, or form at any level of government.

Thanks to their overreaction, I managed to get these views across in all the local papers on a regular basis.

Secondly, those who heard my most recent radio broadcast know about my concerns regarding the ongoing litter problem.

My ideas and policies for tackling this now universal problem are that it should be suppressed and tackled more vigorously on principle.

Whether or not the ‘powers that be’ are willing to listen, or whether they have their own agenda on this matter, I can only guess.

I also got plenty of publicity for my views about the restoration of the Johnson Hospital bus route and, by the way, an assurance from MP John Hayes that he will take up the case.

So all in all, I’ve no regrets about my part in the district elections on behalf of folks in Pinchbeck and Surfleet and I’m proud of my modest contribution to the democratic process.

I even hold the hope that some might be grateful for my participation, given that it was largely an unassisted one-man effort.

I was disappointed after reading one of the Pinchbeck councillor’s somewhat patronising ‘thank you letter’ in last weeks Spalding Guardian.

In my opinion, this was designed to impress only those people who voted for them and failed to reach out to those who didn’t.

Be assured, my aim is to give those elected my close scrutiny now and always.

My wish for the future is that younger and better people with conviction and good ideas take up the challenge of serving it in the future.

Four police officers and a police dog have been injured while attempting to shut down an illegal rave in Twyford Woods, off the A1 towards Corby Glen.

One officer was seriously injured in the attack. The injuries are described as not life-threatening.

Officers were called to the scene at around 11pm last night (Saturday) after a member of the public complained about loud noise and anti-social behaviour.

Police spokesman Tony Diggins said: “Police attended and we actually came under attack by members of the crowd who were gathering to set up an illegal rave.

“As a consequence, four police officers were injured, two of them serious but not life-threatening, and a police dog was also injured.”

Three women from the Norfolk area were arrested at the scene.

Officers immediately began clearing the site of sound equipment and power generators. Mr Diggins said: “As a result, the majority of the people who were attending it have left.”

However, motorists are advised to steer clear of the roads surrounding the woods this morning while officers’ enquiries are completed.

The item headlined “No home for BNP in UKIP” further illustrates the double standards that we’ve come to expect from this political party.

Paul Foyster uses the words “done something to kill off” about another distasteful political party, when a week earlier he was demanding a public apology from our MP for less.

No doubt readers will deplore the implication of Pete Williams’ admission that “UKIP may have picked up some votes from BNP supporters”, i.e. while UKIP won’t knowingly have racists as members, they will accept their votes.

Added to which, there’s never been a satisfactory explanation as to why former members of the National Front were engaged in Nigel Farage’s campaign in South Thanet or Tim Aker’s in Thurrock.

The annual Carrington Rally has opened its doors to the Bank Holiday visitors today (Sunday).

The rally, which will take place today and tomorrow (Monday), opened its gates at 9am.

From the great steam engines to the mini models and trade stands, there is plenty to see and do over the two day event.

The 2015 rally will feature 100 years of the International Harvester Company which has always been very popular with visitors and collectors alike.

This is as well as the steam engines, classic cars and commercial vehicles, motorcycles, models and mini-steam, organs and crafts.

This years’ event is set to include an RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Fund Flypast tomorrow, while the usual attractions also take place including the car boot and auction

The Auction follows this mornings car boot, starting at 10.30am.

An estimated 200 people attacked police as they tried to deal with an illegal rave at Twyfood Woods, near Bourne, last night (Saturday), resulting in three officers and a police dog being injured.

A statement released by Lincolnshire Police has revealed about 1,000 people were at the ‘large’ rave, which the force were called to at about 11pm, following reports of ‘loud noise and anti-social behaviour’.

The statement said: “Police attended and found a large and illegal rave and the officers came under attack from an estimated 200 or so of the estimated 1000 or so who were at the site.

“As a result, three officers and a police dog were injured. One officer has a serious but not life threatening injury the other two officers have minor injuries. All the injuries were a result of missiles thrown from the crowd.”

Four people have been arrested, including three women aged 18, 20 and 21, from the Norfolk area and a man whose details are not available at the moment.

Police have urged people who were thinking of attending not to, adding: “They will be stopped from getting to the site by police.”

A number of sound amplification systems and generators were also seized and police remain at the site today.

A full investigation will now be carried out.

Forces also closed the A1 for a short while last night because of concerns over public safety.

The statement said the force was able to mobilise enough resources to deal with the situation due to some ‘regional collaboration efforts’.

They said: “This event at Twyford Woods is unsafe and puts those attending at risk and we will do our utmost to bring this illegal gathering to an end and ensure public safety.

Lincolnshire Police have confirmed that this weekend they had policed one planned major event – the super rally at the Lincolnshire showground which has continued without incident.

They said a ‘legally arranged rave’ at Swinderby, had not required policing.

The statement added: “These events were planned and subject to scrutiny by the Safety Advisory Group to ensure all measures for public safety were taken.”

Keep checking our website for further details as they are released.

Police have confirmed that an officer seriously injured in an attack by ravers at Twyford Wood was hit by a car.

The male officer was taken to hospital by ambulance to receive treatment for his injuries, which are not life-threatening.

A further two officers and a police dog were also injured, as a result of missiles being thrown from the crowd.

According to one raver, who spoke to the Journal from the A1 Truckstop at Colsterworth, the missiles being thrown included bricks, stones and sticks.

Ruhi Almathrabi, 31, travelled to the rave last night from his home in Bristol. He said: “There was an awful lot of people having fun, and an awful lot of police trying to stop them having fun. Yeah, we understand it’s illegal what we’re doing but it’s just a party.

“There were objects being thrown at the officers but that was a small minority of a huge bunch of people.”

Evidence of the violence is found in the truckstop car park, where police have parked a power generator covered in blood.

There remains a heavy police presence around the rave site at Twyford Wood, just off the A1 towards Corby Glen, as officers prevent anyone accessing the site. This has not stopped some, who were seen crossing fields and dodging traffic on the A1 in a bid to get in.

The rave began last night at around 11pm. Jasmin Addlesee, 16, works at the A1 Truckstop, and lives in nearby Colsterworth. She said she was woken up by the sounds of a police helicopter circling overhead. She said: “I went downstairs and outside and saw a lot of flashing lights. I got in the car with my mum to go and have a look and the whole area was covered with police officers and cars.”

She was surprised to see the commotion was ongoing when she arrived at work this morning. She said: “It’s bee a weird day! We’ve had the ravers coming in in dribs and drabs. They’re gathering everywhere. They were in the petrol station this morning, sitting on the curbs.”

Jasmin’s workmate, Nicola Middleton, turned up to work at 7.30am to find the area covered in police vans and ambulances, and could see a helicopter flying over the woods.

She said: “There must be thousands of ravers. I know there’s been raves in the woods before, but nothing like this. I think this one has just got way out of hand.”

Published Sunday, 11.31am: An estimated 200 people attacked police as they tried to deal with an illegal rave at Twyfood Woods, near Bourne, last night (Saturday), resulting in three officers and a police dog being injured.

A statement released by Lincolnshire Police has revealed about 1,000 people were at the ‘large’ rave, which the force were called to at about 11pm, following reports of ‘loud noise and anti-social behaviour’.

The statement said: “Police attended and found a large and illegal rave and the officers came under attack from an estimated 200 or so of the estimated 1000 or so who were at the site.

“As a result, three officers and a police dog were injured. One officer has a serious but not life threatening injury the other two officers have minor injuries. All the injuries were a result of missiles thrown from the crowd.”

Four people have been arrested, including three women aged 18, 20 and 21, from the Norfolk area and a man whose details are not available at the moment.

Police have urged people who were thinking of attending not to, adding: “They will be stopped from getting to the site by police.”

A number of sound amplification systems and generators were also seized and police remain at the site today.

A full investigation will now be carried out.

The dust has settled and all those elected to spend your money can now get on with it. Before I do, I would like to thank those who nominated me, and all those who voted for me.

I didn’t win a district council seat, but retained it on Crowland Parish Council.

I would also like to thank all candidates from all parties for their friendly humour at the count, the hard-working staff and especially the returning officer, who never failed to smile at every declaration despite her gruelling 36 hours almost without sleep.

And finally, my tablet of stone (yes I know they’re all doing it), I promise that the money taken from you in the form of taxes and rates, as a gun is held to your head (the threat of prison if you don’t pay up), will always be spent on the people as a whole, and not given to specific interest groups, charities, or business.

In response to Mr Davidson’s letter regarding Hope Not Hate, I would just like to express my feelings and annoyance with this group.

My experiences go back to the point of where the local immigration issues page was set up on social media.

I found myself drawn to comment just a few times on that page and I know I was not alone in doing so. After all, it was a place to voice an opinion freely.

What then happened highlights just how horrible this crowd are. As someone that is mature and long past the point of petty arguments, I did not expect to receive abuse both on this site nor to my private messages.

As pointed out several times and broadcast by Hope Not Hate themselves, they kept taking screen shots and using them to the point of blackmail against anyone they did not agree with.

Having read comments made on this, and other local as well as national websites, I know for a fact that they will target people.

I would urge anyone that has had similar experiences to speak out against this horrible group of hateful people.

We all have a right to have a say on all subjects and should not fear hatred from a group who poses as a peaceful loving group.

Let’s not have hate, we need to discuss certain issues.

Three police officers required hospital treatment and a further 18 sustained minor injuries as they battled to shut down an illegal rave at Twyford Wood near Corby Glen.

The rave began last night (Saturday) at around 11pm, attracting more than 1,000 party-goers. Around 200 people remain at the site this afternoon, according to a Lincolnshire Police spokesman.

Also injured was police dog Blue. The force’s dog section, @LincsPoliceK999, tweeted just minutes ago: “PD Blue was struck by a bottle thrown at police and shattered as it hit him. No serious injury thankfully. 4 days well deserved rest now. Handler Craggy ok also. Thanks to all well-wishers.”

Four arrests – three women and one man – were made initially. This number has risen to 16 over the course of the day, for various offences relating to the illegal rave.

Officers remain at the site to prevent entry to the area and will continue to do so.

One lane of the southbound carriageway of the A1 is closed to ensure the safety of people walking away from the site and returning to their cars, of which dozens were left alongside the busy road.

An illegal rave in woods off the A1 near Corby Glen has finally been shut down by police, with further arrests made.

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police said an operation to bring the rave in Twyford Wood to an end was carried out between 7.30pm and 9.15pm tonight (Sunday).

The statement reads: “Lincolnshire Police have confirmed that this evening they carried out an operation to bring the illegal rave at Twyford Woods, near Bourne safely to an end. The decision to do this was made for the safety of the public – both those still at the event and its proximity to the A1 – and the safety of those using that road. The operation was carried out during daylight between 1930 and 2115 on Sunday evening the 24th May.

“As a result of the operation a further 12 arrests were made for various offences relating to the rave bringing the total arrests since it began to 28 (as already released, four when it started and a further 12 arrests during yesterday).

“In addition, a number of vehicles have been seized along with sound amplification equipment and generators. No one was injured during the operation.

“Interviews of those arrested and investigations will continue throughout Monday 25th May.”

It went on to say: “We would like to apologise to motorists on the A1 during Sunday evening who were inconvenienced by the decision to close the road during our operation. We felt it necessary because of our concerns for public safety and the proximity of the illegal event to the A1 and people attempting to return to cars left on the verges of the carriageway.”

Conrad Louth finally exploded into life as Bourne crushed Market Rasen by 191 runs in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.

He has enjoyed a slow start to the summer by his own high standards, but he smashed a brilliant unbeaten 151 at Rasen – a knock that included 17 
fours, four sixes and occupied just 144 balls.

Louth added a quickfire 121 for the third wicket with captain Pete Morgan (60) and then dominated the rest of the Bourne innings of 277-8 in 50 overs.

Rasen, who were thumped by Market Deeping last week, were completely undermined by seamer Martin Shillito who bagged 5-34 from 12 overs and Tom Dixon who picked up 3-17 as they slumped to 86 all out.

Market Deeping also claimed a third win of the campaign in ruthless fashion as they despatched Grantham by 85 runs.

South African Emile Kriek (61) and Tom Andrews (50) did best as Deeping posted 204 and tearaway teenage fast bowler Patrick Brown (3-21) then ran through three early Grantham batsmen to reduce the home side to 21-4.

They recovered slightly but veteran off-spinner Meli Adatia (3-22) also picked up three wickets as Grantham were finally dismissed for 119.

Spalding also celebrated a victory, their first of the season after five straight defeats.

Skipper Rob Ambrose led from the front at Sleaford with 42 and shared an opening stand of 80 with Warren Nel (40).

Luke Hollingworth also made 40 as Spalding totalled 236-6, a decent score against a side without their former Kiwi Test player Tim McIntosh.

Sleaford opener Jonathan Cheer did bat throughout his side’s innings for an unbeaten 115, but his team-mates managed just 78 between them.

Nel and recent arrival Mark Joyce both claimed four wickets but Spalding remain bottom of the table.

Holbeach United manager Darren Jarvis accepts that physiotherapist Carol Holland has earned a chance to work at a higher level.

She rejoined St Neots Town last week with Jarvis saying it was “a real shame” to see her leave Carter’s Park.

Jarvis added: “I gave her a first position in football a few years ago so she’s a good friend as well as being a great physio.

“She deserves to be at a higher level with all of her qualifications.

“It’s a huge loss for us but it was too much of a good opportunity for her to turn down professionally and financially.

“We will be working hard to find a replacement for next season.”

Meanwhile, Jarvis remains hopeful of persuading last term’s top scorer Jamie Clarke to sign again with the Tigers.

He admitted: “We want him to stay at the club but I accept that the travelling distance from his home and work commitments may also influence his decision.”

The Tigers have already agreed deals to sign keeper Ricky Drury, central defenders Jonny Clay and Chris Ward plus midfielder Andy Law.

Jarvis said: “We are pleased because they fit the profile which we are looking to achieve with our additions to the squad.

“We want to find the best players locally before casting our net further afield.

“Jonny and Andy played for me at Peterborough Northern Star so I know all about them.

“From a very early stage when myself and Tom Roberts took charge here, we were very confident that Jonny would want to play for us again.

“He was an influential leader for us while Andy is a valuable addition as a versatile player with great quality on the ball.

“Chris is a former England schoolboy international who lives locally and wants to progress his career after playing 20 times for King’s Lynn Town last season.

“Ricky has shown great desire to come here but Nick Conroy has been invited back for pre-season so it’s up to him whether he wants to challenge for the number one jersey.

“We have got quite a few irons in the fire and the squad is shaping up really well with more to come in.”

Jarvis also confirmed that Clay has fully recovered from a hernia injury which kept him out of action for the second half of last season.