TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

Last summer I was commissioned by Cruise International Magazine to write an article about a European river cruise with Emerald Waterways. I wasn’t sure what to expect and was curious as to how it might differ from an ocean cruise. A week on the Rhine and Main rivers, travelling from Amsterdam to Nuremberg, proved to be one of the most enjoyable holidays I have ever experienced.

Here are some reasons why river cruising is worth a look.

1. It’s a great way to see a number of towns and cities on one holiday, without having to pack and unpack as you travel.

2. Unlike ocean cruises, there is always something to see as you sail. The scenery on our trip included the fairytale castles along the Rhine Gorge, the vibrant cityscape of Frankfurt and the chocolate-box towns of Bavaria.

3. Many river cruise operators have introduced new ships to their fleet, creating contemporary, stylish vessels which resemble luxury boutique hotels.

4. The small size of the boats, usually less than 200 passengers, makes for a more intimate, friendly atmosphere: it took no time at all to feel at home.

5. Food is excellent, often reflecting the local cuisine. On our Emerald cruise we could sit anywhere in the restaurant, either sharing a table with other passengers or choosing to sit on our own at the plentiful tables for two. Dress is usually informal but service is top notch.

6. Onshore activities are optional: join the guided tours or make your own plans. You could ring the changes by taking one of the bikes kept on board for guests.

7. If you think tours consist of a large group of passengers following a vociferous guide with an umbrella, think again. Our guides spoke quietly into a microphone and each of us had our own individual audio system to listen to the information. We could wander off and take photographs at our leisure without missing out on the content.

8. You might be surprised at the facilities on board. On our ship we had a gorgeous swimming pool at one end of the ship. In the evenings the pool was cleverly covered by the retractable floor to turn the area into a cinema room, complete with comfy sofas and popcorn.

9. Cruise companies offer special deals to make the holiday more affordable. It’s worth doing plenty of research to find your preferred itinerary at the right price.

10. For many years river cruising has been seen as a holiday for retired people. I think that’s changing and younger passengers, as well as those young at heart, are realising that this is a brilliant way to travel.

You can follow Trish on Twitter @mumsgoneto and read her blog at www.mumsgoneto.blogspot.com

More than 130 new nurses have been recruited from the Phillipines in a bid to fill in the staff shortages at United Lincolnshire’s Hospitals Trust (ULHT).

Deputy chief nurse at the trust Jennie Negus confirmed it had been out recruiting in the country – and said that, taking into account changed minds and 
changes in circumstance, the trust expected around 100 will end up at the trust.

The new nurses are expected to be on the wards by December – following a period of training.

Mrs Negus is confident the latest batch will stay in the area.She said there was already an ex-pat community who were waiting to welcome the nurses and who had already interacted with them through social media.

She also added: “From my experience, coming from that far, it’s not as easy to change your mind and go home.”

She added that the new nurses seemed thankful for the opportunity and said there was a “certain element of loyalty there”.

It follows the arrival of a new cohort of Eastern European nurses recently.

Mrs Negus said: “They’re amazing, they’re all settling in really well and we have seen them out and about.”

She said the new nurses had been challenged to go to new locations, and take selfies to encourage them to settle them in.

Mrs Negus defended the trust’s efforts at recruiting abroad, reconfirming that the local employment pool was “so shallow nationally”.

Financially, she said it worked out cheaper to employ this way than rely on agency nurses.

The trust is also looking to India for new staff. Mrs Negus said any push for staff abroad was well-researched by the trust and its partner agencies to 
ensure staff were available before heading to any country.

She added that the Trust was making ground in developing ‘home grown’ health care staff with officers visiting local schools and careers fairs in an attempt to engage young people.

Residents and businesses are being asked their views on a scheme where Lincolnshire County Council would gain more control over the works of utility companies on its highway network.

Under the Lincolnshire Permit Scheme, companies would need to apply for a permit before starting work.

The scheme would apply to firms working on new developments where planning permission has been granted and affects a highway, and to the council’s own road maintenance contractors.

It would be administered by Lincolnshire County Council, which as the Permit Authority, would charge a fee for the issue of a permit or the variation of an existing permit.

Coun Richard Davies, executive councillor for highways and transportation, said: “A huge amount of works on our network are actually carried out by utility companies and not the council – last year 80 per cent of all works were those of water, gas and electricity suppliers.

“This scheme will help us manage any activity on the highway, control the timing and duration of works and make sure they are completed to a good standard.

“While we appreciate some works are emergencies, this will give us the option of issuing penalties when unnecessary inconvenience has been caused, such as not completing jobs on time or having to revisit works.”

The scheme could commence in October 2016. The consultation has now started, and comments need to be received by 5pm on Friday, May 31. It is available on the council’s website www.lincolnshire.gov.uk

New fishing rod licences went on sale this week, and, at £27 for coarse fishing and non-migratory trout, or £72 to also fish for salmon and sea trout, the Environment Agency says they are great value for money.

There are flexible options to choose from too: a one or eight day licence or the full season. There are also junior and concession options.

You can buy your rod licence online from the Post Office here, at postoffice.co.uk or by phoning 0344 8005386.

Buying a rod licence online from the Post Office website is easy, and saves both time and administration costs, meaning that more of the income can be spent on improving fish stocks and fishing.

Always ensure that you buy direct from the Post Office because there are some unofficial websites which charge a handling fee.

Anyone fishing illegally is cheating other licence paying anglers, can expect to be prosecuted and face a substantial fine.

In 2014-2015 the Environment Agency checked 70,000 rod licences and prosecuted more than 2,000 anglers for fishing without a licence resulting in more than £500,000 in fines and costs.

Rod licence prices and structure remain the same in 2016.

Any proposed changes will come in from March 2017.

The Spar store in Pinchbeck has celebrated a store refit with a grand re-launch event and healthy lunch giveaway for more than 300 local schoolchildren.

The store on Knight Street re-opened its doors last week after a major refurbishment to completely refresh its convenience offering.

The site now features a brand-new Daily Deli food service department, offering hot and cold food to go, and an improved fresh produce and bakery range.

Bread, rolls and pastries are freshly baked at the store and delivered daily from local suppliers.

To celebrate, the store laid on a re-launch event involving special offers, free food and drink samples and a prize draw. Staff members delivered a free Spar healthy lunch pack to every pupil at Pinchbeck East Church of England Primary School.

Store manager Karen Stubbs said: “Spar Pinchbeck is a store based at the heart of the community and so what better way to mark our refurbishment than with a free lunch for local schoolchildren?

“We hope to continue to work with Pinchbeck East Primary School in the future by hosting store study tours and supporting their upcoming fundraisers.”

Spar Pinchbeck was taken 
under new management in September 2015 by family-owned business Blakemore Retail, who say they have worked tirelessly to improve store standards over the past few months.

The healthy lunch packs were donated via the Blakemore Foundation charitable trust.

Karen added: “We’re excited for customers to see our newly refurbished store, in particular the addition of our Daily Deli food service offering, so please come and pay us a visit.”

The Spar is open from 7am to 10pm every day.

R Longstaff & Co is selling the house in Cambridge Gardens, Gosberton, for £149,950.

This spacious semi-detached house is for sale with Longstaff & Co.

The property has been extended and offers extensive ground floor accommodation.

This includes a reception hall, a lounge with coal effect fire with stone effect surround, snug, sitting room with uPVC French doors leading to the garden, a dual aspect dining kitchen, a utility containing a Belfast sink and family bathroom.

Upstairs are three bedrooms one of which contains a large fitted wardrobe, while another houses the recessed airing cupboard with shelving.

The property is situated in a popular and pleasant cul de sac location close to all village amenities.

Outside, there is ample off-road parking, and there are open views to the front and side.

The enclosed rear garden contains a small raised pool, a grassed area and patio with farm views.

In addition to the generous-sized gardens, there is an assortment of sheds for storage and a mesh chicken run.

The property has uPVC windows and gas central heating.

Newton Fallowell is selling this house in Low Road, Spalding, for £229,950.

Newton Fallowell, which is selling this four-bedroom detached house, say it is a wonderful opportunity to buy a property that has been greatly improved by the present owner.

The open plan ground floor accommodation leads to a sense of light and space, and to the first floor there are four good-sized bedrooms, including a master with en suite.

To the rear, the enclosed garden must be seen to be appreciated.

A driveway allows off-road parking and leads to a double garage.

Viewing comes highly recommended to fully appreciate this immaculately presented property.

It is on Low Road, which offers easy access to the town centre.

Newton Fallowell is selling this house in Donington Road, Bicker, for £269,995.

Situated in the quaint village of Bicker, this three-bed detached family home is for sale.

Set in wrap around gardens, mainly laid to lawn, the house comprises a large kitchen-diner, a lounge with large bay windows, parquet flooring and fireplace, a sun room with double doors leading out on to decking, a dining room, utility room, downstairs WC and family bathroom.

With field views to the rear, this versatile property also has a single garage and ample off-road parking space.

The property has planning permission for an extension over the garage.

Police are looking for vandals who damaged a bus shelter in Deeping St Nicholas on Tuesday.

It happened in Littleworth Drove where a group of teenagers were seen at about 6.30pm.

Anyone with information should call PC Matt Breathwick on 101, quoting incident number 329 of March 1.

A father-of-three has been jailed for life after being found guilty of raping five women after meeting them on internet dating site match.com.

Jason Lawrance, described by police as a “sexual predator”, contacted thousands of women online and committed three sex attacks months after getting married to someone he met via the site.

The 50-year-old was also found guilty of attempting to rape and sexually assault two other women after chatting to them online.

Today, Thursday March 3, he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years and 6 months.

Derby Crown Court heard that in July 2013 Lawrance met a 54-year-old woman through match.com and the pair went for drinks near the woman’s home in Spalding.

They then returned to her home where he asked if he could stay over. The woman agreed on the condition that he sleeps on the sofa.

During the night, the woman woke up with an “awful weight” on her while Lawrance attempted to rape her. The victim called out for her 16-year-old son and Lawrance grabs his clothes and leaves.

In October 2014 Lawrance met a woman via the website and they had consensual sex in a hotel in St Ives in Cambridgeshire, before going out for a walk and a meal.

The woman then asked to use the toilet in Lawrance’s room before she drove home. At this point, he ripped her tights off, tied her hands behind her back and raped her.

Sentencing the 50-year-old for attacking seven women in total, Judge Gregory Dickinson QC told him: “I am convinced that you are devious, manipulative and highly dangerous to women.

“In my judgment these offences taken together - so many victims, the trail of terror and agony for which you are responsible - mean that the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment for life is fully justified.”

After stressing that the minimum term equated only to the earliest stage at which Lawrance could be considered for release, Judge Dickinson told the self-employed builder: “I am compelled to the dreadful conclusion that you enjoyed raping women.

“After these terrible crimes you acted as if nothing had happened.

“You have shown no remorse - zero appreciation of the seriousness of these offences - for the pain you have inflicted on these ladies, their families and their friends.

“Your aim was to get (the victims) into a compromising situation and then to do whatever you liked to them - anticipating that they would be too frightened or embarrassed to make a complaint, or that they would not be believed if they did come forward.”

Lawrance’s trial was told that the former company director texted one of his victims after attacking her, apologising for “hurting her” and saying: “When you were crying out for me to stop I couldn’t, I’m so mad at myself xxx.”

Explaining his decision to impose a life term, Judge Dickinson said: “There is a significant risk to members of the public of serious harm occasioned by the commission by you of further offences.

“That phrase is taken from an Act of Parliament. In plain English - you are a danger to women.

“Given the chance, you will rape again. I do not know when it may be safe to release you into the community.

“A sentence of life imprisonment means that you will not be released unless and until the Parole Board considers that it is safe to do so.”

In a statement issued after the hearing, match.com said: “Having worked with the police on this case for more than a year, we welcome the jury’s verdict and today’s sentence.

“We are very sorry for those affected, and appalled by these terrible acts. Sadly, there is a tiny minority of people who set out to harm others.

“While this is not confined to dating sites or even the internet, those who do so should be convicted and sentenced, as has happened in this case.

“Our members’ safety is our highest priority.”

Match.com added that it was committed to working with the dating industry as a whole to raise standards and ensure the best possible protection and support for its users.

Dog owners in the Deepings and Bourne are being urged to microchip their pets before it becomes law from April.

The microchip, the size of a rice grain, has a unique 15-digit number to help identify a dog and its owner.

From April 6, dogs must be registered with on an authorised database which are kept by vet surgeries and dog charities.

Coun Nick Craft, executive member for environment at South Kesteven District Council, said: “The vast majority of dog owners already have their pets microchipped, but those who haven’t it’s easy to arrange this with a quick appointment at a vets.”

“Some charities are also able to offer discounted chipping so there’s options available to ensure your pet is chipped by the time laws change in April.”

Permanent identification of dogs through microchipping helps reunite strays with their owners, tackle puppy farming and encourages responsible ownership.

Where a dog is transferred to a new keeper, the new owner must ensure any changes in the dog’s name or details are recorded.

With 10 games to go in the fight for a promotion play-off place, Spalding United must find a cure to their travel sickness.

The Tulips have failed to win on the road since a stunning 3-0 victory at Leek Town in mid-November.

The final countdown gets under way this weekend with a trip to relegation-threatened Carlton Town.

Spalding scored three late goals to beat Carlton 5-3 at home in Marcus Ebdon’s first game as manager following a caretaker spell in charge.

Ebdon said: “Their league position doesn’t mean a lot to us because we drew recently at the bottom two teams Loughborough Dynamo and Tividale.

“Our away form is quite poor.

“We are creating chances and not putting them away. We haven’t played well for 90 minutes – we seem to only turn up for 45, which is clearly not good enough.

“With 10 games to go now, it’s all about ourselves and picking up points to give us a chance of a top-five finish because some of the other teams have games in hand.

“I know it’s an old cliche but we just have to take one game at a time.

“We can’t afford to look too far ahead.

“We need to get three points on Saturday and then take it from there.”

Spalding will give late fitness tests to striker Stuart Eason (ankle) and defender Neal Spafford (knee).

Midfielder Joe Curtis is set to make his debut after this week’s move from Daventry Town.

Ebdon said: “He can play centrally and down the left or right.

“His major quality is ball retention. He keeps it and passes it. He comes from a background where he feels confident on the ball.

“He has played against us twice and I was impressed with him.”

Having been at Leicester City, Curtis then signed a professional contract with Southampton but suffered a serious ligament injury. Last season he played at Brackley Town and Kettering Town before joining Daventry.

Ebdon confirmed 16-year-old Jonny Lockie will stay in the squad following his full debut last weekend in the 4-0 home win over Goole.

Lockie has been invited back to Leicester City for an under-21 game and he also had a trial with Peterborough United.

Ebdon said: “He looked quite comfortable so he will definitely be involved again at some stage.

“He had done well coming on as a substitute at Coalville Town and Gresley.

“He has been around the first team and trained well so we want to give him a few games.”

This week’s fixture list - support your local team

THURSDAY

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Reserve Division: Bugbrooke St Michaels v Rushden & Higham.

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT JUNIOR ALLIANCE

Under-9 Futsal Fives: Parkside Red v Peterborough White (6pm), Crowland v G&N (6.40pm), Peterborough Blue v IPTA (7.20pm).

FRIDAY

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Division One: Peterborough Sports v Oakham.

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE

Under-16 Knockout Cup final (7.30pm): Yaxley Lynx v Pinchbeck (at Peterborough Northern Star).

SATURDAY

EVO-STIK NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

First Division South: Basford v Market Drayton, Belper v Romulus, Carlton v Spalding, Coalville v Tividale, Daventry v Lincoln, Gresley v Stocksbridge Park Steels, Newcastle v Chasetown, Rugby v Goole, Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Leek, Sheffield v Kidsgrove, Stafford v Loughborough Dynamo.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Boston v Newport Pagnell, Cogenhoe v Holbeach, Deeping v AFC Kempston, Desborough v Wellingborough, Harrowby v Yaxley, Leicester Nirvana v Huntingdon, Peterborough Northern Star v Oadby, Rothwell Corinthians v Eynesbury, Sileby v Northampton Spencer, Sleaford v Harborough, Wisbech v Kirby Muxloe.

Division One: Blackstones v ON Chenecks, Bourne v Burton Park Wanderers, Buckingham v Irchester, Bugbrooke St Michaels v Whitworth, Long Buckby v Raunds, Potton v Lutterworth, Rushden & Higham v Olney, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby v Thrapston.

Reserve Division: Harborough v Cogenhoe, Irchester v Rothwell Corinthians, ON Chenecks v Bugbrooke St Michaels, Raunds v Rushden & Higham, Thrapston v Northampton Spencer, Whitworth v Bourne.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT LEAGUE

Premier Division (2pm): AFC Stanground v Sawtry, Holbeach Res v Crowland, Ketton v Thorney, Netherton v Whittlesey, Peterborough ICA Sports v Stilton, Peterborough Sports Res v Deeping Res, Pinchbeck v Langtoft, Riverside v Leverington Sports, Uppingham v Moulton Harrox.

Division One (2pm): Kings Cliffe v Warboys, Langtoft Res v Sutton Bridge, Moulton Harrox Res v Wisbech Res, Oundle v Long Sutton, Spalding Res v Whittlesey Res, Stamford Belvedere v Baston, Stamford Lions v Netherton Res.

Division Two (2pm): Crowland Res v Hampton Sport, Glinton & Northborough v Peterborough Polonia, Leverington Sports Res v Netherton A, Sawtry Res v Whittlesey A, Spalding Town v Ketton Res, Thorney Res v Pinchbeck Res.

Division Three (2pm): Baston Res v Tydd St Mary, Bretton North End v Stamford Lions Res, Stilton Res v Ramsey, Thorpe Wood Rangers v Stanground Sports, Whittlesey B v Oundle Res.

Division Four (2pm): Brotherhood Sports v Stamford Belvedere Res, Holbeach Bank v Huntingdon Rovers, Long Sutton Res v Whaplode Drove, Parkway Eagles Res v Rutland DR, Tydd St Mary Res v Sutton Bridge Res, Warboys Res v AFC Stanground Res.

Division Five (2pm): Parkside Res v Holbeach A, Stanground Sports Res v KRC Deeping, Whittlesey C v Harrowby Res, Wittering Res v Limetree UTR.

PFA MINOR CUP

Semi-final (2pm): FC Peterborough v Stamford Lions A (winners to play Feeder).

BALCAN LIGHTING SUPPLIES LINCOLNSHIRE LEAGUE

Brigg Res v Skegness United, CGB Humbertherm v Ruston Sports, Horncastle v Sleaford Res, Hykeham v Cleethorpes DS, Market Rasen v Skegness Town, Wyberton v Lincoln Railway.

TAYLORS SERVICE GARAGES BOSTON LEAGUE

Sharman Burgess Sports Cup third round (2pm): FC Wrangle v Wyberton Res.

BB Insure Willoughby Cup quarter-finals (2pm): Friskney v Swineshead, Old Doningtonians v Coningsby, Spilsby v Skegness Town Res, Woodhall Spa v Old Leake.

Taylors Garages Premier Division (2.30pm): Fishtoft v Benington, Kirton v Heckington.

Taylors Peugeot Division One (2.30pm): Freiston v Fosdyke, Swineshead Res v Boston College.

Taylors Ford Division Two (2.30pm): Eastern European v Holbeach Bank, Pointon Res v Park, Railway v Billinghay Res, Swineshead A v Sibsey.

Taylors Vauxhall Division Three (2.30pm): Boston Titans v Old Doningtonians Res, Leverton Res v Benington Res, Northate Olympic v Friskney Res, Pointon A v Spilsby Res, Wyberton A v FC Hammers.

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT JUNIOR ALLIANCE

Under-7 Zone (10.30am): G&N v Bourne Red, ICA v Feeder Blue, One Touch v Stamford, Park Farm Red v Parkside, Spalding v Crowland, Werrington v Feeder Red.

Under-7 Zone (11.30am): Phoenix v Bourne Claret, Stamford Yellow v Pinchbeck.

Under-8 Zone (10.30am): Boston v Crowland, Park Farm Black v Feeder Red, Phoenix v IPTA, Riverside v Parkside Yellow, Stamford Yellow v Holbeach Black, Thorney v Oundle White, Thurlby v Deeping Claret, Whittlesey v Hampton, Wittering v Deeping Blue.

Under-8 Zone (11.30am): Bourne Claret v Bourne Red, Netherton v Feeder Blue, Park Farm Red v Stanground Purple, Spalding Orange v One Touch, Stamford Red v Holbeach Yellow, Stanground Black v Parkside Green, TWR v Oundle Blue, Werrington v G&N Blue.

Under-9 Hereward Cup (10.30am): Bourne Red v Bretton, FC Peterborough v Park Farm Red, Holbeach Black v Leverington, Park Farm Black v Gunthorpe, Thurlby v Spalding Blue.

Under-9 Hereward Cup (11.30am): Deeping Claret v Netherton, Hampton v TWR, Park Farm Blue v Parkside Blue, Riverside Purple v Parkside Red, Spalding Orange v Bourne Claret, Wittering v Oundle.

Under-9 League Cup (10.30am): G&N v Crowland, Stamford White v Feeder, Stanground v Deeping Blue.

Under-9 League Cup (11.30am): Stamford Red v Werrington Red, Thorney v IPTA, Werrington Blue v One Touch.

Under-10 Hereward Cup (10.30am): Blackstones v G&N Amber, Boston v Thurlby, Parkside v Riverside Purple, Stanground v Bourne Red, Werrington v Crowland, Yaxley v March SS.

Under-10 Hereward Cup (11.20am): Bourne Claret v Spalding Orange.

Under-10 Hereward Cup (11.30am): FC Peterborough v Gunthorpe, Netherton Ravens v Hampton Blue, One Touch v Park Farm Red, Pinchbeck Pumas v WSM.

Under-10 League Cup (10.30am): Oundle Red v Riverside Blue, Spalding Blue v Stamford Red, Whittlesey v Feeder.

Under-10 League Cup (11.30am): G&N Black v Pinchbeck Predators, Hampton Royal v Oundle Green, Holbeach Black v Holbeach Yellow, IPTA v Netherton Wagtails, Stamford Yellow v Deeping Claret.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE WOMEN’S & GIRLS COUNTY LEAGUE

Under-16 (10.30am): Histon v Melbourn, Pinchbeck v Burwell, Spalding v St Ives.

SUNDAY

SPALDING LEAGUE (10.30AM)

South Holland v Pinchbeck, Sutton Bridge v Punchbowl Panthers.

Mont Pell Trophy semi-finals first legs: Jubilee v Swineshead, Punchbowl Tigers v Mulberry.

WEST NORFOLK SCAFFOLDING KING’S LYNN & DISTRICT LEAGUE (10.30AM)

Division One: CSKA v Clenchwarton Victory, Chilvers v England’s Hope, Old White Bell v West Lynn Wanderers, Sutton St James v Flitcham Bell.

Division Two: CSKA Res v Necton, Elm v West Winch William Burt, Heacham v Three Holes Tigers, MacMillan v Shouldham, March Saracens v CSKA Young Boys, Tydd St Mary v CR Eastern Province.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE WOMEN’S & GIRLS COUNTY LEAGUE

Championship North (2pm): Bourne v Stamford, Hungate v Downham, Wisbech St Marys v Tydd St Mary.

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT JUNIOR ALLIANCE

Under-11 Zone: G&N Black v Parkside (10.30am), Northern Star v March SS (10.30am), Whittlesey Blue v FC Peterborough (2pm).

Under-11 Hereward Cup Group A (10.30am): G&N Amber v Gunthorpe Sky, WSM v March Ath.

Under-11 Hereward Cup Group B: Oundle v Deeping Claret (10.30am), Wittering v Whittlesey Red (10.30am), Stanground v Bourne Claret (2pm).

Under-11 Hereward Cup Group C (2pm): Hampton Blue v Gunthorpe Navy.

Under-11 League Cup Group A: Riverside v Park Farm Red (10.30am), Deeping Blue v Spalding Blue (noon), Yaxley v Netherton (noon), Feeder v One Touch (2pm).

Under-11 League Cup Group B (10.30am): IPTA v Boston.

Under-12 Division One: Holbeach v Hampton Navy (10.30am), Riverside v Feeder (noon).

Under-12 Division Two: Crowland v Leverington (10.30am), G&N Amber v Hempsted (10.30am), Werrington v Malborne (10.30am), Northern Star v Young Dons (noon), Oundle v Hampton Blue (noon).

Under-12 Division Three: Kings Cliffe v Sawtry (10.30am), WSM v Yaxley (noon), Whittlesey Red v G&N Black (2pm).

Under-12 Division Four: Blackstones v Park Farm Red (10.30am), Spalding Blue v Spalding Orange (10.30am), Tydd St Mary v Stanground (noon), Boston v FC Peterborough (2pm).

Under-13 Division One: Holbeach Yellow v WSM (10.30am), Hampton Royal v Deeping Claret (noon).

Under-13 Division Two (10.30am): Colsterworth v Deeping Blue, Northern Star White v Bourne, Oundle v Pinchbeck, Spalding v Netherton Phoenix.

Under-13 Division Three (2pm): Thurlby v G&N Amber.

Under-13 Division Four: Wittering v Stamford (10.30am), Holbeach Black v Netherton Hawks (noon).

Under-13 Hereward Cup semi-finals: Park Farm Black v Whittlesey (noon), Park Farm Red v Werrington Red (2pm).

Under-13 League Cup semi-finals (noon): Hampton Blue v Feeder, Yaxley v Alconbury.

Under-14 Division One: King’s Lynn v Deeping Blue (10.30am), Netherton v Leverington (10.30am),

WSM v Wasps (10.30am), G&N Amber v March Rangers (2pm).

Under-14 Division Two: Deeping Amber v Phoenix (10.30am), Whittlesey v Hungate Green (10.30am), Spalding v Thurlby (noon), Werrington v Bourne Claret (2pm).

Under-14 Division Three: Riverside v Stanground (10.30am), Stamford v Oundle (noon), Pinchbeck v Crowland (2pm), R&F v Feeder (2pm), Thorney v Bourne Red (2pm), Wittering v Gunthorpe Sky (2pm).

PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT YOUTH LEAGUE

Under-15 Division One (10.30am): Gonerby v Spalding, Hampton Blue v Stanground Sports.

Under-15 Division Two: Ketton v Blackstones (10.30am), Northern Star Red v Kings Cliffe (10.30am), Oundle v R&F (2pm), Pinchbeck v Malborne (2pm).

Under-15 Division Three: G&N Black v Leverington Sports (10.30am), Thorpe Wood Rangers Red v Riverside (10.30am), March v Netherton (2pm), Parkside v Thurlby (2pm).

Under-16 Division One: Deeping Blue v Hampton (10.30am), Pinchbeck v March (10.30am), WSM Yellow v Bourne (10.30am), Yaxley Lynx v Eye (10.30am), Peterborough Sports v Stamford Red (2pm).

Under-16 Division Two (2pm): Spalding Blue v March SS, Stanground Sports v Netherton Blue Jay, Yaxley Blue v Ryhall Orange.

Under-16 Division Three: Hungate v Wittering (10.30am), G&N v Parkway Eagles (2pm).

Under-18 Division One: Bourne Black v Werrington (10.30am), G&N Amber v Riverside (2pm), Northern Star v Stamford (2pm).

Under-18 Division Two: Crowland v Pinchbeck (10.30am), Spalding v Outwell Swifts (10.30am), Wisbech Acorns v Blackstones (10.30am), British School of Sport v March Saracens (2pm), G&N Black v Bourne Red (2pm).

PFA UNDER-15 CUP

Deeping v Northern Star Blue (2pm), Feeder v Holbeach (2pm).

TUESDAY

EVO-STIK NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

First Division South: Daventry v Coalville, Goole v Carlton, Leek v Lincoln, Shaw Lane Aquaforce v Gresley, Tividale v Kidsgrove.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Knockout Cup quarter-final: Cogenhoe v Eynesbury (winners at home to Peterborough Sports).

Premier Division: Leicester Nirvana v Sleaford, Oadby v Northampton Spencer, Sileby v Kirby Muxloe, Wellingborough v Rothwell Corinthians.

Division One: Burton Park Wanderers v Lutterworth, Olney v Long Buckby, Potton v Peterborough Sports, Thrapston v Bugbrooke St Michaels.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT LEAGUE

Division Four: Brotherhood Sports v Rutland DR.

Veterans Development Division: Cottesmore v Deeping.

WEDNESDAY

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Knockout Cup quarter-final: Holbeach v Boston (winners at home to Wisbech).

Reserve Division: Rothwell Corinthians v Cogenhoe.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT LEAGUE

Premier Division: Netherton v Ketton (8.05pm).

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Spalding Police are appealing for help in identifying the man in the above CCTV image in relation to a theft enquiry in the town.

Between 4pm and 5pm on Thursday, February 18, a bottle of aftershave was stolen from Hills Department Store in Broadgate.

Anyone who knows the identity of the man in the image is asked to contact PC Simon Edwards by calling 101 and quoting incident number 163 of February 25.

Reference: Inc 163 of February 25.

Police are asking the public to look out for a vehicle involved in hare coursing in the Holbeach area.

They have received reports of a green coloured 4x4 type vehicle, reg V425JMB, actively hare coursing in the area, with two men and a white Lurcher dog chasing hares.

A police spokesman said: “Any sightings of this vehicle and the males ACTIVELY coursing should be phoned in to 101 as a matter of urgency. Please be aware of your own safety at all times.”

Former Spalding United manager Pat Rayment has joined Peterborough Sports as a director.

The role formally takes effect on July 1 and sees him matching the investment of chairman Tommy Cooper pound-for-pound.

Rayment – who quit as Tulips boss four months ago – enjoyed a long playing career and tasted success in management when guiding Spalding to the United Counties League Premier Division title in the 2013/14 season.

And he is confident he can be successful after being approached by Sports boss Jimmy Dean to climb aboard a team with designs on rising to Step 3 of the non-League system in the coming years.

Rayment said: “As soon as I spoke to Jimmy and Tommy, the club’s huge ambition became clear – and it matches my own.

“Peterborough has long been crying out for a higher-level non-League club and that is what I believe Sports can become.

“Tommy and I will look to match each other’s input pound-for-pound in all aspects of running the club. I know that I can use my experience to help the club achieve its goals and also have some fun along the way.

“I bring a lot of understanding of a higher level to the table and knowing what to do, but just as importantly what not to do.

“We are not just going to throw money around and this has the feel of a longer and better-planned project than where I have been most recently.”

Rayment’s arrival will ease the burden on Cooper who has driven the city club’s rapid rise in recent times.

Five years ago they were playing in Division One of the Peterborough & District League – now they are powering to United Counties League Division One title glory by a country mile.

They won 1-0 at Lutterworth on Saturday thanks to a David Cobb strike to go 13 points clear at the top and are hopeful of attracting a decent crowd to PSL when entertaining Oakham United in a rare Friday night game (7.45pm).

Cooper said: “I have consistently maintained that it is in the club’s best interests to not be reliant on a single individual source of investment.

“There have been some positive and significant changes to my business and personal life which brought the need to address this more sharply into focus.

“Myself and Jimmy sat down recently to talk through what is needed for us to be competitive next season if, as expected, we are playing in the Premier Division.

“Jimmy approached Pat to see if there would be an interest in coming on board and it quickly became obvious we all share a vision of what our future could look like.

“This is an exciting time for the club and I am delighted that Pat will use his experience to lighten my load and act as an additional sounding board for Jimmy.

“It will allow me to really focus on the next phase of our ground development to bring it up to Step 3 standard. This involves taking over the lease of our ground from Parkway, which is actively being worked through at present with both them and the city council.”

Spalding captain Sam Cooke insists they can take plenty of confidence into Saturday’s home game with third-placed West Bridgford.

Town remain just above the Midlands Two East (North) relegation zone following last weekend’s 25-7 defeat away to Ashbourne.

Three tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second half made the difference.

Cooke said: “After the long journey, we played well in the first half and converted a try to take us ahead.

“We went into the second half feeling happy and pretty confident.

“But maybe we were a bit complacent as well, although to their credit Ashbourne came back at us with a bang.

“They did enough during that period at the start of the second half to beat us.

“However, we played some good rugby and we felt quite unfortunate not to score in the closing stages of the match as we were camped close to their line.

“During that spell we made a couple of mistakes when we should have scored tries.

“Ashbourne know they will be in for a tough test when they come here next month.

“We should be helped by a confidence boost going into this weekend’s game.

“It’s a tough game as they are well placed but we had a few issues at West Bridgford when Gavin Harrison broke his ankle.

“We want to do ourselves justice at home and we know we can take confidence from last week’s performance.”

Spalding should be close to a full-strength squad with the return of Dan Adams and Shaun Williams.

Seven students have been selected from Bourne Grammar School to represent Lincolnshire at the English Schools Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

Following successful performances in the County and Anglian Championships earlier this year, they will be competing against approximately 350 students from across the country at Wollaton Park, Nottingham.

The Bourne students are Elin James (Junior Girls), Neve Hattee (Inter Girls), Aaron Hunt and Bradley Allan (Inter Boys), Beth Howells (Senior Girls), Cameron Everist and Michael Cawood (Senior Boys).

The following decisions have been made by magistrates at court hearings. In all drink-drive cases the legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood or 107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. Addresses of defendants published here are taken from the legal records held by the magistrates’ courts. V/S means victim surcharge.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

January 20

Wesley Parnell (41), of Purley View, Mancetter, Warwickshire. Speeding (Whaplode). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Jennifer Bailey (52), of Berkley Court, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Nettleham). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Paul Barnes (38), of Comber Close, Scole, Norfolk. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £120 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Ian Foster (35), of Marshland Drive, Holbeach. Failed to give driver ID (Nettleham). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Daniel Hitchcock (41), of Cranmore Lane, Holbeach. Speeding (Whaplode). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Sean Timmins (45), of Ingestre Road, Wolverhampton. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £128 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Paul Woods (38), of Railway Lane South, Sutton Bridge. Driving while using a hand-held mobile phone (Boston). £70 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Tomas Lazdauskas (29), of Lancelot Way, Spalding. Three counts of theft (Spalding) - tax disc, golf shoes and ceramic bowls of value unknown; sat nav, Skil saw and two tool boxes of value unknown; pushchair buggy, Rayban sunglasses, pop-up bin, sat nav, Leatherman, oil cannister, various cables. Conditional discharge for one year, £15 v/s, £50 costs.

Danielle Nuttell (30), of High Street, Kirton, was sentenced to a total of 12 weeks prison for committing offences while on a conditional discharge and on a community order. Offences included theft and attempted theft.

Pawel Placzkiewicz (27), of Larkspur Way, Spalding. Stole prosecco, socks and underpant worth £20 belonging to B&M Bargains (Spalding). 6 months conditional discharge, £15 v/s, £50 costs.

January 21

Andrew Hughes (27), of Tilia Way, Bourne. Harassment (Bourne). Restraining order, £120 fine, £20 v/s.

January 23

Mateusz Kurek (25), of London Road, Spalding. Failed to comply with the requirements of a community order. New and varied requirements: 10 additional unpaid hours added to original 120 hours imposed.

Pawel Placzkiewicz (27), of Larkspur Way, Spalding. Stole £300 cash belonging to Brylaine Travel (Boston) and stole 200 tins of peas, value unknown, and large bag of salt worth £17 belonging to Greencore (Pinchbeck). 12 months conditional discharge, £15 v/s. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

January 26

Nathan Lake (25), of Baulkins Drove, Sutton St James. Jailed for a total of one year. He admitted committing a further offence while on a 26-week suspended prison sentence for driving while disqualified. Magistrates activated that sentence and gave him 14 weeks prison, consecutive, for driving while disqualified (Gedney), and 12 weeks consecutive for driving while disqualified (Moulton). He was given no separate penalty on two counts of driving without insurance.

January 27

Artur Chmielewski (40), of Yarborough Road, Lincoln. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

David Newnes (43), of St Guthlacs Close, Crowland. Speeding (Whaplode). £335 fine, £34 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Marek Szal (40), of Queens Road, Wisbech. Speeding (Whaplode). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Stuart Crisp, of Fen Road, Dowsby. Speeding (Osbournby). £120 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Adam Manning-Coe (24), of Meadow Gate, Bourne. Criminal damage (Bourne). £120 fine, £660 compensation, £20 v/s, £85 costs.

Ben Sharp (36), of Hazen Road, Kings Hill, West Malling. Speeding (Whaplode). £250 fine, £25 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mark Swanwick (29), of Rossiter Close, Melton Mowbray. Speeding (Horbling). £135 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Clayton Bell (20), of Rhone Walk, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland). £295 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Vets have launched a campaign to help dog owners understand and comply with a new law regarding dog ownership.

In just one month, from Wednesday, April 6, all dogs aged eight weeks and over in the UK will be legally required to have a microchip.

Statistics show approximately 1.8 million dogs still do not have a microchip in the UK, but 80 per cent of the pet dog population does currently comply with the new law.

To help dog owners check if their dog has a microchip, vets are increasing awareness of the new law and helping owners understand more about the legal requirements.

Dr Huw Stacey, director of clinical services at Vets4Pets, said: “In just a few weeks’ time, tens of thousands of dog owners could be breaking the law and facing a fine of up to £500.

“But pet owners shouldn’t worry about microchipping their pet. It is an easy and simple procedure.

“A microchip is about the same size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin at the scruff of a dog’s neck.

“Each microchip has a 15-digit code which is unique to the pet and can be read through a special scanner.”

The new legislation is designed to prevent illegal breeding of dogs, bring owners to account for a dog’s aggressive behaviour and reunite lost pets with their rightful owners quickly.

But microchipping is also carried out on other pets, including cats and rabbits.

Dr Stacey added: “The statistics show, the vast majority of dog owners are caring and responsible when it comes to pet welfare and their dogs are highly likely to be microchipped.

“By adding a traceable element to all dogs it will help lost or stolen pets be reunited with their owner.

“Of course this also applies to cats, rabbits and other pets, and while legally only dogs will be required to be microchipped, it is sensible to microchip a cat or rabbit too.

“It is also vital that all owners keep their contact details up-to-date on a microchip database. Previous research has shown some pets cannot be returned to their owner because the chip has incomplete or inaccurate data.”