Blithe Spirit, by St Nicolas Players, at the South Holland Centre, Spalding on Thursday, March 17

From the first moment, taking our seats amongst quite a small audience, I wondered that perhaps we were late. A maid was on stage tidying and moving the props. I quickly realised this was a preamble to the show starting and thought it was a very clever idea, one which I had not seen before.

What a lovely young actress (Emily Deans) who worked hard all through the play changing the scenes as there were no curtains at all.

The set was lovely, 
I really liked the attention to detail, the authentic furniture, old pictures, a working gramophone and wall lights. Such attention to detail I would have only expected from a professional production.I felt like I was sitting in the room with the Condomines.

I particularly liked the effect of having Elvira appear in the mirror and when she finally appeared on stage in that wonderful dress I could tell that Amber Sinclair was a talented actress as she took this rather small role and loaded her part with movement, facial expressions and posture which I felt was evocative of a women of the time.

Madame Arcati was really well perceived. The costumes were just right, but also her use of accent and the way she spoke her lines really made me believe in the character. I laughed out loud several times just at some of the looks Mandie Collier gave other characters and at her movements. I really think she was having a great time on stage.

The Condomines and The Bradmans were also played very well. Ruth and Mrs Bradman were well cast and with clever use of costume changes you were able to get the 1940s feel.

I think the chemistry between the actors was evident and although the second half was not as well paced as the first half there were plenty of comic moments and I was entertained from first to last.

I was really impressed with the floating table and really couldn’t see the wires and how did all the furniture and pictures move about on their own? Very clever. The final destruction of the set was good fun and the music, from Noel Coward himself, accompanying the show, enhanced the action. I was tempted to sing along to some of the songs.

This really made me think again about supporting more amateur groups. I had no idea it was going to be so good and at such a lovely, friendly venue too.

SUSAN MACKALL

There will be fewer spaces at a Bourne car park due to improvement work from Tuesday.

South Street car park is undergoing surface repairs for a ten-day period from March 28 until Friday, April 8.

However, the car park will stay open during this period and South Kesteven District Council apologises for any inconvenience this will cause.

Firefighters from Bourne and Market Deeping attended a roof fire in Thurlby just days before the Easter bank holiday weekend.

It happened at a house in Northorpe shortly before 11.45am last Monday.

The fire was put out by a builder with a water hose by the time crews arrived who were left to inspect the building.

A Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said the cause was accidental.

People who find stray dogs in Frampton, Kirton, Sutterton, Wyberton and other villages near Boston can use a new service from next Friday.

Boston Borough Council has set up a dog collection service while it reminds people who find a lost pet that it is their legal responsible to either give it back to its owner, keep it safe until it can be collected or consider keeping it.

A council spokesman said: “If you wish to keep a stray dog, you must inform the council which will then need to check that you are a fit and proper person to keep a dog.

“But if the legal owner of the dog requests its return, you may have to hand it back.

“In any event, all dogs in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address or phone number of the owners inscribed on it, or on a plate or badge attached to it.

“This will make return of stray dogs to their rightful owners much easier.”

For more details aboout the new service, call 01205 314200 or 01205 362151 out of normal office hours.

Dog and her dead puppies discovered abandoned

Time to put on the chips for your dog in Deepings and Bourne

Holbeach Hurn stray had been missing from its home 200 miles away for five years

Holbeach Town Band opens its doors to the general public next Sunday, April 3 as it re-opens its Music Café.

The band held its first Music Café’s last year and they proved very enjoyable.

The café will open at 3pm at the WI Hall in Holbeach; entry is free. Visitors will have the chance to meet members of the band, the Holbeach Victoria Training Band and the Band’s learner group and see them perform, while at the same time enjoying a cuppa and a piece or two of cake.

The band’s supporters are busy making cakes for the day and they will be running the café while the bands play.

There will be spare instruments for the visitors to try and they are also welcome to join in with the bands.

TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

“How about we make a TV programme where we film people watching TV?”

I wonder what the Channel 4 executives made of that pitch when it was first made to them? Three years since it first aired, Gogglebox is a huge hit, winning a whole host of awards.

When Dougie and I are watching the TV in the evening, we often wonder whether we would make good Gogglebox participants as we sit in the same position on the sofa, supping coffee/wine/tea/beer and putting the world to rights.

It sounds like a great idea to be paid for watching the telly but would I really want the world to see me at my most comfortable? Would viewers look at us and our living room and pick faults or make judgements. I’m sure they would spot that bit on the wall where Dougie filled in a screw hole and didn’t sand it down enough before painting over it. Imagine having to constantly hoover and plump up the cushions.

The thought of a video camera watching my every move is quite terrifying. No more slouching or scratching. No more letting my chin rest on my chest or unbuttoning my jeans for a breather. I would have to touch up my make-up all the time: apply lippy and powder for the benefit of the camera.

Then there’s the issue of what to wear. Heavens, I would have to buy a whole new wardrobe of co-ordinating leisurewear.

I look at the Gogglebox families and wonder who we most resemble. We don’t dress well enough in the evenings to be like Steph and Dom, even on wine nights, and we’re not quite the right age to resemble June and Leon.

I’m not sure we are quite as refined as Giles (Alan Bennett looky-likey) and Mary though I do like his dry sense of humour and her colourful tights. I have to admit, we own a chocolate biscuit stash like the Malones, though try not to leave it on the pouffe like they do, as that’s asking for trouble...and we haven’t even got any dogs sniffing around.

My Newcastle background probably places me in the Moffat family. Daughter Scarlett is the most vociferous but I reckon I’m more like her mother, Betty Moffat, particularly with her penchant for large fluffy slippers.

When our son, Rory, returns from university, however, the sofa dynamic is altered. I am relegated to second sofa and son reclaims his rightful place next to his father where they can talk sport and he can fiddle, annoyingly, with the table lamp. If Gogglebox filmed us in these positions, I would be mostly in the distance, out of shot, stretched out like Cleopatra, with just my precious utterances ricocheting off the walls.

Who wouldn’t want to watch that?

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

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.

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.

January 29

Ernest Zyga (34), of Winsover Road, Spalding. Possession of quantity of amphetamine (Spalding). Five days prison sentence concurrent, £80 v/s, drugs to be forfeited and destroyed.

February 1

Stefan Bercu (20), of Juniper Crescent, Spalding. Driving without a seat belt (Crowland). £145 fine. No insurance. £440 fine, £44 v/s, 385 costs, 6pts.

William Dodkin (28), of Tower Road, Ely. Speeding (Spalding). £145 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Brian Kettlewell (58), of Edinburgh Crescent, Kirton. Driving without due care and attention (East Keal). £80 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Hubert Kunicki (36), of Bourne Road, Spalding. No MOT (Spalding). £135 fine. No insurance. £400 fine, £40 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

February 4

Gytis Balceris (38), of Southwell Road, Wisbech. Breach of a restraining order (Sutton Bridge). Four weeks prison sentence, £80 v/s. Suspended sentence of imprisonment of 14 weeks suspended for 12 months imposed on January 25 implemented concurrent.

February 6

Ruslan Zachrabov (28), of Commercial Road, Spalding. Drink driving (Boston). £250 fine, £25 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 14 months. No separate penalty for failing to surrender to custody.

Sheamus Donnelly (29), of Low Road, South Kyme. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £40 fine, £20 v/s, 3pts.

Charles Goldthorpe (59), of Foster Houses, Doncaster. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £65 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Samantha Hodnett (41), of Jekils Bank, Holbeach St Johns. Speeding (Hubberts Bridge). £60 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Neil Thompson (42), of Rotten Row, Pinchbeck. Speeding (Whaplode). £135 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Sylwia Mitkiewica (27), of Strawberry Fields, Holbeach St Marks. Speeding (Algarkirk). £120 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. Driving without seat belt. £60 fine.

George Murray (45), of Cowan Wynd, Uddington, Glasgow. Speeding (Whaplode). £100 fine, £20 v/s,£85 costs, 3pts.

Benjamin Ruck (29), of Princess Road, Kirton. Speeding (Wyberton). £80 fine, £20 v/s,£85 costs, disqualified from driving for 42 days.

Thomas Foreman (26), of Braeburn Road, Deeping St James. Failed to comply with red traffic light (Bourne). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Highbury Gay (20), of Rotten Row, Pinchbeck. Defective rear lamp (Boston). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs.

Paul Huckle (24), of Main Road, Gedney Drove End. Driving without seat belt (Spalding). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs.

February 8

Robert McDonald (47), of Spa Road, Braceborough. No insurance (Langtoft). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £150 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

February 10

Paul Elms (40), of Westley Road, Whaplode. Speeding (Whaplode). £80 fine, £20 v/s, 3pts.

Richard Gordon (53), of Myrtle Lane, Larkhall, South Lanarkshire. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Robert Holden (28), of Edinburgh Crescent, Kirton. Failed to give driver ID (Nettleham). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Gail Murphy (465), of Horseshoe Lane, Kirton. Failed to give driver ID (Nettleham). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 9 months.

Ian Shortland (54), of Queens Road, Spalding. Driving otherwise than accordance with a licence. £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs.

Daniel Ball (28), of Morven Terrace, Warsop. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £150 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Anthony Devaney (30), of Water Lane, Spalding. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £100 fine, £20 v/s, 3pts.

Glenn Marshall (39), of Seventh Drove, Little Downham. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £50 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Zac Mountain (19), of NFA. Breach of a restraining order (Sutterton). Six months conditional discharge, £15 v/s.

Jay Power (22), of Hurdletree Bank, Holbeach. Threatened to cause damage (Holbeach). £330 fine, £33 v/s, £40 costs.

Pupils at Spalding Priory School enjoyed a delicious meal thanks to Indus Restaurant in Spalding.

Children who attend the school have been studying India in Geography over the past year and have been looking at the climate, culture and landscape.

Teachers thought it would be a good idea to take the kids to watch the chefs cook the Indian dishes, but when they rang to ask, they were also offered a meal for the class.

Teachers said the Indus Restaurant was very generous and all the staff were extremely friendly.

Children and staff were treated to chicken korma and many other traditional Indian meals.

After everyone had eaten, the restaurant even put on an Indian quiz for the children, in which they answered questions confidently.

For some in the class, it was their first ever time in an Indian restaurant, but according to the school, they were pleasantly surprised.

They now have a much better understanding of the project... and more of a taste for Indian food!

The school thanked Indus for its kindness and generosity. Photo (TIM WILSON): SG140316-109TW

A leading empowerment expert and spiritual development teacher from Cowbit publishes her first book in the UK tomorrow (Friday) and is staging a launch event in Spalding next month.

Whispers From The Earth, written by Taz Thornton (41) and published by Moon Books, is a unique collection of teaching stories for seekers trying to navigate their way through the modern world.

Taz has spent years learning about energy medicine and shamanism – reputedly the world’s oldest spiritual practice – working closely with ancestor spirits and earth energies to bring forward wonderful tales to inspire, challenge and support the reader.

To celebrate the launch of Whispers From The Earth, Taz will be at Bookmark in The Crescent, Spalding – her local independent bookshop – on Thursday, April 7, where there will be a talk, question and answer session and book signing from 7.15pm.

Early reviews of this unique book, which are already being read across parts of Europe and Australia, have been full of praise for Taz’s work with one comparing her writing style to that of Rudyard Kipling’s.

Reviewer Siobhan Johnson said: “This is a book for Rudyard Kipling fans for sure. … even though these are pagan flavoured, they are traditional British teaching stories that have wisdom and benefits that transcend religion.”

Whispers From The Earth, completed last year, features a variety of stories from Taz, along with some from her shamanic students, together with meditations and step-by-step guides to help readers source their own teaching tales.

Taz explains: “Throughout time, indigenous cultures have used storytelling as a way of spreading important teachings to the tribe.

“After spending years working with the spirits of the land, I’ve been blessed with the role of story weaver, writing Whispers From The Earth so that some of our spiritual ancestors’ wonderful teachings and stories can come forward once again, enabling us to share them with each other and with our communities.

She adds: “These stories, gifted by spirit, have a truly beautiful way of reaching out to the reader, providing valuable insights and teachings and my biggest hope is that this book will become your friend on the bookshelf, always there to provide encouragement, life lessons and love when it’s needed.

“A true go-to place that can be revisited again and again.”

Admission for Taz’s launch event at Bookmark, Spalding, is by ticket only.

Tickets are £3.50 and include wine or juice. Email enquiries@bookmark-spalding.co.uk or call 01775 769231 to book.

Whispers From The Earth by Taz Thornton is priced £6.99 or £4.79 in Kindle Edition and is published by Moon Books.

Spalding’s Graham Smith and Matt Whyers won all three of their matches as England won the Home International Series at Llanelli.

The pair formed a front end for Swale’s Perry Martin and skip Rob Paxton from Taunton Deane.

First up for England were hosts Wales, with Smith and Whyers winning 27-15 in an overall victory of 150-86.

Next up was Ireland and England took the match by 132 shots to 107, with Smith and Whyers recording a 22-17 
scoreline.

With Scotland winning both their opening fixtures, the clash between the sides on the final day became a winner-takes-all battle.

England posted a 13-1 score after just one end across all rinks.

They remained in front throughout with a final score of 122-100, Whyers and Smith winning 26-19.

Velo-One Cycling Team riders Madeline Verdegaal, Adam Ellis and Justin Parr raced at round three of the Milton Keynes Bowl Spring Circuit Series.

The Bowl this year has been stronger and faster than ever, a clear indication of the increasing popularity of 
cycling in the UK.

In the Women’s British Cycling E/1/2/3/4 race, a group of eight riders broke away.

Verdegaal missed the break and contested the sprint finish with the main group, coming 11th.

Damp conditions in the Men’s British Cycling Cat 4 race tested Parr’s bike handling skills in only his second ever race, finishing in the top 20.

The British Cycling Cat 2/3 race saw a field of 70-plus lapping the circuit at an average of 25mph.

Ellis finished within the main group in the top 20.

The Spalding CC 27-mile Hilly Open time trial saw V1 riders Neil Palmer, Joshua Wallis and Dan Carr in action.

A testing early-season event with over 1,000ft of climbing did not allow the riders to get in a rhythm.

Palmer continued to show great form, finishing fourth overall and first veteran with a time of 1hr 18secs.

This was Wallis’ first-ever time trial, showing that he is one to watch over the coming season with a time of 1hr 4 mins 11 secs.

Carr started his season with a time of 1hr 13 mins 57 secs.

Cycling with JDRF to #TackleType1 – JDRF.org.uk

A Spalding counselling service wants to let the people of South Holland know that it is there for them.

Space 4U is a professional counselling service offered by the Spalding Covenant Churches and is based at Broad Street Methodist Church in Spalding.

A registered charity, it is open to all from 13 years old upwards, particularly those who could otherwise not access counselling.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Mental health problems are a common human experience.

“Most people know someone who has experienced a mental health problem. It can happen to anyone and it’s likely that, when you find a combination of self-care-treatment and support that works for you, you will get better.

“Experiencing a mental health problem is often upsetting and frightening, particularly at first, but help is available. Counselling gives you a chance to look at whatever problems or issues are bothering you.”

There are many reasons why people come for counselling:

• Because they are having problems with relationships;

• They feel constantly unhappy or anxious;

• They have had a sudden crisis such as somebody dying or losing their job;

• It may be less clear – a sense that they are often sad, or that life has no purpose.

• They may feel everything is spiralling out of control.

The spokesman said: “If it important to you, it is important.”

He added: “Counselling is confidential, what you say remains private. The cost is agreed according to your ability to pay and is on a donation basis to help with the cost of running the Centre.

“No one will judge, advise or criticise you. They will help you find out how you really think or feel about your situation, and how you proceed in a way which works for you.”

All counsellors are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy or an equivalent body.

If you would like to know more, ring the centre on 07982 467720 and leave a message with your name, phone number and times it would be convenient to call you back. Or visit their Facebook page SpaldingSpace4U or wesbite Space4Uspalding.org.UK

CABINET CALL: By Coun Anthony Casson

You may have seen last week that we announced the purchase of Moulton Park for £302,000.

Some people have questioned why we’ve spent such a large sum of money on a park at a time when councils across the country are making cuts.

Well, we’ve been actively seeking opportunities to acquire green open space and as a proactive local authority we felt this was too good a chance to turn down.

The completion of this deal is especially pleasing as it confirms our commitment to promoting wider access to open space across the district and developing stronger and healthier communities which residents can take pride in.

We can now look forward to developing a strategy for Moulton Park to provide a first-class recreational facility that people across the district can enjoy.

In the shorter term, we will be looking at installing a play area and other equipment there to meet with more local needs.

On a separate note, I’m also pleased to report that the gates at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Fields in Spalding have been refurbished to further enhance the site and we’ve already had positive feedback from members of the public.

Meanwhile, Councillors Andrew Woolf, Rodney Grocock and I have helped towards funding defibrillators, speed indicators and more from our ward budgets.

Importantly, a defibrillator is a first aid device that can be used by members of the public to treat people who’ve suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

These machines work by emitting a high energy electric shock which restores the heart’s natural rhythm.

This is part of our drive to develop safer communities and these life-saving machines will certainly provide peace of mind, although I hope they are rarely needed.

Fans of four-wheeled racing have a double dose of action at the Adrian Flux Arena, King’s Lynn, this weekend with meetings on Saturday (5.30pm) and Monday (1pm).

Saturday night sees Micro and Junior Bangers racing, joined by Two-Litre Saloon Stock Cars.

On Monday afternoon, the main crashing action comes from 4x4 SUV Bangers – where bigger cars mean bigger 
crashes – backed up by Two-Litre Bangers, crazy racing from three-wheeled Reliant Robins and 1300cc Stock Cars.

Pinchbeck’s Tom Yould will be aiming for success in the 25-and-under Championship of Great Britain contested by the Saloon Stock Cars.

The 25-year-old hasn’t enjoyed the best of fortunes in his new car so far this season but will be hoping to make the most of his current B-grading which will let him start towards the front of the grid.

South Holland drivers James Bruce (Sutton Bridge), Robert Heanes (Holbeach), Andi Newman (Gosberton), Wes Starmer (Sutton Bridge) and Simon Venni (Sutton St James) will also be racing on the night.

Spalding trio Phil Clarke, Jason Clow and Ricky Ivatt will be among the near 100-strong entry of Micro Bangers.

James Jackson (Long Sutton) races in the Two-Litre Bangers Commentators Cup, while with more than 30 of the big cars booked to race, the SUVs are certainly not to be missed.

Pinchbeck returnee Dan Booth heads the entry of 1300cc Stock Cars, proudly sitting on top of the national points standings.

Donington’s Mark Sargent was among a very large field of BriSCA Formula One Stock Cars at the track in their 
season-opener last weekend but could only manage a best of 10th place in his heat in a meeting dominated by Yorkshireman Frankie Wainman Jr.

His son Finn fared a little better in the Ministox, scoring three top-10 finishes.

Spalding’s Dani Parker suffered a bruising crash in the Ministox final which she was thankfully able to walk away from.

Local fans were left with plenty to cheer, though, in the 2L Stock Cars when Newman took a decisive victory in the final.

Newman was involved in a race-long battle with veteran racer Ivan Street but got the better of him in the final lap and avoided lots of chaos to take the chequered flag.

It was a brilliant win for Newman and elevates him to the top of the current White & Yellow Points series.

Experienced racing driver Adam Cunnington is ready for his first season in the Mini Challenge.

The 49-year-old from Gedney Dyke – a company director of the family farm – has been driving on circuits since the age of 12.

He said: “I have raced and rallied at many major events.

“I raced in the FISC Sprite and Midget series, finishing second in Europe.

“I have consistently been on the podium, winning at events at both home and abroad including Monza, 
Nurburgring, Zandvoort, Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

“I have also competed in world-class historic endurance events like the Spa six hours and Nordschleife 
Marathon with a 1965 British-built Marcos GT.

“The Mini Challenge regularly visits the UK’s top circuits including Brands Hatch, Donington, Oulton Park, Silverstone and Snetterton among others.

“The Mini Challenge series supports the dedicated Mini festival race meetings and is the feature race of these events.

“It also supports the major Blancpain world sports car series at Brands Hatch with 20-plus races throughout the season.”

The Mini Challenge starts at Donington on April 23-24.

The Pure Leisure Group, owners of Tydd St Giles Golf Club, are helping to support Cunnington.

A spokesman said: “All at Tydd St Giles Golf Club wish him the best of luck and will be watching his progress throughout the year.”

Cunnington is also being supported by A Reeve Motorsport, Parc Ferme Car Storage and Absolute Alignment.

Those whom the gods wish to destroy... they first make mad (a wise old saying passed down from Greek antiquity).

It is my long standing opinion, of which I’m pleased to find is now echoed by Prime Minister David Cameron, that if we exit the EU then we must all be stark, staring, raving mad. The first and most important duty of any UK government is the fundamental defence of our nation and that is an undeniable fact. I urge the exit camp to think for a moment of a Europe breaking up economically and socially sparked by UK exit and then ask themselves; is it likely to strenghen or weaken NATO? Historically, alliances are never strenghtened by feelings of rivalry and resentment... what is likely if we leave the EU? After these questions, then perhaps the more vocal/local exit campaigners should consider the un-checked foreign policies of Mr Putin; which more and more, seemingly, aim to follow the centuries-old desire of Russia to weaken and dominate its European neighbours. Add to that the possible nightmare of a Donald Trump election victory in the US and it is not hard to imagine Europe once more becoming the bloody battlefield it has always been. Surely, we are all capable of overcoming the predjudice and dislike of ‘Johnny Foreigner’? (which,sadly, is what the current UKIP rhetoric always seems to narrow down to). Migration is in our DNA: from our knuckle-grazing ancestors and throughout man’s history we have always looked to move on to the next valley if the prospects seemed better. Migration is a good and positive thing as our island history can confirm. As for all the other arguments and doubts about excessive EU payments, trade, immigration, economic mis-management, and government/institutional mis-management, are the exit groups maintaining that these, mainly structural problems, are insoluble? And won’t they still exist and still need to be overcome when we are a tiny isolated island nation,weakened further, perhaps, by pro-EU Scottish independence? I have read all the recent pro-exit arguments and comments (inc John Hayes) in this paper and they are poorly presented, in my view. Every argument the exit groups can come up with can be countered and rectified by our continued and prominent membership of the EU. A neglected reality by the exit groups is that without the protection of the EU laws we will continue to live in a country that is without a written constitution which means once out, justice stops with us, or rather our rulers. I prefer a higher universal democratic authority which is why I welcome and embrace European unity with the UK playing a fully committed role in its correct governance. Finally, I would urge all young people interested in politics to take a good look at some of those advocating exit. I have and it seems to me that a few of them are the same ‘old brigade’ of fearful little Englanders that I remember growing up with, steeped in tribalism and local predjudice, mis-led and mis-informed, spurred on by people who, quite honestly, should know better. I do hope a resounding ‘yes’ result for continued membership, if only for the sake of future generations. In my view, Tory leader,Cameron, has been a fool and a liabilty to the in campaign in the past and only now is he speaking truthfully from the heart. Let’s support him now.

Spalding United’s away-day blues continued on Saturday.

The Tulips remain without a win on the road since mid-November as Joe Curtis’ first-half strike was cancelled out at Belper Town.

Gerome Palmer headed in Louis Keenan’s corner 20 minutes from full-time to seal a point for the Nailers at The Marston’s Stadium.

Spalding were in front when Curtis headed the ball in 10 minutes before half-time after Belper keeper Mark Rathbone had tipped Jamie Thurlbourne’s corner onto the crossbar.

Both sides had their best chances in the opening 10 minutes - James Tricks’ close-range effort was well saved by Rathbone but Michael Duggan outdid him by tipping Alex Steadman’s volley round the post.

It was a game of very few clear-cut chances with both teams languishing in mid-table come the end of this season.

Tricks collected a driven cross from Thurlbourne but his shot on the turn just flew over the bar without worrying Rathbone.

Steadman had one final chance for the Nailers five minutes from full-time as he chased Jonathan Williams’ long ball but could only hook the ball over while under pressure from Sam Murphy.

The Tulips host Lincoln United in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South on Easter Monday.

Meanwhile, Josh Ford got a late consolation as Holbeach United lost 3-1 at third-placed Newport Pagnell Town in the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division.

Will Bird got the only goal as Deeping Rangers ended a poor run by beating relegation-threatened Oadby Town.

Bourne Town’s unbeaten spell ended with a 4-2 reverse at Buckingham Town in Division One.

EVO-STIK NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE

First Division South: Basford 1 Goole 0, Belper 1 Spalding 1, Daventry 0 Kidsgrove 5, Gresley 0 Carlton 2, Lincoln 2 Sheffield 1, Loughborough Dynamo 1 Shaw Lane Aquaforce 2, Market Drayton 0 Chasetown 3, Newcastle 2 Coalville 1, Stafford 3 Tividale 0, Stocksbridge Park Steels 3 Leek 0.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE

Premier Division: Cogenhoe 0 Rothwell Corinthians 1, Deeping 1 Oadby 0, Eynesbury 2 AFC Kempston 1, Kirby Muxloe 0 Wellingborough 0, Leicester Nirvana 3 Boston 0, Newport Pagnell 3 Holbeach 1, Northampton Spencer 7 Huntingdon 0, Sleaford 3 Peterborough Northern Star 1, Wisbech 1 Sileby 2, Yaxley 2 Harrowby 2.

Division One: Buckingham 4 Bourne 2, Irchester 0 ON Chenecks 2, Long Buckby 1 Potton 0, Lutterworth 3 Raunds 1, Peterborough Sports 6 Bugbrooke St Michaels 1, Rushden & Higham 1 Blackstones 2, Stewarts & Lloyds Corby 4 Burton Park Wanderers 2, Thrapston 2 Olney 4, Woodford 1 Oakham 1.

Reserve Division: Bourne 2 Bugbrooke St Michaels 1, Harborough 2 Peterborough Northern Star 4, Olney 1 Northampton Spencer 1, Rothwell Corinthians 3 Raunds 5, Whitworth 2 Rushden & Higham 3.

CHROMASPORT & TROPHIES PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT LEAGUE

Premier Division: Holbeach Res 1 Peterborough Sports Res 3, Leverington Sports 1 Crowland 4, Moulton Harrox 7 Uppingham 0, Netherton 5 Stilton 0, Pinchbeck 7 Sawtry 0, Riverside 0 AFC Stanground 11, Thorney 2 Deeping Res 4.

Division One: Baston 2 Langtoft Res 1, Spalding Res 1 Long Sutton 0, Sutton Bridge 5 Kings Cliffe 0, Warboys 0 Whittlesey Res 0, Wittering 2 Moulton Harrox Res 0.

Division Two: Glinton & Northborough 5 Thorney Res 0, Ketton Res 7 Hampton Sport 0, Sawtry Res 2 Leverington Sports Res 1, Spalding Town 3 Whittlesey A 1.

Division Three: Baston Res 1 Bretton North End 4, Oundle Res 1 Thorpe Wood Rangers 0, Stanground Sports 3 Eye 1, Tydd St Mary 1 Ramsey 5, Uppingham Res 4 Whittlesey B 0.

Division Four: Brotherhood Sports 2 Warboys Res 4, Holbeach Bank 2 Tydd St Mary Res 2, Long Sutton Res 0 FC Peterborough 0, Rutland DR 6 Sutton Bridge Res 4, Stamford Belvedere Res 4 Netherton B 0, Whaplode Drove 1 AFC Stanground Res 1.

Division Five: Harrowby Res 0 Limetree UTR 4, Holbeach A 0 Stanground Sports Res 1, Leverington Sports A 3 KRC Deeping 0, Stamford Lions A 3 Feeder 6, Whittlesey C 1 Wittering Res 0.

PFA SENIOR CUP

Semi-finals: Langtoft 1 Stamford Lions 0, Whittlesey 2 Peterborough ICA Sports 0.

BALCAN LIGHTING SUPPLIES LINCOLNSHIRE LEAGUE

Cleethorpes DS 0 Skegness Town 3, Horncastle 1 Skegness United 1, Hykeham 0 Brigg Res 1.

Supplementary Cup semi-final: Lincoln Railway 1 Wyberton 0.

TAYLORS SERVICE GARAGES BOSTON LEAGUE

Taylors Garages Premier Division: Benington 1 Kirton Town 1, Fishtoft 0 Coningsby 1, Old Leake 1 Billinghay 3, Swineshead 4 Ruskington 1, Wyberton Res 1 Spilsby 1.

Taylors Peugeot Division One: Freiston 2 Friskney 3, Swineshead Res 0 Leverton Sheepgate 1.

Taylors Ford Division Two: Billinghay Res 5 Holbeach Bank 0, Coningsby Res 1 Fishtoft Res 0, FC Kirton 3 Pointon Res 2, Kirton Town Res 3 AFC Tetford 0, Park 2 Eastern European 3, Railway 5 Swineshead A 1.

Taylors Vauxhall Division Three: Friskney Res 1 Wyberton A 8, Old Doningtonians Res 6 Boston Athletic 2, Spalding Harriers 1 Benington Res 0.

Target Newspapers Challenge Cup semi-final: FC Wrangle 1 Boston College 1 (aet; 4-5 on penalties).

Food manufacturer Bakkavor has announced plans to recruit more than 40 apprentices this year.

The company, which has seven sites acrosss Spalding and Bourne, is looking to take on 45 apprentices.

Pippa Greenslade, Group HR director, said: “Bakkavor‘s apprenticeship schemes are a fantastic way to give young people a taste of the food industry and gain invaluable experience.

“From day one, apprentices get real responsibility and hands-on experience in the food manufacturing sector.

“Apprenticeships make good business sense and provide a great way of supporting young talent and building much needed future skills for the food industry.

“We are delighted to be doubling our intake.”

Since launching its scheme five years ago, the business has taken on 40 apprentices.

Now the company offers 14 different types of apprenticeships, including procurement, product development, human resources, food technical, engineering and manufacturing.

Sophie Bellham, an apprentice who joined Bakkavor last year and is on the procurement scheme, said: “My apprenticeship has given me genuine responsibility from the outset and the opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into careers within the food manufacturing sector. Without this opportunity, I would never have got my foot in the door of the food industry.”

It wasn’t pretty – but that really didn’t matter this time.

After two months without a league win, the result was much more important than the performance for Deeping Rangers.

A first clean sheet in 2016 was a big bonus, ensuring that Will Bird’s second-half strike was worth three points.

Deeping had only claimed three away draws in seven Premier Division games since the 4-2 home victory against Peterborough Northern Star in late January.

The target of a top-four finish turned into plenty of frustration as Deeping dropped down the table.

So the visit of relegation-threatened Oadby Town was an ideal opportunity to end that dismal spell.

The Poachers had beaten Deeping at home in August but a fourth successive defeat on Saturday leaves them in the bottom two.

Following the departure of manager Lee Harriman in midweek, the Leicestershire side appointed joint interim bosses.

Earlier in the season and in better conditions, Deeping surely would have collected a more comfortable victory.

A strong wind meant it was almost impossible to get the ball down and play the right way as Deeping are capable of doing very well.

For long periods they had no service to Scott Coupland and then he was continually caught offside in the second half.

However, when Coupland found himself in space on the edge of the penalty box, he got an assist.

His left-foot drive was only pushed out by Elliott Taylor into the path of Bird who fired the rebound into the roof of the net.

With five minutes to go Bird came close to doubling his tally and wrapping up the home win.

His shot took a deflection and bounced off the crossbar with Taylor beaten.

In stoppage-time Taylor kicked out Coupland’s angled attempt but otherwise there were very few clear chances.

Early on Dan Flack, David Burton-Jones and Coupland had all missed the target.

Scott Mooney and Bird also failed to test Taylor before the break.

Ollie Brown-Hill hit the outside of the near post and he was also denied by Tom Smith’s last-gasp tackle.

Daniel Bircham made a challenge to keep out Josh Burniston but, at the heart of Deeping’s defence, Jonny Clay and Spencer Tinkler had a solid partnership to provide protection.

Burton-Jones and Mooney also showed experience along with plenty of effort to help Rangers’ return to winning ways.

There is no doubt that they can perform much better and create chances but this was all about picking up the points.

DEEPING RANGERS

4-4-2: Bircham 6; Flack 6, Clay 7, Tinkler 7, Smith 6; Dunn 6, Avis 6, Burton-Jones 7, Bird 6; Mooney 7, Coupland 6. Subs not used: Hibbitt, Marsden, Pycock.

OADBY TOWN

4-5-1: Taylor; Black, Wakeling, Guest, Hollist; Parker (sub Hobart 69 mins), Brown-Wingfield, Henton, Nurniston, Gill (sub Philip 30 mins); Brown-Hill.

REFEREE

Paul Hamblin.

GOAL

Bird (52 mins, 1-0).

BOOKING

Wakeling (foul).

ATTENDANCE

79

STAR MAN

Jonny Clay – marked his home debut with a key role in Deeping’s first clean sheet of 2016 alongside Spencer Tinkler.

ENTERTAINMENT

★

WHO’S NEXT

Yaxley (A) – Saturday.

The wait for a league win is over for Deeping Rangers after two months.

Will Bird’s second-half strike was enough to earn all three points on Saturday.

He ended 277 minutes of action without a home league goal for Rangers to edge out relegation-threatened Oadby Town.

Boss Michael Goode said: “If anyone had offered us a 1-0 win before the game then we we would have taken it after our run of results.

“We have actually played reasonably well at times.

“We should have won at Newport Pagnell Town and we did pretty well in the first half at Wellingborough Town.

“All we needed in those games was to go 1-0 up. We did that on Saturday and won the game.

“Winning was all that matters and we kept a clean sheet for the first time in three months.

“In different conditions, I think we would have seen a better performance.

“The strong wind made it almost impossible to play the way we want to.

“We didn’t play that wel but we got the right result in the end.

“We couldn’t kill them off with a couple of chances and we might have won 2-0 or 3-0 with more confidence in front of goal.”

Goode admitted Deeping had been frustrated to drop down the table, having set a target of a top-four finish in the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League’s Premier Division.

He added: “We were not putting our chances away.

“We’ve looked at why we went on that run and we just couldn’t put our finger on it.

“We let ourselves down a bit but it’s hard to break out of those bad runs once you get into them.”

Deeping are not in action on Easter Monday as the away game against Harrowby United has been rearranged for Tuesday, April 26.

They face a trip to Yaxley on Saturday before a series of home games.

Goode said: “They are not on the best of runs either but now we’ve taken four points from the last two games and it should have been seven from three matches.”