Easter is here again - but how much do you know about the annual celebration?

For many, Easter just means that there is a bank holiday weekend coming, so an extra lie in. But there is so much history behind the season that it really is worth learning about it.

1. Easter Sunday is also known as Pasch or Resurrection Sunday, as it celebrates the day that Jesus rose from the dead.

2. The date for Easter changes every year, as the holy dates are determined by a lunar calendar. They are known as “moveable feasts” - but many are campaigning for them to be changed and fixed.

3. In Western Christianity, Easter day always falls on a Sunday between March 22, and April 25.

4. Easter eggs are traditionally given as gifts for the holiday, but the tradition was started by members of the Christian community who stained eggs red to signify Jesus’ blood after the crucifixion.

5. Before chocolate eggs were given out to children and adults as gifts, painted chicken eggs were used instead.

6. The Easter season officially begins on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day.

7. According to Guinness World Records, the tallest chocolate Easter egg measured 10.39 m in height and was made by Tosca in Italy. It was measured at Le Acciaierie Shopping Centre, in Cortenuova, on April 16, 2011. The egg weighed 7,200kg.

8. An Easter egg hunt held in London in April 2012 took a Guinness World Record for having the most entrants. There were 12,773 people taking part.

9. The Easter Bunny starred in 2012 film Rise of the Guardians, along with Santa Claus, Jack Frost and the Tooth Fairy. The character was played by Hugh Jackman.

10. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday - and folklore says that buns baked and served on this holy day will never spoil for the subsequent year.

11. The largest hot cross bun weighed 168kg and was made by the RSPB in conjunction with Greenhalghs Bakery, in Bolton, on April 5, 2012.

The average Brit spends a staggering £11,100 on rent before buying their first home, new research has shown.

They will rent on average for three years before buying their own home, spending an additional £577 on letting fees and £587 in security deposits

People on average start renting at the age of 21 after leaving home, according to a poll of 2,000 tenants and home-owners.

While 60% of people believe it is financially unwise to rent, 25% do not view renting as unwise.

The most common number of homes rented before buying is one (for 56% of people) followed by two (20%), with most people renting alone (29%) or with one other person (55%).

The research was carried out by letting agent Harry Dhaliwal of the national property group Belvoir, ahead of forthcoming changes to buy-to-let stamp duty being introduced in April.

Industry related figures show that 22% of households in the UK are now rented from private landlords, up from 9% in 1985.

The average rent in UK is £761 per month including rents in London, though excluding London the average drops to £689 per month across the rest of the UK.

The average monthly rent in London is now £1560.

Manchester-based letting agent Harry Dhaliwal who runs the city’s franchise of the Belvoir group, commented, “Sometimes the rhetoric around generation rent becomes quite exaggerated and whilst the rental market is growing so is the quality and variety of rental property.

“The findings of our survey highlight that renting across the UK is not as expensive as sometimes reported and most people get full deposits back from landlords. It remains to be seen what effect the stamp duty changes to buy-to-let purchases will have in April.”

“Whilst the struggles for first time buyers in London and high rental cost in the capital are well documented, the picture across the UK in general may not be as grey as it is sometimes depicted.

“There are superb professional opportunities in most of the UK’s main cities and in the digital age the flexibility around employment and running a business mean renting or buying outside London has probably never been more attractive.”

A rescue dog helped on the road to recovery at a Gosberton rehabilitation Centre has won a top award at Crufts.

Roland, a four-year-old Hamilton Hound, was underweight when he was taken in by a rescue centre in Cambridgeshire last year.

He was then taken on by breeder Angela Leigh (pictured), who spent five months building his health back up with quality food and hydrotherapy exercise. Such was the dog’s progress that he was awarded Best in Breed at Crufts.

Roland was very thin when the centre got him but Angela fed him on a diet of top-quality food and slowly built up his strength.

When he was well enough, she took him swimming at PAWZ hydrotherapy and rehabilitation centre in Gosberton once or twice a week, to build his muscles back up.

PAWZ owner Debbie Church said it was a ‘real honour’ to see Roland go on to glory: “When he came in he was so thin and didn’t have lot of muscle,” she said. “So it was great to see his improvement.”

Six local organisations have benefited from Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme.

In the scheme, every time one of the 254,000 members shops at the Co-op using their dividend card, a donation goes to a nominated local charity or community group in their area.

In the last three months, from December 15, members have raised £12,588.11 for south Lincolnshire projects.

Crowland Town Bowling Club has received £887.47 for two new benches, Gosberton and District Community Action team has been given £672.03 towards improving its new park play equipment and hosting community events. and the funds of Lincolnshire Parent Carer Forum in Wygate Park have been boosted by £1,179.56 to pay for an event for parents and carers of children with disabilities/additional needs.

Long Sutton Outreach has received £3,232.72 for its drop-in for carers, some £1,185.48 has been given to Westmere Primary School in Sutton Bridge for its performing arts project with The Young Americans and Whaplode Village Hall has been donated £1,352.26 for the electrical insulation cost of a defibrillator and an upgrade to some of the seating.

Over the next three months, members will be raising funds for Rethink Mental Illness and Headway.

Rethink is a provider of mental health services and is a voice for people affected by severe mental illness.

Headway is a registered charity that provides advice and support to people affected by brain injury, their families and carers.

Helen Doyle, locality manager for Rethink Mental Illness, Lincolnshire, said: “Mental illness is an issue which touches one in four of us in this country every year. Every donation will help us provide information, advice, local support and services to people affected by mental illness, as well as to carers and family members.”

The money raised for Headway will go towards volunteers, support groups, befriending, information, social activities for members and education and training courses for brain injury survivors and their families.

Trustee Dr Gemma Elliott said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to raise funds and promote the valuable support which is offered to brain injury survivors and their carers across the area.”

A Tudor inn dating back to 1599 is being rescued from being “at risk” and given a new lease of life thanks to a Heritage Enterprise grant and an entrepreneurial local charity.

The Old King’s Head, in Kirton, is Grade II listed and considered to be a significant 16th century inn with a rich history and many stories to tell.

Currently standing vacant and in urgent need of repairs, a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of more than £2million will allow the building to be restored, brought back into use and provide jobs, trainee opportunities and a boost to local tourism.

Heritage Lincolnshire, a charity with an excellent track record in saving historic buildings for new uses, has received HLF support to secure the future of the building, which has now been purchased by the charity, and see it repaired, refurbished and revived as an artisan café and boutique bed and breakfast.

Heritage Lincolnshire also plans to explore how the building developed over the centuries.

This will involve volunteers, who will undertake a full assessment of the building fabric and documentary research and help to collect reminiscences and maybe even a few ghost stories. Heritage Lincolnshire will also look at the potential for a community archaeological dig to reveal evidence of the medieval settlement of the area and encourage residents to understand more of their local heritage and history.

Liz Bates, chief executive of Heritage Lincolnshire, said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has supported this project.

“The Old King’s Head is a very important building that fell into disrepair and is now at risk from dereliction.

“We look forward to working with the local community, our volunteers and our project partners to ensure that all of the planning and fundraising for this exciting project is achieved over the next 12 months.”

Ben Greener, HLF’s historic environment policy advisor, said: “HLF introduced Heritage Enterprise to enable local people to save the buildings they love.

“But this funding was never about simply saving a building for the sake of it.

“By bringing much-loved but derelict buildings back into use as viable businesses, Heritage Enterprise projects provide an economic shot-in-the-arm for places which need it most.

“And this project is a great example of how HE investment transforms a potential eyesore into an economic asset – bringing jobs and investment to Kirton and beyond.”

Liz Bates added her thanks to all the project partners: “All of the project partners working together have helped to get us to this point.

“The Pilgrim Trust has supported us with a grant, and a loan from the Architectural Heritage Fund has enabled us to purchase the building.

“We’ve also had a great deal of support from Boston Borough Council who are a key partner. And we’re looking forward to finding an additional partner to join the project as business operator.”

A wide range of projects across the UK have benefited from over £80 million of Heritage Enterprise funding since 2013, helping to create attractive, thriving spaces for business and enterprise that people want to work and invest in.

The programme is helping to create over 620 jobs and more than 19,000 trainee opportunities.

INSIDE THE CENTRE: The latest news from Spalding’s South Holland Centre

With three-quarters of seats sold, anyone intending to come to the next Americana concert at the South Holland Centre should not delay booking. Working out of the Colorado Rockies, The Railsplitters have made a huge impact across America, scaling new heights with a refreshing and charming range of bluegrass and ‘beyond-bluegrass’ music.

Their secret weapon is two-fold. First, the innovative imagination of banjo player Dusty Rider’s songwriting - he writes with the full band in mind, imagining an entire song in his head before he has even heard it out loud. Second, the powerfully distinct vocals of Lauren Stovall whose voice is as clean as Emmylou Harris, as cutting as Allison Krauss, whilst carrying some of the attitude of Dolly Parton. The five-piece also features Leslie Ziegler on upright base, Pete Sharpe on mandolin, with newest member Christine King on fiddle.

The band are crossing the pond for a whistle-stop tour of UK venues and festivals, including the South Holland Centre on Thursday 7 April at 8pm. Concert tickets are £12.50, £11.50 concessions and £7.50 under 26s. For an additional £10, players of banjo, mandolin or fiddle can pre-book for a master class with band members at 6.30pm.

Meanwhile, we are delighted to confirm two further concerts in our American roots music programme: edgy hillbilly blues from Idaho trio Hillfolk Noir on Friday 8 July; and Pennsylvanian acoustic trio The Stray Birds on Thursday 6 October. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By MP John Hayes

The growth in employment over recent years has been a quiet miracle, with over two million more people in work than in 2010, and 680,000 fewer workless households over the same 
period. The opportunity to gain meaningful employment has touched all kinds of lives.

Today, there are more than 3 million disabled people in work, an increase of nearly 300,000 in the last 2 years. That’s not just quantitatively significant, it’s qualitative too; it’s about people with all kinds of challenges having a chance to benefit from the advantages that come from having a job. People with disabilities deserve the chance to live independent lives, including having the opportunity to enjoy the daily interactions of the workplace and the friendships forged there.

Whilst so many of those who can work are seeing their lives transformed, those who suffer from conditions which mean they cannot work are rightly being supported. Spending on disabled people rose by £3 billion in the last 5 years. It’s the mark of a compassionate society that we devote appropriate support to those with the greatest need. Such is the responsibility of the advantaged.

This past week, it was was right to confirm so that changes to Personal Independence Payments will not go ahead. By increasing the resources from £60 million to £100 million as part of the changes to Employment and Support Allowance, the Government will help more disabled people to meet their aspiration to get a job. This year we will spend £50 billion supporting disabled people – that’s more than the entire defence budget.

Employers must play their part too, and the excellent Disability Confident campaign is doing great work to remove barriers to disabled people by highlighting the contribution they can make in the workplace.

Throughout my life in politics I’ve campaigned for disabled people, beginning 30 years ago with my work defending the interests of children with special needs. My determination to do so is shaped by a straightforward idea - that in an unfair, unequal world those with advantage should use it to fight for those in need.

Locally, being President of the Spalding Parkinson’s Society and of the Lincolnshire Brain Tumour Support Group provides me with greater understanding of a range of needs. Learning about the challenges faced by people obliged to cope with trauma or live with disability informs all I do and so I was honoured to be named the Parliamentary Disability Charity Champion a few years ago.

Disabled people know from experience what works for them and what doesn’t, which is why they should be at the very heart of a conversation about how to make support more effective. We must work with healthcare professionals and employers to ensure that everything is done to transform people’s lives and improve their life chances.

This Budget puts our next generation first

TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

Good Friday was the best day of the Bank Holiday weekend so Dougie and I were determined to make the most of the fine weather. We thought a Norfolk trip might be hampered by traffic so travelled west instead to Burghley House near Stamford.

We couldn’t remember the last time we visited and realised that it must have been well over ten years, which is a shameful admission. To think, we have spent our holidays walking round Alnwick Gardens, Blenheim Palace and Chatsworth House over recent years but our own Lincolnshire gem has been sadly ignored.

Determined to stay outside on such a sunny day, we purchased garden tickets which gave us access to the Garden of Surprises and the Sculpture Gardens. The former was an absolute delight, designed to emulate the first Lord Burghley’s garden in Hertfordshire, with fountains, grottoes and obelisks. In the height of the summer this must be a huge draw for families, as little ones can jump in and out of the water features, but even on a crisp Spring day it was fascinating and fun place to spend some time.

The mirror maze flummoxed me for a while but Dougie’s superior sense of direction led us safely to the middle and out again. I was quite taken with the transforming obelisks; representing fire, earth, water and air, my favourite was the fire one which reacted to the press of a button with smoke and lights as if a sleeping dragon had just been stirred.

Neptune’s grotto, a misty moss house and a beautiful working sundial added to the charm of this secluded garden.

Nearby the Sculpture Garden was a real treat: so many cleverly designed works of art can be found in amongst the trees and near the lake. Woven willow, a turf maze, steel and wooden creations surprise you at every turn. Paths laid with bark wind their way through the garden but there’s no set route so visitors are free to wander at their leisure.

The Garden Cafe was the perfect spot for a coffee and chocolate cake fix and visitors indulged in ice-creams from the very cute turf-decorated Shed nearby.

Later in the afternoon we headed through the park where families were just enjoying the huge open space. It’s worth noting that parking is free at Burghley and so too is the park so it’s ideal for a no-cost day out too.

We headed towards the large herd of deer. We were fortunate to be there just when a tractor full of sugar beet circled the animals and peppered the ground with chopped up beet.

As we were leaving we noticed lots of strange spheres of foliage high up on many of the bare lime trees. Initially we thought they were birds’ nests until a helpful notice indicated it was mistletoe. I had no idea it grew as a parasite on other trees and shrubs.

“Fancy a smooch?” said Dougie, as we sauntered underneath them.

That’s what I call a great end to a perfect day.

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

Previously...

It’s sofa so good for this Channel 4 hit

Firefighters used cutting gear to free one person after a car crash in Wigtoft on Sunday.

Crews from Donington, Kirton and Spalding were called to Wigtoft Bank at about 3pm.

One of the casualties was freed after hydraulic cutting equipment was used to remove the car’s roof before first aid and oxygen was given to four people.

A cycle route along one of the banks of Spalding’s Coronation Channel proposed in the draft South East Lincolnshire Local Plan has been welcomed enthusiastically by Pedals – the town’s Cycle Action Group.

David Jones, chairman of Pedals, said: “This route will make it safer and much more enjoyable to cycle to and from Springfields and the nearby factories and other businesses. We have told the local authority that we support this proposal.”

Pedals has also asked for a new cycle route southwards from Spalding to be included in the final version of the Local Plan.

Called “The New River Cycleway”, it would use existing bridleways and tracks to form a traffic-free route ultimately connecting with the cycle routes in the Peterborough area.

The route has been surveyed thoroughly by Pedals member John Honnor and his wife Lesley. John explained: “The New River Cycleway could be a pleasant, safe ride for leisure cyclists of all abilities.

“Also, we expect to see more people cycling south of Little London Bridge going to work at the new Spalding Gateway development. The first stretch of this route will give them the opportunity to avoid the busy, fast B1173.

“Pedals is consulting the relevant authorities and we were advised to submit our proposal for inclusion in the new Local Plan.”

The derby date between Holbeach United and Wisbech Town must be rearranged.

The Tigers are already facing a fixture backlog and now they must find another date to face the Fenmen at Carter’s Park.

Last Wednesday night Holbeach beat Wisbech 2-0 to reach the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Knockout Cup final.

But the Premier Division match was postponed this morning following a pitch inspection.

Deeping Rangers’ trip to Harrowby United has already been switched to Tuesday, April 26.

Bourne Town will be in action at Blackstones in Division One this afternoon.

Spalding United are at home to play-off contenders Lincoln United in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South.

Click here for live updates from the Tulips via our Twitter feed @FreePressSport

Langtoft United reached the PFA Senior Cup final for the first time in dramatic fashion on Saturday.

The Vikings pipped Division One title favourites Stamford Lions at windswept Manor Way with a last-gasp goal from substitute Jamie Warner.

Warner netted following a 90th-minute long throw to book a date at Peterborough United’s ABAX Stadium against holders Whittlesey Athletic.

Their semi-final against ICA Sports was also hampered by strong winds before the favourites emerged 2-0 winners with second-half strikes from Sam Donohoe and Liam Harrold.

The final is scheduled for early May.

Whittlesey manager Andy Lodge said: “Fair play to Langtoft for reaching their first final. It was our first final last season and we loved every minute of it so I’m sure they will as well.”

Meanwhile Moulton Harrox carried on their merry way to the Premier Division title in the ChromaSport & Trophies Peterborough and District League.

They extended their lead to 12 points after securing win number 22 of the season at the expense of Uppingham Town.

Billy King (2), top scorer Ollie Maltby (2), Phil Groves, Ben Allen and Joe Townsend scored for the unbeaten league leaders.

Peterborough Sports Reserves took advantage of Whittlesey’s cup commitments to move into second place with a 3-1 win at Holbeach United Reserves.

Pinchbeck United remain three points ahead of Netherton United in fourth place following their 7-0 rout of Sawtry.

Player-boss Ian Dunn (2), Tom Sargeant (2), Tony Edwards, Liam Ogden and Nick Bishop were their scorers.

Veterans Teddy Paling and Graham Morris scored two apiece as Crowland Town won 4-1 at Leverington Sports.

Dan Ireland (2), Perry Rix and Jamie Sharpe scored the goals for Deeping Rangers Reserves in a 4-2 victory at Thorney.

Spalding Street Pastors want church members across South Holland to help them keep the town safe at night.

The charity, which marks its third anniversary in July, needs more volunteers from churches in the area to patrol the town centre for about six hours every Friday night and monthly on Saturdays.

Pub and nightclub managers, police and South Holland District Council members are all supportive of Spalding Street Pastors.

But Pastor Chas Sandhu of The Lighthouse Church, Spalding, said: “We need more women street pastors, plus men and women prayer pastors, to be able to go out more on Saturday nights.

“We’ve noticed a change in Spalding on Fridays and we’re desperate to go out on Saturdays as well.

“But we haven’t got enough volunteers at the moment to do that.”

For more details, please call Marion Sandhu on 01775 711591.

Volunteers help town attack victim

Spalding Street Pastors mark first anniversary

‘Town is safe in our hands for Christmas’, say police

This south Lincolnshire derby was drawn for the fifth successive Lincoln Road league meeting as Bourne Town snatched a stoppage-time equaliser.

Blackstones started brightly with former Wakes winger Jones De Sousa bringing an unorthodox save from Anthony Murphy after collecting Zack Fisher’s lay-off.

Bourne opened the scoring though Zak Munton who converted Craig Rook’s defence-splitting through ball after 12 minutes.

The visitors almost went further ahead when Jack Humphries dispossessed Matt Porter to run in on goal, only for Lee Crockett to divert the ball to safety.

Dan Evans shot wide from Ben Porter’s pass and then the best home move of the opening half saw Evans and Sam Strange combine to play De Sousa clear to shoot against the foot of the post.

Crockett had to be alert to beat Munton in a race for another Rook through-ball and the keeper kept his side in contention late in the half, saving with his legs from Tyler Sculthorpe after Humphries’ pass split the defence.

Bourne started the second half well with Dan Smith’s header from Rook’s corner scrambled away and Crockett saving a curling effort from Rook.

As the half progressed Stones midfielder Scott Ginty began to exert his influence, shooting wide from Fisher’s lay-off and twice delivering pinpoint corners which were met by Matt Simpson headers, kept out by goalline clearances from Sam Wilson and Jack Corby.

Ginty almost levelled himself with a diving header narrowly wide from Jacob Smitheringale’s delivery.

Amidst the Stones openings Bourne almost snatched a second as Munton stooped to steer a header wide from Humphries’ cross.

Blackstones were level on 81 minutes as the Bourne defence failed to clear their lines, enabling Porter to head home.

The home side went in front in the 90th minute with a clever pass from substitute Steve Mastin playing in Fisher to steer the ball wide of Murphy.

When Aaron Jesson’s header from Rook’s corner found Crockett well placed to save it looked like a three-point haul for Blackstones.

Not so, as five minutes into added time a loose ball fell kindly for James Zealand to rifle a great strike into the far corner from 20 yards with Crockett rooted to the spot.

Bourne: Murphy, Corby, Cooper (sub Zealand), Smith, Jesson, Bottreill, Humphries, S Wilson, Munton, Rook, Sculthorpe (sub Willerton).

Follow us on Twitter @FreePressSport for live updates from Bourne Town v Bugbrooke St Michaels on Saturday

Sam Murphy showed all the qualities of a natural centre-half in only his third game at the heart of Spalding United’s defence.

This season, since a summer arrival from Peterborough Northern Star, he has often produced impressive displays in the Tulips’ midfield.

Murphy dropped back for last week’s goalless draw at Carlton Town in the absence of Neal Spafford and Ellis Humble.

He was named man of the match in Saturday’s stalemate at Belper Town who fought back to cancel out a first-half opener from Joe Curtis.

Then on Easter Monday at home to fifth-placed Lincoln United, Murphy stood out again.

It’s not all about his aerial ability and willingness to put in a tackle.

Murphy showed plenty of composure and tactical awareness alongside Nathan Stainfield as Spalding kept another clean sheet.

The Whites failed to have a single shot on target – mainly due to the defensive unit as Michael Duggan was given so much protection for an easy afternoon in goal.

Murphy made a series of well-timed interceptions to prevent the ball even coming into the penalty area.

He read the game superbly – perfectly illustrated during the closing stages.

Murphy hooked a right-wing cross from the six-yard box and within seconds he was in the right position to head away at the near post from a left-wing delivery.

Those efforts might have gone unnoticed if Spalding or Lincoln had performed well all over the pitch.

However, this was a bore draw with both teams failing to keep possession.

The only shot on target came with 11 minutes to go as Adam Jackson’s long-range drive was comfortably held by Mariano Ziccardi.

Charley Sanders came so close to breaking the deadlock just before the break but his effort flew fractionally away from the top corner.

In the second half Sanders saw another attempt blocked for a corner and Paul Walker was also denied by last-gasp defending.

Dan Banister fired too high but there were few chances at both ends as a lack of quality meant these sides cancelled each other out.

On the stroke of half-time Stainfield kept out Matthew Cotton who had found a way past Murphy – the only time he was beaten all afternoon.

Lincoln could have taken three points as Duggan’s poor punch from Robert Norris’ corner led to a clearance by Banister at the far post.

But neither side had done enough to record a win and, having slipped into mid-table, Spalding’s fourth draw this month showed why they are now realistically out of the race for a play-off place.

If they had won all of those games then the Tulips’ dreams of promotion would be alive.

Instead, they have dropped out of contention and this was a truly awful game to watch – probably the worst all season.

SPALDING UNITED

4-4-2: Duggan 6; Spafford 7, Murphy 8, Stainfield 7, Jackson 7; Walker 6, Banister 6, Lawlor 6, Curtis 6 (sub Lockie 79 mins); Waumsley 6 (sub Tricks 79 mins), Sanders 6 (sub Humble 90 mins). Subs not used: Kadar, Talbot.

LINCOLN UNITED

4-4-2: Ziccardi; Lemon, S Wright, Jacklin, Gibson; Fairclough, Brooks (sub Toyne 74 mins), Whitehead, Griffiths (sub Smith 79 mins); Cotton (sub Cann 90 mins), Norris. Subs not used: Wilkinson, K Wright.

REFEREE

Matthew Law.

BOOKINGS

Fairclough, Walker (fouls).

ATTENDANCE

150

STAR MAN

Sam Murphy – showed composure and tactical awareness in only his third game at the heart of the Tulips’ defence.

ENTERTAINMENT

★

WHO’S NEXT

Shaw Lane Aquaforce (A) – Saturday.

An energy cost-saving scheme is available to Lincolnshire residents and could save them hundreds of pounds on their gas and electricity bills.

The Lincolnshire Energy Switch Scheme is organised by a partnership of local authorities, including Lincolnshire County Council and South Kesteven District Council, and is run by collective switching expert iChoosr Ltd.

It is easy to register – all you need is a recent gas or electricity bill which shows your current tariff and your energy consumption.

Then visit www.lincoln
shire.gov.uk/switch to register or if you do not have internet access, a friend or family member can do this on your behalf by calling the free phone number 0800 048 8439.

The registration number is open 8am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. 

Once households have registered their interest, energy suppliers will be invited to compete with their best offers and the supplier with the best deal will be chosen.

Lead officer for the councils Karen Lond said: “We are always keen to look at new ways to help Lincolnshire residents reduce their monthly outgoings.

“Register for the Lincolnshire Energy Switch Scheme and you could save a worthwhile amount on energy bills.

“It’s such an easy process, it just takes minutes to complete.”

The scheme is free for households to join and there is no obligation to take up the winning supplier’s tariff offer.

All can register, whether you rent your home or own it, whether you are on dual fuel, electric only, pay monthly or quarterly or have a prepayment meter.

The deadline is Monday, May 16.

Kirton racer Aaron Clarke has teamed up with fellow Lincolnshire rider Tommy Philp to contest the British Supersport and National Superstock 600 championships.

The 20-year-olds are set to commence their challenge at Silverstone on April 10.

One of Clarke’s sponsors, Paul Draper of Drapervent, was keen to extend his involvement in the team and they have now become title sponsors.

The team will race under the name of Draper Racing and will run two Yamaha R6 machines.

Tommy Philp will contest the British Supersport championship while Clarke will continue in the National Superstock 600 class for a third season.

Despite missing half of the 2014 season due to injuries sustained in a crash at Knockhill, Clarke made steady progress in his class last year.

With a switch to Yamaha for 2016, he is looking to make further improvement as he gets to grips with his new steed.

He said: “The bike is handling pretty well and I am already lapping as fast as last year despite the cold conditions.

“I have to thank Drapervent for their support and for becoming title sponsors for our team.

“I also welcome Tommy into the team – I am sure we will work well together.”

Son of former sidecar racer Bill Philp, Tommy was Bemsee MRO Superstock 600 champion in 2014 and also raced in the National Superstock 600 series before moving up to the British Supersport Evo class last season.

He is in the process of moving with his family to East Kirkby after living in Slough, Berkshire all his life.

He will contest the full British Supersport championship for Draper Racing this year.

Philp said: “I am delighted to join Draper Racing and my thanks go to Paul Draper and also Aaron and his family who have given me this opportunity.

“The British Supersport championship is very competitive but I am sure I will be able to bring some good results back to the team this year.”

Former British F1 sidecar champion Bill Philp, owner of Berkshire MotorcycleCentre in Slough, said: “We have joined the team this year and the aim is for Tommy to bring Aaron on as Tommy is slightly ahead of Aaron who is now beginning to get on the pace.

“We have switched Aaron to a Yamaha from Kawasaki which I think was the right move and we look forward to a long and happy relationship with the team and all our sponsors.”

Both riders were testing at Cadwell in the Auto66 club races.

They now move on to the two official BSB test days at Silverstone and Donington today and on Thursday when they will make the final adjustments to their bikes prior to the first round of the series which takes place at Silverstone over the weekend of April 9-10.

Meanwhile, Kirton rider Ben Wilson has secured a ride with EHA Racing and will campaign an Aprilia RSV4RF in the National Superstock championship.

He said: “I have unfinished business in the class and I expect to be chasing wins and podium finishes throughout the season.

“I have to thank Steve Plater for his help, he has been very much involved in sorting this out for me and I am very grateful for his help.”

Wilson will make his debut for the team this week at the official British Superbike test at Silverstone and contest his first race for his new team on April 10.

He was also at Cadwell Park riding a 1000cc Kawasaki owned by Aaron Clarke.

Although the bike is not race ready, Wilson blasted around the Lincolnshire track and was well ahead of the field when the bike developed a problem each time.

Wilson said: “It’s not my bike so I didn’t want to continue and blow the engine so thought it wiser to pull in.

“Thanks to Aaron and his family for the loan of the bike as I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

Wilson will be riding at the North West 200 races in Ireland in May when he will be riding for his former team Gearlink Kawasaki in both the Superbike and Supersport events.

Spalding Gymnastic Club’s squad showed their talent by winning numerous medals in all age groups at Lincoln in the county individual six-piece competition.

In the under-10 age group Luke Jakins won the silver on the floor and Marco Vertuccio won gold on high bar.

Alfie Rosam-Lee got the gold on floor, bronze on pommel and silver on parallel bars while Lucas Webb won the pommel and finished third on floor.

Tom Martin – the club’s only under-12 competitor – had a good day by winning gold on high bar and bronze on vault and parallel bars.

The under-14 age group was very good with Jamie Waterson winning gold on pommel, silver on vault and high bar and bronze on floor. Zac Chapman won gold on vault.

In the over-14 age group, Luke Waterson had a terrific day by winning four golds (floor, rings, vault and parallel bars) followed by silver on pommel.

In the overall Jamie was second under-14 while Lucas came second and Alfie was third in the under-10s.

Trophy winners and county champions were Lucas (pommel) and Luke Waterson (vault).

Pupils at Sutton St James Primary School enjoyed a science day before the Easter break, including a visit from a planetarium.

Youngsters learnt how to make bubbles, blow up balloons, experimented with miniature parachutes and made chemical reactions.

• See Thursday’s Spalding Guardian for a page of pictures.

The promotion play-off dream has effectively ended for Spalding United.

The Tulips picked up just four points from five games during March to slip into mid-table in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division South.

They remain 10 points behind fifth-placed Lincoln United with five matches to play.

The goalless draw at home to the Whites on Easter Monday means Spalding have only won once in nine fixtures – although they are unbeaten at home in 2016.

Boss Marcus Ebdon said: “I think our chance has gone now as we needed to pick up more points from those last few games.

“It’s going to be tough for us but it’s not mathematically impossible.

“There were a couple of games where we could have got three points when we were a bit unlucky or we just needed a bit of quality.

“You can’t beat a clean sheet but Monday’s game was a bit of a bore draw.

“We had a couple of half chances when we could have done better.

“The wind doesn’t help in games like that as it ruins football.

“We’ve had a few games like that here but there was nothing between the teams.”

On the man-of-the-match performance by Sam Murphy in Spalding’s defence, Ebdon added: “He did really well and looked very comfortable.

“We tried him at centre-half in a reserve game just a couple of weeks ago but he had played there previously at Peterborough Northern Star as well.”

Spalding face a tough test on Saturday away to second-placed Shaw Lane Aquaforce who are seven points off the top with three games in hand on Stafford Rangers.

The Tulips squad should be boosted by the return of striker Stuart Eason (ankle) and left-winger Jamie Thurlbourne (hamstring) who both missed Monday’s game.