A total of £1.6million has been saved by South Holland District Council thanks to a joint back-office operation.

Compass Point, the shared services company the council set up with East Lindsey District Council, has netted the savings since 2010-11 – when compared with the costs previously incurred.

The joint saving for the two councils is £4.3million which is shared in proportion to the relative sizes of the two authorities.

The savings have contributed to South Holland’s ability to reduce the cost of council tax to residents with reducing service levels over three years.

Compass Point Business Services (East Coast) Ltd runs the council’s IT, HR, finance, revenues, benefits and customer services.

A council spokesman said “economies of scale and a fundamental review of processes” had enabled the savings by introducing more efficient ways of operating by sharing staff and systems.

In August 2010, 298 people transferred into the company from both councils – it now has 223 people and has created 11 apprenticeship positions.

Coun Paul Przyszlak, deputy leader of South Holland District Council and chairman of the company’s board, said: “Compass Point is providing value for money at a time when there are great pressures on the public purse.”

Councillors have had their say on plans to expand St Mary’s Primary School in Swineshead by 28 places.

Lincolnshire County Council has appointed Mouchel to look at an extension to the hall that will create a new classroom space, resource area and revamped boys’ toilets.

It would create four new jobs and the new hall could be used by the local community.

Boston Borough Council submitted no objections to the plans, but raised some concern about the effect the extension would have on a neighbouring bungalow.

Eyebrows give shape, expression and character to your face, and now their importance is widely recognised.

Duchess of Camridge Kate Middleton’s full but beautifully-shaped eyebrows have played a part in the revival and strong dark brows are a feature shared by many of the new supermodels.

If yours are naturally dark and well-shaped, congratulations. However most women’s are in need of some help – preferably professional help from a beauty therapist – to achieve a natural-looking definition that’s right for the face they adorn.

It’s vital that your eyebrows are shaped and coloured to suit you. If they are too thick, too thin or too arched then it can change not only your look but your facial expression too.

At your local beauty salon they’ll have plenty of experience in waxing and shaping brows and getting you the right style for your face.

If you want fuller brows you can have your eyebrows shaped and tinted to make them stand out more, and some salons in the area do additional treatments involving weaving or tattooing to give the appearance of fullness.

Any professional eyebrow shape and tint will only take half an hour but will dramatically change your appearance, giving you a more natural look.

In between salon appointments, it’s wise to invest in a really good pair of tweezers so you can keep on top of those stray hairs.

Plucking your brows after showering is easier as heat opens the hair follicles.

But go easy! Stick to stray hairs only as overplucking can have some truly alarming results, giving you a permanently surprised look that’s anything but natural.

Tidy, defined brows are great for any woman but as you get older a trip to the salon for this simple treatment can knock ten years off your age.

Good advice is more important than ever

This week I have seen clients who could have been disadvantaged had they not walked through our doors.

The first had been cold-called by a telephone pension company, who after 15 minutes had ascertained his pension plan was unsuitable, poorly performing and should be transferred.

The relevant forms were sent out, including where it should be transferred to, although there was no illustration, no key features documents and no indication of any costs involved.

Luckily the existing scheme recommended he speak with an IFA before signing. We looked at his plan, which although not providing stellar performance, was ticking over nicely.

It also had the potential for a large terminal bonus and had hugely valuable guarantees built in that would provide an income nearly double that of current annuities. These would have been lost upon transfer.

I rang the new company and ascertained that they do not actually give advice and that the responsibility for any changes lie with the client. The existing pension has stayed put and we are overseeing it.

Secondly, I met a couple who had arranged their mortgage life cover through their bank. The cover was for the right amount and for the correct term, but the monthly premium seemed high for the benefits. We were able to reduce the monthly cost from £90 to just over £56 – a £4,500 saving over the policy’s term.

Thirdly, we have had clients in whose banks no longer have advisers in branch to help with investments. Whether it’s £5,000 or £500,000 the need for impartial, independent, hands-on advice is of paramount importance.

So don’t delay, review your policies of whatever type to ensure they are fit forpurpose.

This week’s decisions

Spalding Magistrates’ Court

Daniel Markham-Bright (21), of Little London, Spalding. Failed to comply with the requirements of a community order. £15 fine, £15 costs.

Grantham Magistrates’ Court

Kevin Blades (37), of The Crescent, Morton. Speeding (Grantham). £35 fine, £20 victim surcharge, £40 costs, 3pts.

Shane Good (25), of Clarke Avenue, Newark. Driving with no seat belt (Fosdyke). £35 fine, £15 v/s, £30 costs.

Kamil Krzyczowski (29), of Edinburgh Drive, Spalding. Speeding (Cowbit). £215 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Christopher Marriott (24), of Barehams Lane, Quadring. Speeding (Gosberton). £100 fine. No insurance (Gosberton). £300 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Eileen Murphy (69), of Old Market Avenue, Spilsby. Speeding (Horbling). £200 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mark Stapleton (47), of Council House, Essendine. Driving a vehicle fitted with a device resembling a blue warning beacon (Surfleet). £50 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs.

Alan Palmer (60), of Baker Crescent, Lincoln. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £35 fine, £15 v/s, £40 costs, 3pts.

Makim Silovs (26), of Crocus Walk, Spalding. No insurance (Pinchbeck). £360 fine, £36 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. Licence offence (Pinchbeck). £40 fine.

Voldemars Abelitis (33), of Britannia Gardens, Spalding. Speeding (West Elloe Avenue, Spalding). £160 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

David Barker (51), of Halford Road, Attleborough. Speeding (Whaplode). £75 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Hilary Hickingbotham (47), of Whittle Close, Boston. Speeding (West Marsh Road, Spalding). £35 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Sam Tooke (22), High Road, Whaplode. Driving without due care and attention. £400 fine, £15 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Benjamin Wiggins (22), of Wignals Gate, Holbeach. Speeding (West Elloe Avenue, Spalding). £160 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Gemma Nathan (30), of Stamford Road, Market Deeping. Driving with excess alcohol (Bourne), 66 microgrammes of alcohol in breath. £110 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 18 months, cut by four months on completion of rehabilitation course.

Robert Zawadzki (51), of Main Road, Deeping St Nicholas. Driving with excess alcohol (Spalding), 62 mcgs of alcohol in breath. £110 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 16 months, cut by 16 weeks on completion of rehabilitation course.

Council leader Gary Porter would have put gypsies on farmland at West Pinchbeck if he had known about a “secret” plan to site wind turbines there.

Energy company Wind Ventures appears to have written in confidence to the Ministry of Defence in 2009 about putting wind turbines on a farm more than a year before a campaign was mounted to oppose the district council’s own plans for a gypsy and travellers’ site nearby.

Council plans for a travellers’ site at The Delph, West Pinchbeck, were unveiled in May 2010 but were booted out.

Wind farm “noise victim” Jane Davis said she’s shocked the company seemingly had plans so soon after she had to abandon her home in 2007.

Wind Ventures is now seeking consent for nine 126-metre high turbines at Fen Farm, South Fen.

Planning documents from Wind Ventures reveal the company wrote to Defence Estates in February 2009 about siting five 125-metre high turbines on “Fen Estate”.

One wind farm opponent, who asked not to be named, submitted a Freedom of Information request to the council on Monday to find out who knew what and when.

The campaigner says the wind farm could not have gone ahead if travellers were living on the opposite side of the road.

A document believed by the campaigner to be from solicitors acting for owners of Bank House Farm highlights protection of wildlife as a big concern with regard to the travellers’ site, but the campaigner says wind turbines could be just as harmful.

Coun Porter insists he didn’t know a wind farm was being considered at the time the travellers’ site plans were discussed by the council.

He said: “If it was a choice of relocating the gypsies there or putting up a wind farm, then I would have gone for the gypsies. If we had got information that this was happening then I think the outcome might have been different for us.”

Coun Porter is opposed to onshore wind farms and says they don’t appear to be flavour of the month with the Government.

Protest group Stop West Pinchbeck Wind Farm has raised more than £5,000 towards its £8,000 target to fight the plans using experts on planning, ecology, noise and landscape.

Tony Fear said his group is focusing on planning issues and doesn’t want to get too much involved in the latest revelation.

Farmer Edward Whitfield declined to comment and Wind Ventures did not return our call.

A mystery benefactor has helped take our appeal to raise £4,000 for disabled youngsters Ben and Toby way past the half way mark.

A man, who does not wish to be named, walked into the Spalding Guardian offices yesterday and handed over a cheque for £1,000 to help buy a walk-in bath for the brothers.

But his very generous donation is just one of many sent in by you, our generous, readers – helping to take the total raised so far to around the £2,500 mark.

The figure includes £1,000 from the Lincolnshire Free Press Children’s Fund to get the ball rolling.

Ben and Toby’s mum Julia, of Pennygate, Spalding, said she was delighted with how the fundraising campaign was going.

She said: “It’s brilliant. I am so amazed by how many people are willing to help complete strangers.

“The campaign has only been going a week and we are over halfway there already. I can’t thank people enough for their support.”

Ben and Toby suffer from a number of disabilities, which mean they are still unable to walk or talk.

As they get bigger Julia is finding it increasingly difficult to lift them into the family bath.

The family is also being supported by Spalding Lions, who have found a plumber prepared to do the work to fit Julia’s new bath when we reach the fundraising target.

And a nearly new sale of baby and children’s clothes, toys, books and equipment, will also help us inch closer to the magic £4,000 mark.

One table at the Little Stars Market on Sunday, April 7, at the Castle Sports Complex, from 1pm to 3pm, will be called the Ben and Toby Table and all proceeds will be donated to the appeal, as well as ten per cent from face painting on the day.

To book a table, call Alison on 07775 758313.

A Spalding parent is waiting to hear from Ofsted after she made allegations about the school attended by her two children.

Rebecca Thirkell said she contacted the government inspectors following “serious incidents relating to violence” at Sir John Gleed School.

She said: “I am also greatly concerned that sometimes the children are marked as absent when they are in fact in school, which raises a very big safety issue.”

Her decision to contact Ofsted followed attempts to discuss her concerns with the school. She said: “I emailed an extensive list of issues relating to my own children and the school in general. This was in December and I am still waiting for a reply.”

Last year, Rebecca set up the Gleed School Needs Changes Facebook page.

She said: “The aims of the page are better education for the children, a smoke free and drug free school, the school to remove disruptive students who are preventing children from learning, help with bullying and, most importantly, safety of the children while they are at school.”

Headteacher Janet Daniels said: “I am aware of the Facebook page and that a parent has contacted Ofsted.

“At this stage I am unable to comment as the process is supposed to be confidential and it would not be right.

“However, I have no concerns. There are 1,600 children in the school and for the vast majority of time there is a calm working order in every classroom.

“We have work to do that’s true, but we teach right from wrong and are very tight on discipline.

“Many of the incidents happen outside school and involve a small minority of students.

“Parents are welcome come and have a wander round and see that everything is fine.

“I would much rather concentrate on the positives.”

A family lawyer working in Spalding has warned that drastic cuts to publicly funded legal aid will have an ‘horrendous’ effect on men, women and children where relationships have broken down.

From April 1, legal aid for all divorce cases and most disputes over children and finances will be stopped as part of a bid to cut the current £2billion bill.

As a result, Lincoln firm Sills and Betteridge Solicitors is shutting down its Spalding family law office which dealt almost exclusively with low-income families on legal aid.

Family law specialist Catherine McGregor, of Maples Solicitors in Spalding, said: “I’m really shocked at how restrictive the new requirements are – the impact on children in particular in our poorest families is going to be horrendous.

“Currently where relationships have broken down and the couple are disputing finances or what will happen about the children, solicitors for both parties negotiate and in 99 out of 100 cases it’s resolved without judicial intervention.

“Forced to represent themselves, the parties will have no recourse but to a judge – and if they can’t raise the money to go to law without legal aid, the situation will continue.

“The only way to get legal aid will be if violence or abuse is alleged. A woman suffering domestic violence or fearing her children are at risk from her partner will now have to produce the most precise evidence which she won’t have, to get legal aid.

“Access to a solicitor early on can prevent abusive situations developing further.”

In Spalding the only remaining legal firms which still have legal aid franchises for civil, family or criminal law will be cut to just four with the loss of Sills and Betteridge on March 31.

The firm’s managing partner John Mitchell said: “Unfortunately we can’t justify keeping an office open in Spalding to deal with family work which has been almost entirely legal-aided.”

Legal aid for criminal cases has already been reduced by the introduction of stringent means testing, with more cuts in the offing, and most Spalding legal firms have no further dealings with criminal law.

Solicitor Mike Alexander of Criminal Defence Associates fears that poorer defendants from South Holland will be doubly denied access to justice, as Spalding Magistrates Court where he represents legally aided defendants will inevitably be closed, and distances to other courts will make it impossible.

He said: “Legal aid costs have stayed the same since 1993 . I’m not whingeing about money – I love the job – but I get less than a fifth on legal aid what a fellow lawyer gets paid by a client.

“I un derstand cuts must be made but that shouldn’t mean abandoning fairness.”

All eyes were on Lincolnshire this week to catch a glimpse of a very royal “bump” during the Duchess of Cambridge’s visit to Grimsby – but a Spalding fundraiser says she could change all that.

Sam Gray, of the Paintbrush’s Dream, is launching her annual Bump-a-thon for Comic Relief tomorrow (Friday) – and is hoping expectant mums will help her raise lots of cash for charity by having their bumps painted.

Since Sam came up with the idea in 2009, she says the Bump-a-thon has really taken off with more that £12,000 being raised so far.

She now has a team of 57 face painters nationally who will also be helping to raise funds until Friday, March 22.

Mums-to-be pay £5 which goes towards the cost of the paint, on the condition they ask all their friends and family to sponsor the painter to do it.

Holbeach expectant mum Jayde Murphy has already had her bump painted because her due date is close.

Jayde (23), of Lawyer Close, chose the character Peaches from Ice Age for her bump at the request of her four-year-old son, Corey.

She said: “Sam said it would be really relaxing and I have to say it was – I would have fallen asleep if I had been laying down.”

Celebrities have also been getting in on the act, with Mariah Carey and Hilary Duff having their baby bumps painted.

So, would Sam like to paint Kate’s baby bump if she were asked?

She said: “That’s a silly question.

“Of course I would. It would be an honour. I’m sure I would be extremely nervous but I would love to.”

Anyone who would like to have their bump painted for Comic Relief can call Sam on 0750317034, visit www.thepaintbrushsdream.co.uk or email thepaintbrushsdream@hotmail.com

On Red Nose Day, Friday March 15, until the Sunday, Sam will also be facepainting in Sainsbury’s in Spalding.

A team of accountants is swapping calculators for climbing boots this summer to go on a three-day trek in Iceland for charity.

Mark Hildred (48), Ken Maggs (44), Mark East (44) and David Turpin (53) from Moore Thompson Accountants will cross craggy lava fields and wade through ice-cold streams during the trek in July.

Spalding-based Mark and Ken are raising money for Cure Parkinson’s Trust and the Lymphoma Association respectively, while Market Deeping-based Mark and David are supporting Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The team hopes to raise at least £10,000 to be shared equally between the four charities.

David said: “I went to a Teenage Cancer Trust concert in London but before it started some young people came 
on stage and talked about 
what it was like to live with cancer.

“The audience were just awestruck and that was the seed for me to do something reasonably unusual to raise as much money as I possibly could for the charity.

“I then discussed it with all the partners at the firm and because it’s the 25th anniversary of Moore Thompson, the four of us decided to take part in the trek and each raise funds for a charity close to our own hearts.”

Ken, a coach at Nene Valley Harriers Athletics Club, 
said: “One of the athletes I coach is supporting a teenage friend who was diagnosed with lymphoma nine months so I decided to help out.”

Mark, whose father Albert died from Parkinson’s Disease last year, said: “Cure Parkinson’s Trust is a patient-led charity that invests in research projects that offer real hope of a cure for Parkinson’s Disease in the future.”

You can help the four reach their goals by sponsoring them at www.moorethompson.co.uk

Concerns elderly patients at a Spalding hospital go days without visitors because of lack of public transport are no nearer a solution.

Almost a year after starting a campaign to improve the bus service from villages to Johnson Community Hospital, Holbeach hospital visitor Joan Woolard has again been asking what is being done.

In an email to “the older person’s champion” at Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Howard Johnson, Joan said: “Buses between Spalding and Boston are two-hourly and the small town services don’t go there.

“Most inpatients and outpatients are elderly and do not drive; nor do their spouses.

“Elderly inpatients can be left for days, if not weeks, without regular visits from loved ones.

“Last month, I met a man who had been there from September and hardly saw anyone from home. This is an appalling state of affairs.”

Coun Johnson has promised to take the matter forward to South Holland District Council, in the hope of investigating any Section 106 options that might be available to help part fund an improved bus service.

Simon Temple, head of clinical services at Spalding hospital, said: “When work on the hospital was first commissioned, local bus companies were approached to provide a service to the Johnson and the site was designed for a service to stop there – with a bus stop and a dedicated bus lane.

“The only local operator that felt that the service would be viable was Kimes and their No 59 service remains the only service that calls there.

“I did write to the local transport planning service to ask them if a further bus stop could be placed on the highway outside the hospital, therefore minimising disruption to routes.

“I am hopeful that this may be initiated. In summary, we await the bus companies’ decision.”

Is there a message here for you mum???

WOODCOCK, Vanessa: Happy Mother’s Day, lots of love from Cole and Kane xxx

MARSHALL, Mavis: Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day, love all your family xxx

HARE, Sharon: To the best mum, have a great day because you deserve it, lots of love Em and Matt xxx

CROFTS, Shelia: Hope you have a lovely day. Thank you for everything you do, love Matt and Leanne xxx

HARE Pam: To the best nan, hope you have a lovely day. Thanks for everything you do, love lots Em and Matt xxx

RICHARDS, Sue: I love your cuddles especially when they are really squishy, lots of love, hugs and kisses, Maddi xxx

LEIVERS, Gay: You’re a wonderful mum and nanny. Thank you for being you! Lots of love from Kayleigh, Kit, Jack and Isla xxx

BEEKEN, Mavis: We couldn’t ask for a better mum, nan and great nanny! Love Martin, Gay, Kayleigh, Kit, Jack and Isla xxx

BEASLEY, Dorothy: To the best mum on Mother’s Day. One in a million. Happy Mother’s Day, with lots of love, Julia x

CROSS, Lilian: Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day, with love from all the family x

JACKSON, Nicola: Happy Mother’s Day mummy. Thank you for everything you do for us, lots of love from Jayden and Melissa xxx

WELLER, Carole: Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for being there for me when I need you. You’re the best, love Nicola xxx

MITZI: Nanny, happy Mother’s Day to the best nanny in the world. Thank you for everything you do for us, love you, Melissa and Jayden xxx

HARDING: Nanny, thank you for being the best nanny ever. Happy Mother’s Day, love you, Melissa and Jayden xxx

WOODS, Gerry: To Mummy Bear, thanks for always being there. Love you to the moon and back, love Lesa, Spike, Leah and Mollie xxx

HAWKINS, Mary: To the best grandma and mum in the world, love John, Margaret-Ann, Melanie, Joe, Claudia, Gracie, Archie, Jake, Jack and Kian xxx

JACKSON, Cassie: To the best mummy in the whole wide world. I love you so much, from Tallulah xxx

BIGGADIKE, Renate: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for being the best mum ever, love Steve, Mel, Gavin and Oscar xxx

SEARLE, Pam: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, lots of love Penny, Andy, Peter and Tom xxx

GOSLING, Wendy: To a great mum and nan, enjoy your day.Thanks for all you do, love from us all xxx

CROSS, Vera: Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy your day, you deserve it, love from us all xxx

HARESIGN, Elizabeth and Earth, Joan: Happy Mother’s Day, love and best wishes, from Karen, Richard and Rebecca xxx

LEWIS, Muriel: Happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for being there when and if I need you, Nicole xxx

JEFFREY, Lesa: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, thank you for everything you’ve done for us. Have a great day, love you loads, love you Munch and Roo xxx

BERESFORD, Rachel: Thank you for being the best mummy in the world, love you to the moon and back, love Daniel and Joseph xxx

BAXTER, Nikki: We both love you loads, always and forever our amazing special mummy, from your big boy William and baby daredevil Daniel, hugs and kisses.

BAXTER, Nikki: Happy mummy’s day. You deserve a special day because you make all our days special, love you lots always, from Billy Bear and Diddy Dot

MICHIE, Rebecca: To the greatest mum of all, happy Mother’s Day. Thanks for everything, lots of love George, Harriet and Alex xxx

THOMAS, Fiona: To Mum, lots of love on Mother’s Day and always, love Arch, Callum, Liam, Hannah and Emily.

BARKER, Emma: We love you loads and loads, you are the best mummy in the universe, Rosie and Leo xxx

CAREY, Rebecca: You are the best mum in the world. We love you more than ever. Happy Mother’s Day, from Marshall, Harvey, Leeland and Leon xxx

LAVENDER, Pat: To a special mum who’s always there for me. Have a great Mother’s Day. You’re a mum in a million, Melvin.

BOOTH, Molly: Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy your special day, love from Anna, Kay and Helen xxx

WHITE, Sheila: Happy Mother’s Day. Cherished and loved forever. Thanks for all you do for us, love Alan, Wendy, Paul and Emma xxx

CRANE, Polly: Happy Mother’s Day, lots of love Tricia and Stuart xxx

HARE, Vicky: To my wonderful mum, hope you have a great day, love you lots Jade xxx

ARNOLD, Natasha: Happy Mother’s Day to a special mummy, love you lots and lots, from Joshua and Bailey.

ARNOLD, Natana: To a special mum on Mother’s Day, love you lots and lots, Shannon, Rebekah and Lewis.

EXTON, Yasmin: You are our sunshine or ray of life, always here when we need you, love you lots Mummy, kisses Summer and Taylor x

EXTON, Tracy: Just to let you know how much I love you. You are a special mum, you’re always here, lots love Tristan xx

DOLBY, Rebekah: To a very special mummy on Mother’s Day, love you lots and lots from Harry, Paige, Elli-Mai and George.

BAXTER, Jill: To Grandma, happy Mother’s Day, love you always, Harry, Paige, Ellie-Mai and George xxx

DOLBY, Teresa: To a special mum, happy Mother’s Day. You’re the best, love you lots Natasha, Natana, Rebekah, Thomas and Emily xxx

DOLBY, Teresa: To a special grandma, happy Mother’s Day, love you lots, Joshua, Shannon, Rebekah, Harry, Paige, Bailey, Ellie-Mai, Lewis and George xxx

BAXTER, Karen: To Grandma, happy Mother’s Day, love you lots, Harry, Paige and Ellie-Mai xxx

HUTCHESSON, Sharon: Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful godmother if she will have me, lots of love George xxx

HOWARD, Angie: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Have a fab day and meal, love from Kiri and Flash xxx

HOWARD, Angie: Happy Mother’s Day. Have a fab day and a lovely meal, love you always from Amy-Jayne xx

BASHALL, Linda: Have a great Mother’s Day, thanks for everything you do for us, lots of love Brendan and Liam xx

BAKER, Joanne: Thanks for always being there Mum, you’re like my best friend, love you lots Carly xxx

CLAYTON, Joanne: Mummy, you are very special to me. I really love you, Bradley xxx

CUMMINS, Wendy: Thanks for being who you are and all your help. Happy Mother’s Day, love Emma and Paul xxx

ASHWELL, Hazel: Thank you all you do, have a lovely day, lots of love from Simon, Sarah and Joseph xxx

ASHWELL, Sarah: You’re the best Mummy in the world, lots of love and kisses from Joseph xxx

PULLING, Joan: My lovely adorable mum, thank you for always being there for me. I love you very much every day of the year, Emma

FULLER, Sabhion: You’ve seen me laugh, you’ve seen me cry and always you were there with me, thank you Mummy, I love you, Max Jr.

MASON, Grace: Have a great day! We all love you very much. You are very special and treasured, love from Robin, Jane and Jean xxx

MASON, Dorothy: Happy Mother’s Day, to a special mum, all our love Dinah and Graham x

HAPPY Mother’s Day, love Will xx

HUGHES, Jo: Happy Mother’s Day to our wonderful mum. Thanks for all you do for us. Enjoy your special day, love Jess and Beth xx

ROBERTS, Sharon: Grandma, we love you loads, you are the best ever. Happy Mother’s Day, all our love and hugs, Kealey, Casey and Jack xxx

MATIN, Joyce: To the sweetest, kindest, best cookingest mum in the world. Have a great day, all our love, Norma, Bali, Richard xxx

FARRELL, Eileen: To the kindest, sweetest, cooking-fastic mum in the world, all our love, have a great day, Richard, Bali, Norma xxx

DOADES, Joyce: Happy Mother’s Day to you, love Stephen, Caron, Jon and Lauren xx

BURROWS, Tash: We love you Mummy very much. You’re the best ever, love Florence, Misty. We love you too Aunty, Harvey, Joseph, Dexter and Sam.

BLOWER, Cis: To the best mum in the world, lots of love from Julie and Brian xxx

BURROWS, Becky: We love you Mummy for what you do and get for us, love Harvey, Joseph, Dexter. We love you too, Florence and Sam.

MCMURRAY, Nicola: Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful mummy, lots of love and kisses, Jessica xxx

ROBSON, Julie: Dear Aunty, we all love you very much. Happy Mother’s Day, love from Harvey, Jo-Jo, Sam, Dexter and me too, Florence x

FENSOM, Carole: Wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day, lots of love, from Tracey, Clare, Evan, Olivia, Elia and Milly.

WARNES, Terrie: We may not always show it but you are truly appreciated. We love you millions, hugs and kisses, Robyn, Devon and Ethan xxx

WOODBERRY, Kelly: I love you so much the best mummy, lots of love and kisses Jessica xxx

JOHNSON, Jenny: You’re a mum in a million who’s always there when I need you. Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy your day, love you Emma.

DAWSON, Emma: You are always here for me. I love you, happy Mother’s Day, Amber xxx

HARDY, Gwen: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, lots of love and hugs from Lewis xxx

COE, Emma: Happy Mother’s Day, love you so much, have a lovely day, lots of love and kisses from Lollipop xxx

DUMBARTON, Freda: Thanks for all you do for us. Happy Mother’s Day, Emma and Sam.

HOWMAN, Christine: Happy Mother’s Day to our fantastic mum and granny, lots of love from Robert, Alex, Emma, Mark, Noah, Charlie and Jacob.

HARE, Kelly: To our lovely mummy, the best in the world. Have a lovely day, love Lilly and Connor xxx

TO Mum, happy Mother’s Day. Have a lovely day, love you lots, from Perri and Rollis xxx

ROBSON, Julie: Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a good day, you deserve it after looking after us, love you Mum, lots Charmayne.

ROBSON, Julie: Thank you for what you have ever done for me. Happy Mother’s Day, love Chantelle xxx

BALL, Madge: Thanks for being our mum and nan, we appreciate all you do for us, lots of love from Julie, Tim, Chantelle, Charmayne.

MOUGHTON, Diana: Happy Mother’s Day. You are so special to us, thanks for everything. We love you lots and lots, Vinny, Donna, Charlie.

MARKILLIE, Elaine: Thanks for all that you do, we are very proud of you. Happy Mother’s Day, we love you lots, Donna, Vinny, Charlie.

SEYMOUR, Christine: You are not only the best mum in the world but also the best grannie and we love you tons, Bex and Dan xxx

SEYMOUR, Christine: You are the best, mum in the world, never forget how much you are loved by me, your loving daughter, Rachael.

GRAY, Edna: Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day, love from Nigel and Julie xx

BENSON, Dorothy: Have a wonderful day, love from Michael and Diane xx To Nanny, happy Mother’s Day, love from Liam and Melissa xx

BURTON, Bet: Have a wonderful day, love Diane and Michael xx To Nanny, happy Mother’s Day, love from Liam and Melissa xx

BATTERHAM, Joanne: Thank you for everything you do for us, love you loads Connor and Euan xxx

MARKILLIE, Donna: Mummy, you are the best in the world and I love you so much. Thanks for all you do, love you Charlie.

MARKILLIE, Donna: To you my yummy mummy, have a good day beautiful, love you so much, you’re a great mum, proud of you, Vinny xx

GLENCROSS, Karolina: You are the best mama in the world. Our little girl is so lucky and I am lucky, we love you Zoe.

GLENCROSS, Kate: Happy mummy’s day, we hope you have a really nice day, lots of love Martyn, Karolina, Zoe, Steph, Liam, Gingin xxx

GLENCROSS, Karolina: To the best mama in the world, you give me everything every day, most of all you give me love, from Zoe.

LINDSAY, Angie: Just letting you know how happy, lucky and proud to have you for a mum and nana, Sammy and James xx

SUTTON, Emma: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mummy. Thanks for all you do, lots of love from Charlie and Jacob.

HOWMAN, Alex: Happy Mother’s Day Mummy, you can play with my tractors as a treat! Love from your little dude.

HUNT, Ena: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, hope you have a good day, with love and best wishes from Christine and Alan.

MASON, Pauline: Happy Mother’s Day to a great mum, lots of love Michelle, Julie and Nigel xxx

CRANE, Karen: Thank you for everything you do, you are the best, we love you lots, love Gary, Becky, Lucy and Ben xxx

GREENWOOD, Lisa: To the best mummy in all the world, I love you very much, all my love and kisses, Harley xxx

GREENWOOD, Lisa: To the best mummy in all the world, I love you very much, all my love and kisses, Darcey xxx

HARPER, Zoe: To the best mum in the whole world, hope you have a great Mother’s Day, love you, Chloe xx

NEWTON, Audrey: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, every day you have a smile on your face and cheer us all up, love you lots, Robert and Tracey xx

NEWTON, Tracey: Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a lovely day, thanks for everything you do, lots of love, Emily and Chris xxx

CHAPMAN, Kath: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, have a lovely day, love from Tracey, Robert, Chris, Emily and your sons Paul and Mark xx

MARSHALL, Mavis: To our mum, with love and thanks for everything you have done for us over the years, love all the family.

TIMM, Wendy: Happy Mother’s Day Mum and Gran, have a great day, lots of love Andrea, Dave, Matt and Jamie xxx

CHURCH, Claire: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, lots of love, Daisy and Thomas.

WESTON, Teresa: To Mummy, love you forever and always and happy Mother’s Day, love from Georgia and Jayden xxx

COOTE, Melanie: I may not show my appreciation but thank you for everything you do for me. Happy Mother’s Day, all my love Bianca xx

WESTON, Janice: Happy Mother’s Day, you’re the best! Love you always from Teresa, Georgia and Jayden xxx

HOLLIS, Sylvia: Happy Mother’s Day, just relax, chill and enjoy your day, love Barbara and Steve.

PRATT, Shirley: Love you loads you’re very, very special not just this day but every day of the year, all my love Mum, Karon x

BOULTON, Helen: Happy Mother’s Day, have a lovely day. You are simply the best! Thanks for always being there, love you lots, love Lou.

PHILPOTT, Tracy: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thanks for everything you do for us, love from Jord and T-ja.

SMITH-HUGHES, Elizabeth: Have a lovely Mother’s Day and we hope you just relax, lots of love from Lawrence, Piers and Claude xxx

MOUNTAIN, Helen: To Mum, happy Mother’s Day. I love you so much. Have a great day, thank you for all you do, love from Adam x

MOUNTAIN, Sylvia: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you, from Chris, Helen and Adam xxx

SHIELDS, Jessie: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for everything you do for us. We love you, from Helen, Chris and Adam xxx

BALDING, Tracey: Thanks for being such a wonderful mum and always there for me, love Alex and Sophie xxx

PEARL, Linda: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum in the world, love from your three kids, Zoe, Adam and Steven, love you!

STEVENS, Daisy: Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for being there for us. Thank you for all you do, lots of love Martin, Jake, Jade and Trish.

GREEN, Anne: You’ve been strong through our loss. Today is your day to be spoilt. Happy Mother’s Day, love Martin, Jake, Jade and Trish xxx

STEVENS, Daisy: Happy Mother’s Day Nan, thanks for everything you’ve done for us. Have a great day, lots of love Jake and Jade xxx

SPICER, Julie: Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for all you do for us! Love Barry, Helen, Katie, Laura, Bethany, George and Bump xxx

STEVENS, Trish: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, have a great day. Thanks for being the best mum ever, lots of love Jake and Jade xxx

GREEN, Anne: Happy Mother’s Day Nan, have a great day. Thanks for everything you’ve done for us, lots of love Jake and Jade xxx

HAPPY Mother’s Day Mummy. Thank you for everything you do for us. We all love you very much, love and hugs, Sarah.

WARD, Phyllis: Thank you for being the best. Happy Mother’s Day, love you lots Katie and Martin xxx

WELLS, Eileen: Thanks for all you do. Happy Mother’s Day, lots of love from Debbie, Dave and Georgia, Sharon, Michael and Leah xxx

BAILEY, Debbie: Thanks for being the most loving and supportive mum in the world, we love you so much, Georgia, Lulu and Lily.

JOHNSON, Helen: Happy Mother’s Day Mummy, you’re the best mummy in the world, lots of love from your cheeky monkey, Bethany xxx

SHORTLAND, Denise: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. You are the best! Lots of love from your number one son Nathan xxx

BRIGGS, Lisa: Thanks for all you do for us throughout the year, love Mark and Chris xxx

BRIGGS, June: Happy Mother’s Day and have a lovely day, love from Lisa, Paul, Mark and Christopher xxx

REYNOLDS, Sarah: Happy Mother’s Day. We love you loads, thank you for all you do for us, love you always Meisha, Chloe, Becky and Lewis xxx

AYRE, Linda: Happy Mother’s Day, all our love Alan, Paula, Tom, Kit, Kayleigh, Jack and Isla xxx

DAVIES, Jean: Thanks for everything, lots of love Paula and family, Stew and family and your three little babies Jack, Daniel and Isla.

DENT, Jenny: Thank you for everything you have done for us. You are the most special mum ever. We love you very much, Rebecca, Rae and Rachel xxx

KENNEDY, Elaine: Happy Mother’s Day Nanny. Have a lovely day, lots of love Amy-Jayne xxx

HUGHES, Kiri: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mummy in the world ever, lots of love Amy-Jayne Kennedy xxx

HOOK, Sally: Lots of love to our mum on Mother’s Day, love you Lauren and James xxx

COOKE, Stephanie: Happy Mother’s Day to our lovely mummy and nanny, love, hugs and kisses from Michelle, Maxwell and Zakk. We love you xxx

FOSTER, Debbie: Thanks for all you do for us, love you lots from Sam and Katey. Have a nice day

MURFETT, Karen: Thank you for being a lovely mummy, love you lots from Tia xxx

COLLIN, Lindsey: Thanks for being such a wonderful mum, love you lots Sasha xxx

BALDING, Tracey: I will be thousands of miles away from you today but I will be thinking of you my special mum, Lisa xxx

MARKANT, Lynda: From a mum to a mum for unconditional love from Ben and Dan also xxx

ROUSE, Maxine: The best mum anyone could ask for. Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day, lots of love Ron, Naomi, Tom and Chantelle xxx

VALERIE: You are a super mum and nanny, we love you lots Lindsey and Sasha xxx

LEWIS, Tracey: Love you loads enjoy your day, Casey, Lily, Corey and Alfie xxx

DEWING, Jane: You really are treasure to me, always there every day. You are special daughter. One in a million, I love you, Grace xxx

GRANT, Joan: Thank you for always being there when we need you. Have a brilliant Mother’s Day, love from Linda and Russell.

PEARL, Edna: Hope you have a brilliant Mother’s Day, love from Russell and Linda.

PONTIN, Karen: Happy Mother’s Day! Have a great day, you deserve it! Love you lots! From Lauren and Jade xxx

PELL, Janet: Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a very good day to the best mum in Weston Hills, love Martin, Ann and Tibby xx

SCOTT, Edna: Happy Mothering Sunday to the best mum from Liverpool, all our love always Ann, Martin and Tibby xxx

WARD, Aimee: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mummy in the world, love Anya and Grace xxx

EALHAM, Sharon: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum anywhere, love you lots and lots, Joe and Aron

LAMBERT, Kylie: To a great mum, happy Mother’s Day. Have a nice day, lots of love, Holly May xxx

JONES, Michelle: Have a lovely restful day mum. We love you very much, you are the best mum in the world, Jordan and Jessica xx

TO Mummy and Nanny we love you very much. Thank you for everything, you’re the best we could ask for, love Sabhion and Max Junior

COTON Jean: Happy Mother’s Day. Have a lovely day, lots of love Lesley, Lisa, Kevin and Graham xxx

WRIGHT, Sandra: Thank you for being our mum. We love you lots. Have a great Mother’s Day, hugs and kisses from Nathan and Nadia

DORAN, Margaret: You are one in a million! Happy Mother’s Day to our number one mum and nan, love from Julia, Garry and Luke xxx

CUNNINGHAM, Sarah: We love you, we love you so much, we will just kiss you all day if we could, we love you, Jordan and Eve.

MARSH, Jane: To the best mum ever, wishing you a very happy Mother’s Day, all my love, Anna.

DAVISON, Emily: To my mummy, happy Mother’s Day, you’re the best mummy in the world, love you all the way to the sunshine, Mikey.

DOADES, Caron: Mum, happy Mother’s Day! Have a good day, love you lots, love from Lauren xxx

CRANE, Polly: Mam, have a happy Mother’s Day, with lots of love Caron, Steve, Jon and Lauren xxx

ORME, Sue: To Nanny, happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for spoiling me and being a wonderful nanny, love you loads, Tommy xxx

ORME, Sue: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for everything you do for me, have a good day, love you lots, Laura xxx

MASON, Dorothy: Happy Mother’s Day to a special mum and gran, all our love always Linda, Sam, Karen and Lucy xxx

TOMLINSON, Linda: Thank you for all you do. You are one in a million, lots of love from Lucy xxx Happy Mother’s Day Mummy.

MANGAN, Penny: To the best mum in the world, happy mum’s day, love you from Sophie and Dylan xx

FORMAN, Jacky: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for everything you do, love you lots! Amy.

TOPLISS, Bekki: Have a wonderful day. Thank you for being such a great mum, lots of love and kisses, Chloe xxx

QUESNEL, Jessica: Thank you for all that you do for me, love you lots and lots, love and kisses, Lexanne xxx

TAYLOR, Mavis: Happy Mother’s Day Mum, lots of love from Karen, Mark and Jack the lad. Have a lovely day xxx

CUNNINGTON, Kim: You are the best mummy in the world. We love you very much, Louis and Issy xxx

BRONSON, Teresa: To the best mummy in the world, have a lovely day, hugs and kisses from Samuel and Lauren xxx

WARD, Su-su: Happy Mother’s Day, I love you the most, lots of love Abigail xxx

HOLSTEAD, Tammy: Thank you for being the best mummy in the world. We love you lots, love from Billy, Ricky, Demi, Kaci.

SMITH, Jean: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Have a lovely day, love from Jackie and Stephen xxx

BRIDEN, Rita: To a very special mum on Mother’s Day, we hope you have a lovely day, with love from all the family xxx

MUMBY, Betty: Happy Mother’s Day. You are the best mum ever. Thank you for helping me, I love you very much, Natalie.

ROBERTS, Sharon: Happy Mother’s Day! You are a mum and best friend in one. Thank you for everything you do for me, love Kelly xx

HARKER, Lily-May: Mum you are loved so much, hope you enjoy Mother’s Day, love Pat and Jack.

CARPENTER, Babs: Wishing you the Mother’s Day you deserve. Put your feet up and let Dad do the housework, love from us all xxx

COUPLAND, Lianne: Happy Mother’s Day Mummy, you’re the best, lots of love from your little Moshi Monster, Abigail xxx

REYNOLDS, Emma: Mummy, you are the best mummy in the world, we love you always, Cola, Rory and Bump.

WHITE, Hayley: To Mummy, love Dani and Carla xxx

GREGORY, Debra: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum and nanny. We don’t know what we’d do without you, love Gemma, Ruby and Lily xx

GREGORY, Debra: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thanks for everything you do, we love you loads, from Gemma, Marc and Adam xxx

MALTBY, Jennifer: We love you with all our heart, you are a special mum to us both, thank you for everything, love David and Luke.

CHURCHILL, Diane: Thank you for everything you have done for us. We couldn’t have got through the tough time without you, love Laura and Andrew.

FISHER, Anna: To the bestest mummy in the world, love you lots and lots, Sophie, George and Butterfly xxx

BROWN, Sarah: Thanks Mum for everything, we love you more than chocolate drops and Jelly Tots. Happy Mother’s Day, love Aidan, Louis and Taylor x

COWLING, Gina: When it comes to mothers, there’s lots of them about, but you’re the very best, of that, there is no doubt, Simon xxx

GREMLIN: Life is about being happy. You will always be a special part of my life, love you always Mum, you’re the best, Robot.

SHEILA: Thank you for being a wonderful mum. Thank you for all your help. You are unique, lots of love, always from Meow xxx

BAXTER, Sally: Love you Mummy, have a wonderful Mother’s Day, hugs and kisses from Kelvin and Tazmin xx

COOK, Tammy: Wishing you a happy Mother’s Day. Words can’t describe how proud we are to call you our mum, love us all xxx

COOK, Tammy: Happy Mother’s Day Nanny, you are the most amazing nanny in the world, one in a million, love Bayleigh-Rose, Frankie-Joe and Tommy xx

COOK, Tammy: Happy Mother’s Day, thank you for being the world’s best mum. We are truly blessed to have you, love Doulton, Mitchel xxx

ANDREW, Annie: Happy Mother’s Day, you’re the best, love you lots, Lacey xxx

ANDREW, Annie: Happy Mother’s Day! Love you loads, Callum xxx

O’CONNOR, Phil: Happy Mother’s Day. Mother, you’re the best, love you lots, Annie xxx

CARR, Sarah: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mummy in the world, love you lots from Brandon mooo xxx

ISTED, Joan: To the best mam in the world, we love you very much, love Bev, Lynda, Debbie xxx

CARPENTER, Tiffany (soon to be Mint): Happy Mother’s Day to the best mummy in the world! From your number one son Archie Woo xxx

STOREY, Shirley: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum and grandma in the world, all our love always Chris, Jackie, Andrew, Mollie and Emily xx

BRIGGS, Jackie: To the best mummy in the world, thanks for all you do for us, love your little princesses Mollie and Emily.

BRIGGS, June: Happy Mother’s Day. Have a great day, all our love Andrew, Jackie, Mollie and Emily xxx

ROLFE, Clare: I hope you enjoy Mother’s Day and get lots of lovely presents, love Rhianna.

ROLFE, Clare: To Mum, thank you for all you have done. Have a great day, happy Mother’s Day, from Shanine.

SHORTLAND, Denise: To my mummy, happy Mother’s Day, lots of love from your baby boy, Ruud xxx

WARNER, Brenda: Happy Mother’s Day Mum and Granny, all our love from Steven, Rachael, Diane and John xxx

WALKER, Dotty: Happy Mother’s Day. Hope you have a lovely day, all our love from Sharon, Rachael and Steve xxx

WALKER, Dotty: Happy Mother’s Day Nanny, we all love you so much, all our love from Diane, John, Serene and Levi xxx

ENGLISH, Joan: Happy Mother’s Day to the best mum and nanny in the world, lots of love, from Sharon, Kevin, Jamie and Ben xxx

WILLIAMS, Sharon: To Mum, happy Mother’s Day, with lots and lots of love Sally and Adam xxx

AYRE, Kayleigh: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for being the best mummy, we could ever ask for, love you lots and lots, Jack and Isla xxx

AYRE, Paula: Happy Mother’s Day! Thanks for everything you do for us, we would be lost without you! Love from us all xxx

MOSEDALE, Greta: Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thank you for everything you do for us! Love you loads from Sarah and Ben xx

MOSEDALE, Greta: Happy Mother’s Day Nanny. I love you lots and lots, you are the best, love from Olivia xxx

WALKER, Sharon: To the best mum in the world, love you loads, Callum and Grace xxx

BLOWER, Jean: A mum in a million, happy Mother’s Day, all my love from Rachel.

ELLIS, Mary: Happy Mother’s Day. Have a lovely day, all our love and best wishes, Louise and Robert xx

BLOWER, Jean: Nan, we just want to say your so special and we’re blessed to have you as our nan, love you lots, J, J, C, A

HARDING, Rose: Happy Mother’s Day, have a lovely day. Thanks for all that you do for us, all our love from Bob and Lou xxx

DEPEAR, Joy (Pauline): Happy Mother’s Day, have a lovely day, put your feet up, lots of love, Maxine, Naomi, Tom and Chantelle xx

WAKEFIELD, Jo: Thank you for being so kind, loving and understanding. You are exactly what a mum should be, lots of love Jordi xxx

WAKEFIELD, Jo: Happy Mother’s Day Mum! I think Jordi said it all! Thank you for everything, love Ellie and Matt. Ps 130 days! xxx

MOSEDALE, Sarah: To the best mum in the world, love you lots and lots from your little boy Oliver xxx

WILLIAMS, Donna: You are the bestest mum in the world ever! Bran and Sky.

SHIELDS, Jessie: Happy Mother’s Day, with love from Nicholas, Pennie and James.

SHIELDS, Pennie: Dear Mummy, thank you for being my mum. You are the best mum in the world, lots of love and kisses, James.

DOADES, Joyce: You are the best xx Lots of hugs and kisses, Julie, Nathan and Eleanor xxx Happy Mother’s Day

The experience of a Donington mother is helping to form a new action plan on caring for autistic adults in Lincolnshire.

Janet Corcoran, secretary of Lincolnshire Autistic Society, played a leading role in drawing up an online survey that Lincolnshire County Council and NHS Lincolnshire will use to create an Adults with Autism strategy for the county.

Mrs Corcoran, whose son Ross (35) has autism, advised on questions for the survey as a member of Lincolnshire Autism Partnership, a group including people with autism, carers, voluntary groups and professionals advising on the strategy.

She said: “The transition from children to adult autistic services has always been very problematic and a source of great stress for parents.

“Very few services exist for adults with autism as they either have to be suffering from a mental health problem or a learning disability.

“But many autistic adults have neither of these problems and numbers of adults with autism have never been recorded in Lincolnshire.

“When the Autism Act was passed in 2010, every local authority had to put certain things in place and we very much hope this consultation results in a strategy that will bring about changes for autistic adults in Lincolnshire.”

Anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism can complete the survey online at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/autismsurvey before March 22.

A man living near massive wind turbines at Bicker Fen is battling the Ministry of Defence so he can have a small one at his home.

Businessman Steve Rashleigh was told his turbine could interfere with onshore military radar by appearing as a helicopter on surveillance screens. Yet there are 13 wind turbines – which he claims are as “high as Boston Stump” – just 600 metres away from his North Drove home.

Mr Rashleigh (58) was advised by wind energy firm Windcrop not to go ahead with his planning application for a 15 metre domestic turbine because a MoD radar map shows his home is in a large swathe of Lincolnshire ruled out for private installations.

“I was a bit mad because we are surrounded by them,” Mr Rashleigh said. “At night time you get like a whooshing noise. We get a little bit of flicker, but it’s mostly the noise at night.”

Mr Rasheigh wrote to the MoD this week asking for a re-think. Windcrop boss John Moore said the MoD can plot big wind farms, but lone turbines cannot be accommodated by the ministry’s systems.

He’s had around 100 applications for single turbines turned down in the East of England and advised Mr Rashleigh not to apply for planning consent because he was likely to be wasting a £400 application fee. The Bicker area already has one wind farm substation and a second is planned by RWE npower renewables, which could end up in a field next to Mr Rashleigh’s home – one of four possible sites linked to offshore Tritton Knoll.

Consultation events were held in Swineshead and Bicker Fen this week. Boston MP Mark Simmonds has written to energy minister John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings, saying it’s unreasonable that Bicker should have to cope with “yet more wind related infrastructure”.

Bad weather caused several accidents across South Holland this morning.

A replacement bus had to be sent to take children to school after the Brylaine double decker they were travelling on slipped off the road in Cobgate, Whaplode, at around 8.10am.

There was also a three vehicle accident involving an EMAS emergency car, a Skania lorry and a Ford Fiesta at 7.30am in St Mary’s Garden’s Whaplode.

At 7.40am in Mill Drove, Cowbit, a Ford Fiesta went into a dyke and a 7.45am a Suzuki Baleno left the road and ended up in a ditch at Counter Drain Drove, Tongue End.

And at 8.40am, a blue Ford KA hit a lamppost, causing it to fall down, in West Parade, Spalding.

Fortunately, no one was injured in any of the accidents but police are urging motorists to drive to the conditions as more snow and freezing conditions are forecast.

“We don’t play unless you sing”, is how John Baguley typically introduces The Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding.

Then they’re off, with a, “Yellow number two from the song book to start with...” and yet another charity group, women’s club or home for senior citizens is entertained by this group of enthusiastic amateur musicians.

“We do about 40 gigs a year and we’re already booked up for this year completely and we have 15 bookings for 2014,” said chairman – and front man at bookings – John Baguley.

There are currently about 32 band members – it’s a fluid membership, with people joining and leaving all the time – and the age range is from 13 to someone in their 70s.

John says: “The youngest four members have a total age of less than 60 and the oldest four, their total age is over 300.”

Musical director is Zeph Churchill, described by John as “phenomenally talented”. Like some other band members, she plays other instruments, trumpet in her case, and she will perform a solo at concerts.

John explains the group was formed in 2008 when Will Dunlop appealed in these newspapers for people who wanted to learn how to play the ukulele to join him.

“I had bought one and never had it out of the box,” admits John. He was one of 18 people who went along, none of whom could play.

At the end of the second week Will gave them the good news that he had booked their first gig!

“Four weeks later we went to Long Sutton Parish Church harvest supper and we had tried to learn six songs and we must have been awful,” recalls John. “Will said, if you can’t play a chord, miss it out.”

The band was given their supper and then asked if they wanted to play some more: and had to repeat the same six songs.

They haven’t look back though, because they have never had to advertise and yet John’s wife Jo, who is bookings secretary, has to turn people away.

Their secret perhaps lies in their versatility: the band has a repertoire of over 150 songs ranging from Oh! Susanna, which was written in about 1850, to the latest Adele number.

They will adapt the play list to the audience, playing for anything from WI groups and in last year’s flower parade to the Age Concern concert at South Holland Centre, donating any money they are given to charity.

Most moving for John are the concerts for the elderly or those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease where audience members remember every word and join in songs they perhaps first heard in their youth in the 1920s.

John Baguley says a ukulele is like a small guitar, but it’s only got four strings.

They come in various sizes, from a sopranino, concert, soprano, tenor, baritone to a bass.

John says: “They are easy to play. You don’t have to read music because what you do is read a chord window and basically what that is is a picture of the four strings.

“If you can play a ‘c’ and an ‘f’ that is virtually all you need to know to play something like Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

The story goes that small guitars were taken by plantation workers in the 19th century from Spain and Portugal to America and Hawaii where they would he played at the end of the working day.

The king of Hawaii saw their fingers flying up and down the little guitars and said “Ukulele”, meaning something like dancing fleas.

The instrument was adapted, given four strings and became the ukulele as we know it today.

The ukulele came to Britain at about the turn of the 20th century.

To book (2014 onwards) or find out more about The Ukulele Orchestra of Spalding, ring 01733 211174.

Drivers of high vehicles are being told to avoid Stockwell Gate, Whaplode, due to a low-hanging electricity cable.

Police, the fire service and Western Power are at the scene attempting to make the cable safe.

Mothers and grandmothers went back to the childhood for just one day as Spalding Primary School hosted a special lunch on Friday ahead of Mother’s Day.

More than 70 parents and grandparents sat down with their children for a meal featuring chicken, bacon and sausage and a carrot cake dessert.

It was a chance for excited children to tell their mums and grandparents about their day in school and share a pre-Mother’s Day meal with their classmates.

A school spokeswoman said: “We’ve been doing it for about five years and it’s a chance for mums and children to have lunch together.

“Both mums and grandmothers were represented and after they had eaten, they were all given a bunch of daffodils as they were leaving our school.

“The lunch went very well and I think everybody enjoyed it.”