Three Lutton youngsters with strong connections to the Free Press are using pedal power to help boost the coffers of the Two Lips Appeal.

Editor Jeremy Ransome’s children Alfie (10) and Tilly Ransome (8) and his step-daughter Joanna Mota (7) are taking part in a sponsored cycle ride on Sunday, May 12.

Alfie, who attends Tydd St Mary Primary School, is tackling a ten-mile course, starting and finishing in the village.

And Tilly, who also attends Tydd school, and Joanna, who goes to Lutton Primary School, are taking on a five-mile route around the village.

The youngsters are practicing with their dad every Tuesday and Sunday and are hoping to raise over £100.

“Daddy said last year it would be nice for us to do something for Two Lips in 2013,” said Alfie.

“We all have newish bikes and love cycling, so I thought this would be a good way of helping. The furthest I have biked is 6.3 miles and the longest the girls have done is 4.4 but we are determined to do it.”

If you would like to sponsor the youngsters, you can do so my popping into our offices in the Crescent, Spalding and asking to speak to the editor.

Two Lips Week 2013 runs from Saturday, May 11 for a week with one of the highlights a ball at The Castle Sports Complex on the final Saturday.

If you want to attend book quickly as 23 of the 30 tables have already been booked.

Abba Arrival, one of the best Abba tributes, are confirmed, as is Oblivion Disco. A three course meal is being prepared by J2 catering so it’s all set to be a great event.

There is a charity auction with some great things to bid for including a gas barbecue given by Birchgrove Garden Centre and a hot tub weekend given by Broadgate Builders. The Woodlands Hotel has given a dinner party for ten. If your company would like to donate a raffle or auction prize or you would like tickets please give Sarah Prior a call on 01775 720607.

nTwo Lips is raising money for Age UK Spalding, St Barnabas Hospice Spalding and the town’s two swimming clubs.

A serial burglar has been sent to prison for two years after a number of crimes in Spalding where he entered through insecure doors.

Pavel Zukovs (23), of from Kellett Gate, Low Fulney, had been charged on February 1 after being arrested for a daytime burglary at Hawthorn Bank, Spalding.

He had gained entry by walking in through an insecure conservatory door and was disturbed by the householder.

He was further charged with another domestic dwelling burglary plus three non-dwelling burglaries, all of which he accessed via insecure doors, making up an excuse for being at the location when challenged.

Inspector Jim Tyner said: “I am pleased that Zukovs has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment.

“This burglar was taken off the streets promptly through some excellent work by our community policing teams working closely with our detectives.

“It should be noted, however, that on every occasion Zukovs entered properties through insecure doors.

“This should serve as a reminder to people to tighten up on security and don’t make it easy for burglars”.

An experienced carpet salesman is welcoming customers old and new to his brand new venture, Carpets 2 U.

Matthew Featherstone will be a well-known face to many people locally, having worked at Floorcraft in Holbeach for eight years.

The 25-year-old was made redundant when Floorcraft closed down in January, but rather than become another unemployment statistic, Matthew decided to stay with the industry he loves and launch his very own carpet business in Pinchbeck.

His showroom opened its doors earlier this month on Cresswell Street, just behind Morrisons, and to celebrate he is offering all customers free carpet fitting until June 1.

Carpets 2 U offers carpets for all budgets, from cheap bedroom and rentals to top quality wool twists and thick pile carpets for lounges, halls, stairs and landings.

Matthew also offers a free measuring and estimation service, and prides himself on giving customers good honest advice with no pushy sales talk.

“It is repeat sales from customers who trust you and come back to you again that keep businesses like mine going, so it’s essential you offer them the complete package, including a good price, great fitting and great after-sales service too,” he said.

“Hopefully some of my old customers from Floorcraft who used to ask for me to help them will recognise me and want to come and give my new business a try. I’m also looking forward to welcoming new customers too.”

Customers aged 55 and over can also take advantage of Discount Wednesdays – with an extra ten per cent off everything in store every Wednesday for anyone 55 and over. Just bring proof of age.

The showroom, which has free parking, is open 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Pumpkin grower David Bowman was getting the land in shape ready for drilling when this image of a Case Quadtrac working land at Low Fulney was captured.

David, who hopes to be drilling within a couple of weeks or so, says: “We are not late yet. The sun is shining nicely this morning but it needs to keep shining.”

Contractors were subsoiling a field that had been “extremely wet” following “a horrendous 12 months”.

David will be drilling about 450 acres over ten days using a big French Air Drill.

He said: “It’s the only way to drill pumpkin seed and it is very quick, 6km an hour.”

The quality seed is imported from America – David explains that because it is a hybrid seed it can’t be saved from one year to the next.

Once planted, the growing plant needs to be kept clean of weeds and sprayed with various fertilisers.

David is hoping for a better crop than last year, when both the count and the pumpkin weight was low.

“It was a bit disappointing, but at least we got a crop,” said David. “They do like it reasonably dry and warm, that’s their main criteria. They don’t like to be wet and cold all summer. It’s a worrying time with the weather as it is. The sun is shining but within two days it talks of it being wet and cold.”

Neighbouring farmer Caroline Noble photographed Agriserve’s Case Quadtrac when it was subsoiling in Low Fulney recently.

Opinion appears to be split over the merits of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.

MPs who voted in favour of abolition – without debate – have been accused of being underhand by Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

The wages board has set minimum wage levels for farmworkers in England and Wales for more than 60 years. Mr Irranca-Davies says abolishing it could cost low-paid rural workers and the wider rural economy up to £260m.

However, the NFU says its abolition will bring agriculture alongside other 21st century industries.

A 20-year-old man from Whaplode is due to appear in court charged with a burglary in the village earlier this week.

Matthew Rhodes, of Stockwell Gate, is to appear before Spalding magistrates on May 16 in connection with a burglary at a house in Mill Lane.

It took place some time overnight between Monday April 22 and Tuesday April 23.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual has launched its Country Crime Fighters Awards 2013 to support anti-crime initiatives in rural Lincolnshire.

The insurer is offering cash prizes of £1,000 in the competition which helps to recognise and celebrate unsung rural heroes who have prevented crime in their communities.

Nominations can be submitted online by May 31 at www.nfumutual.co.uk/crimefighters.

THE NFU has reiterated the importance of knowing an animal’s provenance as Lincolnshire farmers take action to prevent the spread of Bovine TB.

The disease has been found in neighbouring counties Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

A woman more than three times the drink-drive limit crashed into a ditch when she swerved to miss a fox.

Emergency services were called to the A151 at Dozens Bank, West Pinchbeck, shortly after 10pm on January 12.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, told Spalding magistrates that Denise Clark was freed from her car by ambulance paramedics and a blood sample at hospital showed 268 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood – more than three times the limit of 80mgs.

In a statement to police, Clark admitted drinking that evening and said she had an argument with her partner, resulting in them splitting up.

Clark then went to a Spalding pub run by her father, had more to drink, and then went off to find her ex-partner.

As she drove towards Bourne, a fox appeared in the road and caused her to swerve and go into a ditch.

Clark (38), of Arnhem Way, Bourne, was given a community order with nine months supervision by probation and a requirement to have six months’ alcohol treatment.

She was banned from driving for 24 months, but can cut six months off that if she completes a rehabilitation course.

Clark received no separate penalties for driving without insurance and without a valid licence.

Magistrates ordered her to pay £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

Clark pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Solicitor Anita Toal, mitigating, said: “Unfortunately, due to an argument, this defendant took the foolish decision to get behind the wheel of a car when she had drunk too much.”

Following the argument, she went into the pub which her partner’s parents own and then decided to go home.

“She appreciates the aggravating situation of the high reading and obviously she is utterly ashamed of herself today,” Mrs Toal said. “She tends to drink and tends to binge drink when she has a problem and that is what happened on this day.”

Clark had voluntarily referred herself to Addaction to get help with her drinking.

Mrs Toal said Clark had insurance, but it was not valid because her driving licence had been revoked at the time of the offence.

War will break out this week at the St George’s Weekend in Long Sutton, but it’s all in the name of family fun as the town holds its fourth extravaganza to celebrate England’s patron saint.

English Civil War reenactment group The Trayned Bands will take part in the town’s biggest parade so far as well as recreate life lived by soldiers in The New Model Army when they set up camp at Cinder Ash Field.

St George’s Weekend is organised by EELS (Events and Entertainment in Long Sutton) and they have splashed out £5,000 so everyone in the town can enjoy a free party.

EELS secretary Bobbie Ashton said: “There are families here that have three or four children and we wanted to give them an event with no entry fee.

“If they don’t wish to, they don’t have to spend any money – they can bring their picnics along.”

The parade starts from the fire station at 10am on Saturday, winding its way to the field where there will be two days of entertainment.

Brand new in the parade this year is a 24ft long, 14ft high dragon – and it will breathe smoke.

There will be 1960s scooters, classic motor bikes, Army Cadets, Town Crier Charles Moore, a float from Long Sutton in Bloom, and more.

The parade is expected to arrive in the field between 11am-12pm, when Channel 4’s Time Team star Francis Pryor will officially open the event.

At 12.30pm there will be an X-Factor style competition for young singers.

Other weekend attractions include a live theatre with The Wizard of Oz, DJ Matt “RV” Harvey, a children’s funfair, Holbeach Brass Band and displays of classic and vintage vehicles.

A driver had ten “free” fill-ups at Co-op petrol stations when he took advantage of their system of allowing customers to pay within seven days.

Gregory Bailey visited Lincolnshire Co-operative’s filling stations in Spalding, Long Sutton and Whaplode over 15 months and didn’t pay a penny for a fuel bill totalling £455.04.

Individual amounts over the period from September 2011 to December 2012 ranged from £20 to £75, Spalding magistrates heard on Thursday.

Prosecutor Jim Clare said Bailey had presented a payment card, but it was rejected because he had insufficient funds.

Each time he was given an “inability to pay” form by a member of staff, in which he signed an agreement to pay-up within seven days.

Mr Clare said: “On each occasion he fails to pay.”

Bailey (27), of South Drove, Spalding, was given an eight-month community order and ordered to do 100 hours’ unpaid work.

He must also pay £455.04 compensation to the Co-op.

Bailey pleaded guilty to ten counts of dishonestly making off without payment at the garages.

Magistrates made no order for costs and waived the usual victim surcharge because of his limited financial means.

Solicitor Beris Brickles, mitigating, said Bailey is an out of work stone mason, who specialises in laying marble floors.

In the early days of the offending, he was expecting employment but it failed to materialise.

Usually when people fail to pay at filling stations, they draw fuel and then drive straight off the forecourt.

But Bailey went into the garage office each time and completed a “contract” to pay within seven days.

He also had his photograph taken.

Mr Brickles said: “On each occasion he wasn’t attempting to hide himself.

“He has abused the system and surprisingly the Co-op has allowed him to abuse the system.

“I think he was surprised that they gave him as much time as they did.

“When the police did come knocking on his door, he was cooperative and made full and frank admissions.”

Mr Brickles said the offences are not continuing because Bailey was disqualified from driving for motoring offences and very sensibly got rid of his car.

He said Bailey owes the court £900 in motoring fines.

A family have been left “shocked” by the tragic murder of a mum from Sutterton and her six-year-old son at their Lancashire home.

Lisa Clay (41) and her six-year-old boy Joseph Chadwick, pictured together on the right, were found dead at their bungalow in Bolton-le-Sands near Preston on April 9.

Lisa grew up in Sutterton and worked at Jessops china shop in Dolphin Lane in Boston before leaving the area about eight years ago.

Her parents – Marlene and Joseph – also lived in Sutterton, Marlene moving to Kirton when Joe died about 20 years ago.

A family member, who did not wish to be named, said: “The family are absolutely devastated.

“It was absolutely terrible news – we are still in shock about it all. The police have been very supportive and sent two ladies from Lancashire to come to talk to us.”

Lisa first moved to Morecambe before heading to a bungalow in Bolton-le-Sands a few weeks ago.

Paul Chadwick (34) was arrested and has since been charged with the murder of Lisa and Joseph.

Chadwick, of Lowlands Road, Bolton-le-Sands, is said to have been Lisa’s partner and Joseph’s father.

Chadwick appeared before Preston Crown Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

The case was adjourned for what is expected to be a three-day trial, listed for October 14.

He was remanded in custody.

A Home Office post mortem examination carried out on Lisa and Joseph revealed that they both died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Police had said they were confronted with a “distressing scene” as they entered the property following a call from a concerned member of the family.

Lisa’s family said that a number of people in the Sutterton area may remember her, and are keen to try to inform as many friends and former colleagues as possible.

A man who turned voyeur to spy on his female housemate while he was living in Surrey must wait to hear his fate.

This week magistrates at Croydon heard that Jason Shotton (23), of Hall Hill Road, Holbeach, recorded images of the woman.

Shotton, who pleaded guilty to voyeurism in September 2011 for the purpose of sexual gratification, was told he could be committed for sentence to a crown court and could be jailed.

Shotton’s voyeurism came to light when a friend of the victim went through his belongings and found the images. The victim was distressed by the discovery, although Shotton had not circulated the images.

District Judge Sue Green, who bailed Shotton to return to court on May 14, told him: “It is too serious to deal with without the assistance of probation. All options are open, including committal to the crown court for sentence, and no promises are being made.”

A group set up to bring 14 new “community homes” to Pinchbeck says suggestions made by residents at an open meeting will be considered as it progresses its plans.

More than 80 people found out more about Pinchbeck Community Land Trust’s plans for the new homes at an event last week.

Those who attended were able to share their views 
and ask questions of the developers and architects, as well as representatives of Lincs Rural Housing Association, which will manage the house letting.

The new homes, which would be available to rent for the people of Pinchbeck at an affordable rate, could be built on the “Flaxmill Field”, with access off Flaxmill Lane.

Steve Colby, chairman of Pinchbeck CLT, said: “We were delighted with the response and I am happy to say there was general support for the development.

“We recorded lots of useful suggestions from visitors who came to see the plans and ask questions.”

More than three quarters of those who attended also signed up as shareholders in the CLT, which allows them to vote at general meetings.

All income received by the CLT will be used for projects in the community.

Local charity SPOTS has taken over the management of Spalding’s Youth Centre and given it a new lease of life by renaming it ‘The Umbrella’.

The activities that have run at the centre will continue to do so but there is now the opportunity for other local organisations to take advantage of the wonderful facilities on offer.

The Umbrella boasts three spaces – the main large sports hall/function hall, upstairs coffee lounge and music suite – all are now available for hire at very reasonable rates to groups, clubs and other organisations as well as for private parties.

By popular demand Spalding Youth Club, that’s been run by SPOTS for three months and now has more than 60 regular attenders, is getting an extra night to encourage more young people to access its facilities.

Darren Maddison, who helped set up SPOTS in 2006 said: “SPOTS stands for Supportive Parents of Tomorrow’s Stars. It was formed to enable local youngsters to access performing arts.

“SPOTS has helped young people to participate in activities that will give them core life skills, build confidence and have fun.

“The charity also offers respite for parents and carers, and now it’s running The Umbrella and seeking to open it up to serve the whole South Holland community”.

Regular users of The Umbrella will include Polka Dot Academy and Limelight Youth Theatre, who run dance and drama classes for children of all ages, Spalding Youth Club, The Childminders’ group, Tumble Tots and The Holiday Club.

Youth club members have been consulted on how they’d like it to develop and SPOTS are following their wishes by holding a second weekly club night on Fridays.

For information about hiring any of the spaces, booking onto any of the activities or getting involved in SPOTS call The Umbrella on 01775 712359.

l The Umbrella, Westlode Street, Spalding. 
Telephone 01775 712359.

Flower Parade 2013

The last parade will take place on Saturday, May 4 and I urge everyone to come and line the route to support all those taking part and to get what will be the last photographs of the unique float structures that have helped make the Spalding Flower Parade such a worldwide success since it started in the 1950s.

Unfortunately, for the first time in its history, it looks as though there may be no tulip heads available to decorate the floats. As I am sure you are all aware, the late cold weather has meant that spring has been delayed and even daffodils are only just coming into full bloom.

However, the parade theme this year is Let’s Celebrate and all the floats will be ready to join the parade, even though they may be decorated in different ways, which will certainly make them even more worth seeing.

All those involved in planning this last parade and all the children and other participants want you to be there to cheer them on their way.

People’s Parade 2014

When it became obvious there would be no money available to support future flower parades from the district or county councils, the Chamber organised a meeting of current and prospective stakeholders with John Hayes, MP chairing it.

Chamber members were concerned that South Holland was losing the one great opportunity it has to showcase and celebrate the best of our area, with nothing planned to take its place.

It has now been agreed we should hold an open meeting at the South Holland Centre on Saturday, May 18 at 11am to share ideas about possible events to replace the flower parade.

Currently there is a proposal that we should organise a People’s Parade on a Sunday in July, with organisations and clubs creating their own floats – these could be as modest as a decorated wheel-barrow or a trailer with entertainers.

The event would give participants the chance to promote their organisation or club.

During the following week there could be various events organised such as jazz and folk evenings to fruit and veg mosaic and sculpture displays. The following weekend would be a food festival to showcase local products and producers. This could therefore become a week long South Holland Food, Flower and Arts Festival.

It is hoped that local organisations, clubs and churches will send representatives to the meeting and free tickets are available from the box office. Please get a ticket as the theatre has a maximum capacity. We are grateful to Coun Angela Newton for funding the cost of the theatre for this meeting which John Hayes will chair.

Bunting again!

Spalding town centre will be brightened again throughout the summer by festive bunting.

The bunting will go up in time for the flower parade and will stay up until mid-September. Hopefully this will make the town look bright and welcoming throughout the summer for both residents and visitors.

Opinion appears to be split over the merits of the abolition of the Agricultural Wages Board.

MPs who voted in favour of abolition – without debate – have been accused of being underhand by Shadow food and farming minister Huw Irranca-Davies.

The wages board has set minimum wage levels for farmworkers in England and Wales for more than 60 years. Mr Irranca-Davies says abolishing it could cost low-paid rural workers and the wider rural economy up to £260m.

However, the NFU says its abolition will bring agriculture alongside other 21st century industries.

Six talented south Lincolnshire musicians

Jo has also played around the world and co-authored three early music/drama/history school project books. She was responsible for music at Linchfield Primary School for over 20 years. Janet learned the recorder at junior school and discovered the delights of other early instruments while playing with a group in Norwich. John has conducted choirs and orchestras and been musical director for many G & S operas. He has arranged for chamber groups and been a music examiner for over 20 years. Both Victoria and Ann worked as woodwind teachers.

The concert is part of The Priory Church Art & Flower Festival, which takes place on Saturday (10am to 4.30pm) and Sunday (11.30am to 2.30pm), May 18 and 19.

Nearly every time I write my column I am writing about the unusual weather we have had.

This time is no exception as we have had such unusual weather again.

The maximum temperature during the last ten days in March was only 5 degrees C. Most of the time it was windy as well so it was feeling a lot colder than the temperature suggested. In fact, there were more frosts in March than there were in January or February.

As a result March was a colder month than January.

None of us can remember the countryside looking so brown in early April before although I do remember in 1960 that it snowed on eight of the first 12 days in April – and my diary confirms that, as I had started keeping a diary in November 1959.

None of us can ever remember the rape crop getting smaller in February and March. The pigeons have been so hungry they have been eating the crop and have been very difficult to keep off the rape crops.

Quite simply, in cold weather the birds have to eat more food to keep themselves warm, whereas we just use more oil or gas.

Fortunately as I am writing this spring is appearing.

Swallows, whitethroats, yellow wagtails and blackcaps have all returned from Africa.

Leaves are appearing on trees... and the lawns need cutting.

Friends have paid tribute to “ray of sunshine” Charlotte Piccaver – who was fatally stabbed last weekend.

Charlotte (26) had a home in Spalding’s Church Street but is believed to have spent time at the house in Red Lion Street, Boston, where she and 26-year-old Darren Harwood were killed on Sunday.

Police found the pair after being called to a disturbance at the house at about 5am.

Darren died a short time later in hospital. He too had been stabbed.

A third victim, Keyleigh White (24), who is believed to have shared the house where the incident happened with Darren Harwood, survived and was treated for less serious injuries.

A 41-year-old appeared before court yesterday charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder.

Friends have described Charlotte as a “beautiful person who would do anything for anyone”. Scores of tributes have been left on her Facebook page, many expressing their shock at her tragic death.

nCharlotte’s murder follows the violent death of a former Sutterton woman and her son. Lisa Clay and six-year-old Joseph Chadwick were found with stab wounds at their home in Lancashire.