Volunteers with a passion for their communities are wanted by Lincolnshire Police to join its Special Constabulary.

A recruitment drive is under way in South Lincolnshire for people aged 18 and over who can give up at least four hours a week to make the 
area a safer place to live and work.

It comes just weeks after the launch of a new £30,000 Community and Volunteer Fund to provide grants to individuals and groups involved in preventing crime.

Steve Woodcock MBE, Special Chief Officer, said: “Whilst the work of a Special Constable is unpaid, it provides a hugely rewarding experience and there are mmany gains to be had in terms of developing life skills.

“The people of Lincolnshire deserve a high quality policing service and Special Constables assist greatly in this provision.”

For more details, visit www.lincs.police.uk/Join-Us/Special-Constables

Over a third of a million tests vital to potato farmers and other growers have taken place in a small laboratory in Sutterton since it was established in the late 1970s.

Anglian Farm Analysis tests for potato cyst nematodes (PCN), roundworms that live on the roots of the plants, causing growth retardation and sometimes damage to the roots.

From quite simple beginnings – Janice Despicht, who qualified as a seed analyst after school, began with a microscope on the kitchen table when her children were young – the laboratory has grown to the point where it handles over half the eelworm analyses in England.

Partners and directors Janice and husband Terry established Anglian Soil Analysis with another consultant in 1977 and now have a laboratory where about ten technicians and assistants test for eelworm, usually in 100g samples, as well as checking for nutrients in the soil and available nitrogen analysis, useful for brassica growers.

Terry said: “PCN testing has been our bread and butter. We analyse soil from all over the country for eelworm, a tiny bug that eats the roots of potatoes and causes major problems if untreated. We now do over 30 analyses for various things for farmers and horticulturists all over the country.”

Their son Mark joins the company as director and partner next month, along with his wife Anna.

Assets worth over £32,000 have been confiscated from an accounts clerk who stole more than £100,000 from her South Lincolnshire employers

Tina Crowson funded an extravagant lifestyle including a BMW sports car, a personal trainer and a £150-a-week hairdo out of money she stole from Bourne-based Peterborough Game Company.

The 47-year-old “shopaholic” was jailed for 30 months in January 2010 after admitting the theft of £128,060 between February 28, 2007, and August 1, 2008.

She also admitted obtaining her employment by deception as a result of submitting a false CV.

Crowson, who was living in Livermore Green, Werrington, Peterborough at the time of her arrest, claimed she became addicted to shopping while suffering from depression.

She was ordered to hand over her available assets after a judge ruled her benefit from her crimes was £250,389.

They included the BMW 330i with personalised number plates which was paid for in cash by Crowson from money she stole.

Jewellery, two chandeliers and furniture were also to be seized along with almost £4,000 cash.

Crowson’s property was initially expected to fetch just over £27,000 but a proceeds of crime hearing at Lincoln Crown Court was told on Tuesday a figure of £32,148 had been raised from her available assets.

Mark Van der Zwart, prosecuting, told the hearing: “The benefit in this case was just over £250,000 and her original available assets were £27,771.

“Items were seized from her by the police for sale to realise her available assets. The sale of those items resulted in a greater amount than was expected.”

Crowson, who has completed her prison sentence, was allowed to sit behind her solicitor during the hearing.

Chris Milligan, defending, said the figure raised by the police was accepted by his client.

“We trust the figure,” Mr Milligan told the court. “Miss Crowson does not have to make any payment as the money is already in the hands of the police.”

Judge Michael Heath told Crowson he was making a confiscation order in the sum of £32,148 relating to her property.

A call for more support for growers has gone out as farmers face up to the prospect of a poor harvest for the second year in a row.

A poll of some NFU members has revealed this year’s wheat harvest is likely to be smaller than last year.

In fact, the snapshot picture shows that predictions are that the harvest is on course to be almost 30 per cent lower than in 2012, resulting in confidence among arable farmers being at a new low.

This follows figures showing winter wheat planting area was 25 per cent down and follows a year of unprecedented extreme weather which has battered crops.

NFU combinable crops chairman Andrew Watts said: “It is hardly surprising that confidence is low. If the experts are to be believed and extreme weather is to become more frequent over the coming years, we must look at ways of supporting the industry.

“Crop protection technology must be embraced to help safeguard our harvests in years to come.”

Ofsted inspectors have found a troubled Spalding school “inadequate” and in need of special measures.

The eagerly-awaited report published on Monday described Sir John Gleed School lacking in the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

It said: “This is a school in need of special measures.

“Behaviour at the school is very poor. Many lessons are disrupted and intimidatory behaviour is commonplace at break times.

“Students get too little homework. The work they do is not checked enough.

“Attendance is low and shows little signs of improving. Achievement is inadequate because too many lessons are disrupted.

“Even where lessons can proceed without interruption, teaching is often inadequate.

“The headteacher, senior leaders and the governing body have not done enough to tackle the poor behaviour and inadequate teaching. They believe the school to be better than it is.

“The governing body is ineffective. It has failed in its duty to look into the valid concerns raised by the community.”

Amidst the damning report, strengths of the school were highlighted.

The report said: “Around half of lessons visited were of good quality and a few were outstanding.

“Students arriving with little or no spoken English are made welcome. Teaching in the sixth form is generally good.”

Actions to improve the school were also outlined, including raising achievement, improving behaviour, gaining trust of staff and community and a review of governance.

Rebecca Thirkell, who called in Ofsted after raising concerns about discipline, said it was a big day for students and the school.

She said: “I’ve had many headaches over it, but it is a big day for the students and school

“I am pleased it has been acknowledged that there are many areas that need addressing.

“I just hope that the school can make the changes quickly and that parents support the school and their children. The students also have their role to play and need to cooperate with the school rules.“

Since Ofsted’s inspection over three days in April, headteacher Mrs Janet Daniels left the school and her deputy Mr William Scott took over as acting headteacher.

Parents were invited to meetings to discuss the report yesterday (Wednesday).

The school was unable to comment before the Free Press went to press on Monday, but a report on the school’s action plan and a new hope for the future is in tomorrow’s Spalding Guardian.

Spalding magistrates asked for a probation report when a man admitted he was four times the drink-drive limit when stopped in Morton.

Paul Garfoot (46), of Elsthorpe Lane, Grimsthorpe, returns to court on June 20.

A brand new technical event for farmers is planned for the East of England Showground at Peterborough later in the year.

CropTec 2013, which is due to take place on October 30 and 31, is designed to help farmers develop profitable and sustainable farms, with technical seminars running throughout providing information on the latest legislation and technical advances.

Less than one in 100 people are farmers compared to almost a quarter of the workforce 170 years ago.

A report from the Office for National Statistics reveals far-reaching changes in the UK countryside.

Between 1841 and 2011 the proportion of workers employed in agriculture and fishing in England and Wales fell to 0.9 per cent – or 200,000 people in 2011.

Farming is now the smallest industry in England and Wales, compared to 1841 when over one in five workers were in those industries.

In 1900 one agricultural worker fed around 25 people; by 2010, that figure had grown to 200 people.

A Bourne man charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life was sent by magistrates today for trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Paul Leversedge (24), of Marquess Court, was charged following an incident in the early hours of Monday at the Grantham and Stamford Conservative Club, in North Street, Bourne, where MP Nick Boles has an office.

Leversedge appeared at Grantham Magistrates’ Court this afternoon and was remanded in custody.

He will appear at the crown court on June 26 for a preliminary plea and case management hearing.

Moulton Seas End farmer Simon Naylor, of Naylor Farms, found a new outlet for one of his crops at the weekend.

He donated about 200 cabbages to the organisers of Holbeach Town & Country Fair for the ‘world’s first’ cabbage hurling competition.

Motorists are facing delays and diversions on the A17 after an accident near Long Sutton.

A driver had to be cut free from the wreckage of his HGV after it overturned, shedding a load of chicken manure.

Readers reported seeing the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance at the scene, but police said the driver’s injuries were not life-threatening.

The driver, in his 50s, was taken to Pilgrim Hospital in Boston suffering from leg and facial lacerations.

Lincolnshire County Council highways department was called to help clear up the mess.

Making learning fun has earned The Deepings school an “outstanding” Ofsted report.

In the same week as a damning report on Sir John Gleed School in Spalding was published, the Deepings is riding high with top marks across the board.

Inspectors visited the school last month and concluded that the achievement, quality of teaching, student behaviour and leadership and governance at the school were all outstanding.

They commented: “Teachers make learning fun. They are enthusiastic about their subjects and know them well.

“Outstanding teaching is based on excellent relationships between staff and pupils. Students take on many different responsibilities. What they have to say is taken very seriously and used to improve the quality of their education and surroundings.”

The school, which was also judged as outstanding in 2009, was particularly praised for its consistently high GCSE results – 68 per cent gaining five A*-C grades, including English and maths.

Inspectors highlighted the significance of teachers’ high expectations of students as a key factor of classroom achievement.

They said: “Teachers, including the headteacher, are rigorously held to account for the success of the students. Members of the governing body closely monitor all aspects of school life.”

The school joined CfBT Schools Trust in February last year and inspectors commented: “It has been well-supported during its conversion to become an academy. School leaders draw expertise from the local authority and the academy trust.”

Headteacher Chris Beckett said: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as outstanding once again by Ofsted.

“The success of our school is a real team effort with the leadership team, governors, teaching staff, administrative staff, students, parents and wider school community all playing an important part.”

Chairman of governors Jonathan Theobalds said: “The report provides a brilliant spring board for the eagerly awaited September opening of our new state of the art sixth form centre and the exciting remodelling of the school organisational structure.’’

Staff at a Spalding supermarket had a trolley load of fun raising funds for charity during a sponsored cycle.

Four cyclists from Lidl rode between all the stores in the district on Friday, calling in at King’s Lynn, Wisbech and March before returning home.

They completed the 80-mile journey in six hours and 54 minutes, raising about £70 for CLIC Sargent.

Store manager Andy Cowper-Johnson was one of the riders and said he was inspired to take part by a brave 12-year-old girl who is recovering after an 18-month battle with a brain tumour.

Both she and her family were supported by CLIC Sargent during the treatment, from being provided with invaluable advice to being put up in a residence in Oxford.

The other riders were duty manager Tom Bayston, duty manager Jon Varley and store assistant Shaun Dorrain.

There was also a support team, who drove to the stores ahead of the riders to raise money and make customers aware of what Team Spalding were trying to achieve.

Members of the support team were duty manager Sam Frankish, store assistant Kirsten McGilloway, store assistant Chelsey Johnson and driver Tanya Derrick.

In spite of strong winds along the way, the warm weather was near perfect conditions for the challenge.

At the end of the event, the staff celebrated their achievement with a champagne reception.

Mr Cowper-Johnson said: “I would like to say how proud I am of my team. Without their drive, motivation and passion for this worthy cause, this challenge would not have taken place.

“I would also like to thank the teams in King’s Lynn, Wisbech and March for their support.”

Readers can still support the team by visiting www.justgiving.com/Lidl80mileDistrictcycle or texting SPALD80 £1 TO 70070.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group which plans and buys health services is invited to a public meeting.

South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is the new body responsible for health services in South Holland and the Welland area and is holding its next meeting on Wednesday, from 1pm to 4pm in the Hardwick Suite, Eventus, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping.

Gary Thompson, chief officer for South Lincolnshire CCG, said: “Our governing body meets on a monthly basis and members of the public are welcome to attend and listen to discussions.”

Items on the agenda include quality and patient experience, financial and performance updates,

Meeting papers will be published at www.southlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk

Shoppers have only three days left to buy goods at a Spalding clothes store which closes for good on Saturday.

A decision by the Arcadia group not to renew its lease on the Burton store in Market Place means another empty shop will appear in Spalding.

Phil Scarlett, president of Spalding and District Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s disappointing to lose a well-known high street name but I hope the landlord actively markets the property and fills it with another retailer as soon as possible.”

Coun Howard Johnson, district council cabinet member for economic development, said: “We’re trying to encourage businesses to move here and there are plans to try and stimulate the town centre economy.”

Police swooped on a drink-driver sitting in a car with a machete in his hand while threatening a man in the street.

Dovel Taylor was angry because someone threatened his wife in the pub and had hold of the machete while asking a man in a blue top: “Do you like being threatened?”

Two women officers grabbed hold of Taylor’s wrists and asked him to drop the weapon.

More police arrived, took Taylor to the ground and one prised open his fingers to free the machete from his grasp, Spalding magistrates heard.

Paul Wood, prosecuting, said police were called at 3am on May 19 and saw Taylor in the driver’s seat of a Mitsubishi with his wife by his side and a man in a blue T shirt, who appeared agitated, standing outside the Black Swan in Spalding’s Westlode Street.

Mr Wood said the vehicle started to move, but a police officer stood in front indicating it to stop.

The officer could see at first what she thought was a piece of wood but realised it was a machete.

“The constable described the defendant as being in a daze of anger with his eyes fixed on the man in the blue top,” Mr Wood told the court.

At the police station Taylor described the weapon as “a little chopper”.

Mr Wood said: “He remembers saying to the man ‘do you like being threatened’?”

Taylor (35), of South Fen Road, Bourne, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed weapon in a public place and to driving with excess alcohol.

He had 91 microgrammes of alcohol in breath – more than two-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Taylor will be sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court but received an interim driving ban at Thursday’s hearing.

Presiding magistrate George Hoyles told him: “The only mitigating circumstance of your case is that you are of previous good character – everything else we have heard has been stacked against you.”

Solicitor James Gray said there was some distance between Taylor and the other man and his threat was made from inside the car.

Taylor was angry because his wife was threatened and sworn at inside the pub.

He said Taylor intended to take a taxi that night but took the foolish decision to drive after the man came out of the pub.

Bob and Marion Lowrie are great ones for making plans for their future.

For instance, they have their succession plans in place for the future of their business, The Thatched Cottage at Sutterton. Their daughter will take it over and she in turn has a son who could follow in her footsteps.

And, just like other people approaching their 70s, Bob and Marion have also made plans for what happens when they die.

Except in their case it is not going to be a conventional cremation or burial, but a much more natural and eco-friendly affair.

The landlords at the pub and restaurant were given planning permission earlier in the year for a natural burial site in a nature reserve to the rear of their business.

“There were some in the village who objected,” said Bob (71). “The planning officer described it as death phobia, but there was also a lot of support.”

An interest in a natural burial ground arose after Marion did some research and was shocked at the price of funerals. Their daughter suggested they get buried in a field instead.

As the couple had bought an eight-acre field behind the pub, which they had then transformed into a nature reserve by planting 2,200 English hardwood trees, they already had the perfect location. The trees are now growing up and the area is filled with wild flowers, such as ox-eye daisies and forget-me-not.

Bob said: “The trees are protected by the Forestry Commission for 25 years and now we have planning permission for the burial ground no one can ever spoil it. That’s our little mark, but I also bought the land out of respect for my father, who always wanted land and never had it, and my mother who could draw trees like I have never seen.”

Burial plots are staked out among the trees in the nature reserve. Each burial takes place close to a tree, which Bob says assists with decomposition. Bodies are buried in a biodegradable coffin, wicker or cardboard, or else in a shroud.

Staff at the site take care of digging and putting back the soil. Bob says it is completely non-denominational service, so not restricted to any particular religion or any at all.

Both Bob and Marion plan to be interned in the natural burial ground, but they’re in no hurry. Bob had a heart operation three years ago and has been told there’s another 25 years in him yet!

Thursday: A fire crew from Crowland was called out to put out a household waste fire on West North Drove, Gedney Hill, last night.

The alarm was raised just after 10.30pm.

South Lincolnshire Natural Burial Ground at Sutterton is regulated by the Association of Natural Burial Grounds.

The association, run by The Natural Death Centre, sets the standards for the growing number of green and environmentally friendly cemeteries in the UK.

Bob Lowrie at the Sutterton site says a lot of energy is used in cremation, and burial in a nondegradable coffin at six feet “doesn’t allow nature to do its job”.

He says: “With natural burials we only go down four feet and at that depth, particularly with the trees, the corpse degrades naturally and completely and in fact feeds the trees, so you are actually recycling yourself.

“What could be nicer? There aren’t rows of headstones and the spacing we have is a lot more than you would get in a conventional cemetery.

“I know it’s only seven years old but this has to be one of the most attractive arboretums in the county.”

Suspension of plans to end heart surgery at a hospital which treats South Holland children have been welcomed.

A review into the decision to close the children’s heart units at three hospitals, including Glenfield in Leicester, was commissioned by the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt following referral from Lincolnshire’s Health Scrutiny Committee.It followed a campaign from parents of children treated at Glenfield, who feared longer journeys to distant hospitals

Scrutiny committee chairman Coun Christine Talbot said: “This is the best outcome we could have hoped for.

“I’m delighted that for the moment surgery can continue while these plans are looked at again.”