Pupils at Cowbit St Mary’s C of E Primary were transported into Roman times for a day of fun and learning.

Years 2, 3 and 4 dressed up as soldiers from the Roman Empire and Greek goddesses.

The day involved designing and making Roman shields from sketches in a book and making pizza.

As well as tucking into pizzas, they also tasted popular foods from the time such as figs, pomegranates and dates.

Teacher Rochelle Holden said the day was a great success.

She said: “The pupils especially enjoyed tasting the food and the role play when they were in the Roman Legion.”

Pictured in their costumes are (from left) Caitalin Benke (8), Bennie Holdway (7), Toby Holdway (8), Lauren Nix (7) and Connor Scales (8).

Budding artists at St John the Baptist School in Spalding got the opportunity to show off their work at a special exhibition. 
Year 5 displayed their work in the hall of the school in Hawthorn Bank and parents were invited to go and have a look at it. 
The work was part of a still life project, including paintings, mosaics and sketches.

School administrator Leanne Bland said the work made the hall looked stunning.

She said: “Parents were very impressed with what the pupils had been doing in their still life classes and pupils enjoyed showing it off.”

Featured with his picture is Benjamin Reeves. SG100713-345NG

The NHS trust that provides mental health, social care, learning disability and drug and alcohol services to the people across Lincolnshire has opened its annual awards to receive nominations from members of the public.

Peoplewho have accessed services, their carers and family members are invited to help Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust thank individual staff members, teams and NHS volunteers by nominating them for a Making a Difference Every Day award before August 2.

This will be the fifth year the Trust has held its awards ceremony to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers.

The public nomination category has always been extremely popular in 2012 and over 180 nominations were received.

Trust Chairman, Eileen Ziemer, said: “It’s such a pleasure to be able to recognise those special people who go above and beyond the call of duty in their roles and who demonstrate real commitment to provide a high standard of care, ultimately helping to promote individuals’ wellbeing.”

The winners of the Making a Difference Every Day awards will be announced in November. To make a nomination go to www.lpft.nhs.uk or contact the Trust’s communications team on tel: 01529 222275 for a freepost nomination form.

Help is at hand for people aged 60 and over to enjoy all that Lincolnshire has to offer this summer.

As well as helping people to stay safe at home, First Contact also gives the over-60s access to a wide range of services and information to enjoy an independent lifestyle.

By completing a simple checklist, First Contact can put you in touch with organisations that can help older people become more active or visit somewhere new.

Alison Whiting, First Contact central co-ordinator, said: “We find that some people we visit feel isolated.

“They want to get out more and become more sociable, but don’t know where to start. We can help them find activities and groups that are tailored to their interests, and this can open the door to a whole new outlook on life.”

Older people with a bit of spare time on their hands can also find out how they can make new friends by volunteering in their community.

First Contact can put people in touch with the local volunteer centre to learn about becoming a volunteer and the hundreds of opportunities that are available.

Local First Contact field co-ordinators can also provide information about local lunch clubs, social and activity groups and information about public transport is also available.

Call First Contact on 01522 782172, email firstcontact@lincolnshire.gov.uk or go online at www.firstcontact.org.uk to get a checklist to fill out.

Checklists are also widely available in GP surgeries, libraries, parish council offices and other locations. Return them via the freepost address on the form.

Hearts were sinking at a summer pool party for Guides at Gedney Hill because the group’s future is uncertain.

Leader Jane Reid will be leaving at Christmas and the group desperately needs someone to take her place if it is to carry on.

She set up Gedney Hill Guides in 2010 after training as a leader at Sutton Bridge.

There are now 12 members, aged ten to 16, who all had a splashing time at the party at a private pool, which was the last meeting before the summer holidays.

Jane (54) said: “It was great fun – it would be such a shame if the group couldn’t go on.”

Leaving after five years has not been an easy decision. Jane, whose job looking after the website at the University Academy Holbeach is going full-time, said: “It’s been wonderful – I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“But my career is taking off and I have other family commitments and it’s just time to move on.”

There is no age limit to being a leader – the person just has to be enthusiastic and fun-loving.

Jane said: “It’s a good fun job – the girls want to have fun and learn new things so the more activities you can bring them the better.

“They come as shy ten-year-olds but by the time they move on to other things from 14 they are more mature and confident.

“Lots of parents have thanked me for running the group – it’s very rewarding.”

Anyone who is interested in being the new leader is asked to call Jane on 01406 330830 or email jane.reid@talk21.com

A man punched and kicked his partner after she confronted him about “flirty” texts from another woman.

Ian Peckett (29) and Angela Hobson had been going out for three months when they had an outing and returned to her home in Moulton Seas End and he fell asleep in the chair.

Jim Clare, prosecuting, said while Peckett was asleep, his mobile phone went off and Ms Hobson saw messages from another woman that were “quite flirty”.

She woke him, he wanted to know why and Ms Hobson asked about the messages.

Peckett pushed her to the floor, she got up and he pushed her to the floor again.

Mr Clare said when Ms Hobson got up a second time he pushed her against a window, held her around the throat, and Miss Hobson began scratching him in an effort to get free.

She said in a statement: “He was shouting at me right close up in my face. I kept shouting at him to get out of my house.”

Mr Clare said Peckett picked up Ms Hobson’s clock from the mantelpiece and threw it to the floor and the clock broke into pieces.

Peckett pushed Ms Hobson again and she again landed on the floor.

Mr Clare said he then punched her head and kicked her to the side around her hip area.

As Peckett walked away, Ms Hobson ran out and locked herself in her car and dialled 999.

The attack left her with red marks, grazing and a lump on her head.

Mr Clare told magistrates: “She points out that she feels this is the end of the relationship and says ‘I don’t want him back to my house’.”

Police handcuffed Peckett and while at the police station he hit a wall with the handcuffs, making indentations in the wall.

Mr Clare said Peckett had a previous conviction for violence against another partner and had been made subject to a programme to combat domestic abuse.

Magistrates adjourned the hearing to August 22 for a probation report.

Peckett, of Thistley Close, Coulsden, Surrey, admitted assault by beating, criminally damaging a clock and criminally damaging a wall at Boston Police Station.

A new Polish publican is bringing communities together with a toast – and a cool English pint.

Since Grzesiek (Greg) Wiglusz opened the Station Gates 
pub in Winsover Road four weeks ago, he says he is getting excellent feedback from all of his English and Polish punters.

He said: “It’s going really well. We have Polish and English using it – and they keep coming back which is the important thing.”

Greg is new to being a publican but he is enjoying the challenge. He moved to Spalding 12 years ago, at first working in the fields and factories and more recently running a cleaning business.

He said: “I decided to open a pub because a lot of Polish do not feel comfortable going in English pubs.

“I wanted to open one where all communities felt welcome and comfortable.

“Now all nationalities can get together and have a few beers. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have a good time.”

After decorating throughout, the pub now has maroon and cream decor with cool blue lighting behind the bar, large pot plants in the corners, an 80-inch TV and a similar sized hand-painted eagle on the wall – the emblem of Poland.

Greg said he thought the English name was a nice spin on the long-gone rail network in Poland.

At the moment he has three Polish members of staff, but this could expand as there are plans to offer Polish and English food at a later date.

Euro draught beers on sale include Zywiec, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel, as well as Fosters and Guinness.

The pub is open on weekdays from 4pm to 11pm and at weekends from noon to 11pm.

The spotlight was on pupils at Spalding Primary School when they presented their end of term play School Daze. 


Presented by Year 6, the play featured a futuristic family (in 2075) looking back and reminiscing about their ‘old’ school days in 2013. Scenes include SATs, Parents Evening and typical classrooms with a humorous spin. 
With over 40 speaking parts, the production allowed many children to show off their acting and singing talents and parents were very impressed.

Police are trying to trace a lawnmower stolen from a house in Tydd St Mary.

A Stiga Park professional mower was taken from Middle Road some time betweeen 5pm on July 11 and 3.30pm on July 17.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting crime number 32130028160.

Shane Ingham has an unusual marketing tool for promoting his carpentry and joinery business.

It’s a shepherd’s hut he created from scratch, a desirable residence for any shepherd – or someone who wants a garden office, an extra room to their home or even fishing accommodation.

“The beauty of them is that because they are classed as a farm implement you can put them in places you can’t put a caravan,” said Shane, who has run S L Ingham Ltd, his traditional carpentry and joinery business, from Long Sutton for the past seven years.

The hut is on wheels, which means it can also be moved, originally so that it could be transported from field to field during lambing, explains Shane.

Unlike the original, Shane’s hut is fully lined and double glazed, so that it keeps cool in summer and warm in winter. His huts also come with a wood burner, or underfloor heating if preferred.

Shane says: “This is the first one I have made from scratch and I made it to display my workmanship and promote the business.”

It worked because it has resulted in Shane carrying out various restorations for clients, including to four shepherds’ huts.

Shane has built up knowledge and experience during 30 years as a carpenter and joiner and his skills have been put to good use in local restoration projects.

For instance, Shane was sub-contracted to work on Moulton Mill, designing, manufacturing and installing stairs, windows and doors during its refurbishment.

However, Shane also got involved in the mill workings, carrying out repairs to the floors and hoppers and to the boarding surrounding the millstones.

He says: “It was a very pleasing job to do. I am satisfied now it’s got its sails on.”

He has worked on other heritage projects, such as Cowbit rectory, where he repaired the sash windows and external doors, on historic farmhouses in the area and on Monks House, reputed to be the oldest house in Spalding, says Shane.

“I gained my skills from experience,” he said. “Being a bench joiner you obtain the insights of making box sash windows or a spiral staircase. With years of experience you become more knowledgeable about doing repairs.”

Shane’s huts – the one shown costs £7,000 – are also popular with glampers, or people who prefer luxury camping.

Thieves broke in and stole goods from a temporary mobile building in Bourne this week.

It happened in Cherry Holt Square, Cherry Holt Road, some time between 6.30pm on Monday and 6.30am on Tuesday.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 150 of July 23.

Police are linking the theft of vehicle parts from outside a house in Horbling with a trailer stolen in Folkingham this week.

A bonnet and four doors were taken from a Land Rover Defender parked on a driveway off High Street some time between 11pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday.

During the same period, a wooden trailer was stolen from the front garden of a house in Billingborough Road, Folkingham, which police believe was used to carry away the parts from the Land Rover.

The trailer had no number plate on the back and anyone with information about either or both thefts should call police on 101, quoting incident numbers 42 (vehicle parts) and 46 (trailer) of July 22 respectively.

About 1,000 potato crates and seven bales of straw were damaged by a fire in Moulton Chapel today.

It happened at a property in Fengate just before 2.45am and firemen from Spalding used a main jet and hose reel to put out the blaze.

There are no reports of injuries.

Two people have been taken to hospital after the lorry they were in crashed into a fallen electricity pole in Holbeach Drove today.

The lorry was travelling along Holbeach Drove Gate, near the B1166 Drove Road, when it left the road and collided with a pylon that had fallen down.

Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene at about 3.30pm and two people, the driver and a passenger, were taken to hospital although they are not thought to be seriously injured.

A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman said: “There were numerous cables in the road, so it was closed while the damage was repaired and the area made safe.”

Residents living nearby were without power for about 30 minutes while engineers from Western Power Distribution reinstated the pole and replaced fuses that had blown.

Youngsters at a junior football club are riding high on a “wave” of euphoria after the Smile Fund stepped in to buy a new piece of equipment.

Pinchbeck Junior Football Club had applied for £200 to buy a “wave” – which returns balls that are kicked at it.

And the club, which plays at Glen Park in Surfleet, was lucky enough to be chosen from hundreds of applicants to receive a donation.

The application was made by under 11s assistant manager Steve Forster, who said the equipment would help the 60 youngsters involved to improve their skills.

He said: “The children will really enjoy using it and basically it helps improve their ball control and first touch.”

The Round Table has a pot of £10,000 which it hopes to use to support people in the community.

It has teamed up with the Spalding Guardian to allow readers to submit their application – and the great news is that there are really very few limits to who can apply.

Applicants can be individuals, a group of people, a club, an organisation or maybe even a school.

Projects can include anything from a new sports team kit to a day out.

A panel will decide which applications will be backed with a donation of up to £500.

To apply, send a letter including your name, address, beneficiary of the cash, amount requested and the reason for the request to Spalding Guardian Smile Fund, Priory House, The Crescent, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1AB.

Linford’s of Market Deeping has maintained its place among the UK’s top chippies by once again scooping the prestigious Fish and Chip Quality Award.

The National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) runs the scheme as a way of raising standards within the fish and chip trade and enhancing the profile of the industry.

The scheme is a way of rewarding and promoting shops that provide good quality products and high standards of hygiene, as well as friers who show a high level of competence.

To qualify, each shop has to go through an inspection of the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff training, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of the cooked product.

This award , valid for two years, sets the new benchmark for quality within the industry. It will signal to the consumer that they can buy with confidence where the award is displayed.

nLinfords, which has been in business 24 years, recently opened a new 20-seater courtyard to go with its 30-seat restaurant.

A leading garden mail order company is hoping to make a new history project a blooming success by asking readers to help piece together its Spalding roots.

Spalding Plant and Bulb Company, one of the biggest mail order garden catalogue businesses in the UK, is trying to find out more about the original Spalding Bulb Company, which was founded in the town by Dutchman, Dominicus Van Konynenburg, back in 1922.

The firm would love to hear from anyone with any information on the company and Mr Van Konynenburg, and would particularly like to see any old photographs and mail order catalogues.

Special project manager Anne Rowell said: “The company has changed hands over the years and we only really know bits and pieces of its history. It would be wonderful to be able to piece it all together.

“It would be great to see any old memorabilia anyone has and to meet people and hear their stories. It will also be nice to get the public involved in what we do.”

Anyone able to help can get in touch with Mrs Rowell on 01775 715401, via email at a.rowell@bakker.biz, or alternatively write to her at Spalding Plant and Bulb Company, Four Seasons House, Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck, Spalding, PE11 3YR.

The company’s new autumn range can be found at www.spaldingbulb.co.uk

You can also request a free copy of their new catalogue by calling customer services on 0844 481 1001.

A federation which dragged a primary school up from the doldrums to become “outstanding” could be chosen to run a new academy planned for Spalding.

The Boston Witham Academies Federation (BWAF) is likely to be put forward to the Secretary of State as Lincolnshire County Council’s preferred operator for the new school– which could open on Spalding’s Wygate Park development in September 2014.

The school would eventually offer places to 210 children, helping to alleviate existing pressure on primary school places in South Holland.

The county council’s Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee will be asked to approve BWAF and make any comments at a meeting on Friday, before the final decision to propose it as the preferred operator is made.

BWAF is a multi-Academy trust currently incorporating one secondary and two primary schools. Ofsted has rated the secondary and one of the primaries as “good” while the other was in special measures when it joined the trust in 2009, but has now been graded as “oustanding”.

A report to the scrutiny committee says: “This has clearly demonstrated the educational experience available to be drawn on from within the trust.

“In sponsoring the new Wygate Park Academy, BWAF set out how they would be building on their successful ethos of local people working in partnership together for the benefit of all local children and families.

“BWAF also demonstrated how they would be building on already outstanding standards and practices by applying the same to the new academy.”

The scrutiny committee on Friday will also be asked to consider plans to revoke a decision made in May 2012 to extend Spalding Primary School, which has been superseded by the decision to build a new school.

A driver “learned a hard lesson” when a few drinks earlier in the day put him just over the legal drink-drive limit.

Spalding magistrates on Thursday heard how Jamie Day had been driving a friend’s car in London Road, Long Sutton, when the car hit a tree.

Day (24), of Wrights Lane, Sutton Bridge, walked from the scene towards Long Sutton and approached a police officer in Cinder Ash Park.

The court heard that Day told the officer what had happened and that he had been drinking earlier that day,

A roadside breath test gave a reading of 41 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath – only a small amount over the 35 microgramme limit.

Prosecuting Marie Stace said because the reading “almost couldn’t be any lower” Day was offered the opportunity to give a blood or urine sample for testing, but declined.

Rachel Stevens, defending, said: “If the reading had been any lower than that he wouldn’t have been charged.

“He had been drinking much earlier in the day and felt fine when he drove.

“He has learned a very hard lesson from this event – even if you feel OK, if you have had alcohol earlier in the day, you shouldn’t be driving. But the accident when he was driving his friend’s car and the wheel sheared off was nothing to do with his driving.”

Day was fined £110 and disqualified for one year, with the chance to reduce it by three months if he completes a driver rehabilitation course.

He was also fined £50 and given six points for a further charge of driving without insurance. He must also pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Pollen Designs, a specialist wedding and event florist based in Bourne, was hand-picked by award winning bridal designer, Sanyukta Shrestha, to be official florist at the launch of Behuli, the designer’s first exclusive London boutique.

The launch event took place last week and introduced press and industry to the new flagship store while showcasing Sanyukta’s 2014 collection and the wares of other like minded ecologically aware and bespoke wedding suppliers such as Pollen Designs.

The event was attended by many notable people in bridal fashion industry from leading bridal editors, fashion directors and stylists, to wedding planners, photographers and bridal boutique owners.

Rebecca Moody, founder of Pollen Designs, said: “We met through the Vow bridal boutique at the Haycock in Wansford where I provided bespoke hand-crafted posies to the brides attending an exclusive designer day.

“Sanyukta was impressed by the individuality and sentiment of my arrangements and personally got in touch with me regarding the flowers for her launch.

“I am very excited to be working with Sanyukta as her ethos for ecologically sound, luxury hand-crafted items fits perfectly with my seasonal, natural style and passion for flowers. “

Pollen Designs and takes pride in designing distinctive, natural displays, bouquets, accessories and head pieces using as many seasonal flowers and foliage as possible.