Police are warning parents not to allow their children to venture out alone following today’s attempted abduction of a boy of 11.

Lincolnshire Police are investigating an incident where it appears that someone tried unsuccessfully to force a young boy into a small black van on North Road, Bourne.

The victim was on his way to school between 8am and 8.30am when he was approached. After the incident the van was driven away along the A15.

Detective Inspector Pete Grayson said, “This is a worrying turn of events and we need to identify the van driver as soon as we can. In the meantime I would urge parents in the area to be aware of the whereabouts of their children and not to let them venture out alone.”

The offender is described as a white man aged in his mid to late 40s, around 6ft tall, medium to heavy build, short dark brown spikey hair, with a tattoo on his neck. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark clothing.

Police are still talking to the boy, who was very frightened by the incident, to learn more details..

• Anyone with who witnessed any part of the incident – or who has any information about who the man may be or who may have driven the van – is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police via the non-emergency 101 number quoting incident number 92 of 02/12/14.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestopper anonymously on 0800 555111

A man has been charged with attempted theft of meat from Iceland in Spalding and a further offence of dishonestly using electricity.

Dmitrijs Afanasjevs (27), of no fixed address, was due to appear before magistrates at Skegness today (Tuesday).

The first donations of food for this year’s Christmas Foodbank Appeal have arrived at the Guardian’s offices in Spalding this week.

Your generosity will help to brighten the festivities for hundreds of struggling individuals and families in South Holland, the Deepings and villages south of Boston.

This year’s appeal got off to an encouraging start when food brought to harvest festivals at schools and churches throughout the area was passed on to foodbanks in Spalding, Long Sutton, Holbeach, Sutterton, Deeping St James and Sutton Bridge.

Jeanne Sibley, centre manager at The Market House in Long Sutton, said: “The community is responding so generously with donations to the foodbank and volunteers here are taking two collections a week to Agapecare Foodbank in Spalding which is great news.

“Our local councillors are supporting the Agapecare Foodbank in Long Sutton and, as usual, they are also helping us to gather names of those who would appreciate special help over the Christmas period.

“The Long Sutton community is always very aware that the need goes on after Christmas as the church hall holds emergency supplies for those who are in need outside of The Market House’s hours.

“Many thanks to all those who are busy in supporting us.”

You can donate food, toiletries, clothing, seasonal items and children’s toys between now and December 23 at the following collection points:-

Spalding: Agapecare Foodbank, The Lighthouse Church, Haverfield Road; Sainsbury’s, Holland Market; Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian, Priory House, The Crescent (Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm); Gap, Springfields Outlet Shopping, Camelgate, Spalding, Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, Sheep Market.

Pinchbeck: Morrison’s, Wardentree Lane.

Holbeach: All Saints Church, Church Street; The Barber Shoppe, High Street; Budgens Department Store, Fleet Street; Holbeach Community Larder, The Reading Rooms, Church Street (Fridays only between 10am and 2pm).

Moulton: All Saints Church, High Street.

Long Sutton: The Market House, Market Street; St Mary’s Church, off Market Place.

Sutton Bridge: St Matthew’s Church, Bridge Road (10am until 3pm).

Sutterton: St Mary’s Church, Station Road.

Deeping St James: Priory Church, Church Gate; The Deepings School, Park Road (Mondays and Fridays, 4pm until 6pm).

Market Deeping: St Guthlac’s Church, Church Street.

Santa’s sailing back into 
Sutton Bridge on Christmas Eve – thanks to a group of mums in the village.

For many years, every Christmas Eve, children in Sutton Bridge would go along to meet Santa as he rode on his sleigh around the village, but almost a decade ago this tradition was stopped.

Mum Gemma Ross said: “We’ve not had a visit in the village for around eight or nine years and we thought it was about time we did.”

Gemma (24) came up with the idea with Ellie Burton-
Rayner and Chantelle Burton-Rayner as their children all go to the same school.

She said: “Our children all go to Westmere Primary School in the village and we met up one morning and just thought if no one else is going to do it, we will! Holbeach Rotary Club still do it in December, but Santa no longer comes along on Christmas Eve which is what we want to do.

“Santa would always visit on Christmas Eve and it really 
made Christmas for us – we used 
to love it when we were kids.”

The project has been a real family effort, with Gemma’s mum Mandy putting money 
toward the cost of insurance, her partner, Stuart Stephens – who is also a postman in the village – will be helping and her brother providing a boat for Santa to use as his sleigh.

She said: “We’ve got a boat on a trailer which we are going to make into the sleigh for Santa to ride on, and we need some materials for that – we do need donations as we can’t afford to do this all on our own.”

Santa will travel all around Sutton Bridge on Christmas Eve, where he and his helpers will give out sweets to all of the children they meet.

Gemma said: “We are going to go everywhere and will have a bell to ring so people know we are on our way. Any roads that we can’t get down, we will stop at the top of and the kids can come and meet Santa there instead – we’re not going to miss anyone out.

“I really can’t wait to do it – I’m so excited. My children are six months old and six years old, so I’m keeping it from them so it’s a surprise when they see Santa. It’s all about community and community spirit is so important all year but especially at Christmas.”

Donations are still needed to help make Santa’s visit to the village extra special.

Sweets are top of the list, along with red and white paint and large pieces of either cardboard or plywood for the sleigh. Christmas decorations and lights are also needed for Santa’s transport.

Anyone who is able to help should call Gemma on 07568334032 or take the items along to the reception at 
Westmere Primary School or the library at the Curlew Centre.

l The Rotary Club of Holbeach Santa visited Sutton Bridge last night. Routes will be announced at www.facebook.com/Rotary ClubOfHolbeach?fref=ts

South Holland’s glittering new Tulip Queen has conducted her first official engagement – the switching on of the Spalding Christmas lights.

Fitness coach Amy Cook wowed judges with her bubbly personality and immediately took on her role as the district’s new ambassador with pride.

Amy (30) said: “I’m delighted to be Tulip Queen and I am really looking forward to representing South Holland – I love this area and everything about it.”

At one point in the search for Tulip Radio Tulip Queen, it almost seemed as if the young women of the district had turned their backs on the tradition of representing the area’s floral heritage. But Amy proved to be everything the organisers could have hoped for and was crowned in Spalding Market Place following a competition against the three other hopeful ladies.

Judges at the competition thought that Kimberley Fisher was also such a good person for the role, that they created the position of Deputy Tulip Queen just minutes before the winner was announced.

MP for South Holland and the Deepings John Hayes and Dan Povey from Fancy Frox decided they would pay for a dress for Kimberley to wear and that she would be included in the light switch on in the town that night. Kimberley was left almost speechless when she found out.

Do you know someone who will be alone on Christmas Day? If so we want to know!

The Spalding Guardian is having a party – thanks to generous readers offering help to provide a free traditional Christmas meal and entertainment.

After our story that Broad Street Methodist Church would be unable to hold its annual Christmas Day meal this year, the Spalding Guardian appealed for volunteers so no-one need be disappointed.

Our Christmas Day party will be held at the Ivo Day Centre in Albion Street and include a traditional Christmas meal of starter, turkey and all the trimmings, choice of puddings, tea and coffee and mince pies and Christmas cake. It’s all free and transport is available.

This weekend volunteers are heading down to the Ivo Day Centre to help decorate it, thanks to a donation of trimmings from Baytree Garden Centre in Weston.

Reporter Chrissie Redford, who volunteered at last year’s Broad Street event, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support. Please don’t be lonely at Christmas. Come and join us because it’s going to be so much fun!”

To book or offer help, call 01775 765415

A brand new building was opened at Pinchbeck East C of E Primary School in order to accommodate more pupils.
Two new classrooms and a number of offices have been built at the site, which staff and children are said to be very pleased with.
Headteacher Tom Verity said: “The children and staff are very excited by the new, modern, smart classrooms and offices in the building.
“We have increased are numbers over the past couple of years, so we needed more space to accommodate the new students we have coming in, especially as we have more going into key stage 2.
 “We asked teacher Glynis Scales to officially open the building as she is a long serving teacher at the school and we wanted to mark that and show our appreciation.”
The building project started in September and children from the school, along with the teaching staff, produced an online blog on the school website to tell of the process and how the work was coming along, while uploading photos of the work.

Pictured above: Glynis Scales opens the new building. SG211114-209TW.

Pictured right: Governors, staff and pupils after the opening. SG21114-212TW.

Eight men have appeared before Lincoln Crown Court charged with causing a public nuisance after an illegal rave near Bourne.

The charges relate to an event that happened in Fen Road, Dunsby, on the night of January 25 this year

Kyle Perrot (19), of Nursery Close, Long Sutton; Ashley Box (20), of Daniels Crescent, Long Sutton; Sam Curtis (22), of Gate House, King’s Lynn; Mark Payne (37), of Washway Road, Holbeach; Liam Robinson (21), of Park Lane, Long Sutton; Luke Onslow (22), of Gedney Drove End; Matthew Wilds (21), of Alfred Avenue, Metheringham; and Joshua Lake (21), of Baulkins Drove, Sutton St James, have all been charged with causing a public nuisance.

Perrot, Box and Lake have also been charged with possession of criminal property.

The men appeared at Lincoln Crown Court today (Wednesday) for a preliminary hearing.

The case was adjourned for a plea and case management hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on March 6.

None of the men have yet entered a plea.

They were all granted unconditional bail until their next court appearance.

The rave attracted more than 200 people and caused chaos for Dunsby residents, with thumping bass heard more than a mile away.

Police say four people were hurt in a crash that closed Bridge Road at Sutton Bridge yesterday (Tuesday) evening.

A spokesman said only minor injuries were reported in the accident involving an Audi A6 and a Renault Laguna. 
A resident told the Spalding Guardian there were two crashes – one outside the Nisa shop and an another outside the Post Office, which also appeared to involve two vehicles. 
She said: “We had police cars and there must have been four ambulances.” 
Traffic was diverted along New Road and Bridge Road was closed from just before 6pm to around 8pm.

A date has been set for next year’s Spalding People’s Parade.

After the success of last year’s event, Celebrating Families, the parade will be held on Sunday, May 24.

Ian Smee, chairman of the organising committee, announced next year’s plans at a meeting in Bookmark.

He said: “I am extremely proud of the team that managed to put the event on. It was held at the Sir John Gleed School, with free admission and parking. There were a good number of stalls and entertainment in the school grounds.

“Some 14 hand-pushed floats made up the basis of a parade. It included some dancing groups and music groups. A good proportion of local schools, churches and businesses were involved. “You will have noticed the strong involvement of The Sir John Gleed School. Without their partnership the event would not have taken place – so enormous thanks to them.

“At the opening ceremony, MP John Hayes expressed his hope that the parade would continue and develop over a number of years – we are equally hopeful.

“We are not a commercial organisation and one of our major hurdles was the acquisition of funds. I don’t want to single out any individual because we were unbelievably grateful for all contributions. Suffice it to say that the event was staged for less than £5,000.

“Once it is established as part of the local events calendar, we hope to develop it and are determined to bring it into town and The Crescent.”

To get involved, call 07437936684 or email spaldingparade@outlook.com

Gosberton Clough and Risegate Community Primary School children and families worked together with Rev Ian Walters to provide shoeboxes full of goodies.
The Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal means that children in Swaziland will receive toys, sweets, pencils and colouring books this Christmas.
Assistant headteacher Beverley Rooney said: “We collected 39 shoeboxes, which is really great - we are very proud.

Pictured: Rev Ian Walters collects shoeboxes from children at the school. SG101114-101TW


The annual open day at Holbeach Primary Academy, which gives prospective and current parents a chance to see inside the school, was a big success.
In fact, it was so successful that the school is planning on rolling out open classes each month.
Headteacher Sue Boor said: “We have ten classes, so there will be ten months of open classes for parents of children in the class. We are really pleased with how the day went.”

Pictured: Children with their own war memorial and wreaths at the open day. SG131114-105TW

Whether you’re looking for that special gift for someone this Christmas or just a relaxing break from Christmas shopping, Time Out in Long Sutton is the place for you.

Shaun and Jenny Cross have run the business for nearly nine years, and they are certain that they have exactly what you need to make Christmas for you and your loved ones truly magical.

On the ground floor of the fine period building, you will find the gift and interiors showroom, which is filled with lots of practical and unique gift ideas for all the family, including luxurious furniture and ornaments.

Special photos or pictures can also be turned into heartfelt presents thanks to Time Out’s picture framing service.

If you head upstairs, you will find Time Out’s hair and beauty salon, where a team of hairdressers and beauticians share their years of experience to make clients look and feel as special as an angel all year round. Why not treat yourself or someone you know to a heavenly treatment or two for Christmas, by purchasing a voucher from Time Out this year?

Parish councillors in Long Sutton may take the district council to judicial review after it weakened the eco credentials of homes due to be built on the former Butterfly and Wildlife Park.

The parish council is seeking legal advice before deciding whether to go to court over South Holland’s latest planning committee decision on the site.

A press statement on behalf of all the parish councillors says: “They wish to assure the scores of parishioners who vociferously objected to the original planning application for 87 eco homes on the site of the former Butterfly Park that they are continuing to act on their behalf in relation to this matter.”

The statement lists the parish council’s previous objections – including the planning committee accepting the findings of a highways report that was three years out of date – and says the district planners refuse consent for children’s play equipment while gladly approving large developments “that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for the residents”. The parish is worried the development’s eco status will be further weakened.

‘Look, duck and vanish’ was what the men who joined the forerunner of the Home Guard in this area called the Local Defence Volunteers.

Sam Todd (92), now living in Bourne, was one of the first to join a local LDV, and the tales he tells of that time help to explain the Dad’s Army interpretation of Britain’s approach to protecting the home soil against invasion.

Sam told us some of his stories in response to an appeal for information about the Home Guard that appeared in the Spalding Guardian of November 20.

That article contained a photograph of the Home Guard submitted to Chain Bridge Forge in Spalding by Sheila Pitts, who identified her father John Russell in the image. Since then, former Spalding fireman Dennis Fell has identified a couple of people and says he believes some of those pictured were in the Army Cadet Force once the Home Guard disbanded. Dennis recognised Stephen George Blissenden (second row back, fourth from the right) and, immediately to his left, a man called Stimpson.

Sam’s ‘Dad’s Army’ style tale involved him as a young 17-year-old in the Holbeach LVD of 1940 – armed with no more than a rifle shaped piece of wood.

He says: “We were called up by Churchill in May 1940 to form the LDV. We were protecting this country against the Germans, but we didn’t do a lot. It consisted mostly of people who were too old to join up and quite a few veterans from the First World War.”

In fact, Sam remembers people who hadn’t joined up because they worked on the land were conscripted to join what became the Home Guard. After a day working the land, Sam and the dozen or so in his platoon were stationed at isolated outposts.

Sam says: “One night – there were three of us, Frank Pettit and Alf Twait and me – and the platoon commander John Kinder and Sgt Taber said there was an emergency on. Bearing in mind all we had was one rifle and five rounds of ammunition, we couldn’t do a lot, but John Kinder said there had been parachutes dropped at Spalding and we had to call the section out.”

Sam went round the houses rousing other members of the LDV to tell them to report to a haystack near Boston Road North, their look-out post for the night.

He says: “When I got to the last one, I went home and went to bed. Nobody told me what to do next so I went to bed.”

Luckily it was no more than an exercise, though Sam was missed and next time there was a section meeting – held weekly at Taber’s fish shop at Holbeach – he was questioned about where he’d got to.

In fact Sam, who subsequently joined the Royal Marine Commandos, says the Home Guard did gradually become more organised, with uniforms and more arms.

David Dye, vice-president, said: “We’ve never been to that part of Sutton Bridge before but it was one of our best nights.

“The children were waiting for us and giving us their letters for Santa.”

Santa has also visited the Spalding Christmas lights switch-on and a winter fair at Ayscoughfee Hall and is continuing his Spalding tour as follows:

Today (Thursday) Santa will be visiting Fairview Way, Vernatts Green, Fairfield Close, Lilburn Drive, Baxters Gardens, Daniels Reach, Miles Bank, Chaldean Way, Lilburn Drive, Daniels Gate, Jacobs Court, The Grove, Farthingales, Brendan Walk, Mendip Close, Woolram Wygate, Clover Way, Lucerne Close, Campion Close, Angelica Drive, Foxglove Court, Chamomile Way, Cornflower Close, Cornflower Way, Larkspur Way, Hayfields, Heather Court, Woolram Wygate, Bramble Grange, Wygate Meadows, Nursery Way, Dove Court, Tointon Close, Welbeck Drive, Berkeley Court, Wygate Road.

Tomorrow (Friday): December Santa will be visiting Bourne Road, Abbots Way, Hannam Boulevard, Ellen Crescent, Sheila Crescent, Corrine Grove, Pilgrims Way, Canterbury Close, Chaucers Way, Meadowgate Lane, Dowgate Close, Carrington Road, Carrington Close, Sunflower Close, Quaker Lane, Mansell Close, Bourne Road, Winsover Road, Hereward Road, Edward Road, Wygate Road.

Santa and his helpers will have a rest on Saturday and Sunday.

Monday, December 8: Aintree Drive, Sandown Close, Ascot Close, Kempton Close, Chepstow Close, Cradge Bank, The Ramper, Spalding Common, Goodfellows Road, Race Ground, Sycamores, Mayfair Drive, Little London, Campbells Close, Manor Close, Westminster Drive, Carlton Close, Hawthorn Bank, St Andrews Road, Wentworth Close, Birkdale Close, Carnoustie Crescent, Sunningdale Avenue, Muirfield Close, Holborn Road, Belgrave Road, Tavistock Road, Euston Avenue, Kensington Drive, Belvedere Close.

Tuesday, December 9: Beechfield Gardens, Holland Road, Church Mews, Cley Hall Drive, Cley Hall Gardens, Link Way, Halmergate, Halmer Gardens, Neville Avenue, Avebury Gardens, Low Road, Juniper Crescent, Pine Court, Ash Close, Lowfield Avenue, Helmsley Way, Ingelby Court, Rainton Court, Cleveland Court, Kirby Court, Albert Street, Maple Grove.

Wednesday, December 10: Alexandra Road, Ayscough Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Lime Court, Riverside Park, Mallard Close, Heron Way, Kingfisher Court, Swan Close, Swift Court, Windsor Drive, Sandringham Walk, Edinburgh Drive, Holyrood Walk, Clarence Gardens, Balmoral Avenue, Marlborough Avenue, Windsor Drive, St James Way, Churchill Drive, Cowbit Road, Westbourne Gardens.

Thursday, December 11: St John’s Road, Lancelot Way, St John’s Drive, Bellfield Close, Beechams Mews, Pulman Court, Apeldoorn Gardens, Victory Court, Stables Court, Ambleside Drive, Hawthorn Bank, Parkway, Hoekman Way, Floriade Close, Hoekman Drive, Parkway, Aalsmeer Rise, Limburg Drive, Heren Place, Breda Court, Haarlem Court, Rembrandt Way, The Wyke, The Wende, Amstel Close, Amsterdam Gardens, Leiden Fields, Hawthorn Bank, Daffodil Close, May Blossom Walk, Horseshoe Road, Delft Court, Hague Court, Van Gough Drive.

Friday, December 12: Pennygate, Abbots Crescent, Woodrow Place, West Parade, Thistle Gardens, Tollgate, Sherwood Drive, Beck Road, Fern Drive, Rowan Way, Gorse Way, Rose Leigh Way, Flinders Way, Beckett Drive, Fleur Drive, Tulip Walk.

Saturday, December 13: Love Lane, Exeter Drive, Grange Drive, Stonegate, Oak Court, Matmore Gate, Mulberry Way, Morus Close, Finlay Close, Birch Grove, Thornton Road, Heathfield Avenue, Woodfield Close, Matmore Close, Cameron Drive, Clay Lake, Peck’s Drove West, Hutton Close, Viking Way, Saxon Close.

Monday, December 15: Priory Road, Spring Street, Spring Gardens, St. Thomas’ Road, Regent Street, South Parade, Beaufort Drive, Thompson Close, Havelock Street, Green Lane, Knipe Avenue, Cross Street, Henrietta Street, Gamlyn Close, Water Lane, Rivergate, Welland Close, Cygnet Court, Britton Court, Magellan Way, Grosvenor Court, Mallory Drive, Hudson Road, Shackleton Close, Columbus Close, Armstrong Road, Raleigh Court, Cook Drive, Livingstone Drive, Henson Close, Drake Close, Franklin Drive, Hilary Close, Burton Road, Tasman Close, Dias Close, Aldrin Close, Bruce Close, Cortez Close, Macarthur Court, Piccard Drive, Bonnington Court, Palin Court, Mitchell Drive, Lewis Court, Giles Road, London Road, Little London.

Tuesday, December 16: Hall Place, Spalding.

Wednesday, December 17: Outside Sainsbury’s Wygate Park, Mariette Way, Claudette Way, Claudette Avenue, Georgette Gardens, Grevel Close, Nicolette Way, Annette Close, Paulette Court, Lucetta Gardens, Saltern Drive, Sharman Way, Julias Mead, Charlotte Way, Estella Way, Avignon Road, Harlequin Drive, Hobsons Green, St Nicholas Way, Belisana Road, Snowdrop Place, Maytime Close, Wintergold Avenue, Belcanto Court, Akita Close, Algers Walk.

Thursday, December 18: Outside Sainsbury’s.

Friday, December 19: Meadway, The Chantry, Glebe Close, Monk’s Walk, Monk’s House Lane, Derwent Way, Kingfisher Court, Arun Court, Humber Drive, Rhone Walk, Tweed Close, Shannon Close, Haven Walk, Roeburn Way, Frome Walk, Tyne Close, Danube Square, Eider Grove, Roeburn Way, Frome Way, Nile Drive, Perry Close, Sorrell Drive, Shire Avenue, Westerly Avenue, Law Court, Riverside, Wedgewood Drive, Galway Close.

Saturday, December 20: Hall Place, Spalding, Chestnut Avenue, Marine Drive, Linden Court, Rowan Avenue, Acacia Avenue, Chestnut Avenue, Redthorn Close, Chestnut Avenue, Beech Avenue, St Paul’s Road, Cherry Tree Grove, Laburnum Grove, Queen’s Road, Royce Road, Coronation Close, Atton Avenue, Queens Avenue, Cook Way, Banks Avenue, Fulney Avenue, Acklam Avenue, Dawson Avenue, Queens Road, Thames Road, Severn Road, Medlock Crescent, Telford Court, Halmer Paddock, Culpins Close.

Sunday, December 21: Outside Morrisons, Pinchbeck.

Monday, December 22: Morrisons, Pinchbeck.

Tuesday, December 23: Hall Place, Spalding.


EAST ELLOE LIONS’ CLUB SANTA TOUR

Saturday, December 6: Holbeach Church, 11am to 4pm.

Saturday, December 12: Long Sutton Co-op.

Thursday, December 18: Tesco, Holbeach.

Friday, December 19: Long Sutton Co-op.

Monday, December 22: Tesco, Holbeach; Sutton St James village, 6.30pm.

Tuesday, December 23: Tesco, Holbeach.

Move over teachers – children at St Norbert’s Catholic Primary School in Spalding have taken control of the school in an initiative to break down barriers between generations.

Year 6 pupils shadowed members of staff and took part in decision making within the school, as part of a national incentive – Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Day.

It is hoped this initiative will encourage children’s active involvement in their communities.

During the day, pupils also explored roles and responsibilities.

John Hayes MP was able to see this in action during his visit, when he visited classes sharing information about his role in government.

In all year groups, from reception to Year 5, children made their own flour babies, as inspired by the novel of the same title by Anne Fines.

Pupils took their babies home in order to make outfits and accessories for them, before taking them back to school and acting as parents.

The babies had to be nurtured and protected all day. They couldn’t be left alone or unattended, so the children needed to be responsible and think about the needs of their baby before their own, such as organising break time babysitting groups.

Jenna Withers, assistant headteacher, said: “It was a great day enjoyed by all.”

East Midlands Trains will 
provide thousands of extra 
seats to help passengers 
enjoy Lincoln’s Christmas Market this December.

The market takes place 
between today and Sunday.

Passengers are strongly advised to use the additional special services for travelling to and from the Christmas market and book tickets in advance to avoid queues on the day.

A queuing system will be in place at key stations and passengers are therefore advised to arrive in plenty of time to catch their train.

Details of the additional services are as follows:

Saturday, December 6 – 10.34 from Spalding arriving at Lincoln at 11.36.

16.43 from Lincoln arriving at Spalding at 17.44.

Sunday, December 7 – 09.33 from Spalding arriving at Lincoln at 10.33.

12.22 from Spalding 
arriving at Lincoln at 
13.22.

14.30 from Lincoln arriving at Spalding at 15.26.

17.30 from Lincoln arriving at Spalding at 18.26.

For more information visit http://www.eastmidlands trains.co.uk

HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By MP John Hayes

When J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, witnessed the first nuclear explosion its immense power made him recall a verse from the Hindu holy book the Bhagavad Gita: ‘If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendour of the mighty one.’ Perhaps if he had known then what we know now, he would have used a different image.

The devastating new weapon, when used on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945, brought a decisive end to the Second World War. The surrender of Japan, in response to the American nuclear bombs, brought to a close the deadliest conflict in history.

Britain’s own nuclear program, conducted in the vast Pacific Ocean, began seven years later and lasted for over a decade. Those British servicemen, thought to number upwards of 20,000, witnessed – up close and many without specialist protective clothing – explosions they would never forget, which have left an indelible mark on their lives and those of their families.

The wounds of those tests remain raw to the veterans. Douglas Hern, from Moulton, was witness to five tests on Christmas Island. I’ve met him in Lincolnshire and in Westminster to help progress his campaign as he has long sought formal recognition of the vital role test veterans played in those post-war years. Our work together in this effort led to our friendship.

Many of the servicemen who were present at the nuclear tests developed serious illnesses, and, worse still, their children and grandchildren have been plagued by similar disorders which they believe to be linked to the effects of the atomic tests. In Douglas’ tragic case, his daughter Jill died of cancer when she was just 13 years old – something he has written about with moving passion in this newspaper. Hearing him speak about it is as inspiring as it is touching.

Our Prime Minister has a proud record of honouring our veterans; changing the rules so that war widows will no longer lose their pension if they remarry, and fully recognising and decorating those who served on the Arctic Convoys and Bomber Command.

In this spirit earlier this year, in a landmark change, the Prime Minister formally recognised the contribution of the service personnel who participated in the testing programme, and expressed his gratitude for their selfless support in the development of the nuclear deterrent which has kept our nation safe. Now David Cameron told Parliament he was determined to seek a resolution to this issue.

Douglas and his wife are brave campaigners; they know they can rely on my support in the crusade for justice led by the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association. It is right that these brave men who gave so much for their country are properly recognised for what they did and what they endured. More must be done.

We are of course very disappointed with the result but not at all surprised since we fully expected the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) simply to ‘go through the motions’ of consultation before doing what had always been the intention – to close Spalding Magistrates’ Court.

It is of particular significance that the consultation ignores the will of the majority since over 64 per cent of the respondents (my name is missing from the list of respondents) were opposed to the closure. This does rather beg the question as to what the point of the consultation was in the first place.

I am astounded by the suggestion that the court is in a bad state of repair. That may be the case now if it has been neglected since the doors were closed in January but it certainly was not the case when the court heard its last case around one year ago. The building has had a lot of money spent on it in recent years including work to provide disabled access to Court Two and improved consultation rooms (providing better accommodation for consultation than Boston). Court Two was decorated shortly before closure!

The consultation document has glossed over the many points raised by Rachel Stevens in her response with regard to the inaccurate and misleading information supplied to the MOJ when the decision was first made to de-list cases at the court.

All in all a most unsatisfactory result for local justice.

Anita Toal

Managing Partner

Maples Solicitors LLP

Spalding