I read with interest your report about our Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick being ‘cautiously optimistic’ of a fairer funding deal for Lincolnshire Police.

Let’s hope this comes to fruition.

With the vast area our force has to cover, we should be hoping for an increase.

Name and address supplied

via email

A distinctive motocross bike and mountain bikes were stolen in a burglary in Suttons Lane, Deeping Gate.

The stolen property included a Honda Motocross bike, mountain bikes and electronic items including an Apple MacBook Pro and Macbook Air. A BMW was also taken but has now been recovered.

The burglary took place between 8pm on Saturday August 9 and 9am the following day when the owners returned.

It is believed that the offenders broke into the house using tools from the shed.

DC Adam Blake said: “The stolen Red Honda CR85cc motocross bike and mountain bikes are very distinctive.

“One is a Giant xTC Hardtail mountain bike and the other is an irreplaceable, limited edition, aluminium framed Lotus mountain bike. I would urge anyone who may have been offered a bike matching these descriptions to contact me.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone with information about the burglary or any of the other stolen items.”

Other missing items include: a white Dell laptop, two Mulberry bags, Mulberry purse, Pandora jewellery, photographic equipment, a PlayStation 4, Tiffany watch and a black Berghaus jacket.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Lincolnshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has issued a statement following speculation over the weekend that the police force could receive a 75 per cent boost to the funding it receives from Government.

As reported by this newspaper online yesterday (Sunday), leaked analysis seen by The Guardian suggests that Lincolnshire Police could be in line to receive a major cash boost under a new funding formula proposed by the Home Office. According to the newspaper, the leaked analysis models the impact of the Home Secretary’s proposed changes to police funding upon police forces across the country.

In response, Lincolnshire PCC Alan Hardwick said in a statement: “I am aware of the speculation, and the figures that have appeared in the media. We await any formal announcements. We are continuing to engage in the debate.”

{http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/news/local/lincolnshire-police-could-receive-75-per-cent-funding-boost-report-1-6942762|More on this story}

The following decisions have been made by magistrates at court hearings. In all drink-drive cases the legal limit is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, 80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood or 107 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of urine. Addresses of defendants published here are taken from the legal records held by the magistrates’ courts.

Boston Magistrates’ Court

August 3

Rebecca Duggan (21), of Market Rasen Way, Holbeach. Failing to give driver ID (Holbeach). £165 fine, £20 v/s, £300 costs, 6pts.

August 10

Andrew Nobbs (52), of Peterborough Road, Crowland. Assault (Crowland). 12 months conditional discharge, £50 compensation, £15 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c.

Daryl Lewis (36), of Hawkesbill Way, Peterborough. Driving while disqualified (Crowland). 12 weeks prison sentence suspended for 12 months, 100 hours unpaid work, £80 v/s, 6pts. No separate penalty for no insurance and failing to surrender to custody.

Davids Strauss (36), of The Courtyard, Bridge Street, Deeping St James. Driving while disqualified (Spalding). Community order with 100 hours unpaid work, £60 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c, disqualified from driving for 6 months. No separate penalty for no insurance.

August 12

Luke Arons (35), of Winsover Road, Spalding. Harassment (Spalding). 18 weeks prison sentence suspended for 12 months, restraining order, £80 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c.

Marcin Mitrega (30), of Little London, Spalding. Drink driving (Spalding). £325 fine, £32 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c, disqualified from driving for 20 months. No separate penalty for no insurance.

Paulius Malesivicius (25), of Brownlow Crescent, Pinchbeck. Drink driving and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent (Spalding).

Community order with 80 hours unpaid work, £60 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c, disqualified from driving for 20 months. No separate penalty for no insurance.

Grantham Magistrates’ Court

July 28

Mindaugas Mickus (25), of March Road, Wisbech. Speeding (Whaplode). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs.

July 29

Neal Hopson (52), of Rowen Avenue, Spalding. Speeding (Whaplode). £50 fine, £20 v/s, £43 costs, 3pts.

Jordan Meakins (20) of Spalding Common, Spalding. No insurance (Cowbit). £150 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 8pts.

August 3

Remigijus Balanavicius (41), of Poplar Court, Spalding. Criminal damage (Spalding). £170 fine, £17 compensation, £20 v/s, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c, bound over in the sum of £250 for one year to keep the peace. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

Bryan Roberts (35), of Saxmundham, Suffolk. Criminal damage (Bourne). £515.76 compensation, £85 costs, £150 c/c/c.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

July 20

Anthony Fox (33), of Wygate Road, Spalding. Driving while using a hand held mobile phone (Pinchbeck). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Stephanie Mathers (28), of Howland, Peterborough. Speeding (Langtoft). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Agnieszka Sudzinska (37), of Wedgewood Drive, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Martin Thompson (25), of Sparrowgate Road, Wisbech. No insurance (Sutterton). £600 fine, £60 v/s, £85 costs, 8pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Thomas Ablett (22), of Woodrow Place, Spalding. Driving without due care and attention (Sutterton). £310 fine, £31 v/s, £85 costs, 7pts.

Trevor Wakefield (46), of North Road, Mablethorpe. Speeding (Whaplode). £35 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Pierce Ledger (24), of Churchgate, Gedney. Speeding (Bracebridge Heath). £320 fine, £32 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 28 days.

July 25

Ashley Burton (25), of Kellett Gate, Spalding. Dishonestly made off without paying £240 for three night bed and breakfast stay (Spalding). £35 fine, £240 compensation, £20 v/s, £40 costs.

July 28

Maryann Jobson (33), of Kyme Road, Boston. Stole cosmetics worth £240 from Boots (Spalding). 12 weeks prison sentence concurrent, £180 c/c/c.

July 29

Lukisz Zasada (39), of Boston Road, Kirton. No insurance (Sutterton). £1080 fine, £108 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

John Broom (51), of Clough Road, Spalding. Failing to give driver ID (Nettleham). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Henry Cox (47), of Retreat Estate, Downham Market. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £220 fine, £22 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Roy Iliffe (56), of Ingham Terrace, Wylam, Northumberland. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £100 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Istvan Vajda (27), of Eighth Avenue, Wisbech. Speeding (Whaplode). £100 fine, £20 v/s, 3pts.

Katie Williams (20), of Acer Avenue, Kent. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £100 fine, £20 v/s, 3pts.

David Hicks (58), of Gardners Lane, Sutton Bridge. Speeding (Whaplode). £320 fine, £32 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Victor Ford (38), of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding. Theft of computer tablet and digital camera (Spalding). 6 weeks prison sentence concurrent, £80 v/s, £40 costs, £180 c/c/c.

Paul Hanson (53), of North Parade, Holbeach. Speeding (Shepeau Stow). £105 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

August 3

Pauline Dennis (56), of Fleet Road, Holbeach. Failing to report an accident (Holbeach). £110 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs 7pts. No separate penalty for failing to stop after an accident.

Arnold Cviklinskij (35), of Langley Mews, Kirton. No insurance (Lincoln). £160 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Mark Jones (40), of Hatt Close, Moulton. Speeding (Shepeau Stow). £200 fine, £20 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Supermarket giant Asda has experienced major problems with its home delivery service.

A ‘technical fault’ has led to delays across the country today (Monday).

An Asda spokesman said: “Unfortunately our systems this morning experienced a technical fault out with our control, this in turn meant a delay in us being able to process customers’ orders which were due for delivery today.

“This fault has now been rectified, however some of customer orders may now be delivered later than expected. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and if any of our customers have questions or concerns please contact us directly.”

Any customers looking to change, cancel or query their order which is due today can call 08009526060.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious car crash in Sutton Bridge this morning, Monday September 7.

The collision involved two vehicles, a white Vauxhall Astra van and a silver Ford Fiesta car and happened on Bridge Road, at the junction with Chestnut Terrace.

The Fiesta was travelling from the bridge towards Long Sutton and the Astra was travelling in the opposite direction when the collision occurred at 7.10am.

The driver of the Fiesta attended Kings Lynn hospital with injuries thought to be minor.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw the collision, or who witnessed either vehicle involved in the time prior to the collision.

Call PC 971 Paul Freeman via 101 with incident number 32 of the 7th September.

It has been announced that the head of Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, Dave Ramscar, is retiring after over three decades with the service.

Chief fire officer Dave Ramscar has been with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue for almost 32 years, working at stations across the county including Gainsborough, Boston, Lincoln South and most recently at its Lincolnshire Headquarters.

Progressing through the ranks, he started as a firefighter in 1984. He was promoted to lead firefighter in 1992, station officer in 1997 and then to the role of assistant divisional officer in 2001. In 2002, he became divisional officer operations and then in 2006, he was promoted to assistant chief officer. He became head of the county’s brigade in January 2011.

As well as protecting and helping local Lincolnshire people, Mr Ramscar has played a key role in helping in national and international disasters.

Most recently, through his work with the International Search and Rescue (ISAR) team, he led a search and rescue mission in Nepal. He has also coordinated rescue missions in Japan and New Zealand.

Dave said: “Over the last few years, we have done many great things. Firstly, we’ve introduced better training for all crews – including our retained firefighters. We’ve made sure that they can approach challenging situations with flexibility and that they have the safest, most efficient tools available.

“Secondly, we are now working closer with our colleagues in other emergency services. I’m particularly pleased that we have extended our co-responder scheme, in the Joint Ambulance Conveyance Project with EMAS and LIVES. Our main priority has, and will always be, to save lives. These projects allow us to make the most of the resources available and to ensure the best outcomes to the people of Lincolnshire.

“It has been a privilege to work with some very talented and passionate people, both operational and non-operational, who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities.

“I am very proud to have played a key role in ensuring Lincolnshire is equipped for the future.”

Coun Peter Robinson, executive member for public protection at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Dave Ramscar has been an outstanding chief fire officer. His leadership, good humour and professional competence has contributed considerably to the high level of competence and morale of our fire and rescue service.

“He will be hugely missed, not only by our Lincolnshire firefighters but across the whole of the county council.

“I wish him the long and happy retirement he so thoroughly deserves.”

Pete Moore, director of finance and public protection at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Mr Ramscar sadly leaves Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue after just over three decades of service, where he has dealt with extremely testing circumstances.

“He has not only helped ensure fire and emergency services perform well, but has also been actively involved in important national and international roles, including leading an international rescue team this year in Nepal.

“I whole heartedly thank him for his commitment and dedication.”

Mr Ramscar will officially leave his post at the end of November.

Supporters of a plan for a solar farm in Sutton St James have criticised MP John Hayes after he spoke against what they claim is a development the village wants.

Mr Hayes was stopped outside the South Holland District Council offices on Wednesday night after planners refused the development.

The owner of the land at New Fen Dike, who along with his supporters preferred not to be named, said animal fodder was currently grown on the site where the 12 hectare development would be because the soil was too poor for other crops. He said: “Do they want us to lose our farms? I will appeal.”

One young farmer with the group said: “What is there not to like about solar energy? Would people rather have ugly power stations or wind turbines?”

Another said: “No-one would see the solar panels – villagers have huge fences around their homes. With the changes regarding subsidies for farmers, they need this kind of thing to survive. What’s more, the village wants this.”

With 35 letters of support, against 17 objections, planners were expected to give the green light to the plan by Little Eau Solar to install ground-mounted solar panels, transformer stations and an electricity sub-station on 12 hectares of arable land.

It would have a life-span of 25 years, come with annual community development fund of £2,500. power around 939 homes and save approximately 2,714 tonnes of CO2 from being produced.

However, the plan was refused after Mr Hayes addressed the committee on new policy regarding renewables on agricultural land.

Mr Hayes read from a letter sent to him from James Wharton MP, Minister for Growth and the Northern Powerhouse, which referred to new measures to steer solar development onto industrial rooftops. It said: “National Planning Policy Framework asks local planning authorities to take into account the benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land and states where significant development of agricultural land is shown to be necessary, areas of poorer quality land should be used in preference to that of higher quality.”

Also “in determining solar application, local planning authorities should consider focusing large scale solar farms on previously developed or non-agricultural land”.

Mr Hayes also referred to a statement from DEFRA in 2004, which said, “this year the DCLG amended planning rules to ensure that wherever possible solar installations are not put in fields that could be used for farming.”

He also reminded the council that in July 2015, the Government announced the early closure of financial support for solar projects from April 2016 – “clearly showing that these kind of applications are not what the Government wants to see”.

After the meeting, Mr Hayes said: “I don’t usually speak at these meetings, but I felt I needed to tell them what the new policy is.” Developers BE Renewables Ltd were yesterday awaiting official notification of the decision before deciding whether to appeal.

A cafe in Spalding will have to tidy up some of its signage after complaints it was unsuitable in a conservation area.

The Sunshine Cafe and Restaurant, in Bridge Street, had applied for retrospective planning permission for advertising signage already in place.

Councillors at South Holland District Council planning committee on Wednesday were told fascia signs showing what food is available at the restaurant were already along the front and sides of the shop and there was a hanging sign to the side.

As it is in Spalding Conservation Area, the town’s Civic Society objected to the number of signs displayed, which include fascias, window etchings, canopy fringes, banners, wall displays and A boards.

The planning officer concluded objections appeared to relate to advertising signs that did not form part of the application and had therefore recommended councillors approved the retrospective plan.

The commute to and from work is a daily requirement nobody can avoid.

Not only is it something many unenthusiastically approach, but a study carried out earlier this year by {http://www.getlivinglondon.com/|Get Living London|go to getlivinglondon.com}, suggested Britons spend more than a year of their lives travelling to and from their workplace.

Forty-five per cent of British workers are believed to place a shorter commute at top priority regards moving home.

Clearly the location of a person’s home is imperative to where it is your work is based.

And a further 47 per cent say they would not be prepared to earn cash anywhere that was ‘too far’.

The survey, which included opinions from 2,000 adults, found the following top 10 hates for commuters.

Top 10 commuter hates

1 - ‘Traffic Jams’ – 52 per cent of commuters despise these delays.

2 - ‘Delays to the transport network’ – More than a quarter of commuters (26 per cent) can’t bare spontaneous and planned delays to the network.

3 - ‘The cost’ – 22 per cent are unhappy with the cost. And it continues to rise.

4 - ‘The monotony of the same journey day in, day out’ – 21 per cent

5 - ‘The busyness’ – 14 per cent argue transport is just too busy.

6 - ‘Having to stand up because there are no spare seats’ – 12 per cent

7 - ‘People talking loudly on the phone’ – 12 per cent

8 - ‘Fellow travellers with bad personal hygiene’ – 12 per cent

9 - ‘Being packed in like sardines’ – 11 per cent

10 - ‘Queuing’ – Even though Brits are recognised across the world for their queuing, 10 per cent say they hate it.

A plan to demolish a block of garages in Pinchbeck to make way for a one-and-a-half storey dwelling has been refused.

Councillors at South Holland District Council’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday heard the applicant wanted a coach house design at the site, which falls within the Pinchbeck Conservation Area, and has submitted evidence to demonstrate the Knight Street site is seldom used for parking.

In spite of a recommendation to approve the plan, a previous application to demolish the garages for a house was turned down in January because the planned development was cramped, the design would not preserve the historic character of the area and it would increase the demand for on-street parking.

The application was supported by the parish council and the council conservation officer said there are no issues significant enough to refuse permission.

However, ward councillor Elizabeth Sneath objected to it. She said there was no way of ensuring the two garages are used for parking and the proposal would exacerbate existing problems with regard to parking and highway safety.

Spalding Town Husbands, who own almshouses in Knight Street, also objected on traffic flow reasons.

Villagers are still hopeful the Red Lion pub in Gedney Hill will not be turned into a home.

They are awaiting the outcome of an asset of community value application which they hope, if successful, will stop conversion plans.

The plan to change the use of the vacant village pub to a home was refused because councillors agreed with the planning officer’s view that proposed external works would have a harmful impact on the special architectural and historic character of the Grade 11 listed building.

The conversion included a flat roof single storey extension at the rear.

However, Graham Fagan, who spoke on behalf of the agent MAP Design Services, still left the meeting with a smile on his face.

He said: “We don’t wish to comment but it’s fine - they don’t like the flat roof extension. We just need to change that.”

A Grade 11 listed building, the pub has been closed for more than two years since the couple who ran it moved away.

Villagers launched a Facebook campaign to save it when they spotted the planning application.

The parish council was split over the plan but South Holland District Council has received 70 objection letters and petitions with over 200 signatures.

After the meeting Coun Roger Gambba-Jones reminded councillors a refusal would only stop the conversion as it stands and not save the pub.

However, Calvin Widdowson, who launched the Facebook campaign, said: “The outcome is fantastic.

“We now have to wait for the asset of community value application decision which could be this week.

“We haven’t given up on the pub yet.”

The Revd Dr Nicholas Alan Chamberlain has been announced as the new Bishop of Grantham.

HM The Queen has approved the nomination of the Rev Chamberlain, 51, who has been vicar of the parish of St George and St Hilda, Jesmond, in the Diocese of Newcastle, for nine years.

He succeeds the Rt Rev Tim Ellis, who resigned in September 2013.

As 12th suffragan Bishop of Grantham, the Rev Chamberlain will have pastoral oversight of the archdeaconry of Boston, but will also have a diocese-wide role of developing and encouraging ordained and lay ministry.

He was born in Staines, Middlesex, and educated at Christleton High School, Chester. He went on to study English at St Chad’s College, Durham, and while there, came to a living Christian faith. In time, through inspiration from the people of the North East, he offered himself for ordination, for which he trained at Edinburgh Theological College, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1988. He also completed a PhD in American Literature at St Chad’s College, Durham.

In 1991, he was ordained deacon in Durham Cathedral, and served his title at the parish of St Mary, Cockerton, in the Diocese of Durham, being ordained priest in 1992. He went on to serve as curate at St Francis Church, Newton Aycliffe, in 1994, before becoming Team Vicar there in 1995. The parish of St Andrew, Great Aycliffe, was added to the team in 1996 to become the Great Aycliffe Team Ministry.

In 1998,he took up the post of officer for Continuing Ministerial Education and Post Ordination Training in the Diocese of Durham, while also serving as Priest in Charge of St Barnabas, Burnmoor. He took up his current post of Vicar of St George and St Hilda, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 2006.

The Rev Chamberlain’s interests include music, reading, running and cycling. This Sunday, he will be competing in the Great North Run, in support of Christian Aid.

The Rev Chamberlain said: “I was absolutely delighted to be offered the post of Bishop of Grantham. The Diocese of Lincoln is working very hard to develop its life across every community in Greater Lincolnshire, and I look forward very much to playing my part in the wonderful ambition and energy for which the diocese is becoming renowned.

“I’m particularly pleased to have a role that will take me to all parts of the diocese – from the Humber to the Norfolk border, and from near Doncaster to Stamford, to develop, with colleagues, the ordained and lay ministry which is the spine of all the good work the church strives to achieve in every community of the country.

“My personal inspiration for so much of what I do is the parable of the sower. The sower sows the seed with complete generosity and utter abandon. It falls in various places and some of it bears fruit. The point is the sower goes on sowing. I see in this an image of God and of the life to which he calls all Christians.”

The Acting Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd Frank White, said: “I am delighted that the wider Church has recognised the gifts and qualities of Dr Chamberlain, who has served the people of Jesmond and the ministry of St George’s and St Hilda’s with great flair and energy over the last nine years.

“During that time he has also worked more widely to encourage vocations to ordained ministry in the Diocese of Newcastle. He will move to be Bishop of Grantham with our gratitude for all he has given to the North East where he has served with distinction in a variety of roles since he was ordained.”

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson, said: “I am gratified that the Diocese of Lincoln has attracted a priest of the calibre of Nicholas Chamberlain to be Bishop of Grantham. He brings fabulous gifts, a truly pastoral heart, a profound faith, and indefatigable dedication to the mission and purpose of the church.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, will consecrate Nicholas as bishop in London on November 19.

Temperatures are set to soar above average across the UK after a dismal August saw Britain experience its coldest summer in three years.

By Thursday parts of the south east of England and East Anglia will see a top temperature of 23C, well above the 19C average for this time of year.

Much of the rest of England and Wales could hit a high of 22C, with Scotland enjoying a balmy high of 20C - four degrees above its September average.

Although temperatures over the next ten days are unlikely to rise to the high of 27C experienced last year, it will still be warmer than much of the past summer when temperatures sat at an average of just 13.9C.

Gemma Plumb, a meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said: “There is currently an area of high pressure sat over the UK which is bringing a lot of dry and fine weather across the country.

“This high is expected to drift away to the east towards Scandinavia on Wednesday, bringing up some warmer air from the continent.

“Most of this week will be dry and fine across the UK with spells of sunshine during the days and clear spells overnight.”

However those hoping for an Indian Summer may be disappointed as a low pressure system is expected to start to move in from the west over the weekend, bringing the risk of some rain and a settling of temperatures back down to the September average.

A smallholder in Donington who also uses his land as a refuge for rescued animals says he has been “running around like a headless chicken” since being told conifer trees that act as a barrier to a building site are being ripped out.

Lee Ashmore said he did not object to the plan by Westleigh Developments to build 39 houses and 12 apartments in Malting Lane because he did not realise it would affect the 50 to 60 trees on the boundary of his land.

He said: “I only found out a week and a half ago when I received a letter from Westleigh and since then I’ve been running around like a headless chicken worrying about my animals getting out on to the building site.

“I have horses, dogs, cats and chickens which all run free and could get injured. I’m not a registered refuge, I grow plants here, but people have heard I take animals in and that’s why I have ended up with them.

“When the building started I put up a temporary fence as an extra barrier to stop them getting through but it’s not very secure.

“There are also nesting birds in the trees. What’s going to happen to them? The 1981 Bird and Wildlife Act says trees should not be removed when birds are nesting.

“I went to the council (South Holland District Council) and they said it was a civil matter and advised me to get in touch with the police and papers.”

Mr Ashmore said he had also been in touch with the Land Registry because he said there used to be a dyke the other side of the trees which was filled in by a previous owner.

He said: “I thought the trees were on my property but according to Westleigh they are not.

“They are due to be removed either today or tomorrow – I don’t know what else I can do to stop it.”

Gary Turner, head of partnerships and investments at Westleigh, said: “In line with the planning consent, works to remove a row of conifer trees along a boundary of our Maltings Lane site in Donington will commence this week.

“Due to the levels, they will be replaced with a permanent retaining wall finished with close board fencing. The design and style of wall has been agreed with South Holland District Council and the works will take around three weeks to complete.

“We are aware of Mr Ashmore’s concerns but would like to reassure him that the new wall will provide a secure boundary.

“As at all our developments we will continue to work closely with our partners and the local community at this development and endeavour to complete the works as quickly as possible.”

The fund raising efforts of residents across Peterborough and Stamford has ‘made dreams come true’ at Sue Ryder’s Thorpe Hall Hospice according to a special royal guest.

The Duchess of Gloucester officially opened the new £6 million hospice at Thorpe Hall today, and she praised staff, volunteers and fundraisers for making the state of the art facility a reality.

She said: “I was sold on the design that so cleverly fitted into the walled garden with an opening from every room into a bit of the garden be it summer or winter or any season but with beautiful planting, and the ability to go out, even in your bed if you so wish.

I think many a dream has come true thanks to the enormously hard work of the fund raising committee and the incredibly generous donations from different firms and trusts and many individuals, some of whom have been immensely generous.”

The Duchess was patron of the Thorpe Hall Capital Appeal raising the money needed to fund the new hospice building. This was her third visit to Thorpe Hall – she launched the appeal in March 2013 and returned a year later to see the progress of the appeal and building work.

At the opening, the Duchess was joined by Jessica Bacon (18), whose dad, Martin, spent his last three weeks of his fight against a brain tumour at the hospice in 2013.

Jessica helped the Duchess cut the ribbon, and afterwards said: “My dad was admitted in 2013. He had a terminal brain tumour.

“The care he received was absolutely incredible, but the staff looked after us so well as well.

“They always looked after the little things, like making us hot chocolate when we were crying at 2am, or giving us counselling.

“We have been helping fund raise since then, and it is incredible to see this completed, as it is what we have been working for.

“It is brilliant that another family like ours will receive the brilliant care we had in a purpose built building.”

Jessica, of Thorpe Road, had met the Duchess at a previous event, and said she had asked her about her university plans, as Jessica is starting at York University soon.

Hospice director Jane Petit said: “To have the duchess here is recognition of the hard work and commitment of the staff, volunteers and donors we have here.

“This is a very significant building for Peterborough. We now have a facility that provides people with incredible care.

“We have 50 per cent more patients than we did at this time last year.

“The new building means we can look after more people and provide their families with a better experience.

“Everyone who has donated, whether it is a coupe of pounds in a tin or a very big donation, has helped, and we would not be able to provide the care we do without their help.”

Anne Edis, who has volunteered at Thorpe Hall for 17 years, said: “This means an awful lot to the people of Peterborough.
“The hospice has allowed people to spend the end of their days in comfort and with care.”

The family of a brave four-year-old boy with cancer are planning to go the extra mile after smashing their original target of raising £10,000 for charity.

Little Lucas Devaney, of Gosberton Risegate, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia – cancer of the white blood cells and bone marrow - in March, after his parents took him to the Johnson Community Hospital because he was suffering from repeated ear and throat infections.

The idea for fundraising in aid of Addenbrookes’ C2 ward where Lucas has been receiving treatment and Children with Cancer UK was sparked by his older brother, Ethan, when he started playing his guitar one night with a cup next to him and told his mum Joanne he was raising money for his little brother.

Since then the community has got behind the family and a number of fundraising events have been held, with the total so far – including donations on the Virgin Money donations page – reaching more than £15,623.

Two sponsored walks of three or five miles around Gosberton on Sunday, September 20, will be the first fundraising events the family has had the chance to organise since Lucas began his intensive treatment.

But on Thursday he was well enough to start his first day at Gosberton Academy and the family couldn’t be more proud of him.

Joanne said: “I didn’t think he would make it because last week he had no energy at all. But he raced in there and loves it. We couldn’t be more proud.”

Lucas is facing his last eight weeks of intensive treatment before maintenance begins and Joanne hopes he will be well enough to go along to the walk.

She said: “We have been overwhelmed with the support we have had while we have been concentrating on Lucas getting through his treatment.

“The community have really got behind the walks too, with the Bell Inn providing the food for after the walks and all of the profits going to charity.

“L R Signs & Designs of Spalding have sponsored us with the T-shirts and everyone who enters will get one.

“They can also be bought on the day.

“We are so grateful to everyone for their help.

“Now we just need people to come on the day.”

The walks start from the Bell Inn at 10am. Walkers can register on the day but anyone wanting more information can call Joanne on 07834702877.

○ Donations can be made online via the family’s Virgin Money fundraising page - Lucas Devaney’s Fundraising Page – search Gareth Devaney to locate it.

The Queen is set to become the longest ever reigning monarch in British history this week, when she will pass the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.

On Wednesday, September 9, the Queen will have ruled for more than 63 years and 216 days.

Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II when she was 25 upon the death of her father King George VI, who died in the early hours of 6 February 1952.

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as monarch took place at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.

More interesting facts about The Queen and her reign:

The Queen is the fortieth monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England and is Queen of 16 of the 53 member states in the Commonwealth of Nations, as well as Head of the Commonwealth and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Of current monarch’s around the world, only Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) of Thailand has a longer reign (69 years).

The Queen was born at 17 Bruton St, London W1 on the 21st April, 1926, was christened on the 29th May, 1926 in the Private Chapel at Buckingham Palace and was confirmed on the 28th March, 1942 in the Private Chapel at Windsor Castle.

1,333 diamonds and 169 pearls adorn the George IV State Diadem, which the Queen wore on her way to the Coronation ceremony.

In 1943 and 1944, the Queen won first prize at the Royal Windsor Horse Show for driving a utility vehicle harnessed to her black fell pony.

To date, the Queen’s owned more than 30 corgis and currently has two: Willow and Holly. Alongside them are Candy and Vulcan, two of a unique breed known as ‘dorgis’, which the Queen originally created by crossing one of her corgis with Princess Margaret’s dachshund, Pipkin.

Her tally of success stands at more than 20 wins at Royal Ascot and thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have also won four out of the five flat racing classics - the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger – with only the Derby eluding her.

Unusual live gifts given to The Queen on foreign tours include: two tortoises in the Seychelles in 1972; a seven-year-old bull elephant called “Jumbo” by the President of Cameroon in 1972; and two black beavers given after a Royal visit to Canada.

Major events and news in 1952:

A devastating flood swept through the Lynmouth on the north Devon coast, claiming more than 30 lives.

Britain suffered its worst-ever peacetime rail accident when 112 people died in a three-train collision at Harrow and Wealdstone station in north-west London.

British troops travelled to Kenya to deal with the Mau Mau rebellion.

Anne Frank’s diary was published.

Nineteen-year-old Derek Bentley was sentenced to be hanged after his 16-year-old accomplice - who was too young to be executed - murdered a policeman.

The Agatha Christie thriller The Mousetrap opened in London, with Richard Attenborough as the detective. It’s still running 63 years later.

Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the Commons that Britain had developed an atomic bomb.

If 1952 prices were converted into today’s equivalent, this is how things would compare:

Something you might buy: 1952 price in 2015 / Actual 2015 price

Average house: £1,888 / £179,696

Pint of beer: £1.42 / £3.31

Loaf of bread: 57p / £1.35

Postage stamp: 19p / 63p

Ford saloon car: £470.00 / £19,995

TV licence: £91 / £145.50

There’s double delight for St Norbert’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Spalding now it has been awarded an Ofsted ‘outstanding’.

The top rating matches the verdict given on its religious life by inspectors from the Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service in April this year.

Doing the double is all the more remarkable as more than six out of every ten pupils at the school have English as an additional language.

Ofsted inspectors say: “Often children enter various year groups with little or no understanding whatsoever of spoken or written English.”

They go on to say that such children make “exceptional progress” and this is because “teaching is expert and they are helped to learn English quickly”.

Headteacher Louis Yarnell was delighted by the Ofsted rating, saying it was achieved through “a major journey”.

She said: “I’m totally thrilled by this amazing result.

“I believe an outstanding school is not created overnight.

“It is a major journey that involves a significant team of people – including the children, all staff, parents and governors.

“In my view we cannot have an outstanding school without putting all our children first in all we do and always wanting every child to achieve highly and reach their full potential.

“Everyone’s hard work has paid off and the children are a total delight to have at St Norbert’s, which makes me incredibly proud and lucky to be the headteacher.”

The school has stepped up from ‘good’ to outstanding while its early years provision has leapt two categories to achieve the top rating.

Among the key findings are glowing reports for the headteacher, school leaders and managers, support staff, teachers, governors and the pupils.

These findings include:

• “The headteacher’s inspiring leadership spreads excellence throughout the school. She has ensured that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of the curriculum are outstanding. Pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.”

• “The quality of teaching is outstanding. Staff are experienced and highly trained. This, along with exceptionally high levels of care, supports learning extremely well.”

• “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding. They make rapid and sustained progress over time. As they move up through the school, pupils are consistently well supported to overcome any difficulties and to achieve as well as they can.”

• “The support staff are a huge strength of the school. They are extremely well trained and highly focused on pupils’ wellbeing, personal development and academic achievements.”

A new service has been launched by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP and Lincolnshire County Council to support business growth in the Greater Lincolnshire area.

The Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub is a countywide one-stop advice-shop for businesses seeking support, particularly those wishing to increase their competitiveness and grow.

The Growth Hub provides a single access point to a package of information, action plans, advisory support and business development programmes for businesses across the Greater Lincolnshire area, making it easier for them to access the support they need.

To complement the online information portal, the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub has a team of dedicated business growth and skills advisers.

Businesses now have the opportunity to receive a growth action plan and free impartial advice, helping them to formulate and implement their growth plans.

The dedicated team has extensive experience in the industry and businesses will be able to communicate with advisers, build a relationship and be able to successfully work together to help their business to flourish.

The online web portal www.businesslincolnshire.com provides information for all business sectors, providing access to local, regional and national business information.

Visitors can search for advice and grant schemes, support programmes, events and networks, as well as information on accessing finance, supply chain development, the E-learning portal and employing and training staff.

Coun Colin Davie, economic development, said: “One of the main aims of the Growth Hub project is to provide a ‘front door’ for business support.

This will ensure that the project can facilitate a single conversation with the business community, stimulate growth and job creation and improve the local economy.

“By providing free support to local businesses we can achieve this and create a better business community.”

Since the launch of the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub in June, the team of expert advisers has been rallying around Greater Lincolnshire businesses helping them figure out and implement growth plans to expand their business.

Noreen Read, Growth Hub adviser lead, added: “I am extremely excited to be part of such an innovative project. Our team of dedicated local advisers have over 50 years’ experience of helping Lincolnshire businesses expand.

“With our expertise, impartiality and the Growth Hub connections we can help local businesses access the support they need.”

One of the main features is the Advice and Grant Scheme Finder which contains the latest information about sources of support for businesses.

Within this tool visitors to the site can search for information about advice schemes, incentives and subsidies, grants, loans, equity finance and qualifications and training.

Business Lincolnshire also provides a by-weekly roundup of local business news and events has searchable lists of local contacts and networking groups and provides case studies, tips and blogs for inspiration.