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SPALDING MURDERS: Detective speaks of shock and disbelief

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The detective in charge of the case that saw two Spalding teenagers sentenced to 20 years in prison for murder yesterday (Thursday) has talked of the shock and disbelief around the killings.

Investigating Officer DCI Martin Holvey made the following comment:”This has been a rare and unprecedented case and everybody who has listened to the details as they have emerged throughout the trial will, I am sure, have felt the same sense of shock and disbelief.

“The planning that went into the brutal murders of Elizabeth and Katie as they slept in their beds was cold, ruthless and chilling, as was the lack of remorse shown by the two juveniles afterwards.

“This matter-of-factness is all the more shocking given the fact that they were both only 14 years of age at the time.

“I hope after today’s sentence, everyone affected by this terrible crime can begin to rebuild their lives and the community of Spalding can move forward.”


SPALDING MURDERS: Detective praises ‘incredibly supportive’ Spalding community

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The detective who led the investigation in to Britain’s youngest double murderers has praised the Spalding community for their support.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Holvey said at first he found it hard to believe that two 14-year-olds had carried out the murders of school dinner lady Liz Edwards (49) and her 13-year-old daughter Katie.

The boy and girl, now 15, were yesterday (Thursday) each given life sentences at Nottingham Crown Court and were detained for a minimum tariff of 20 years.

DCI Holvey said: “The community of Spalding have been incredibly supportive to the police and have been a real credit.

“They want to understand what the facts have been and move on and get back to some kind of normality. I want to thank the whole community for all the support they have given my officers throughout the investigation.”

A Serious Case Review is to examine if any opportunities were missed by the authorities in their dealings with the girl and boy.

The police, social services, health and education will all be involved. Social Services will look at it and at whether anything could have been done better.

“Of course we will attempt to stop things like this happening again,” DCI Holvey insisted.

“But if you turn back the clock to April this year who would have thought such an unexpected and unbelievable event would happen anywhere, never mind in Spalding.”

DCI Holvey said it was clear from the evidence presented in court that the boy and girl who carried out the killings were “besotted” with each other.

“Two 14-year-olds who have killed is unprecedented. They are the two youngest who have committed double murder. They showed no remorse. Those features are all unprecedented,” he added.

“The lack of remorse was a feature from the beginning. They were absolutely besotted with each other.

“Their lives were so entwined. No-one else mattered. She was his life and he was her life.”

The pair were separated after the killings but continued to show little remorse during their police interviews, the officer stressed.

“He was cold. He was absolutely besotted with her,” DCI Holvey said.

“After initially not speaking to us he told us what he had done. Throughout his interview he showed no remorse.”

Footage of the girl calmly answering questions after she arrived at the police custody desk were shown to the jury during her trial. She later gave officers a graphic account of the killings.

“She was besotted with him,” DCI Holvey added. “The sheer planning in this case, the sheer lack of remorse is unprecedented.

“It comes over as very chilling. This had been planned over the weekend before. It was a brutal, cold attack on two defenceless females in their own house.

“The level of planning beggars belief. The level of planning even for an adult was complex.”

DCI Holvey added: “They were happy to tell us straight away what they had done.

“Nothing has given us any indication as to where they got the idea from. I don’t know where they got it from.”

The story of the Shot at Dawn memorial

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TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

In 1999, a documentary, Conviction, was broadcast on the BBC’s Everyman programme. Its focus was the life of my uncle, John Hipkin, who was then leading the Shot at Dawn campaign, urging successive governments to pardon young soldiers executed during the First World War for cowardice or desertion.

Watching that programme was a sculptor, Andy DeComyn, who was so inspired by my uncle’s story that he made enquiries of the BBC before eventually contacting John and offering his help.

The following year he created a memorial for those forgotten men and in 2001 his sculpture was unveiled at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The slight figure of a boy, blindfolded, with his hands tied behind his back, stands in front of 306 posts, bearing the names of the executed men. Six fir trees are planted opposite, representing the firing squad.

Andy DeComyn funded the statue himself, with donations covering the cost of the posts and landscaping. The memorial generated a great deal of media interest and was instrumental in paving the way for the government to eventually pardon the soldiers in 2006. Andy remained firm friends with my uncle during these years and both were grateful for the support of the other in their passion for this injustice to be rectified.

Continuing his work as a sculptor, producing a number of public works of art, Andy was commissioned to create a Pipers’ Memorial for a site in Longueval in the Somme department of northern France. As he worked on this piece in 2002, he became so fascinated by the bagpipes, he decided to learn how to play them.

John Hipkin died at the ripe old age of 90 and his incredible life story was remembered in the words of his family and friends at his funeral in Newcastle. He had been the youngest prisoner of war at the age of 14 when, as a cabin boy in the Merchant Navy, his ship was captured by the German warship, Scharnhorst. He was eventually released at the end of the war when he was 19. Having suffered so much as in his own childhood it was only natural he should find an affinity with the young, frightened soldiers of the Great War.

As the cortege made its way from the church, a lone piper, in ceremonial Highland Dress, led the procession along the street playing the solemn hymn ‘How Great Thou Art’. Sculptor and piper, Andy DeComyn, paying his last respects to a very good friend.

You can follow Trish on Twitter @mumsgoneto and read her blog at www.mumsgoneto.co.uk

NHS warns Lincolnshire residents about spreading Norovirus

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This winter the public are being asked to think carefully before visiting friends and relatives in hospital in an attempt to protect vulnerable patients from norovirus.

Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust (LCHS), United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the four Clinical Commissioning Groups in Lincolnshire are asking anyone planning to visit hospitals in Boston, Lincoln, Grantham, Spalding, Skegness, Gainsborough and Louth to stay at home if they or their family members have had diarrhoea, vomiting or ‘flu-like’ symptoms in the last 72 hours. Those with mild symptoms, such as an upset stomach, should also refrain from visiting hospitals.

Everyone can play their part in helping to keep Norovirus, and flu-like illnesses, away from vulnerable patients and staff who could pass it on. If you have been ill you could be putting others at risk.

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be exacerbated by colder weather. It can be particularly serious for people who are already ill or who have a long term condition.

Cheryl Day, Lead Matron for Infection Prevention at LCHS, said: “Norovirus is highly infectious and easily spread through hand to hand contact, or by touching surfaces which have germs on them.

“The infection usually starts suddenly and the symptoms pass quickly. It can more seriously affect those patients who are already unwell or those who have significant underlying medical conditions.”

Dr Kevin Hill, Chair of South Lincolnshire CCG, also urged people affected not to visit: “Hospitals are often under pressure around winter and this can be made worse if bugs like norovirus enter wards. These bugs can pass quickly between visitors, patients and staff, which can result in staff being off ill, beds becoming unavailable and appointments being postponed.

“There are some really basic steps you can take to help us to keep services running as normal, such as not visiting hospital if you’ve been sick or had diarrhoea in the last 72 hours.

“We also advise children aged 12 years or younger not to visit hospital, as they often pick these bugs up at school. If you’re visiting someone in hospital, remember that no more than two visitors are allowed in at any one time and to use the seats provided at bedside.”

Here are some simple steps the public can take to help stop the virus spreading:

- wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food

- if you’re in an NHS facility pay attention to hand hygiene notices such as using hand gel upon entering and exiting a ward

- disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated with Norovirus. It is best to use a bleach-based household cleaner and follow the instructions on the product

- flush away any infected faeces or vomit in the toilet. You should also keep the surrounding toilet area clean and hygienic

- wash any clothing or linens which could have become contaminated with Norovirus, washing with hot, soapy water.

Although people usually recover without treatment in 24-72 hours, it is important to stay away from work, school, college or social gatherings until you have been symptom free for at least 72 hours.

If you have Norovirus you are advised to rest and take plenty of non-caffeinated drinks to avoid dehydration. Don’t visit your GP surgery or local A&E. You should recover naturally without any specific treatment.

If you are worried about prolonged symptoms you can ring NHS 111 or call your GP. They will be able to provide advice for people who are at greater risk from dehydration from diarrhoea and vomiting, such as children under the age of five or the elderly.

Teenager charged with stealing vehicles worth £2,800 from garage in Spalding

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A youth is due in court next week charged with burglary at a business in Spalding where two vehicles worth a total of £2,800 were stolen.

Thomas Parr (18), of no fixed address, is set to appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Wednesday, November 16, charged with a burglary at Commercial Road Garage which happened between Thursday, October 13 and Sunday, October 16.

During a hearing at the same court on Monday, Parr denied entering the garage and stealing two vehicles, along with vehicle keys, cheques and a bicycle.

Parr was remanded in custody until a hearing on Wednesday morning when a trial date is due to be fixed.

. We were previously advised, incorrectly, that Parr had been charged with a burglary at Spalding United Football Club which took place on October.

. It has now been confirmed by Lincolnshire Police that enquiries are still ongoing into this matter.

Archery star aims high as she joins accountants in Market Deeping

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Accountants in Market Deeping say they have scored a bull’s-eye with their talented new trainee.

International archery star Abbie Spinks, who is a member of the Great British Junior National Archery Team, has joined Moore Thompson’s office in Market Place as an audit, accounts and tax junior.

Abbie, who won a European silver medal in July, will be studying for her Association of Accounting Technicians Level 3 qualification alongside providing tax and accountancy services to businesses and sole traders.

She said: “I am really excited to be joining Moore Thompson and I feel very confident that I will do well with this firm.”

Managing partner Mark Hildred said: “We are delighted that Abbie has chosen to join our firm. She has the competitive edge and a strong work ethic outside of work and we hope she can bring this into her studies with us.”

VIDEO: Health minister Jeremy Hunt visits Lincolnshire and talks about future of local health services and backs Tory by-election candidate

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Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt MP has given a video interview to The Sleaford Standard on visiting the town to lend his support to the new Tory candidate in the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election.

Mr Hunt was also paying a visit to meet staff and children at Ash Villa Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service inpatient unit in Greylees later today (Friday) and stopped off to meet newly selected Conservative candidate Dr Caroline Johnson, who actually works under him in the health service as a consultant paediatrician at Peterborough.

Married to a farmer, she lives in nearby Sudbrook and was going out on the campaign trail with Mr Hunt.

Commenting on the current situation with Grantham A and E being temporarily closed at nights for another three months, he said he had met a delegation of people from the area with Grantham and Stamford MP Nick Boles over the matter and understood the difficulties of poor roads causing travel delays to Lincoln A and E and assured it was only a temporary measure: “We are absolutely committed to ensuring that everyone can access the emergency care they need as fast as possible - it isn’t always about having a hospital near you, it is about getting to the right care and sometimes it makes sense to go further if you can get specialist stroke care, for example, but it (Grantham A and E) is a matter for the local trust.”

On the Lincolnshire Health and Care countywide strategic review of services in the county which is suggesting possible centralisation and specialisation of services such as maternity in single centres such as Lincoln and Boston hospitals he said that was up to discussions between local health professionals but wanted to make sure resources were used as efficiently as possible to continue improving care, adding: “Patient safety always comes first and that is something I personally champion. That is a challenge when demand for the health service has gone up and some places may struggle to get the doctors and nurses they need.”

At Ash Villa later, the Secretary of State was given a tour of the unit by one of the young patients and then participated in art activity with young people, according to a spokesman for the Lincolnshire Partnership Foundation NHS Trust which runs the unit.

He also met with Trust senior leaders and Ash Villa staff. He also met Petra – Ash Villa’s resident therapy pet dog.

Brexit makes small businesses even more crucial to our economy

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Marmite-gate might be over, but it has highlighted the increased responsibility being placed on the shoulders of small business owners in the UK.

When Unilever tried to hike the prices of many of our favourite products, including Marmite, Tesco suspended online sales, refusing to pay more.

The spat has now been resolved, but it is a great example of how big businesses can struggle with the post-Brexit vote uncertainty. Not only does this raise a few warning flags about the ability of big corporations to cope with change, but it also shows the importance of the role small businesses play in keeping our economy healthy.

Jonny Dunning, CEO of weliketowork.com, believes small businesses are key, “99% of all businesses in our country are classed as small or medium enterprises. They are often referred to as the engine room of our economy and rightly so as they employ more than half of all private sector workers and account for a decent proportion of the UK’s GDP. With this in mind it stands to reason that if we focus on helping small businesses grow, our economy is much more likely to stay healthy if big companies have a wobble”.

Brexit is making trading difficult for many small businesses and Dunning says uncertainty is to blame and is making long-term financial and business planning difficult, “The uncertain future facing the UK is making small business owners cautious. It’s not easy to commit to long term financial planning or investing in growth when the future’s so unclear. But ironically it’s now that small businesses owners need to be more ambitious, creative and productive than ever before.”

Small businesses contributed £1.8trillion to the economy in 2015 (source: gov.uk - Department for Business Innovation and Skills), up from £1.2trillion in 2016, and represented

roughly half of all private sector turnover. But despite the levels of growth over the last 12 months, committing investment in hiring full-time staff might seem like a scary prospect for a lot of small business owners right now.

Dunning believes there is an option for small businesses to continue to push for growth and productivity without having to take large financial risks. By using a large network of freelancers in the UK, it is possible to outsource small, manageable projects, which allow businesses to stay productive.

“Small businesses owners can stay productive by tackling their objectives in smaller chunks. For example, hiring a permanent member of staff is not an option for a lot of small businesses at the moment. But offering project work to a freelancer can result in the same outcome for a fraction of the cost.”

Dunning continues, “It’s possible for a small business to outsource almost anything to a professional freelancer: web development, graphic design, bookkeeping, HR. What I think is really exciting is that a few small projects can kick-start growth in a small business, which can then create opportunities to hire full-time employees where this would previously have been out of the question”.

According to IPSE, the body representing freelancers in the UK, there are around 2million freelancers in the UK, covering almost every professional service from web design to accounting and HR. Their 2015 Freelancer Survey showed that alongside full time professional freelancers there is a huge resource of stay-at-home parents freelancing around raising their families, recently retired professionals or full-time employed people earning a second income by freelancing outside of their normal working hours.

The ability to reach skilled workers in the UK could increase in importance if freedom of movement is restricted to and from the EU. Dunning believes this could lead small businesses to find new ways to fill their skills gaps with the use of freelance workers being an ideal, flexible option. “There is a real concern about the UK’s skills shortages getting worse if we’re not able to attract workers from the EU. However UK small businesses could get a real boost from offering project work like website design, marketing, accounting or HR to talented UK freelancers like stay-home parents, who typically would be out of the reach of their traditional recruitment options.

To learn more about outsourcing projects to highly skilled UK freelancers visit freelance.jobstoday.co.uk


County council leader set to say “No” to combined authority deal

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Plans for a combined authority in Lincolnshire, with a £15 million a year budget, look uncertain after a council leader hinted he would reject the deal.

Coun Martin Hill, Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, confirmed today that he was unlikely to support a deal which could see powers over transport, housing and flood management pass to a new authority headed by a directly-elected mayor.

At a meeting three weeks ago, county councillors voted 43 to 17 against the Government-backed deal, with five abstentions, despite eight district and borough councils having voted for the deal.

Coun Hill, who will make his formal decision on Monday, November 21, said: “Since the vote by county councillors, I have discussed the issues again with the Government.

“But I was told that a mayor is still regarded as a ‘must’ and, in considering my position on the deal, I have absolutely at the forefront of my mind the views of the 4,000-plus residents who took part in the recent consultation.

“Although 59 per cent of respondents said our councils should pursue greater funding and powers from the Government, 49 per cent opposed the idea of a Mayoral Combined Authority, compared to 47 per cent who were in favour of it.

“I share their concerns about a directly-elected mayor, with all the extra costs involved and with such a strong vote against the proposal from county councillors across all political parties too, I am minded not to support a directly-elected mayor for the region based on what is currently on offer.”

The only council to vote against the deal was South Kesteven District Council, while South Holland District Council is one of the eight councils in favour of the setting up of a Mayoral Combined Authority.

Coun Malcolm Chandler, Deputy Leader of South Holland District Council, said: “It demonstrates the determination of this council for the district to share in, and benefit from, the accelerated growth and increased value of the Greater Lincolnshire economy which a devolution agenda is aimed to deliver.

“It is important that all ten councils continue to work together to achieve the full benefits of devolved powers and the associated financial support available to Greater Lincolnshire.”

However, South Kesteven District Council Leader, Coun Bob Adams, said: “We have looked at this with an open mind and have listened to the arguments from the Department for Communities and Local Government and our own members.

“In a sense, we will still be involved as part of the shadow combined authority so we will still be getting an input as far as discussions are concerned.

“But as you negotiate, you don’t declare your hand from day one.

“You go to the table, you talk, you listen and form your judgements and that is what we’ve done.”

Tuning in to a sense of compassion

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THOUGHTS OF A FRUITCAKE: By Carolyn Aldis

So, on Friday I went to a coffee morning…no big deal, I know there are lots of charity coffee mornings, raising much needed funds. But there were a couple of circumstances that made this coffee morning a bit different for me.

For one thing, I am off eating wheat, sugar and dairy and so I quickly went past the wonderful spread of cakes and sat down. There were some toddlers bumbling around the room, playing with the toys and it made me smile, remembering the days of bringing changing bags, pushchairs, highchairs and all the rest of the stuff required for little ones.

Another thing is that the charity itself isn’t as well-known as some others and I wanted to find out a bit more.

Compassion UK provides money for children in developing countries, often by sponsorship. A donor gives a little money a month and that provides schooling, clothes and food for the child, who then writes and tells them all about their lives.

I know all this because my mother in law has done it for years, my friends have done it and I have had my own opportunity to sponsor a child.

A few years ago, I went to a concert where during the interval, the guy on stage started to hold up pictures of children that needed this type of sponsorship. As is often the way with these things, I was very keen to take a pack and excitedly told my children that this is what we were going to do. When I got home, I put the pack on a shelf, determined to look at it later that week, to get the process started.

Whether it was the fact it was near Christmas, or because every day was so busy with work and activities, or even just that it was something that would take time, effort and money, whatever the reason, that pack remained on the shelf until well into the New Year, by which time, the child had been sponsored by somebody else.

So I was keen to put some money in the pot, to support those on the ground to get the money to the people that need it; to do something straight away, fairly easily. I settled myself back onto the sofa, pleased to have done my bit. I noticed the TV was on and realised it was footage of the many children being sponsored, playing, laughing and eating their simple meal of rice and vegetables.

I watched as a woman came on the screen, with 3 children, one in a sling on her chest, one being carried and the other walking next to her. No pushchair, or buggy board and, astonishingly, she was using a crutch as the lower part of her left leg was missing, due to an accident as a little girl. Compassion UK has helped her learn to cook and provide for her children and I sat there, marvelling at how easy we have it by comparison.

It’s worth looking at this charity and seeing if there’s some way you can help…although I recommend doing it after Christmas…

Ready, willing and stand by, Reginald

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WARD’S WORLD: By John Ward

In recent times the word patriotic has been bandied about in assorted forms, like which flag should be flown and when, or being used on assorted gift wrapping paper (when I read that one, I mentally gave up hope), but spare a thought for another, real, entry into this seemingly new trend to be seen doing the “right thing”.

It was just after the original desert conflict in the early 1990s called Operation Desert Storm had started, and it seemed to be the then telly screen filler, as we were treated to seeing assorted weaponry guided to various targets and seeing the screen go blank as we were informed by the narrator’s voice that it had been a “direct hit” on an enemy target, usually unspecified, and with no idea as to what it might have been, that had met its untimely end.

Having set the scene, the following took place in, of all places, my parents’ kitchen.

Enter Reginald, in the grand scheme of things to come. He was my dad’s friend and the one major thing they had in common was they both fought in World War Two but in different conflicts, dad in the Far East and Reginald in the European one, but both with the same aim for a free world or what passes for one.

I had been sitting there in the living room chatting with Mum as Reginald – not Reg or Reggie but Reginald, as this was his name and how he liked to be addressed, no short cuts in his book – arrived on the front doorstep, in grey trousers and dark blazer with his row of campaign medals attached, and asked to see Dad.

On Mum inviting him in and we saying hello, I noticed he had a large carrier bag with him. Mum fetched Dad from the shed or, as he called it, his “sanctuary”, to greet Reginald and asked him to sit himself down, as Mum decided it was time for the kettle to be put on. After assorted bits of greeting and suchlike was over, Reginald explained why he had arrived: he wanted “a bit of Desert Storm” no less, but Mum thought he said Dessert Storm and that it was something new in the chilled food cabinet at the Co-op. Only my mum…sigh.

Once this misunderstanding was cleared up, Reginald explained he was on his way to the medical centre to see his doctor for a medical to see if he was fit to fight once again, and mum asked whatever for, as the (then) MFI furniture sale was still on, and in those days you paid up front for your settee, not like today where you wait three to four years before doing this minor procedure. Reginald explained that he still “able” and was volunteering to help out as best he could, hence booking the doctor’s appointment, which took longer to get than the start of the conflict, to see if he was fit enough as he was ready to go.

He said he had put his things in order, should he get the green light, as he felt he still had a lot to offer, and was up to date with paying his milkman, had paid for his football coupons up front with Nigel his collection agent and made arrangements for his cat, Spartacus*, to be fed while he was away. *The cat’s name was originally Sid, but while at the seaside, Reginald came across a gift shop who did free engraving if you brought a pet collar identity disc, and to get his money’s worth, changed the name to Spartacus as there were more letters in it than plain Sid.

He also explained the contents of his carrier bag as, if he was given the green light, and had to go quick, he was prepared – unlike the last time in the 1940s. It was his collection of Doris Day long playing records (to those of a younger age, they were black, round, 12- inch, long-playing records that revolved on a turntable at about 33 revolutions a minute and produced sound via a pickup with a stylus on its tip, in basic terms, although as I write, this form of entertainment is slowly making a comeback.

His idea was based loosely on the world-famous, to us anyway, BBC radio programme Desert Island Discs, where a guest chooses eight records (the discs) to take with them to a desert island, but Reginald was ahead of the game as he had got his already packed and ready to go, although no hint as to what he would be playing them on was mentioned, although perhaps if they overran an enemy position, they might find a working record player – who knows?

Mum asked if he had packed his pyjamas but he replied that he felt sure they would supply them with the uniform, plus, he had no idea as to what thickness to take anyway as he didn’t want to pack a thick pair in case it turned out to be hot at night time there.

He thanked Mum for the tea and said goodbye to us collectively and left to keep his appointment at the medical centre. Dad mumbled something about he hoped this idea was not compulsory as he had brought his season ticket to see his team play footy on Saturdays as he assumed this would not be a Monday to Friday type of conflict, as the one he was in, and Mum said that things might have moved on a bit what with rules and regulations plus those Health and Safety people being involved.

A few days later Reginald arrived back to let Mum and Dad know the outcome. The doctor had told him that while his gesture was with the best possible of intentions, he felt that unless he had instructions from the relevant Government department, he could not really follow through with an examination based on his request.

Reginald went back and retrieved Spartacus from his neighbour, but he kept up to date with the conflict on the television to get an idea of when he would he be needed and to book an appointment again, allowing for trying to get through to book up, as the phone was always engaged, and so he had to make allowances there.

From my point of view, as I started off at the beginning, being patriotic has quite a few meanings but the fact there was somebody not in the full flush of youth, who felt he should be there alongside his comrades – though separated by a few decades, it should be noted – wishing to take part in an event that would hopefully bring about peace, or at least something resembling it.

However as history constantly shows, there are no winners in such conflicts and as Remembrance Day draws close, I will be thinking of the many who have fallen, and with a soft spot for Reginald, who, despite his years, was of the mindset that you gave what you could.

EDUCATION AWARDS: Privileges and duties unite guest speakers

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The pleasures and responsibilities that teachers have in inspiring future generations of adults was the topic of conversation for both guest speakers at the Education Awards.

Special needs teacher, athletics coach and international triathlete Abi Schofield (26), of Peterborough, shared her inspirational story of how she went from running for emotional release to more demanding sporting pursuits, but for fun.

Abi said: “To work with children is a privilege and the best thing you can do for children, as educators, is to believe in them - even when they themselves don’t.”

The awards was rounded off by South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes whose speech focused on the “powers of community, endeavour, purpose, pride and shared achievement”.

Mr Hayes said: “These awards are an emerging tradition and I hope they continue.”

EDUCATION AWARDS: Inspirational pair recognised for reaching their communities

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A head teacher having an immediate impact at his primary school and a head of art with a “passion” for creativity were both rewarded for being inspirational.

Nick Newitt, who has set about changing the fortunes of Weston St Mary Primary School since his arrival in September 2015, was named Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Primary).

Judges chose Mr Newitt just ahead of Gemma Richards, of Willoughby School, Bourne, and Gemma Favell, of St Paul’s Community Primary School, Spalding.

Mr Newitt said: “I was quite frankly astonished to have been nominated for this award and I wasn’t expecting to win.

“Anyone who is familiar with my school knows that it’s had a very difficult past and so when I joined as head teacher in September 2015, I started to work on stopping the freefall that the school was undergoing.”

Meanwhile, energetic arts teacher Liz Kelleher took the Inspirational Teacher of the Year (Secondary) Award, for her commitment to making both creative and performing arts accessible to her students and the wider community.

Mrs Kelleher, head of art at Spalding High School, said: “It was a surprise to be nominated but it’s such a privilege to share my passion for art, design and all things creative with so many students, as well as so many people in the community.

“I’m so appreciative of the many opportunities I’ve been given to do that, with the school’s support, and it’s brilliant to have a captive audience of young minds who want to soak up my passion for arts.

“But it’s also brilliant to meet people in the community and to find out that there are a lot of creative people here.”

Mrs Kelleher accepted her trophy alongside Rachel Capper, a history teacher at The Deepings School, and Dr Peter Marshall, head of physics, who both received finalists’ certificates.

The awards were presented by David Gratton, of Duncan and Toplis Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Pinchbeck, who said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of these awards because the future is in the hands of our schools.”

EDUCATION AWARDS: Somersaults and cartwheels for gymnastics rising star Jake

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There were no losers in the Outstanding Sporting Achievement as three talented youngsters emerged from a category full of excellence.

Jake Jarman (14), of The Deepings School, took the award just days before he is due to show his skills in front of British Gymnastics head coach Eddie van Hoof.

A clubmate of four-time Olympic medallist Louis Smith, Jake is a member of British Gymnastics’ elite junior squad and was the best-placed gymnast at an international competition in Italy last month.

Jake said: “I started doing gymnastics when I was nine and I now train six days a week.

“Being selected for the British junior squad earlier this year has been my best moment so far because it opens up a lot of opportunities to be selected for future competitions.

“But my ultimate goal is to go to the Olympics in either 2020 or 2024.”

Jake was chosen ahead of finalists Tallulah Freeman, a footballer from Peele Community College, Long Sutton, and promising athlete Lee Addison, of Spalding Academy.”

Richard Lord, head teacher at The Deepings School, said: “We are all delighted that Jake received the Outstanding Sporting Achievement award.

“He is an exceptional young man, a dedicated athlete who has many sporting achievements in the field of junior gymnastics, a superb role model and anninspiration to other students.

“As part of the British Gymnastics junior squad, Jake achieved a silver medal last month at an international competition held in Italy.

“We are all very proud of him and hope that with his continued commitment and perseverance to his sport, he will achieve further great things.

“In the meantime, our aim is to ensure that we support him fully along the way in terms of preparing for his GCSE examinations.”

Galaxies of good as Spalding schools stand out at Education Awards ceremony

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The best of south-east Lincolnshire education had its big night out at Spalding’s South Holland Centre for the third annual Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards.

At least 200 people were inside the centre’s function room on Thursday night to cheer on pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, as well as sixth forms, from across South Holland, the Deepings, Bourne and villages south of Boston.

In total, 12 awards were presented during the event organised by the Free Press and our sister newspaper, the Spalding Guardian, in association with Duncan & Toplis Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, Pinchbeck.

Two of Spalding’s flagship schools, St Norbert’s Catholic Primary School, Spalding, and Spalding High School, carried off the two biggest prizes of School of the Year (Primary) and School of the Year (Secondary) respectively.

Staff from St Norbert’s, whose Oftsed “Outstanding” status last September has led to continued progress over the last 12 months, were jubilant as they received their trophy from Kim Tomkins of award category sponsors Mana Education, Rutland.

Year Two teacher Sharon Bools, who has worked at St Norbert’s for 11 years, said: “Our school has been on a very long journey and so we felt that it was time to say ‘this is how far we’ve come’”.

Yeat Three teacher Sam Morton added: “We’re a family and this award both celebrates and encapsulates the pupils, teaching staff, parents and wider community.

The other category finalists, Long Sutton Primary School and Tydd St Mary Primary School, were presented with certificates during the event.

Meanwhile, Spalding High School went one better than its finalists’ placing last year to be named School of the Year (Secondary).

A breathtaking year of academic, sporting, community and cultural success was recognised by award judges who placed Spalding High School just ahead of Bourne Academy and Spalding Academy.

Michele Anderson, headmistress of Spalding High School, said: “We were humbled and proud to have been shortlisted against such tough competition in so many categories.

“Everyone at the High is as pleased as punch to have won the School of the Year (Secondary) Award and we all had fun at what was a tremendous celebration of all that is positive about education.”


EDUCATION AWARDS: Lights shine brightly for caring Ellen and ‘very positive’ Matthew

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Two outstanding students from schools in Long Sutton and Bourne were winners at this year’s Education Awards.

Ellen Debney (16), of Peele Community College, Long Sutton, and Matthew Squire (19), of Willoughby School, Bourne, were named Student of the Year and Most Improved Student 2016 respectively.

Judges praised Ellen for gaining nine GCSEs in the summer, whilst helping to care for a younger sister with learning needs.

Ellen, who missed the awards night through illness, said: “I didn’t event know I’d been nominated, but I’m honoured to have been recognised and very sorry that I couldn’t come.”

There was recognition too for category finalists Abbie Upton, of Bourne Academy, Katie Wickham, of Spalding High School, and Nathan Cook, of The Deepings School.

Meanwhile, Matthew has overcome behavioural needs to be able to go on visits to other schools, including nearby Bourne Grammar School.

Elizabeth Squires, Matthew’s mother, said: “Matthew is a lovely boy who has been able to put his trust in the school’s support staff who give him time and space to communicate by being so warm and so giving.”

Other finalists praised in this category by the judges were Jak Bembridge, of Spalding Academy, and Tom Jibb, of The Deepings School.

James Husbands, head teacher of Willougby School, Bourne, said: “Matthew won our Student of the Year Award for his very positive attitude and bright smile.”

EDUCATION AWARDS: Village school’s ‘Ambassadors’ of the environment turn gold

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A determined effort by youngsters at Pinchbeck East Primary School to channel their energies into saving energy was given the green light by Education Award judges.

The school’s Environmental Award success is the first trophy in the school’s cabinet under new executive head teacher Andrew Raistrick.

Both Long Sutton Primary School and Spalding High School were credited for their efforts in becoming more aware of using resources more efficiently and promoting such intiatives as recycling and alternative energy sources.

However, Pinchbeck East’s commitment to a greener outlook across the school was a deciding factor for the judges.

Chloe Pentney, Year Four teacher at Pinchbeck East, said: “We started a Carbon Ambassadors programme through Lincolnshire County Council about a year ago to get the children really involved in an energy-saving action plan throughout the school.

“The children loved it and so we had an energy saving action day when we asked the children to set up their own energy incident room so that they could check whether energy is being wasted.

“We’re currently developing a nature area, along with other exciting projects as well.”

EDUCATION AWARDS: History is made by ‘incredibly selfless’ Ayla

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A volunteer with special needs children has secured Bourne Grammar School its first ever success at the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian Education Awards.

Ayla Rayner (17), of Bourne, was chosen ahead of Spalding Grammar School and The Deepings School for her initiative and arranging regular work placements at Willoughby School, Bourne, and the town’s Little Miracles charity.

Shocked Ayla said: “I just enjoy it and it’s so rewarding to see what other children can do.

“As soon as I finished my GCSEs, I just wanted to spend any time that I had with children at Willoughby School and now I’ve got a job there at its after-school club.”

“I want to be a paediatric nurse and this award will boost my confidence, as well as look good on my CV.”

James Husbands, head teacher at Willoughby School, said: “Ayla has volunteered at Willoughby School for several years and she gives up a huge amount of her time to help the students here, as well as the children at Little Miracles Bourne.

“She is just incredibly selfless and puts others before herself.”

• Ayla is pictured with Barry Gibson of award category sponsor Ashwood Homes and runners-up from Spalding High School and The Deepings School. (SG10111-137TW)

EDUCATION AWARDS: Winners’ parties for Swineshead Pre-School and The Willows Day Nursery

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Two of the best centres for early years learning in Lincolnshire can start planning victory parties for their youngsters after Education Awards success in Spalding.

Swineshead Pre-School Centre is now Pre-School of the Year, taking on the title won last year by The Willows Day Nursery, Fleet Hargate, whose children’s team won the Pre-School Staff Award.

Led for the past 21 years by nursery manager Carolynn Fletcher, Swineshead Pre-School Centre is celebrating its fourth major award in the last two years.

Mrs Fletcher said: “We were shortlisted as the one of the top six pre-schools in the UK for this year’s Nursery World Awards and all the feedback we’ve ever had from parents is that our children never want to leave us at the end of each day.

“We’re a good team and although we don’t advertise ourselves, we get children from a mile out of Spalding up to Boston and across to Billinghay (near Sleaford).

In recent years, the pre-school has been recognised by Ofsted which judged it to be “outstanding” in all areas in August 2013.

A year later, Mrs Fletcher was named both Pre-School Manager of the Year at the Nursery Management Today Awards and Nursery Manager of the Year at the Nursery World Awards, followed by an award for Outstanding Contribution at the same awards last year.

Mrs Fletcher said: “Parents who visit us say that all the staff seem to be friendly and there’s a homely, easy-going feeling here.

“We’ve come a long way in 21 years and it’s basically down to out passion and vision for the pre-school.”

Other finalists in the Pre-School of the Year category were Sunbeams Playgroup, Sutton Bridge, and Wygate Foundation Nursery, Spalding.

A similar “passion and vision” can also be found at The Willows Day Nursery which impressed judges by the way staff worked together, despite personal difficulties individually, to put their children’s education first.

The Willows finished in front of Dawn Tucker, leader of the Rainbow Group for under-fives at Willoughby School, Bourne, and the staff at Swineshead Pre-School Centre.

Victoria Pitts, owner of The Willows Day Nursery, said: “We were thrilled last year to win Pre-School of the Year, but this was after the parents had nominated us.

“This year, I nominated the staff myself for what they’ve done and for being there, both for the children and each other.”

EDUCATION AWARDS: Respect gets its reward for students’ fried Mark

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A Bourne Academy staff member who has won the respect of both students and teachers is the “unsung hero” of south-east Lincolnshire education for 2016.

Mark Bryan, the school’s pastoral and behavioural manager, left judges in awe at what they described as his “enthusiasm, good feeling and rapport” in helping Bourne Academy students to display the highest standards of conduct at the school.

Mr Bryan said: “You get to know the students, their likes and dislikes, their teachers and families - then you just work with them so that when they come into school, we’re able to give them support.”

In a category full of impressive nominations, Mr Bryan just edged ahead of Michelle Willoughby, of Willoughby School, Bourne, and Maxine Constable, of St Paul’s Community Primary School, Spalding.

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