Political risk reared its head again this week. After the election of centrist Emmanuel Macron in France soothed worries, the sacking of FBI director James Comey by US president Donald Trump revived them.

There were also worries that Trump’s economic stimulus plans could be stagnating. Although the US market moved ahead less than most, shares were mostly strong worldwide.

Emerging markets generally outperformed. The price of oil, whose weakness during recent weeks has been a worry, bounced somewhat. The gold price, which has also been slightly weak since mid-April, stabilised.

China has returned to the forefront of investor attention, amid signs that a recovery in the world’s second largest economy is decelerating, with recent figures on manufacturing and producer-price inflation missing economists’ estimates.

At the same time, Chinese authorities have taken steps to curb risks such as excessive lending by banks. These measures have helped cool investors’ enthusiasm and Chinese domestic shares have slipped this month.

Still, the measures could help thwart a larger market wobble, similar to that experienced in China in early 2016, thereby improving its longer-term outlook.

We live in volatile times… but not if you go by the usual measures. The VIX index of short-term US market volatility is at its lowest level since 1995, European volatility is at its lowest since 2006, while FTSE 100 volatility is hovering at all-time lows.

These measures have long been used by investors and market commentators to track market nerves.

The value of investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

The annual Britain’s Top Tradesperson competition has been launched by Screwfix.

The event is held to highlight and recognise the great job that plumbers, electricians, carpenters, builders and many more tradesmen and women do in the region.

By entering Britain’s Top Tradesperson 2017, tradespeople have the chance to be rewarded for the outstanding work they deliver to customers by keeping homes and businesses in the area in tip-top condition.

This year’s winner not only gets to take home the coveted title of Britain’s Top Tradesperson 2017, which will transform their business, but they also win a brand new £32,000 (OTR) Toyota PROACE or Hilux.

Entries are accepted until June 4, with regional finalists selected and facing off later that month.

To enter you can go into the Screwfix store in Pinchbeck or Bourne and pick up a form or or go to screwfix.com/btt, where you can also find further details.

A children’s charity has given its reaction after a man from Spalding was jailed today for committing sex offences against underage girls.

Speaking after Roy Hayes (44) was jailed for four years and eight months, a National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) spokesperson said: “This case is a disturbing example of the way offenders like Hayes exploit the internet in their search for young victims to satisfy their sexual desires.

“Attention must now focus on his victims to ensure they get help to recover from these traumatic experiences.

“And it is vital that children are aware of the risks they face online, so they know how to keep themselves safe.

“Through high quality sex and relationship education children can develop their digital resilience and learn to recognise grooming behaviour. It is also essential that parents have early conversations with their children about how to stay safe online.”

• The NSPCC has teamed up with O2 to create Net Aware – the UK’s only parental guide to social media and gaming apps. For free help and advice, call the NSPCC O2 helpline on 0808 8005002.

FRIDAY, 4.49PM: Jail for DJ who committed sex offences against underage girls

A Spalding DJ who committed sex offences against teenage girls was this afternoon (Friday) jailed at Lincoln Crown Court.

Roy Hayes contacted his victims over Skype, persuading them to strip and perform sexual acts as he watched.

Hayes masturbated while the acts were taking place and recorded the footage.

Hayes (44), of Gaunt Close, admitted two charges of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and a further charge of attempting to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity.

He also admitted three charges of making indecent images of children.

Judge Simon Hirst jailed Hayes for four years and eight months. Hayes was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

The judge rejected a defence plea that Hayes should be spared an immediate jail sentence to allow him to receive help.

Judge Hirst told Hayes: “There were videos and sex chats concerning the sexual exploitation of children. The offending is too serious.”

Michael Cranmer-Brown, prosecuting, said that police began investigating Hayes in March 2016 as part of an inquiry into indecent images of children being made available for sharing over the internet.

“Officers went to his home address. He was asked if he had any knowledge of this activity. He said he had.”

Police took away computer equipment which was later examined. 4,500 indecent images of children were found including some which featured children as young as five years-old being abused. The images were downloaded over a six and-a-half year period.

Mr Cranmer-Brown added: “In due course the police also found material that was on the computer indicating that the defendant had been engaging in Skype communication with under-age girls.

“He engaged in sexual conversation with them, instructing them to engage in sexual activity and he had been masturbating when this had been taking place.”

Two of the girls, aged 13 and 14, were later spoken to by police. The third girl, who told Hayes she was 15, was never traced.

Hayes, who used the identity “rockdjuk”, had stored a number of video clips of the girls performing sex acts at his instigation.

Peter Clark, in mitigation, said that Hayes had sought help and urged that he be given the chance of treatment.

He told the court: “Over a period of time this defendant development an entrenched interest in internet porn.

“His obsessive and addictive use of adult pornography led to the breakdown of a relationship.

“The material was not originally involving children.

“There were never any attempt to arrange actual meetings with these girls. There was no sharing or distribution of this appalling material and he accepted his guilt straight away.

“His working life and his social life have been completely wrecked by this.”

Mr Clark said that a number of people had submitted references on behalf of Hayes, referring to him in a positive way.

National Volunteers’ Week runs from June 1 to 7 and is an opportunity to thank those already volunteering and ask others ‘how could you make the difference?’

At Lincolnshire Community and Voluntary Service (LCVS), we see the impact volunteers make every day and the difference volunteering makes to them too.

We’d like to thank all volunteers who contribute to our community, including those who help our organisation – assisting us to promote volunteering opportunities and help community groups and projects reach their goals.

Volunteers do such a wide range of things. They help improve our environment –think of the members of In Bloom committees who helped secure gold awards for Spalding, Holbeach and Crowland and silver gilt for Long Sutton.

Volunteers spend time with those who may otherwise be lonely, provide activities for children and contribute to a range of other services and support.

Spalding and District Round Table and Ladies Circle Beer and Music Festival, which takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (May 26, 27 and 28), at The Castle Sports Complex, Spalding, is organised and run by volunteers. All profits support local youth projects.

In Volunteers’ Week, we’d love to share your thank you messages and photos of volunteers already making a difference –find us on Facebook and Twitter pages @LincolnshireCVS

If you’re feeling inspired to volunteer, Chain Bridge Forge, in Spalding, which has links with University of Lincoln regarding the use of Virtual Reality in training and the design and manufacture process, as well as its own 3D printer, is still seeking digital innovation volunteers.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People is recruiting volunteers to assist people with sight loss to use technology such as smartphones and computers.

And Citizens Advice is always seeking people to help raise its profile in a variety of ways.

LCVS is hosting a Volunteer Coordinators Forum at Tonic Health, Spalding, on June 1 – come along to share tips and network.

Visit www.lincolnshireorg.uk , contact enquiry@lincolnshirecvs.org.uk or call the LCVS Spalding office on 01205 510888 option 3.

Whatever your interest, LCVS can help you find a volunteering opportunity.

Residents in South Holland are being reminded that they have until Monday to have their say on the Publication Version of the South East Lincolnshire Local Plan.

The new Local Plan for South East Lincolnshire (the areas of Boston Borough Council and South Holland District Council) has been prepared to guide development and use of land in the area up until 2036.

It includes sites to be 
allocated for different types of development, such as housing and employment in order to meet the area’s needs, as well as identifying areas of land which must be protected from development.

It also covers a wide range of other planning related matters in the form of policies, against which planning applications can be judged.

The Publication Version of the plan has been made available to residents as part of a six week consultation period which started on April 10 and runs until Monday2.

This is the final round of consultation that will take place before the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination in public.

Unlike previous consultations, comments made must now relate to whether the Local Plan is ‘sound’ and complies with legal and procedural requirements – a guidance note on how to make comments is available at www.southeastlincslocalplan.org

A spokesperson for the South East Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee, said: “We have taken on board the comments you have made so far about how you would like to see Boston Borough and South Holland developed.

“A lot of work has gone into its production and it cannot be stressed enough how important this will be in influencing where we build up until 2036.

“You now have a final chance to comment on the plan, before it is submitted, to help shape the future for generations to come.”

All of the documents published for consultation are available to view online at www.southeastlincslocalplan.org/consultation; in libraries and mobile libraries and at the council offices in Boston and Spalding, during normal office hours.

You can comment on the consultation documents in the following ways:

• Online via our dedicated consultation portal at www.southeastlincslocalplan.org/consultation;

• By emailing a completed comment form (available to download from our website or can be collected at locations listed above) to: southeastlincslocalplan@sholland.gov.uk;

• By posting a completed comment form to: South Holland District Council Offices, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 2XE.

Comments must be received by 5pm on Monday, May 22nd. If you have commented during previous consultations it is not necessary to repeat those comments this time around as they have already been considered in reaching this stage. All comments made in previous consultations will be submitted to the Secretary of State.

For more information contact the Local Planning team by emailing southeastlincslocalplan@sholland.gov.uk or call 01775 764476.

This year’s May Day Bank Holiday weekend was just like most others for Spalding-based hair stylist Inca Honnor (22).

A Saturday at work inside Crown Affair Hair & Beauty in Hall Street was followed by a Sunday “chill out” and bank holiday Monday itself combined shopping with a few “jobs”.

What a contrast to the Saturday before May Day in 2013 when Inca, of Whaplode St Catherine, was the face of Spalding and South Holland as last-ever Flower Queen.

Inca said: “I was so excited, like a little girl, because it was the one time of the year for Spalding to really shine.

“I remember waking up early on Saturday, May 4, 2013, to get my hair done and to put my dress on.

“Once I was all reeady, the car came to pick me up and take me to Springfields Festival Gardens for the flower parade itself.

“The journey round town seemed to go so quickly, but when we went down Halmergate where I always used to sit with my family, I remember thinking ‘I’ve done it’.

“Standing out in front of all those people and speaking to the likes of John Hayes (MP for South Holland at the Deepings at the time for the flower parade) was a nervous thing to do.

“But it was more than just the day itself, which is almost like a clear blur to me now.

“It was about building friendships that I still have now, so it’s quite sad that the chance is no longer there for other girls.”

Inca wore her Spalding Flower Queen tiara for two years, longer than any of her predecessors, which allowed her to attend special events in Moulton Chapel, Pinchbeck and Spalding before a new Tulip Queen tradition took its place.

She said: “Not many girls want to represent their town and some feel like they need to go further afield in order to be successful.

“But in the two years I was Spalding Flower Queen, I took every single opportunity I could to go to lots of different events where young girls would see me in my dress.

“I wanted to give them what the previous Flower Queens had given me because it’s important for young children to have something they can aspire to in Spalding.”

British rhythm and blues band Soul II Soul’s 1989 song “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)” resonates with the now “retired” Spalding Flower Queen Inca Honnor.

The song itself, a UK number one six years before Inca was born, speaks of “back to the here and now, back to the present time, back from a fantasy”.

Inca said: “Off the back of the flower parade, I used it as a platform to contact local primary schools and teach dance to children.

“Then I decided to get my hairdressing qualifications and my next goal is to become a qualified hair stylist, potentially having my own salon in Spalding.

“I was living in a little bubble, a fairy tale, as Spalding Flower Queen.

“But then you have to draw a line and step into reality.”

A woman of 95 died within hours of being released from hospital, an inquest heard.

Laura Morfoot was a popular resident at the Southfield House care home in Woolram Wygate, Spalding, and was returned there at 1am on August 3, 2014 after being taken to Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital by ambulance the previous day complaining of abdominal pain and chest pain.

Senior carer Sharon Smith wasn’t on duty when Laura returned, but told Wednesday’s hearing in Boston: “We were a little concerned because Laura wasn’t able to weight bear. It was ambulance transport – it wasn’t like a proper ambulance – and she was just sat on a normal chair.”

Ms Smith said staff were concerned because they used a hoist for all of Laura’s transfers, adding: “We don’t know how they (the ambulance service) actually got her in that chair.”

She said the home’s notes showed staff became concerned about Laura again at 7.30pm, called an ambulance and were advised to do CPR, but unfortunately she passed away at 8.24pm.

Coroner Paul Cooper concluded Laura died of natural causes after receiving evidence from pathologist Dr Elizabeth Astall that her death was caused by heart problems, a thrombosis (blockage) of the right coronary artery and coronary heart disease, and that a bowel obstruction may have been a contributory factor.

The inquest heard Laura had long-standing heart problems.

Dr Ting Yiu Wong told the inquest he was in his first year of training when he saw Laura.

He said Laura’s abdominal pain had eased after she went to the toilet at 4pm on August 2.

When Dr Wong had a conversation with Laura at 10.15pm, he said “she denied any chest pain or shortness of breath”.

Dr Wong said, looking back with more experience, there were signs in the ECG that would suggest lateral wall ischemia (a serious heart problem) but he believed that should have been “picked up by the doctor who signed the ECG”.

He told the hearing: “I do agree, looking back at the case, that an abdominal X-ray should have been requested along with a chest X-ray.”

A & E consultant Dr R V Sant said it did not appear Laura was “in an awful lot of chest pain” and her ECGs taken by the paramedics and by the hospital were consistent with one another and appeared normal.

He said: “There’s nothing to suggest there was anything acute going on in the heart at that time.”

But the consultant said he believed doctors who saw Laura should have made an attempt to contact the care home to “try to ascertain what had been going on previously”, describing that as “a good learning point for all of us”.

• Laura’s daughter, Angela Higgs, gave a brief history of Laura’s life and said: “I could not have had a better mum.”

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. V/S means victim surcharge.

Boston Magistrates’ Court

April 24

Jurji Kravcuk (34), of Willington Road, Kirton. Failing to comply with Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations (Boston) by way of presenting 219 items of perishable food the labelling of which did mislead consumers as to the foods durability in that the ‘use by’ information was false. £258 fine, £30 v/s, £4947.35 costs. No separate penalty for four further counts of failing to comply with Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations.

Aldis Gruntins (38), of Kings Road, Spalding. Assault (Spalding). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement, £178 fine, £85 v/s, £85 costs.

Christopher Hutchinson (67), of Portland Place, Retford. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £50 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Jenty Devall (19), of Fairview Court, Woodston. Stole various items worth £330 from Morrisons (Pinchbeck). 6 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s, £4 costs.

Dean McGrath (28), of Wedgwood Drive, Wisbech. Breach of non-molestation order (Deeping St Nicholas). 6 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s. Possession of cannabis (Boston). 6 months conditional discharge. Drugs to be forfeited.

April 25

Fernando Carvalho (44), of Roman Bank, Spalding. Had in a public place a large knife (Spalding). 26 weeks prison sentence suspended for 24 months, rehabilitation activity requirement, £115 v/s, £350 costs, knife forfeited. No separate penalty for no insurance, no MOT and for fraudulently using a vehicle registration mark. Commission of further offence during operational period of suspended sentence order to continue, £50 fine.

Fernando Carvalho (44), of Roman Bank, Spalding. Stole whiskey and chocolate bars worth £27 belonging to Iceland (Spalding). 2 weeks prison sentence concurrent suspended for 24 months, rehabilitation activity requirement.

Timothy Louth (35), of Nidds Lane, Kirton. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Keith Robinson (64), of St Mary’s Meadows, Gedney. Speeding (Wildmore). £193 fine,£30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Evaldas Laukys (27), of Breda Court, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £330 fine, £33 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Misha Hanson (25), of Parthian Avenue, Wyberton. No insurance (Wyberton). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no MOT.

Joseph Manning (39), of Royce Road, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £400 fine, £40 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

April 18

Mitchell Owen (19), of Station Street, Donington. No insurance (Sutterton). £770 fine, £77 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

George Payling (54), of Glenconner Road, Ayr. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £80 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Steven Rochester (51), of Moulton Avenue, Bedford. Speeding (Crowland). £333 fine, £33 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Christopher Wesson (61), of Craven Arms Road, Aston On Clun, Shropshire. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Przemyslaw Wnek (41), of River Court, High Street, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £233 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

David Bishop (24), of Edinburgh Drive, Kirton. Rode a pedal cycle on a footpath (Boston). £220 fine, £30 v/s.

Alan Whitaker (57), of Bradford Road, Boston. Driving without due care and attention (Surfleet). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 9pts.

Randson Chotatang (41), of Lansdowne Court, Spalding. Assault (Spalding). Community order with 80 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation activity requirement, £85 v/s, £350 costs.

April 20

Mark Smith (30), of Highfield Road, Donington. Assault (Dunston Fen). 6 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s.

April 21

David Mills (29), of St Margarets Road, Old Fletton. Peterborough. Stole aftershave worth £75 belonging to Boots (Spalding). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £40 costs. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

April 22

Artur Leontjev (42), of NFA. Stole mascara worth £50 belonging to Wilko (Spalding). 4 weeks prison sentence. Had in a public place a lock knife. 12 weeks prison sentence consecutive, £115 v/s, knife forfeited. Two original offences in respect of community orders, 7 days prison sentence concurrent on both counts. Original offence in respect of community order, 12 weeks prison sentence concurrent. Original offence in respect of community order, 7 days prison sentence concurrent. Overall length of sentence - 16 weeks.

April 25

Petras Adamkus (22), of West Elloe Avenue, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and no MOT certificate.

Roger Buttery (40), of Black Prince Avenue, Market Deeping. Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence (Tallington). £40 fine. No insurance. £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Alice Eveleigh (22), of Wheatfield, Langtoft. Driving without a seat belt (Langtoft). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Rachael Jackson (33), of Station Road, Morton. Speeding (Anwick). £100 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Ross Kitchen (19), of Station Street, Donington. No insurance (Grantham). £184 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Anthony Lord (48), of Bailey Street, Prestwich. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £100 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

If you’ve ever spotted a bloke filling up his trailer with fly-tipped waste from the roadside, it’s a good chance you’ve just had an encounter with parish council chairman John Grimwood.

The man doing his bit to tidy up Sutton Bridge wishes everyone had the same pride in the village he calls home and ‘the eastern gateway to Lincolnshire’.

John (69) has been a member of Sutton Bridge Parish Council for the last ten years and chairman for around half that time.

“I will never, ever be a politician,” John insists.

John’s voluntary one-man waste collection service is just the tip of the iceberg of good deeds performed for no money and little appreciation, except for thank you’s from fellow parish councillors who learn, meeting by meeting, the latest in the catalogue of damaged equipment fixed by the former motor engineer and one-time joint boss of now closed coach company, Carnell’s.

John says: “I would like to think I am giving something back to the village. It would be nice if more people felt like that.

“I do minor repairs.

“If something falls off, I will put it back. We get signs pulled off and I go and replace these – it’s only a matter of putting cable ties on, simple little jobs.

“If you are calling in somebody to do it, nobody’s going to do anything for less than 25 quid these days so, if it wants doing, I just go and do it.”

Sweeping the pavement, shovelling up dog poo, cleaning up children’s play equipment and putting up speed awareness signs are among the long list of more recent jobs.

Trips to the supermarkets in Wisbech or Spalding are perfect opportunities for scraping up fly-tipped waste, popping it in the trailer and taking it to the recycling centres.

John said: “I have taken beds before.”

There was a bit of a stand off when John was told on one trip that the bed was “too big” and he would have to pay to dispose of it.

“I said I will pay for it, but the bill’s going to the district council,” said John. “Then the man said ‘I supposed you had better leave it’.”

John’s community spirit – and that of fellow parish councillors – came to the fore when Sutton Bridge was threatened with flooding in the east coast tidal surge of December, 2013.

There were no men in suits discussing strategy ... just men in boots filling sandbags and delivering them to doorsteps.

John recalls the banks of the Nene being overtopped in the 70s when floodwater lapped around the back of his Bridge Road home but, thankfully, it didn’t enter the house.

The December 2013 tidal surge once again exposed the village to a potential disaster as water was two inches from the top of the riverbank.

“It frightened me because I though it was going to come over again,” said John.

John was born in Holbeach but moved to Sutton Bridge 50 years ago when he married Doreen, who has also had a spell as a parish councillor.

He joined his father-in-law’s coach company, J W Carnell Ltd, eventually being jointly responsible for running it.

John worked with Carnells for more than 30 years until the business closed about six years ago and has since taken on a few little jobs, including work for a taxi firm doing a school run in a little eight-seater.

He says: “You need a reason to get up in the morning.”

John fills his days with “other little bits and pieces”, including an allotment.

He says: “I have got my wife who supports me in everything I do.

“I wouldn’t change my life. I think I have had a wonderful life.”

• The Snowgoose Wildlife Trust describes the Sir Peter Scott lighthouse as “the most iconic and inspirational building in the history of global conservation”.

Also known as the East Bank Lighthouse, the building at Sutton Bridge was home to the celebrated writer, artist, naturalist and conservationist who was the son of Scott of the Antarctic.

Sutton Bridge has a walk named in Sir Peter’s honour that will soon be part of a national coastal footpath.

It has a busy port, a newly constructed pleasure craft marina and the renowned Cross Keys Bridge.

John says: “Water attracts people and we get a lot of people coming to the viewing area to watch the port.”

The marina is in its first season.

“It cost a lot of money,” said John. “But we will just see how it goes. If nothing else, it’s got to improve the riverbank.”

In Bridge Road, there’s a thriving community hub – The Curlew Centre – that brings people from all walks of life together for a host of activities, from art to kickboxing.

John says: “We don’t make enough of Sutton Bridge.

Reflecting on the disappointing local election results, it appears that apathy, confusion or both have won the day along with the Conservatives.

Using Lincolnshire as an example, 68.02 per cent of registered voters did not make the effort to vote; in other words, 375,974 eligible voters declined to use their right to make positive change to their local communities.

This figure is shocking and needs to be addressed. Historically, it is well known that the Conservatives (Tories) tend to succeed best when electoral turn out is low.

There are a number of reasons for poor turn out. It is possible that constituents were not registered to vote or that they were physically unable to do so. I urge all to register to vote and remind readers that the deadline to do so prior to the General Election is Monday, May 22.

A further reason for apparent voter apathy is the “election fatigue” or the misguided 
rationale that their vote will not affect the outcome. It is 
obvious from the graphic (above right), kindly provided by Lincolnshire County Council, that this fallacy could not be further from the truth.

Perhaps voters are unaware of the good works the council does or could do had budgets not been cut by 40 per cent since 2010 by the LibDem/Conservative and Conservative governments respectively. Perhaps they subscribe to the appalling self-serving attitude prevalent among many whereby they are only concerned with their own wellbeing. It’s also possible that they don’t think that anything will change regardless of the dominant political party.

It is also possible that the local community feel let down by all the political parties and it is an ill-advised vote of protest similar to that of many in the EU referendum.

It is important to note that whether or not we engage in politics, it affects every single aspect of our lives, though we may not be aware of it. We all have issues that need to be 
addressed and our voices will not be heard if we make the choice not to vote

Whatever the (lack of) motivation, it needs to be addressed and quickly before the crucial General Election on June 8. Do not let apathy win! I urge all readers to ensure that they are registered to vote, regardless of political persuasion, as our right to vote was hard won. I also suggest that we all apply for the postal vote to ensure our voices are heard in case we are unable to get to the polling station on election day.

Finally, I strongly suggest that you analyse all the pledges offered by the parties and reflect on recent promises made prior to the General Election 2015 and the EU referendum last year.

For more than 40 years the name Whitwell has meant all things antique and collectable in Long Sutton.

Today, David Whitwell is keeper of the family name at Long Sutton Antique Centre in London Road.

Home to more than 30 dealers from across the country, David provides individual units where traders can show their wares for display and sale.

He said: “This year, we’ll have been here for 20 years which us quite an achievement,

“We’re open seven days a week, apart from Easter Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

“My family has run antiques shops in Long Sutton for nearly half a century and when a chance to move into the centre came along, it was a case of natural progression for us.

“Some people say ‘there’s too much to look at so I’ll have to come again, while other customers have said ‘you’ve had a massive tidy-up in here’.

“But although the internet has made it easier to buy things, the only way of getting something that’s different is by going to an antiques centre.”

In 2012, the British Antique Dealers’ Association conducted an annual survey of members which found that 320 of its members were responsible for annual turnover of £822 million.

Of particular interest to David, the survey also found that shops and galleries accounted for half of all sales, while 63 per cent of respondents said that just nine per cent of their total sales were done on the internet.

David said: “We sell quite a lot of old furniture as a lot of people realise that buying it means getting something that’s been well-made.

“But it’s very difficult to judge what sells and, in the case of 1950s furniture, getting hold of it isn’t easy.

“That’s why, as dealers, you have to move with the times.”

Michelle Manley, one of the traders who has a unit at the centre, said: “I like to go for quirky, funny, old and modern pieces, as well as things that make you smile.

“There are lots of things that get people to think ‘that’s a nice piece’ which is why I like to have a bit of everything.

“I moved to the front of the centre recently and it’s something I’m very pleased about because even when the centre is shut, people can still have a look at my stuff.”

Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Iceland, USA, South Korea and Japan are just some of the countries both dealers and customers have come from to see the treasure trove of goods at Long Sutton Antique Centre.

David admitted: “We’ve sold things to all four corners of the earth, but my ideal customers would be Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and the Sultan of Brunei.

“I love it and you get a real buzz when you sell something.

“But I also like being surprised by what people bring in to the centre to sell on for them.

“We sometimes get schoolchildren who come in and buy odds and ends, while other customers can buy anything from old farm machinery to a Rolex watch.”

Michelle added: “We get a diversity of people in here, making it more interesting for them to come in and have a look.

“We also have sales representatives from all over the country, along with Korean and Japanese dealers who come to England and go round certain areas of the country, depending on how the pound (in sterling) is doing.”

Some of the UK’s best-known auctioneers and antique dealers, thanks to the increasing number of TV programmes about the industry, have paid a visit to Long Sutton Antique Centre.

James Braxton, Charles Hanson, Paul Laidlaw, Philip Serrell, Mark Stacey and even TV actress Amanda Donohoe have been guests of David’s at the London Road base.

David said: “The antiques trade is exciting because you never know what you’re going to buy or sell and that’s why people like coming in here.”

At times, David has broken bad news to customers who thought they had bought a masterpiece at a bargain price.

He said: “Someone came in thinking that they had an original painting of John Constable’s The Hay Wain, a national treasure.

“They asked what it was worth and I said ‘if it’s the one at the National Gallery in London then hundreds of millions of pounds’.

“But the customer went away unconvinced that their painting wasn’t the original.”

Children from Surfleet Primary School welcomed a fire crew from Spalding to learn more about people who look after them and the community.

Firefighters Darren Burchnall, Craig Newstead, Louisa Thornton and Andy Wand gave Reception and Year One pupils a guided tour of a fire engine, showing them how a water hose, siren, blue lights and the vehicle itself all worked.

There was also time for a question and answer session in class where Darren asked the youngsters: “What would you do if you saw a fire?”

Teacher Anett Baxter said: “The children were so engaged in what was going on and it’s something they will remember forever.

“We’re just so lucky to have something like this, hands-on experience to see real things, rather than trying to imagine it in a classroom.”

Three medical herbalists have joined forces in a bid to help, guide and educate people about the benefits of herbal medicine.

Emma Barker, Ghislaine Headland-Vanni and Lois Campbell have teamed up to launch the Fenland Phyto Pharmacy and will be offering a variety of workshops and herb walks as well as selling natural products.

The trio want to teach herbal pharmacy skills by showing people how they can make a variety of topical and internal preparations using medicinal plants.

They will also be presenting talks to groups and organising herb walks around the area, where they will show people the variety of medicinal plants growing on their doorsteps and help individuals identify them correctly.

“The idea is that we want to educate people about herbal medicine and how they can use it in their homes,” says Emma, who also runs a herbal medicine clinic at Spalding’s Tonic Health every Thursday.

“We’ve been doing some work towards this through the South Lincs Natural Health Group, where meetings have been going really well, but we thought there was scope to take it further and make a business. It’s still early days yet but we’re planning some workshops, herb walks and other events and are really keen to hear from anyone who would like to find out more about our work.”

Emma achieved her BSc in Herbal Medicine last summer after completing a three-year course at Lincoln University, which included 500 hours in the teaching clinic as part of her training. Ghislaine and Lois are second year students and due to qualify next year.

• South Lincolnshire Natural Health Group’s May meeting at Sutterton Village Hall, on Thursday, May 25, will focus on stress and how to manage it. Tickets for the event, starting at 7.30pm are £3 each.

• Fenland Phyto Pharmacy’s first nature herb walk takes place on Sunday, June 18 at 10am. Starting from Spalding Lifestyle and Gardening Centre, Spalding Road, Pinchbeck, the walk will take about two hours and will cover approximately two miles. It will follow a varied route combining the off street public footpaths and cycle ways, alongside water courses, through wooded areas and a wild flower meadow.

Booking is essential. Tickets are £10 per person. To find out more search Fenland Phyto Pharmacy on Facebook or email slnh@mail.com

Plans to build 110 new homes in Deeping St Nicholas have been branded as “a step too far” at a meeting on Monday.

Parish councillors voted narrowly, by four to three, not to oppose a planning by application by W. D. Branton Farmers and The Honorable RFJ Carrington to build on 15 acres of land off Littleworth Drove and Campains Lane.

The plans were revealed by our sister newspaper, the Lincolnshire Free Press, two weeks ago in which the developers confirmed their wish to include a children’s play area as part of the scheme.

But Coun Paul Barnett, who lives near the proposed site, said: “This would be outside the current (South East Lincolnshire) development plan and the future one, if approved.

“The applicants have also made it quite plain that some of the traffic would actually go through The Avenue, off Campains Lane, which has no footpath, is single-lane, broken up and completely unsuitable.

“Imagine 110 houses, with two cars per household, that’s 220 more vehicle movements that would simply come through The Avenue and into Campains Lane.

“This is going to create major, major problems and I just think it’s a step too far.”

Councillors also stated concerns about “joining up” the proposed estate with existing ones in The Avenue and Elizabeth Crescent.

Parish council chairman Coun William Rodwell said: “The developers are offering to give the village its own playing field, with equipment, at the back of some bungalows so that it’s more in Deeping St Nicholas and away from the railway line.

“I think we ought to say that we want the old bus shelter (in Campains Lane) taken away and to try and get a new one in the plan, bringing in a bit of pavement to go down Campains Lane where the old one is.

“The district council may decide that the 110 homes are part of its housing supply, but the joining up of the estates is totally wrong and there’s no advantage in going down that road.”

A statement from the applicants said: “The majority of the land is farmed by the applicants and conflict between private and agricultural vehicles has always been a significant problem.

“The current mix of residential, agricultural and commercial traffic is unsustainable and becomes increasingly dangerous at the level crossing (on Littleworth Drove).

“Discussions have taken place with Lincolnshire County Council highways department who have suggested that direct access off Littleworth Drove would be more acceptable, thus reducing current traffic and avoiding further traffic congestion on Campains Lane.

“This application should be considered as a “windfall” site capable of being developed without impact on the character of the surrounding area.”

• What do you think? Email jeremy.ransome@iliffepublishing.co.uk

A Spalding mum who suffered the heartbreak of losing an unborn baby has teamed up with an equestrian centre to help women who suffered similar trauma.

Adele Barker (34) says her own life was saved by riding a pony called Lottie, enabling her to beat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without medication.

Adele and district nurse Janice Elley, who has joined her in the Horses for Health venture, will be working with the Castledyke Equestrian Centre at Gipsey Bridge, near Boston, so women can enjoy the healing experience of riding.

Adele says equestrian centre owner Kate Richardson has been really supportive and the first woman to come forward will soon have an introductory session at the centre with her children for £20.

“Basically, it’s half price,” said Adele.

Adele had already forged links with a Louth-based Riding for the Disabled Group and the first meeting was held earlier this month.

Although it won support from midwives, Adele was determined to find something closer to Spalding.

Janice suggested Castledyke and Adele gave Kate a call.

“Kate was amazing,” said Adele. “She said ‘yes, I can help you’. She was just really accommodating and said what a great idea.”

Adele said the riding sessions can be offered as often as they need to be.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder triggered by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

Adele says four in ten women who suffer an ectopic miscarriage – resulting from a baby growing outside of the womb – go on to suffer PTSD and the condition can affect women who suffer a traumatic delivery.

Adele had her ectopic miscarriage in June 2015 but didn’t realise she was suffering from PTSD until she heard a programme on Radio 1.


She says the sense of loss is always going to be there but riding simply drains all the stress away.


• To get in touch and find out more about riding please email infohorsesforhealth@gmail.com or phone 07507 390042.

Previously ...

Pony Lottie saved heartbreak Spalding mum’s life

How many more derelict buildings have to be sorted out. What with the Bull and Monkie, £20,000 spent so far on what?

It is still in a mess, plus that huge board from the council making it more obvious.

Each town has its eyesore, Holbeach The Chequers, Long Sutton The Bull and Sutton Bridge The Bridge Hotel.

Who is going to pay for these or is it us through council tax?

Also the notices about drinking etc are not working. They are high up on posts and completely ignored. I have seen men leaning on the rubbish bins by Lime Court drinking and then throwing cans and bottles onto the grass. If caught will they pay the fines, will they have the money?

The whole of Spalding is a disgrace with every law being ignored. I try and pick up litter most days when I walk into town. It’s very depressing to what I remember when I came to Spalding over 25 years ago.

What do visitors think I wonder?

Tributes have been paid to a former Whaplode Parish Council chairman, Mike Pullen, who has died at the age of 82.

The parish councillor, a Conservative member for Whaplode and Holbeach St Johns on the district council, moved to Lincolnshire in 2002 but was more than happy to take on roles giving public service to the people in his adopted home.

District council leader Gary Porter said: “I had only known him for a couple of years but in those years I never heard him say a bad word about anyone or anything. He always looked at the positive side of things.

“He has been a good councillor for the time he’s been with us but, obviously, that was too short. He was a really nice guy, always smiling, and the sort of bloke you would like to spend time with at a bar.”

Whaplode Parish Council chairman Morris Stancer said: “Mike will be very much missed. He always stood up for Whaplode and has always been willing to do his share and more than his share sometimes.”

John Hayes, who was MP for South Holland and the Deepings until Parliament was dissolved for the General Election, said: “Mike was incredibly brave in his illness, he was confident of his place in Heaven and proud of what he had achieved here on Earth. He was very proud of the work he had done in Whaplode and of his public service.”

Mike leaves family including wife, Ruby, and son Tony. Sadly the couple’s daughter, Caroline, passed away three-and-a-half years ago. There are also three grandchildren and seven great-granddaughters.

Ruby said Mike was brought up in the East End of London, working first in the London docks as a rigger.

He had several jobs before the couple married in 1955.

They took jobs in a brewery in Chelmsford and Mike later worked in insurance before he retired. The couple moved to Fakenham in 1997.

Ruby said Mike enjoyed his public service locally, saying: “He was one of those people who had to have an interest.”

Mike’s funeral service takes place at Surfleet Crematorium at 2pm on June 2.

Objections against a scheme to build 100 homes in Holbeach is building after parish councillors joined residents in opposing it.

Moulton Seas End developer D Brown Building Contractors Ltd has applied to build a mix of one to four-bedroom homes on 20 acres of land off Wignals Gate, Holbeach.

Nearly half of the site would be used as “public open space”, according to planning papers prepared on behalf of the developer.

But after our sister newspaper, the Spalding Guardian, reported nearly three weeks ago on a campaign by Wignals Gate resident Andy Hardy to stop the development going ahead, Holbeach Parish Council has also objected to it.

Mr Hardy told the Guardian: “There isn’t the infrastructure for another development of that size in Holbeach and instead of a field full of daffodils, there will be a field full of houses behind the affected homes.”

The Wignals Gate scheme is among a total of about 500 new homes that South Holland District Council has received planning applications for to be built in Holbeach.

In addition, another 900 homes and primary school are planned for land off Fen Road and Hallgate, 39 homes in Low Lane, 185 homes in Battlefields Lane and 55 homes in Fleet Road.

In a joint statement to South Holland District Council, members of Holbeach Parish Council said: “This development (Wignals Gate) is not in our Parish Plan.

“We have two large developments in the pipeline, one of which is very close to this application (site), and we consider this land to have customer service requirements on it (water and electricity).

“It is therefore not a sensible site for housing and Holbeach cannot cope with any more large-sized developments.

“What was the point in us spending hours on a Parish Plan if it is to be ignored?”

In a separate statement to the district council, parish and district councillor Paul Foyster said: “We already have a massive development proposed that is very close by at Hallgate.

“That alone is bad enough and will, in my view, damage Holbeach.

“This new proposal, which simply can’t be considered in isolation, is sheer madness and the town really could not cope.

“Holbeach has been obliged to accept far more than our fair share of new homes, so please put these somewhere else.”

In its statement, the developer said: “From our discussions with planning officers, it is clear that there is a drive towards wooded and nature areas, dog walking routes and natural play areas for children.

“Holbeach is currently under-provided for in terms of public open space and this proposal would offer a significantly large expanse of open space to the south-western area of Holbeach.

“This proposal stands out from other developments because the open space provision is far in excess of the minimum standard and it embraces a drive towards healthier lifestyles and increased social interaction.”

Former parish council chairman Coun Isobel Hutchinson said: “It would be rather unfair if this application was refused as others have already been passed when the land was not originally within the development area.”

This is an open letter to Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, about Sutton Bridge, the Gateway to Lincolnshire.

I refer to Mr Hill’s interview on Look North recently after the local elections – you are either deluded or a fool sir.

For you personally to say that people must like what Lincolnshire County Council are doing is farcical.

The council will continue to operate whether they are Labour, Conservative or led by others. You, sir, as the leader of the council, are negligent and negating your responsibilities to local parish councils without full consultation or consideration.

You dictate your poor decisions and operate with impunity.

The parish councils here and everywhere are being burdened by the trickle down effect. If the county council do not want the responsibility then it must be time for all parish councils to be devolved and funded adequately from your purse.

The county council village green on both sides and the roundabout at Crosskeys Bridge is an absolute disgrace. It is covered in molehills, long grass, dandelions in abundance and spent daffodils. I guess you don’t care. You don’t live here but I do, we do and we do care.

I understand that you will no longer be responsible apart from a two metre cut in all areas. This policy is not acceptable and should be rescinded immediately.

Sutton Bridge is an absolute disgrace. If the county council do not want the responsibility of these amenity areas then you should transfer ownership to Sutton Bridge Parish Council so that they can precept to maintain them in the long term.

Vicky Hills

via email

TRISH TAKES FIVE: By Trish Burgess

There’s an old African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.” This came to mind last Saturday night when the curtain finally came down on the SADOS production of The Wizard of Oz. Bringing this musical to life required the efforts of so many people in the community.

The proud parents, our producer and directors, looked for a good home in which to nurture their new baby. The South Holland Centre and its team provided a fine stage and great technical assistance.

A talented group of set builders were on hand to decorate this home, spending several days sawing and hammering to create Dorothy’s home in Kansas,the Tin Man’s cottage and the Emerald City. A young art and design student also pitched in with a paintbrush to add the delicate touches.

This babe needed to be clothed so our wonderful wardrobe mistress sourced specific outfits from costume agencies whilst our skilled seamstress ran up a dizzying array of required garments for munchkins and monkeys.

Every child wants something to play with. Our props department came up trumps, creating a spell book and a scroll whilst hunting out countless items such as a broomstick and an oil can. Friends heard our cries for help on Facebook and let us borrow a bicycle and a cart.

A baby needs to be entertained and stimulated. Colourful lights, music and technical wizardry all came together to make this show sparkle. With some neat choreography and dazzling make-up, the production came alive.

Friendship and support from others is vital. In our production we were so grateful that chaperones gave up their time to babysit and our families stood by us during months of rehearsals.

Assistance from others who have also had experience of bringing a production to the stage, was invaluable. Many members of St Nicolas Players came to our aid with set building and stepped up to be our backstage crew at the theatre. This support will never be forgotten and I hope will be reciprocated in the future. Raising a child is hard work, made lighter when others provide help and support. Everyone who has been involved in The Wizard of Oz can feel justly proud of the part they played.

But time goes by very quickly and it’s not long before you realise the job is done. Scripts are returned, costumes handed back, props placed in cupboards. It can be a sad time, saying goodbye to everyone who has walked with you every step of the way.

But we belong to a theatre family and it’s worth remembering that it’s a big family. There will be more productions to come. The village is waiting...

• You can read Trish’s blog at www.mumsgoneto.co.uk

A drink driver who was rescued by a passing motorist after crashing into a river has been banned from the road for 12 months.

Alison Rossiter (58) was dragged from her sinking car by passer-by Steve Jones who dived in to save her. Rossiter, of Broadgate, Spalding, told Peterborough magistrates the crash was caused by sneezing which made her glasses fall off.

But they were told that 
after being breathalysed at the scene, she admitted to police that she had been drinking in a pub prior to the incident.

She admitted drink driving and was fined £140.

She was told by magistrates that she was “lucky to be here”.

Following the incident in March, Cambridgeshire, on April 30, Mr Jones was praised for his bravery by Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

He told how he jumped into the freezing cold river after Rossiter careered off the road and into the water.

Mr Jones (35) said: “I heard the splash and knew something had happened. When I ran outside the car was just sinking into the water. I knew I had to do something. There could have been children in the car.”

He added: “I went straight into the water and tried to open the doors first of all, but couldn’t. Luckily the windows were already smashed, so I went underwater and unlocked the doors and just had a feel around. I managed to feel someone in there and pulled them out.

“It could have been an awful lot worse than it was. I just did what any human would do. It was completely pitch black. I couldn’t open my eyes either so it was literally by feel.”

Police also tweeted their gratitude to Steve, saying: “Steve, thank you for your life saving actions.”