WARD’S WORLD: By John Ward

I mentioned in passing a little while ago the antics of our (then) barber Mr Steven – or ‘Uneven Steven’ – perhaps the only barber or gentleman’s hair stylist that was the antichrist when it came to straight lines as in hair cutting and the chances of a straight cut haircut was a 50/50 situation once in the chair as he strode into action with clippers and scissors.

His customers sat there with fingers crossed that they might walk away with a decent haircut with equal lines at the back and sides although he did manage to get the parting somewhere near the middle or acceptable if you were prepared to walk with a permanent lean, as it would be there for a while and not just when family came to visit sort of thing.

Since this memory jogger appeared I have been asked by assorted folk if there was more to this ‘Hairdressing Rambo’ and the following may also shed further light on what was really one of those people that we used to look upon as being ‘bit of a character’ as opposed to being deranged or barking mad in today’s world.

The question mostly raised was if he was so bad, how he did he get customers and there are several answers to that and if any come to mind, I will let you know at some point.

So until then, it was a case of (1) he was local and (2) he also sold other things from ‘the shelf’ next to the cabinet where he kept the cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco and pipe cleaners although oddly he never sold pipes but (3) he was much cheaper than anyone else in our area and so worth taking the risk/gamble.

As well as ‘hairdressing’, one of his well known lines was ‘herbal tobacco’ and this was dispensed from a sort of big tin that looked if it was left over from World War 1 and neither side wanted to claim it back as it looked that bad.

A customer glided in and asked for a ‘bit ‘ole herbal’ and this was weighed or measured out with a sort of miniature soup ladle type of kit.

Once measured out it went into a paper bag, the money taken and if we were unlucky the purchaser would then go round to the ‘waiting area’ and sit down to wait his turn for a hair transformation or at the very worse, a haircut.

While waiting, he would fill his pipe with the said ‘herbal’ stuff.

In those days it was possible then to smoke indoors without fear of being transported to Devil’s Island as like today.

Then there was the ignition sequence as this could take as many as a dozen or more matches to get it going (ciggie lighters usually ran out of fuel first) although you may have guessed, Mr Steven also sold boxes of matches as well.

The smell from this mixture was vile and consisted of possibly left over anchor rope used for mooring the Queen Mary in dock with a hint of mildewed hay bale plus a dab of horse liniment for taste.

Once it caught light or ignited, it poured out smoke as it spat out pops, bangs and sparks and rattled away like November the fifth and as the test pilot sat there he would pull the pipe out his face and speak and cough in unison: “You can’t beat a good bit ‘ole stuff like this, now can you?” and with an eye on the till, Mr Steven smiled and agreed with him.

In many respects he was not unlike the character Arkwright as played by the ‘Open All Hours’ on television and they could have been half brothers at worse.

Social history section. Coming from an era where certain things were taboo to speak about, unlike today where there is greater understanding such as to certain birth control requirements, in the years gone by it was the thing to ask for ‘something for the weekend’ as this was the euphemism if you were for asking for contraceptives.

On one occasion I sat waiting for a hair transformation and someone popped in and it was quite obviously his ‘first time’ for asking for such things and as I sat there reading the July 1927 copy of ‘Yachting Today’ including the Mind Your Knots supplement, we heard him ask with: ‘I want SOMETHING for the weekend, please... you know..’ and he kept winking at Mr Steven and he looked at him as he repeated his request, with an even more knowing pronounced ‘wink’, and as Mr Steven perhaps had not seen him before, sold him a pair of sunglasses but oddly he paid up and shot out like a rocket.

Mr Steven came back to carry on carving, sorry, cutting the patient’s hair and he said to all of us present: “That young chap seems to know we are having some good weather this weekend as it could be turning out quite sunny if his requirements are anything to go by”.

We sat, we looked at each other, we went back to our reading.

On another occasion a friend’s brother went in and asked for the very same thing – a number of times – as Steven just stood there silently looking at him – as in ‘I want SOMETHING for the weekend p-l-e-a-s-e..’ and as being again unknown to Mr Steven or rather not one of his ‘regulars’, he sold him a paint roller.

Once back out the shop, he produced said paint roller to a group of assembled friends and there was much discussion as to how this paint roller was to be used/applied or even fitted for the supposed purpose it was intended for with various wild guesses as to which end went where as it must be pointed out, none present where educated to university or college level and as there were no apparent instructions supplied with it, a trip to the library was perhaps the next port of call to look up paint rollers in the reference section, top shelf section of course.

One incident that ‘did the rounds’ as they say was a client/patient/volunteer who was sitting reading away while waiting and spotted something odd on the floor near where he was sitting.

On closer inspection, he ventured to pick the item up and to his horror saw it looked like a dead, decomposed mouse. Mr Steven looked across and asked what it was and it was handed to him to inspect and he muttered something and placed it on the shelf near the cash till and said: “If nobody claims that within a fortnight, you can keep it as being the finder – remind me nearer the time.”

Amid the total silence Mr Steven ventured that it perhaps happened when one of his clients combed their hair ‘too quickly’ (!?) with a metal comb and caught the ‘little blighter’ (!?) and then warned those present to be very careful or better still, use a plastic comb which fortunately he had a good well priced range on his counter and to ask on the way out. Mr Steven was indeed a cut above the rest.

The last of the potatoes and peas were sown into dry conditions in early May. This was partially alleviated by a gratefully received 50mm, but now more rain is needed.

Regionally, the harvest season has started with fresh, green vining peas being harvested and delivered to local freezing and canning factories.

There is comfort in the regularity of the farming calendar and the passing of nature’s seasons.

As a society, by comparison, we seem to be in a constant state of volatility and turmoil. Brexit and the General Election have produced unexpected outcomes.

In these tumultuous times, farmers need to ensure that the government recognise the importance of agriculture. To this end, the local NFU recently met with parliamentary candidates of all persuasions. This is especially important locally, where farming provides the raw materials for the Lincolnshire food industry, which is a key business for the UK.

Brexit trade negotiations must enable farmers to continue trade with Europe as well as ensuring imports are grown to similar environmental and welfare standards as UK-produced foods.

We need thriving rural communities and a safe and affordable domestic supply of food – in turbulent times we need a local and secure food supply.

June is a critical month for crop growth. The long days of bright sunlight not only enable our crops to achieve their potential, but also show off the countryside in its glory.

I hope many of you enjoyed visiting local farms recently for Open Farm Sunday. Simply spending time in the countryside puts the rest of the turbulent world into perspective.

The latest cases from Boston and Lincoln courts.

Boston Magistrates’ Court

May 15

Katie Croker (42), of Ash Court, Donington. Drink-driving (Quadring). £225 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 14 months.

May 17

William Nunn (26), of Water Lane, Bourne. Assault (Bourne). Four months prison sentence suspended for 12 months, rehabilitation activity requirement, £115 v/s, £85 costs.

Richard Kyberd (36), of Browns Gate, Long Sutton. Assault (Spalding). £500 fine, £250 compensation, £50 v/s, £85 costs.

Scott Roberts (36), of Chapel Gate, Sutton St James. Assault (Spalding). £800 fine, £250 compensation, £80 v/s, £85 costs.

May 22

Patrick Boles (22), of Sunnycroft Road, Leicester. Took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence (Crowland). £150 fine, £30 v/s, £127 costs.

Craig Brooks (37), of Saxon Street, Burton on Trent. Took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence (Wyberton). £80 fine, £30 v/s, £127 costs.

Joshua Gilson (19), of Whitechapel Street, Nottingham. Took fish otherwise than in accordance with a licence (Wyberton). £80 fine, £30 v/s, £127 costs.

May 23

Anita Furnell (45), of Church Road, Wigtoft. No insurance (Kirton). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Connor Roylance (21), of Farrow Avenue, Holbeach. No insurance (Holbeach). £265 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs. Driving without due care and attention. £130 fine, 6pts. No separate penalty for using a motor vehicle with faulty brakes.

Reece Lindley (25), of Royal Close, Sutton Bridge. No insurance (Sutton Bridge). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

May 16

Aiste Stravinskaite (28), of Stretham Way, Bourne. No insurance (Boston). £250 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Jack Pillans (20), of Humberstone Lane, Thurmaston, Leicester. Assault (Bourne). 16 weeks prison sentence suspended for 2 years, restraining order, £115 v/s, £85 costs. No separate penalty for criminal damage.

Simon Wilson (35), of Longs Wharf, Double Street, Spalding. Stole 37 bars of Galaxy chocolate worth £36.63 belonging to Aldi (Spalding). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement.

Simon Wilson (35), of Longs Wharf, Double Street, Spalding. Stole brandy worth £216 belonging to Sainsbury’s (Spalding). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement, £216 compensation. Stole fragrances worth £36 belonging to Sainsbury’s (Spalding). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement, £36 compensation. Stole 106 boxes of 10 packs Kinder chocolate bars worth £106 and coffee of value unknown from Iceland (Spalding). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

Raimondas Alseika (32), of Northgate, West Pinchbeck. No insurance (Spalding). £300 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Dragos Bradea (20), of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Ronald Dalton (65), of Bilberry Close, Red Lodge, Suffolk. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £40 costs, 3pts.

Glen Pearl (36), of Skeldyke Road, Kirton. Speeding (Quadring). £118 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Warren Smith (39), of Glen Tramman, Ramsey, Isle of Man. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £40 costs, 3pts.

Cosmin Vasile (31), of Westlode Street, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £35 fine, £30 v/s, £35 costs, 3pts.

May 18

Zane Ajasa (33), c/o Buttercup Drive, Bourne. Drink-driving (Bourne). £133 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Isobel Miller (20), of Chapel Lane, Folkingham. Drink-driving (Sleaford). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 17 months.

May 19

Radek Blazicek (40), of Lewis Court, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £75 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Gemma Cureton (25), of Southwell Drive, Skegness. Speeding (Whaplode). £130 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Devidas Dorondovas (29), of Winsover Road, Spalding. Speeding (Whaplode). £83 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Stephen Morley (58), of Beaufort Drive, Spalding. No insurance (Skegness). £770 fine, £77 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence/no MOT.

May 22

Amedeo Frison (21), of Havelock Street, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Sebastian Trzeciak (38), of Garnsgate Road, Long Sutton. Failed to stop after an accident (Long Sutton). £108 fine, £30 v/s, £30 costs, 5pts.

Aaron Kelly (33), of Wood View, Bourne. Attempted theft of a motor vehicle (Bourne). Community order with rehabilitation activity requirement, £80 v/s.

Jonathan Bowles (47), of Burchnall Close, Deeping St James. Driving without due care and attention (Market Deeping). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Sarah Box (49), of Broadgate, Weston Hills. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Arvydas Fetkevicius (19), of Juniper Crescent, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

“Strong and stable” my foot. The PM’s arrogance and desire to decimate her opposition simply hurt the country, Brexit and her own party.

There was no need for this election. She must follow her predecessor and go. We don’t need a weak and unstable government just now. I expected to be embarrassed at the Spalding count, not campaigning was so hard to do, but I doubt it made much difference given the national picture. Conservatives were too dismayed at their overall results to gloat. Politics polarised and UKIP are now in the same place as Scottish Conservatives have been for years. They recovered yesterday and so will we, wait and see what we will have for the country after our Autumn conference.

John, Voyteck and Dan are gentlemen, I know nothing about the other two. We are lucky in our candidates here and brave Jane Smith did exactly what was asked of her. Thank you Jane and all the Ukipers who stuck with us. Congratulations to John, please continue to fight for proper Brexit and do more for the constituency, give the PR stuff and photo opportunities a break. We will not give you such an easy ride next time. Thanks to the Ukipers who stuck with us. I told Voyteck on Thursday night that his second place now makes him the local “national level” opposition, an unexpected role that I found uncomfortable during the last couple of years. The personal silver lining is that I can now concentrate more on district, parish and other local matters.

May lost because of her failures over security, students wanted a free education, voters did not like the proposals to tax the less well off and reduce benefits to people who really need them and she refused to answer questions honestly or engage with ordinary people. It had little to do with the EU. This election has been very damaging. Fasten your seat belts, politics has just become even more unpredictable and dangerous.

A young Deeping St James driver has been banned from the road after being caught ‘drug-driving’ by police.

Jack Keatley (20), of Park Estate, was driving in Stamford on March 31 at 10.15pm when he was followed and stopped by police after turning round in the road and heading in the opposite direction.

As officers followed the car, they could smell cannabis coming from Keatley’s Audi A3.

A drug wipe test detected a level of 3.2 microgrammes (mcg)of cannabis in one litre of blood. The legal limit is 2mcg.

Defending, Helen Coney said Keatley had complied with officers and is a man of good character, who admitted the offenc e at the first opportunity.

Keatley was fined £270 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.

He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

People in South Holland have been showing their solidarity to those affected in recent terror attacks by requesting tattoos of the Manchester bee - which has become a symbol of ‘togetherness.’

Nick Thompson owns Spalding’s The Art of Ink in Bond Street Court, just off Winsover Road. He said he has been inundated with requests for the bee tattoo.

The symbol comes from Manchester’s worker bee motif which has long been associated with strength and pride in the city.

Since the terrorist attack it has been adopted to show courage and defiance. Money from the tattoos is going to the national Manchester Bee Tattoo Appeal which has raised almost £440,000 to support families of those killed or injured in the Manchester Arena attack.

Mum-of-two Shauna Baxter (27) of Gedney Dyke, is one of those who has chosen to have the bee tattoo on the inside of her left wrist. She said: “I think it shows solidarity after what has happened. I was in tears watching the One Love Manchester concert and I just wanted to do my bit.”

Tattooist Nick said: “It doesn’t matter where you are in the UK, people want to do this to show we are all one country. Shauna was happy to do this and I’ll be donating £50 to the Manchester Tattoo Appeal for her tattoo.”

The appeal, organised by Manchester tattooist Sam Barber, has had an overwhelming response from tattoo studios across the UK, Europe and the world.

At Ink Warrior in New Road, Spalding, owner Lutero Mariano says he has also had requests for bee tattoos.

Customer Charlotte Clark (18) said she is planning to get one done.

Lutero said: “We are just asking people to donate £10 to cover the cost and ink and we will donate the rest to the charity.”

Singer Ariana Grande and her backing dancers have had the bee tattoo as a permanent reminder of Manchester and its people. More information can be found at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/manchestertattooappeal

Tydd St Mary Pre-School has bounced back after being dealt a near fatal blow by its disgraced former treasurer, who stole more than £4,800 from the coffers.

Brenda Fursse, who chairs the pre-school committee, says the community response has been “absolutely fantastic” and more than £5,000 has been raised “through the kindness of others”.

In April, former treasurer Andrew Rivett was jailed for eight months when he appeared at Lincoln Crown Court for sentence after helping himself to money from the pre-school’s reserve account.

Judge Simon Hirst told Rivett: “As a result of what you did the consequences were very serious and almost fatal to the pre-school group.

“There was enormous worry among members of staff and parents about the school closing.”

Everyone connected with the pre-school was determined to soldier on.

Brenda said: “We know we have got a really caring community so we were hopeful that people would stand behind us.

“We never expected it (the theft) and it just hit us like a ton of bricks but to be lifted back up in this way by the community is just amazing.

“We just wanted to get back and get on with the job in hand.

“People have been so kind.

“It makes you realise how many good people are out there.”

As well as organising and supporting fundraising events, villagers have been voicing their support for the pre-school.

“We’ve had people coming up to us and saying they appreciate us being in the village,” said Brenda. “We have spoken to people who had children there years ago.”

There was a well-supported summer fete at the pre-school on Saturday, which raised £400.

Fundraising has included a family disco and football tournament, organised by previous parents of the pre-school, which raised £887.22.

A brass band concert held in the church raised £237.63.

Donations received through Lisa Jarmany at the local shop, ‘Tydd Stores’, and further private donations direct to the pre-school have totalled £2,900.

The pre-school held several successful fund-raising events themselves, including a popular quiz night, a sponsored pedal and an Easter coffee afternoon, making a total of £583.25.

Brenda said everyone connected with the pre-school is grateful for the public’s generosity.

She said: “We will now be able to move positively forward and continue with the care, education and development of the children attending the setting.”

Anyone wishing to book a place for their child in September can phone manager Sheila Melton on 01945 420331.

The pre-school’s annual drive and table top sale takes place on Saturday, July 22. For bookings contact 01945 420331 (mornings only) or 01945 420741.

• Is there something that makes your own community great? Email lynne.harrison@iliffepublishing.co.uk

Previously ...

Pre-school treasurer jailed for stealing funds

Fundraising boosts Tydd St Mary Pre-School after theft by ex treasurer

Residents are moving out of Hovenden House at Fleet following April’s shock announcement by Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD) that it will close in August.

MP John Hayes met charity officials in Fleet last week and is pressing for “full financial details about why they are closing”, as well as insisting residents are accommodated in a way they are happy with and staff are properly looked after.

LCD say Hovenden House needs major repairs at “considerable” cost but Mr Hayes says the charity should have invested in a suitable alternative property years ago.

The MP has also expressed surprise that LCD is axing the Fleet home given war hero Leonard Cheshire’s strong ties with Lincolnshire.

Following questions from the Free Press, LCD has not confirmed how many of the 23 residents have moved out or confirmed a final closing date.

A spokesman said: “We have worked closely with all of our residents and their families about their wishes and to help people to choose new homes.

Residents have started moving to these. All other residents are in process of finalising funding for chosen placements.”

He said the charity is “supporting every member of staff to help them make decisions about their future employment, including opportunities with LCD.”

Three woman have brought two separate businesses under one roof in Spalding to meet the beauty and feet health needs of clients.

Jacqui Wareing and Sarah Steel moved their business, Tip 2 Toe Nails, Beauty and Holistic Therapy, from Spring Gardens, Spalding, to its new home in The Crescent six weeks ago.

From there, spray tanning, body treatments, eye enhancements, facial, waxing, manicure and ear piercing services are all available.

Sarah said: “Jacqui started doing my nails and then got me into it, persuading me to train and to start Tip 2 Toe which has been going for seven years.

“We’ve been gradually taking more and more clients on and now we’re trying to bring more holistic therapy into the business.

“Now we have a huge beauty section, with everything from waxing to hot stones full body massage, spray tanning and facials.

“But we’re also looking for a hairdresser to come into the building on a self-employed basis.”

Two weeks ago, Jacqui and Sarah welcomed qualified foot health practitioner Elaine Garth to their base in The Crescent which is open six days a week, Monday to Friday, 9am until 6pm, and Saturdays between 9am and 2pm.

Elaine, who left her care coordinator’s job to qualify in footcare four years ago, said: “I come here to have my nails done and when Tip 2 Toe moved premises, they asked me if I wanted to rent a space.

“I had to think about it because it was a big decision to take, but I thought it would be a nice change to work with people after four years as a mobile foot health practitioner.”

As a separate business from Jacqui and Sarah’s, Elaine is available on Tuesdays between 9 and 5, although later appointments are available by request,

Jacqui said: “We were very keen to have Elaine with us and now we want to attract new clients into the clinic.”

There is cause for celebration for one of Spalding’s best kept secrets as its bid to become more accessible has received a cash boost.

Spalding Gentlemen’s Society houses an extensive, important and fascinating collection inside its listed building home – and yet many people have never heard of it.

Now it has secured a £20,100 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund as it attempts to expand interest in and accessibility to its collection.

The fascinating heritage museum is he oldest provinci. I, it achieved museum accreditation in 2015 and now this grant will help develop a viable strategy for the future, including increased access for visitors.

A thorough options appraisal, including a review of the existing building and its future viability for the collection and better public access, will now take place.

There will also be a detailed governance and membership review with market research to increase public awareness and encourage interest in local history, together with an outline business plan.

An important part of this project is to raise awareness of and increase access to the fascinating collection in the museum and to promote knowledge and understanding of the museum’s cultural and heritage offering for people in South Holland.

In addition to the museum collection, the Society is custodian to an extensive library and archives. These offer a wealth of local history and interest, as well as being nationally and internationally important.

The Society wants to further encourage local residents, schools, historians, U3A members or individuals tracing their family tree to become more aware of these resources, as well as academic and local history researchers and college and university students.

The Spalding Gentlemen’s Society was founded in 1710 by Maurice Johnson and has had many well-known members, including Lord Tennyson, Sir Isaac Newton and local antiquarian, William Stukeley.

Its main purpose is to promote the arts, humanities and sciences. The collection has developed over 300 years and is now housed in a Grade II listed building in Broad Street, which is bursting at the seams and in need of structural repair.

Sadly, the nature and condition of the building make unaccompanied access difficult at present but the Society holds regular open days for visitors and arranged visits for interested individuals.

It also organises 12 Friday night lectures at Spalding Grammar School throughout the winter months.

Despite its historic name, membership of the Society is open to both men and women. Care and management of the museum, library and archives relies almost entirely on volunteers.

Membership is by open application – your interest and support are what is most important. For more information email sgsinfo@btconnect.com

• The Spalding Gentlemen’s Society was founded in 1710 by Maurice Johnson, a lawyer who had experienced coffee house society in London.

There, gentlemen met to share and discuss cultural, scientific and antiquarian knowledge with each other and, through correspondence, with others around the world.

The early 18th century was an exciting time of world exploration, scientific discoveries and cultural and social change.

Contemporary to the Society of Antiquaries in London, Spalding Gentlemen’s Society is the oldest provincial learned society in Britain to have survived.

The museum is located in Broad Street, Spalding, the current building dating from 1911. Today, members and visitors to the museum are able to explore an amazing collection, historic library, important archives, maps, paintings and much more which are often not available elsewhere.

The Society also offers opportunities for academic, literary or personal research, including local history.

The hunt for those responsible for at least 25 crimes, including burglaries, across South Holland goes on despite no new incidents in two weeks.

A dedicated team of detectives and extra patrols of homes where key safes are used have continued since a 25-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman where questioned by police.

Inspector Gareth Boxall, Community Policing Inspector for South Holland, said: “We have a very vigorous investigation ongoing and extra resources have been created to carry out further enquiries.

“Both myself and Detective Inspector Dave Rimmer (South Holland Area Detective Inspector) are aware of how these offences have affected people’s lives and just because they seem to have stopped, we’re not complacent.

“I think it’s down to our intervention in one way or another and we’re still conducting proactive patrols to try and catch those responsible.

“We’ve also doubled the number of staff in trying to target where the offenders might be and their locations.

Anyone with information should call 101.

• Police are looking for the driver of a silver Peugeot 306 that crashed into a lamppost and two garden walls in Spalding.

It happened in Hawthorn Bank, a section of which was closed for more than two hours after the crash at about 1.30am on Monday, June 5.

A Lincolnshire Police spokesman confirmed that the car was later recovered but the driver ran away from the scene.

Anyone with information should call 101.

Pinchbeck theatre student Will Silver (17) is asking for help from the South Holland community to raise at least £15,000 to fulfil his dream.

Will has a place Arts Educational Schools London’s School of Musical Theatre but council funding is available for the course.

The teenager is due to start the course in September after finishing his studies at the Eastern School of Performing Arts in Stamford.

Will said: “Being offered a place at this school is like a dream come true.”

To help Will, visit www.gofundme.com and type in “Will’s West End Dream”.

Keen golfers are invited to enter teams of four players for a charity golf day at Gedney Hill Golf Club on Sunday.

The event is for St Barnabas Hospice in Lincolnshire which needs around £5.5 million a year to care for more than 9,000 people with life-limiting illnesses.

Last year’s golf day raised more than £1,000 and this time, you can sign up a team of four at a cost of £72 which includes a bacon bap and tea or coffee on arrival, along with a two-course lunch.

Rounds start at 9am and for more details, call Vikki Allen on 07435 753098.

A decision on whether to accept a near £450 offer from South Holland District Council to cut highway verges in Gedney and Gedney Dyke has ben put back to July’s meeting.

Like other parts of Lincolnshire, Gedney is to have just two cuts a year after the county council’s decision to stop paying district councils to cut grass on its behalf.

But Gedney parish councillors chose to wait and see whether grass cutting was needed this summer.

• Memorials left outside the immediate area of graves at Gedney Cemetery could result in a written warning.

Concerns that council workers are struggling to mow the cemetery because vases are causing an obstacle was raised at Tuesday’s meeting.

Cemetery rules state that “statues, vases, mounds or other obstacles” should not “prevent or hamper mechanical mowing and general maintenance”.

Villagers across the Gedney area will soon have the chance to become lifesavers after the go-ahead was given to buy new defibrillators worth nearly £3,300.

Training courses in Gedney, Gedney Dyke and Gedney Drove End are to be organised later this year once the defibrilators are installed in cabinets outside halls in each village.

The defibrillators have been bought partly as a result of Gedney’s status as one of the largest parishes in South Holland at more than 12,500 acres or nearly 20 square miles.

Parish clerk Jane Ripley said: “The defibrillators have been delivered and will be installed at village halls in Gedney, Gedney Dyke and Gedney Drove End.

“I’ve started to make enquiries about training and I’m asking the village halls if they would donate an hour, free of charge, for the training of residents.

“It’s just so that residents have the knowledge until a LIVES (Lincolnshire Integrated Voluntary Emergency Service” First Responder arrives.

“This is for everybody and all those people trained will be informed of the numbers to the cabinets which, along with the defibrillators, will be registered with East Midlands Ambulance Service.”

Plans for a new farm shop as part of a housing development in Gedney Dyke have left parish councillors doubtful as to whether it can survive.

Councillors voted unanimously to object to an application by growers C.W. Wright and Son Ltd, of Gedney Dyke, to build eight detached houses on land off Main Street in the village.

The growers, who supply asparagus and daffodils to customers across the UK, want to sell fruit and vegetables at the farm shop as a way of diversifying the business.

But councillors described the plans as “unsustainable” and one member feared the shop would eventually close and be turned into another house “in a year’s time”.

Coun Andrew Parks, parish council vice chairman, said: “This shop would only be a fruit and vegetable shop so I think that it wouldn’t sell enough to satisfy the village.”

In a planning statement, the growers admitted that a previous application to build seven homes on the same site were rejected by South Holland District Council in August 2016 on sustainability and an “inadequate” flood risk assessment.

But the statement said: “A survey has been undertaken of village residents to ascertain likely demand and support for a farm shop.

“Of the 48 respondents, 18 households indicated that they used a farm shop on a daily basis, with 25 households using one on a weekly basis.

“When asked how often convenience stores are needed, 19 responded ‘daily’ and 22 ‘weekly’ which suggested a wider range of products would be attractive.”

The original copy of a Polish man’s driving licence will have to be produced in court.

Krzysztof Zajac (37), of Everard Road, Tongue End, denied submitting a false document with the intention it would be accepted as genuine.

Defending, Terry Boston told Boston magistrates Zajac had obtained a driving licence from Poland, but had no documents. His brother-in-law - now disappeared - advised him it was an accelerated case which Zajac thought was legitimate.

“He says he had no idea it was fraud,” said Mr Boston. “He accepts that he sent it off to get a UK licence and the lower insurance cost that brings, but there was no fraudulent intent.”

Prosecutor Paul Wood said: “It is an absurdity to say that this was provided by the Polish authorities.”

The case was adjourned until August 7.

Holbeach parish councillors have tightened their decision-making process after a member’s claims of being “pushed to the point of blackmail”.

Coun Maureen Male, planning committee chairman, made the claim after stating the council’s objection to plans for a 100-home development in Wignals Gate, Holbeach.

Currently, members are asked to send their views on planning applications to Coun Male who then writes to South Holland District Council with a formal response on behalf of the parish council which is based on the views she has received.

During Monday’s meeting at Holbeach Methodist Church, Coun Male said: “I submitted comments on the Wignals Gate application based on the information I’d received from fellow councillors.

“But now I almost feel that I’m being pushed to the point of blackmail because the comments didn’t satisfy some people.

“The application is now in the hands of South Holland District Council to do whatever and although I did start to think that the district council was beginning to listen to us, now I think we’ve been wasting our efforts.

“They seem to be ignoring our concerns about the infrastructure in Holbeach and we’re feeling the effects of that.”

As a result of Coun Male’s complaint, planning and other issues will only be debated at parish council meetings if a full report has been sent to members for them to read in advance.

The change was put forward by ex-parish council chairman Coun Isobel Hutchinson who said: “We need to be transparent and so all decisions should be made in this chamber so that the public are fully aware of our views.

“For all items that go on the (meeting) agenda, we should have all the information to debate them and if you don’t have the information, don’t ask for it to be put on the agenda until you do have it.

“There’s no point expecting people to turn up and understand what’s being proposed at the meeting unless you have sent the information out to all members prior to the meeting.”

Coun Paul Foyster, parish council vice chairman, said: “I’ve been a little bit concerned about our decision-making process and I’m anxious that everybody takes very seriously our responsibilities in serving the community.

“It’s a major problem that parish councils don’t control planning as that’s the district council’s job.

“We put in our views but they don’t seem to be taking them on board.

“But I do think that we still have to object to planning applications that aren’t in the best interests of the parish.”

Geno Washington is a tricky man to pin down. Still touring and performing at the age of 73 with the Ram Jam Band he’s as busy as ever.

Following his performance back on stage in Spalding, 50 years since the infamous Barbeque ‘67 Festival, I finally got the chance to chat with him.

As one of the most prominent and charismatic figureheads during the 1960s soul boom, he didn’t disappoint.

Geno came on the phone full of energy, with an infectious laugh that you will never forget.

Speaking to me from his home in Mill Hill in Edgware, London, which he shares with his wife Frenchie and German Spritz dog Zee-Zee, he was already roaring with laughter before we even got started.

I said to him “thanks for talking to us” and he replied:

“Hey man. I’m just grateful because there are thousands of singers out there and there are some people who remember me!”

Geno was one of the biggest stars of the time back in the ‘60s and it was him who people crammed into the Tulip Bulb Auction Hall in Spalding to see at Barbeque ‘67. So to say some people will remember him is an understatement.

He said: “It’s been 50 years since I’ve been in Spalding and it’s hard to believe that was such a big event. It was a shock to everybody that it would be so big.

“No one had ever seen anything like it and it’s never happened again.

“There were thousands there and people were gate-crashing. There were supposed to be people guarding the gates but people bribed them to get in and there was so much money in people’s pockets that night.

“It was the worst gig for Jimi Hendrix and Cream. They were throwing toilet paper at them and chanting ‘Geno, Geno, Geno! We had an army of people. It was like a carnival atmosphere, like Rio, people all joining in and it was great.”

When Geno played again at the recent Spalding Beer and Music Festival it was the first time he had seen Zoot Money in a decade and they had a tearful and emotional reunion backstage before Geno’s set.

He said: “I hadn’t seen him for 10 years and I’m, like, we’re both still alive! Every day above ground is a good day! It was really wonderful to be back on that stage. It is a personal thing to do a gig and I came back 50 years later to celebrate an occasion so I was very pleased to be there.

“ It was a dream come true. I am 73 (years old) now and I didn’t want to get on stage all broken down and people going ‘well he used to be good.’ - but it was a great occasion for me and I had a great band with me.”

Geno got into singing by accident. Originally from Evansville, Indiana, he ended up in England after being stationed here while in the American Air Force.

He said: “We would go out in Ipswich and I liked to dance. I used to dance like Michael Jackson. There was a lot of prejudice back then and it was before Martin Luther King.

“I was trying to get in with the locals, trying to figure out how I would get into the circle. Then one night I saw Alvin Stardust on stage. They were these good-looking guys with girls all around them and the women were throwing their knickers at him on the stage.

“I thought ‘Geno this job is for you’. I thought, I have to find out if there is any money in this. I got to make sure there is some money in this and I asked the guys (the band) and they said ‘yeah we get paid’ and I thought I got to get some of that.

“He (Alvin) asked me ‘can you sing?’ I said ‘oh yeah my sister is in Martha and the Vandellas and my auntie is Diana Washington. I was lying my arse off but he said you need to get yourself to the Flamingo Club in London, that’s where all the GIs go.”

Following the advice he took himself off to the London club and ended up meeting Zoot Money and later The Animals, who he got to sing with, going down a storm with audiences.

The Ram Jam Band followed and a career which has seen him rubbing shoulders with Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, who he is still friends with today - and of course, sharing a stage with the legendary Jimi Hendrix at Barbeque ‘67.

I didn’t realise until recently that the Dexys Midnight Runners’ hit ‘Geno’ was written about Mr Washington himself.

Geno told me: “He (lead singer Kevin Archer) said he was influenced by me and that was when he made up his mind he wanted to be a singer in a band. He said ‘I have to get some of that.’ He was having fun. I’m glad that I had an influence on him.”

○ As well as being a successful singer and performer, Geno Washington is also a trained hypnotist and a member of the Guild of Hypnotists.

He has included hypnotism as part of his act. In the past. his show has consisted of some demonstrations of hypnotism in the first half and some “Get down soul music” in the second half.

He has also penned books, appeared as a motivational speaker and guest starred on tv and in film.

Screen stints have included an appearance in the movie ‘A Bit of Tom Jones’ which premiered in London in 2009.

England’s most public fashion show, the five-day horse racing festival at Royal Ascot, has come at a perfect time for Sheila Tiller Fashions and Shoes.

The independent, family-run ladies’ clothes and accessories specialist in Market Place, Long Sutton, can expect to do a brisk trade ahead of the number one event on the nation’s social calendar.

Also on the mind of owner Sheila Tiller and her daughter Elaine Tunnard, who runs the fashion shop while here mum looks after the shoe store, is their 40th anniversary in business next year.

Elaine said: “For our 20th anniversary, we held a big fashion show at South Holland Centre, Spalding, in aid of the children’s charity Action Medical Research.

“I stock (Irish designer) Paul Costelloe’s label and because he is an affable man, I asked him if he would compere the fashion show for us.

“We had a crew from Yorkshire TV that came down and the whole event was quite something.

“But for our 40th anniversary, it might be something slightly more intimate to fit in with the shop itself which, although roomy, is quite intimate as well.

“The fact that we’ve been here for nearly 40 years, and the fact that I’ve known a good proportion of my customers for nearly 40 years, is something for us to celebrate and be proud of in this day and age.”

Sheila Tiller Fashions and Shoes opened during the “Winter of Discontent” in 1978 when Britain was in crisis as a wave of strikes by public sector workers demanding pay rises brought the country to a near-standstill.

Elaine said: “Mum started the business when we had a small shop (now Sheila Tiller Shoes) in the middle of a major recession.

“Businesses couldn’t get credit until they had been trading for six months so every week Mum and I had to go to London to buy stock, bringing it back in bin liners on the train.

“It was a very hand-to-mouth existence when I joined the business straight from school.

“But then we opened a shop in Downham Market which I ran from the age of 19, adding two shoe shops and a lingerie shop in Holbeach.

“At our peak, we had five shops in Lincolnshire and Norfolk which all took time and effort in managing.

“So after 17 years, we decided to come back to the two-shop format of clothes and shoes, both in Long Sutton.”

Originally, Elaine had eyes on a career in languages before the combination of a creative streak and a passion for her mum’s fashion business became too much to resist.

She said: “I was studying for my A-levels, but I loved every aspect of the business so much that I asked Mum if I could come into Sheila Tiller Fashions.

“But Mum didn’t make it easy for me as I had to learn how to sew properly and, for the first six months, I was on a set wage every week.

“It helps that I was very young when I joined the business as a lot of the customers have gotten older together with me, so they trust me not to make them look too old or too young.”

Customers from a 50-mile radius come to Sheila Tiller Fashions where they are met by Elaine and her eight-year-old black cocker spaniel Jessie.

Elaine said: “The dog does tend to break the ice with people because it’s not every shop that has a pet in it.

“Jessie’s a fixture here and at Christmastime, she gets more presents than I do.

“Sheila Tiller Fashions has never been about just selling clothes and there are so many ways of making somebody feel better with gestures that are thoughtful, caring and kind.

“A business evolves all the time, adapting to different things like computers and whilst the internet has made much more of an appearance in people’s lives, all we can do is to continue giving one-to-one service and advice.

“I’m a great believer that, for most of us, if you that you’re presented well by wearing something good, it gives you confidence and that’s why I love what I do in this business.”

Sheila Tiller Fashions has held several charity events in recent years, including a “How to Dress and Wear It” night at St Mary Magdalene Church, Gedney, last September that raised nearly £1,750 for South Holland’s “Cathedral of the Fens”.

Elaine said: “I’m interested in people and how things affect their lives which is why I do what I can for Long Sutton.

“People who are in the town regularly will probably pop in for some emotional support, as well as for our wide choice of clothes and shoes.”