More than 60 people, including two founder members, attended the Spalding Ladies Probus Club annual invitation lunch at the town’s Woodlands Hotel.

Anne Baylis and Beryl Chatham were members at the outset when the club for retired business and professional people began in 1992.

The invitation lunch allows members to bring their partner or a friend to the gathering.

Members and guests were welcomed to Wednesday’s lunch by president Jennifer Peacock.

As well as enjoying a wonderful meal, the gathering had a feast of music with entertainment from duo The Two Of Us.

Sylvia Godding, who joined the club in 1998, says around 30-35 members meet at the Woodlands on the second Wednesday of the month, when they have a meal and then listen to a guest speaker.

She said: “The club has been going for a long, long time and we celebrated our 25th anniversary last year.”

Sylvia said the club is a real boon for members who live alone.

“I just really enjoy it,” she said. “It gets you out and you meet people.”

• If you are interested in joining, call secretary Madeleine Grimmett on 01775 760099.

From our website ...

South Holland taxpayers left with £60,000 bill from flytippers

Publishing deal for board game creator James

MP to be outspoken campaigner now he’s quit as Transport Minister

A team of pupils from The Deepings School were crowned regional champions in a competition to build robots out of Lego bricks.

Park Air Systems in Market Deeping hosted the regional competition, with about 60 pupils from seven schools across Bourne, the Deepings, Crowland and Spalding competing.

Soon after arriving, the pupils quickly got under way, setting up their robots for practice runs.

They spent the day being judged for their robots, the programming, for the presentation of their projects ranging from getting grass out of a paddling pool to automatic directional fire hoses, for their core values and of course for the “race”.

After an exciting and tense day, the Butt Masters from the Deepings School were the clear winners with their robot scoring twice as many points as the runner-up.

Judges also praised the team for their “brilliant” project presentation about Butt Sticks, which the team had designed, made and have sold, to help people realise that their water butts are nearly full or maybe overflowing and wasting water.

Managing director of Park Air Systems Danny Milligan said: “Events like this inspire children to follow a career in engineering.”

The competition was part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s First Lego League Tournament with the regional heat being sponsored by Park Air Systems, part of Northrop Grumman.

The regional tournament was the culmination of weeks of preparation, where pupils have worked in teams to design, build and programme a robot, and create an innovative solution to a real world problem.

The Deepings School team now goes forward to the UK and Ireland Final at the University of West of England on February 24. The top achieving teams at this final get the opportunity to represent their country and the IET on a global stage, competing at International Championships in Hungary, Estonia and the USA.

• More pictures in Tuesday’s Free Press.

A 13-year-old boy has today (Friday) pleaded guilty to possessing an air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence and having an axe at a south Lincolnshire school.

Police were called to the school in the south of the county just after 9am on Monday, November 13 after staff dealt with an incident involving a teenage pupil.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed they arrested a 13-year-old boy after being called to the secondary school at 9.12am.

No-one was injured during the incident and the school was not closed.

The 13-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, today appeared at Lincoln Youth Court.

The boy pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article, namely an axe, on school premises, on November 13 last year.

The boy also pleaded guilty to a second charge of possessing a firearm, namely an air weapon, with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence to another person on the same date.

District Judge Peter Veits adjourned sentence on the boy for the preparation of a report by the youth offending service.

He was remanded in to secure custody until January 26 when he will be sentenced at Lincoln Youth Court.

• Magistrates have imposed reporting restrictions under Section 45 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 which prevent identification of the defendant, witnesses or his school.

In last week’s Free Press we published some old photographs supplied by former Donington resident Peter Holmes, who emigrated to Western Australia in 1971.

The pictures were among a collection passed down to him from his late parents and he wondered if they were taken in Donington.

Peter’s photos were of a large gathering he thought might be staff of the old Donington Grammar School, a football team he thought might be from the village and a small boy with a large bull, which he thought could be related to JW Davison butchers which was run by his dad’s father-in-law.

In reaction to the piece we have received some more photographs from Eddie Finch, who is also able to help Peter with his pictures.

Eddie says: “I don’t think his photo is of school staff at the Thomas Cowley Donington School. The porch is very different and has a window over it, (whereas) the Donington school has an arched porch with no window above and a plaque and sundial.

“I think it could possibly be the large house at Pinchbeck built by the Royce family and a photo of a church group, wedding or special occasion.

Eddie has sent us two pictures of the old butchers which include Peter’s relatives. He says the old building now forms part of the Black Bull pub.

He also attached a photo of the Donington FC team from 1921 and says: “They are wearing football jerseys that do look the same as Peter’s picture.”

He also points readers in the direction of an excellent website with lots of old photographs: www.doningtonIllustrated.co.uk

Members of 1st Spalding Boys’ Brigade and 2nd Spalding Girls’ Brigade presented a cheque for £300 to Peter Warren of the RNLI, which was raised at a coffee morning.

The Brigades are very grateful for a talk on water safety given by Terry Carter, also from RNLI.

The Brigade welcomes new girls and boys from five- to 18-years-old, so just come along at 5.50pm on Tuesdays in term time to Spalding Baptist Church in Swan Street.

Rainbows, Guides and Brownies visited the Johnson Community Hospital in Spalding to present them with some Handy Reachers for patients.

The presentation came about after Guide leaders Bridget Scase and Jane Amess MBE attended a meeting for The Friends of Johnson Community Hospital, where it was mentioned that a member of staff had requested some Handy Reachers for the patients on the Welland Ward. Therefore, some of the Units within Spalding District Guides decided to purchase one each and representatives from 1st Pinchbeck Rainbows and Guides, 2nd Crowland Brownies, 1st Spalding Guides and 5th Spalding Rainbows and Brownies presented them to ward manager Jennie Gittins.

Hundreds of children from Spalding Parish Church of England Day School flocked back to school in their onesies and pyjamas to attend a special ‘Bedtime Stories’ event organised by teacher Laura McWilliam.

It was a fantastic success and was supported well by children, parents and staff , who stayed all evening to support.

There were three story time sessions to cater for the different age groups. While the children enjoyed stories and hot chocolate, their adults (some also in their pyjamas) were invited to stay in the school hall to enjoy tea, coffee, cakes and, of course, a book. A book raffle was also held during the event.

Acting head teacher Diane Mulley said: “It was good to see families and children from local pre-schools also enjoying the bedtime story event.”

This was the first of three ‘Bedtime Stories’ events to take place at school and raised £120 to buy books.

Before the local councils...

South Holland District Council

A Naylor, adj 1 Roman Bank, Common Road, Moulton Seas End. Residential development, 3 plots.

Commercial Cladding Services, plot rear properties on Burma Avenue, Pinchbeck. Works to TPO.

M Cundy, 12 Aintree Drive, Spalding. Extension.

L Taylor, 16 Malting Lane, Donington, works to TPO.

J Johnson, 84 London Road, Spalding. Vehicular access.

D Bunder, 103 Small Drive, Weston. Extension.

Mr and Mrs Gregory, adj 101 Broadgate, Weston. Bungalow.

N Colley, 14 Tatwin Drive, Crowland. Extension/alterations.

County Tyres, 69 Clough Road, Gosberton Risegate. Condition details.

Mr and Mrs Day, 4 Sluice road, Holbeach St Marks. Alterations and extension.

D Malyon, adj Mar-Vel, Foxes Low Road, Holbeach. Condition details.

Mr and Mrs Shortland, 65 Little London, Spalding. Extension and alterations.

S Savage, 11 London Road, Spalding. Demolish ground floor level pitched roof incorporating enclosed redundant WC with external door, replace UVPC rainwater system to same roof with cast iron down pipe.

Boston Borough Council

O’Brien, Pincushion Inn, 289 London Road, Wyberton. Variation to approval to alter elevations to include louvres and satellite dishes to external walls and fencing to plant enclosure and addition of plant equipment design.

A Spalding care home company was today (Friday) fined £70,000 after a court heard how confused and elderly residents were allowed to put their lives at risk by leaving the premises without being noticed.

Apex Care Ltd, which runs a 28-room unit at The Bungalow on Park Road, Spalding, had admitted breaching health and safety regulations following an investigation in to incidents at the home in 2012.

Lincoln Crown Court was told that three residents who left the building subsequently died but Judge Simon Hirst ruled that the incidents were not a significant cause of their deaths.

But the Judge said the company had failed each of residents involved.

Judge Hirst, passing sentence, said “This case is all about the failings of Apex Care Ltd to devise, implement and enforce an effective system to control security of the building. The effect of that failure was to expose the residents of the home at considerable risk.”

The judge deferred a decision on the amount of costs the company should pay.

Bernard Thorogood, prosecuting, said that door alarms were not always set and windows were left unlocked. The home also failed to provide adequate risk assessments and care plans for its residents who included confused and frail elderly people, some of whom suffered dementia. Lack of staff and lack of training were also identified as issues.

“This home was for the elderly, the frail and for people with dementia. Security is a vital component of such a home. All three of these people were not in a position to look after their own interests or to recognise what their best interests were.

“All were vulnerable and all confused for different reasons. All exited the home without being noticed. All were put at significant risk of harm or death.”

The court heard that Betty Williamson (97) walked out of the home on a freezing cold day in February 2012. She fell inside the grounds and was later found suffering from hypothermia. She was taken to hospital but subsequently fell from her hospital bed and fractured a femur. She underwent an operation but died from complications.

The incident was referred to Lincolnshire Safeguarding and an improvement notice was issued requiring the home to introduce a security system to prevent residents leaving the building, particularly in poor weather conditions.

Six months later Derek Fitch (81) walked out of the home and wandered the streets before he was found by police and returned. He later developed complications arising from his diabetes and was taken to hospital where he died from a heart attack.

Then in November 2012 Allan Redshaw (84) climbed out of a window just 18 hours after being admitted to the home for respite care. He cut himself and then suffered a heart attack. He was found unconscious and subsequently passed away.

Apex Care Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to carry out the provision of residential care in a way that residents were not exposed to risk to their health and safety.

The charge, brought by South Holland District Council, related to the period on or before November 29, 2012.

Nicholas Cotter, in mitigation, said the company did not accept that its failings were the cause of the deaths but accepted there were problems with security and the risk that residents were exposed to.

He said that the company’s sole director Chong Yeoh has since made improvements to the home, including additional security measures.

He added: “Mr Yeoh and Apex offer their profound apologies to the families.”

South Holland District Council, in a statement issued after the case, said: “The wellbeing and security of vulnerable citizens is of utmost importance to South Holland District Council. Failure to provide safe services to elderly residents in care will always be taken seriously.

“The Council’s officers have conducted a complex investigation in this case that identified evidence which demonstrated this defendant’s standards were not as they should have been.

“The Council will continue to be vigilant whenever situations of concern are identified. We trust this will send a clear message that whilst we closely support and assist businesses, where acceptable standards are not met formal enforcement action will be taken.”

This shocking image of acow chewing on a plastic beer can ring in Sutton Bridge is the latest incident of fly-tipping that demonstrates the seriousness of the crime and the risk it can pose to cattle.

This shocking image of a cow chewing on a plastic beer can ring in Sutton Bridge is the latest incident of fly-tipping that demonstrates the seriousness of the crime and the risk it can pose to cattle.

The incident took place near a picnic area at East Lighthouse, on land where cattle graze.

Landowner Stafford Proctor says it is another example of people showing complete disregard for the countryside.

“On this occasion the fly-tipping was on a small scale and was a mixture of empty beer cans and bottles but the photograph clearly demonstrates the risk to our animals. The plastic around the beer cans could easily have been swallowed by our cattle which could have caused choking or even a fatality.

“Some of the beer cans had also been shredded before being dumped and there were glass bottles which could have also caused serious injury,” said Mr Proctor.

He added: “Sadly, fly-tipping is not an uncommon sight on our land. We often have washing machines, building waste, fridges and tyres dumped in ditches and on fields. It happens on a near fortnightly basis.

“Until we see a zero tolerance approach to fly-tipping, the illegal dumping of waste will continue. Each time there is an incident on private land it is the responsibility of the landowner to pay for it to be cleared. We are effectively paying for a crime committed by someone else.”

The CLA, which represents more than 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has set out an action plan for how government, farmers, landowners and rural communities can work together to tackle fly-tipping.

aking the seizure of vehicles a default penalty for fly-tipping is recommended as part of tougher punishments as well as enforcing fines for home and business owners whose waste is found in fly-tipped locations. There is also a call for new ways to be developed to clear up fly-tipping and support victims so that private landowners are not liable.

CLA East regional director Ben Underwood said: “Fly-tipping is a disgraceful crime that is costing farmers and landowners thousands of pounds to clear.

“This latest incident is evidence that there is not only a financial cost of clearing the dumped waste but also a risk in some cases to cattle and other animals.

“The number of incidents of fly-tipping continues to increase yet the number of prosecutions is ludicrously low. Until this changes and there is a tough enforcement of punishments, people will continue to commit this crime.”

Your views on speed camera groups, an old Tulips hero, Holbeach Community Larder and a ‘ranting’ letter writer

Speed gun groups no more than vigilantes

The recent ‘speed guns’ article in your paper highlights the befuddled ideologies of some parish councils.

It effectively means that cliques of uneducated amateurs are trying to ‘legalise’ their personal opinions , and justify their intentions to become unaccountable groups of vigilantes.

This unacceptable anarchy ignores the population growth in South Holland with increased traffic movements needing to minimise journey times in tandem with safety.

The truths are that virtually all those behind this scheme have neither the essential comprehensive knowledge of alternatives of road design and maintenance, nor the personal experience and driving skills to cope with today’s traffic.

Their views that ‘speed’ is the sole culprit in the equation don’t recognise that it’s just as illegal to drive unnecessarily slowly and cause obstruction as it is to drive at high speed, and that many local drivers are guilty in this respect. Equally, HGV drivers of two or more vehicles in close convoy at low speed on the A16 Peterborough road cause obstruction and risk potential prosecution, as do other HGVs driven ( over their speed limit) in the outside lane of dual carriageways and motorways.

Farmers and building developers who coat our roads in mud in contempt of available penalties, and frequently refuse to display correct number plates and lighting systems fail to grasp that this area is becoming more urban than rural, and they must adapt accordingly.

Although Knight Street in Pinchbeck justifies both traffic calming measures and official markings outside the primary school, these have been consistently refused.

Parts of Gosberton High Street on the other hand, which is far longer and with better lines of visibility, can clearly be tackled above the blanket 30 mph limit, as is proven by the 34,000 who did so in March alone.

On the other hand, Six House Bank in West Pinchbeck (which hasn’t actually got a school entrance) typifies many largely open and unobscured local roads that barely justify a limit below the national maximum. Rather than reduce the present 40 limit to 30, would be more appropriate to raise it to 50 ?

This topic will generate widespread opinion and debate and certainly no charge must be levied upon all our ratepayers without their genuine approval, rather than suffer any potential backlash.

Quite possibly, the widespread threat of unnecessary and irrelevant ‘points’ that jeopardise the freedoms of otherwise law abiding citizens may lead to a tit for tat situation for drivers to consider action against the participants in this madcap scheme, and other obvious lawbreakers.

Leon B Tetherton

Pinchbeck


Long-time fans will always remember him

Regarding your article last week about the death of former Spalding United FC player Peter Roberts.What a goalkeeper!

I was one of the spectators at the FA Cup tie when Spalding United played Kettering Town, who were in a higher league. The 3-2 score in Spalding’s favour was mainly thanks to Pete. He was named Man of the Match and carried off the field by Spalding supporters. I remember Tommy Lawton playing for the Kettering Team and that he was impressed by Pete and later signed him up for Kettering.

Pete was also a good cricketer. He used to join a group of us playing cricket in the summer and he was an excellent bowler.

Those of us who supported Spalding during the 50s and 60s will always remember him.

Peter Nottingham

Spalding


Thank you Holbeach folk – you’re the best!

On behalf of all the trustees of Holbeach Community Larder and Café I would like to publicly thank, from the bottom of my heart, all those who have so generously supported the Community Larder and Café over the Christmas period.

First of all there were the hundreds of Tesco customers who donated such a generous quantity of food during the first weekend in December – 142 trays of it to be precise, and Jade, the Tesco community champion, who gave us so much cheerful support and help.

Then there were Buckingham Emergency Food Aid, who provided turkeys, sausages, bacon, eggs, Christmas puddings and vegetables for our Christmas Day Lunch; Lincolnshire Field Products, who provided an assortment of vegetables to go out with the 40 hampers we gave to families in need; Oldershaws who provided two sacks of potatoes and the Norfolk Cake Company who provided a 300 or so cherry and sultana cakes for us to give as gifts to our clients over the Christmas period.

But perhaps the most heartening were the people who just walked in off the street with gifts. One couple put their £200 government heating allowance through the vicarage door as a donation to the larder,having decided that there were people in greater need than they.

And, on the Friday before Christmas; the lady who walked in with a £50 donation having spoken to us in Tesco so that we could buy what the clients most needed; the lady who came in and asked, ‘What do you need?’ and on hearing that we were down to our last three tinned meat pies, came back with no less than 17 of them!; the parents with two small children who had made up a reverse Advent calendar of goodies and wanted to bring it in as part of their Christmas giving – we sent them upstairs to help unpack it, so that the children could see where everything was stored; and the mother who came in with her two daughters and a bag of presents to give away, who stayed to wrap and label them for us so that they could go out to a family in need that very day.

And of course, on top of that, there are our 20 or so volunteers who, week by week, help out in the kitchen, or on the reception desk or busy themselves in the store room, or who pitch up and help us to date sort, label and transport and store all our stock when it comes in, and all those wonderful people who willingly gave up their own Christmas Day in order to make and serve a Christmas dinner to those for whom Christmas might otherwise have been very bleak.

Your generosity and time are hugely appreciated by us and by the increasing number of clients who may struggle with delayed or withheld benefits, unemployment, mental health issues, chronic illness and debt.

If any of your readers are interested in joining our team of volunteers please contact Rev’ Rosamund Seal on 01406 424989. We are particularly looking to expand our small team of cooks in the kitchen – training, encouragement and willing kitchen assistants provided!

It has been so very heartening to see how many people really do care, and really do want to make a difference in their local community and really do want to bring up their children to realise that being able to give can be just as satisfying as receiving.

Thank you to the people of Holbeach – you are the best.

Rev Rosamund Seal

Holbeach


Better if letter writer retired his angry pen

After long hesitation I feel it is time to speak up against the vile-tongued vitriol of which we have to read when our ever-hasty Andrew McDonald of Lutton writes to this letter page just to spout pure hatred towards our MP. Re: “Less of your Churchillian pomposity please sir!” – last week’s Free Press.

Regardless of if we agree with Mr Hayes’ political stance or not we should all show a little decorum and etiquette when taking the time to debate issues either face to face or via local media.

Mr McDonald, however, chooses not to and goes in all hot headed ranting and raving like some demented Rottweiler foaming at the mouth. In his recent letter he refers to our MP as dinosaur living in a past world. Well Mr McDonald, just what world or more to the point planet are you living on?

I myself am not the greatest fan of politics but Mr Hayes has over time worked well for the local community and has addressed several issues which were important to this area. My guess is you are one of those who do not like people standing up for the majority.

Ironically, Mr McDonald refers to Mr Hayes as ‘cherry picking’ his views. Yet week in week out we read this Mr McDonalds own cherry picked biased views. You honestly could not make this up.

I would rather have a local MP who will stand up to issues such as the threat of terrorism and the issues regarding the costly EU club than some yes man. Mr Mcdonald ends his recent outburst with claims for Mr Hayes to take his pension. Would it not be better for all concerned locally if Mr McDonald took early retirement from his shockingly bad opprobrium and vilification in this letter column?

Mr R Garner

Spalding

HAYES IN THE HOUSE: By MP John Hayes

Shortly before Christmas, the Department for Transport published a Bill which aims to strengthen the law against criminals who shine lasers at aircraft, and make shining lasers at cars, trains and ships a criminal offence for the first time.

Emergency and security service personnel who work round the clock to prevent passengers coming to harm, guarding against the risks of accidents and collisions or the threats from would-be terrorists, deserve and will get laws which keep pace with new technological developments.

The threat posed by the misuse of handheld lasers — often sold for less than £1 as toys or presentation tools —has increased in recent years. In 2004, there were six reported cases, but by 2008 there were 200. Last year, there were over a thousand. We have, thus far, been fortunate that no aircraft, train or lorry has had an accident because of a laser. But it is all too easy to imagine the potential consequences of a pilot being blinded by a laser while trying to land a passenger jet, or a train driver dazzled from a bridge. Appallingly, police helicopters and air ambulances responding to emergencies have also been targeted.

Shining a laser at an aircraft pilot is already illegal, and the police have had some success in identifying suspects through the use of thermal cameras. Nevertheless, the existing laws are not strong enough. Police lack powers to search the homes of suspects and, even when a conviction is secured, the maximum penalty is a fine of only £2,500. What’s more, there is no specific law against shining a laser at a ship or at motorists at the wheel.

The misuse of lasers demands a much tougher response, which is why the new Laser Misuse (Vehicles) Bill, which I helped to shape, will make shining a laser at any kind of transport a criminal offence, and see culprits face an unlimited fine or a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

With support from across the Parliamentary divide, this new law should come into force very soon indeed. It will make those flirting with such reckless activities think again. Individuals who are determined to use laser pointers to risk the lives of others will get exactly what they deserve: tough action backed by full force of the law.

Previously...

Our resolve in the face of evil must be unwavering

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

November 29

Keith Andrew (34), of King Street, Kirton. Stole meat worth £20 belonging The Food Warehouse Iceland (Boston). £20 compensation.

Danny Markham (19), of Bowgate, Gosberton. Refused to stop a vehicle when directed to do so by a police constable (Quadring). £150 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Thomas Nicholls (24), of Saltney Gate, Saracen’s Head. Failed to provide a specimen of blood (Boston). Community order, curfew requirement, rehabilitation activity requirement, £85 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months, driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

Lee Ranshaw (36), of Queensway, Ruskington. Drink driving (Spalding). Community order, thinking skills programme, rehabilitation activity requirement, £85 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 46 months. No separate penalty for no insurance and damaging a vehicle CCTV camera belonging to Lincolnshire Police. No action taken on breach of conditional discharge.

Fransisco Santana (40), of Spring Gardens, Spalding. Assault (Spalding). 12 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s, £85 costs.

Mia Rock (25), of NFA. Stole children’s clothing worth £40 belonging to Peacocks (Spalding). Community order, drug rehabilitation requirement. Stole why protein powder worth £134.97 belonging to Holland and Barrett (Spalding). Community order, drug rehabilitation requirement, £134.97 compensation. Stole children’s Wellington boots worth £12 belonging to Sainsbury’s (Spalding). Community order, drug rehabilitation requirement, £12 compensation. Stole fragrance sets worth £150 belonging to Boots (Spalding). Community order, drug rehabilitation requirement, £150 compensation.

December 5

Daniel Hudson (38), of Tyghes Close, Deeping St James. Assault (Bourne). Community order, rehabilitation activity requirement, £85 v/s, £150 costs.

Jane Sanders (48), of Scarborough Close, Rippingale. Failed to provide a specimen of breath (Grantham). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 15 months. No separate penalty for no insurance (Dowsby).

Christopher Shute (39), of High Street, Gretton. Drug driving (Spalding). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £120 costs, disqualified from driving for 14 months.

Dragos Bradea (20), of Pinchbeck Road, Spalding. Case reopened, convictiona dn sentence imposed 16.5.17 set aside, licence endorsement removed. Speeding (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Hans Kuhn, Church Lane, Moulton. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Adrian Nogaj (22), of The Featherworks, Boston. Speeding (Crowland). £70 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Emil Sivak (45), of Drummond Road, Skegness. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Lincoln Magistrates’ Court

November 23

Stephen White (46), of Broadgate, Weston Hills. Driving while using a hand held mobile phone (Whaplode). £85 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Russell Wright (36), of Sleaford Road, Boston. Speeding (Crowland). £146 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Edgars Zvirbulis (44), of Linden Way, Boston. Speeding (Sutterton). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Craig Black (35), of Port Adown Road, Tandragree, Craigavon. Speeding (Whaplode). £153 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Ugur Bulut (24), Manor Road, Hackney. Speeding (Crowland). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Sam Davis (21), of Stour Court, Grantham. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Anthony Leese (72), of Dunns Lane, North Creake, Norfolk. Speeding (Whaplode). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £30 costs, 3pts.

Romas Lileikis (53), of Rowan Avenue, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Ian Montgomery (53), of Mill Lane, Gosberton. Speeding (Crowland). £169 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Dawid Sikora (29), of Mill Road, Deeping St Nicholas. Speeding (Cowbit). £70 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Colin Simpkins (57), of Burgh Road, Skegness. Speeding (Spalding). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

George Spita (27), of Dias Close, 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.

Paige Stephenson (18), of the Meadows, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

November 27

Karol Michalak (20), of Briton Court, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, 6pts. No separate penalty for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. Second count of no insurance. £660 fine, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Natalia Staniek (29), of Kitwood Road, Boston. Speeding (Sutterton). £200 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 5pts.

Mihails Namjaks (26), of Tinus Avenue, Hampton Vale, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland 31.12.16). £95 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months. Speeding (Crowland 19.2.17). £95 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit 16.4.17). £95 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit 16.4.17). £95 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts. Speeding (Crowland 15.4.17). £95 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Carl Sherwin (45), of East Street, Rippingale. Assault (Bourne). £300 fine, £100 compensation, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

November 28

James Adamson (52), of Birch Grove, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland). £83 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Christopher Edwards (63), of Maltings Yard, Stamford. Speeding (Whaplode). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Andrew Higgins (55), of Queens Estate, Wainfleet St Mary. Speeding (Crowland). £200 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Patrick McCarthy (56), of Lollipop Lane, Sleaford. Failed to stop after an accident (Bourne). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 7pts. Driving without due care and attention. £60 fine. No separate penalty for failing to report an accident.

Ruslans Karmisevs (39), of Queens Road, Spalding. Speeding (Spalding). £70 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Anthony Martindale (23), of High Road, Moulton. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £70 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Boriss Mulers (30), of Havelock Street, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Dale Andrews (31), of King George V Avenue, Holbeach. Speeding (Little Sutton). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Charlie Augustine (25), of Petts Close, Wisbech. Speeding (Tydd Gote). £66 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Maxine Croston (38), of Browns Drove, Swineshead. Speeding (Sleaford). £66 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Alex Potapovs (19), of Cameron Drive, Spalding. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months. No separate penalty for no MOT.

Trevor Winestein (50), of Horseshoe Lane, Kirton. Speeding (Crowland). £154 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Tracy Ford (38), of West End Road, Wyberton. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Rachel Fravigar (40), of Main Road, Quadring. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Fatma Krauca (28), of Pennygate, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Marek Marekzig (19), of Chestnut Avenue, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Robert Mulumba (22), of Aspen Green, Huntingdon. Drivng without due care and attention (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 7pts.

Aleksejs Panfilovs (37), of Rushy Drove, Quadring. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

November 30

Stephen Dorks (54), of Hill Street, Raunds. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Rebecca Almey (44), of Bloodfold Farm, Holbeach. Possession of amphetamine (Grantham). 12 months conditional discharge, £20 v/s, drugs destroyed.

Loris Damon (71), of Two Sisters Close, Sutton Bridge. Speeding (Long Sutton). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Hatin Fakhri (50), of Sandpiper Way, King’s Lynn. Speeding (Whaplode). £120 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Charlie Melville (21), of Millers Way, Heckington. No MOT (Spalding). £100 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Stuart Normington (44), of Southoe Road, Farcet. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 4pts.

Roxxie Norris (24), of Mountains Passage, Boston. Speeding (Crowland). £90 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

James Rogers (39), of Kirkmeadow, Bretton. Driving without due care and attention (Surfleet). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, 5pts. No separate penalty for failing to comply with a traffic sign.

James Southwell (36), of Holyrood Walk, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Inga Stonika (45), of Edinburgh Drive, Spalding. Speeding (Crowland). £70 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Filip Szymczak (36), of Lyveden Way, Corby. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £140 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Lee Thompson (33), of Chapman Close, Towcester. Speeding (Crowland). £70 fine, £30 v/s, 3pts.

Rebecca Thompson (44), of Braybrooks Way, Moulton Chapel. Speeding (Spalding). £86 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Romualdas Urbonas (59), of Norfolk Street, Wisbech. Speeding (Whaplode). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

December 4

Arnis Oxtrovskis (41), of Muswell Road, West Town, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland). £76 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 1 month.

Aleksandras Valainis (33), of Alderton Bank, Leeds. Speeding (Swineshead Bridge). £166 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Mitchell Capes (24), of Jubilee Way, Crowland. Speeding (Crowland). £440 fine, £44 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Paulina Krzywinska (31), of Lawyers Close, Holbeach. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 6 months.

Paul Hebborn (48), of Elizabeth Way, Thurlby. Drug driving (Bourne). £104 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, disqualified from driving for 12 months.

December 5

Roberts Jansons (26), of Juniper Crescent, Spalding. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Zbigniew Jurek (37), of Spalding Common, Spalding. Driving without a seat belt (Spalding). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs.

Felix Musasa (48), of France Furlong, Great Linford. Milton Keynes. Speeding (Crowland). £35 fine, £30 v/s, £35 costs, 3pts.

Marian Paun (27), of Park Road, Spalding. No insurance (Pinchbeck). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Sandris Ribakovs (36), of Myles Way, Wisbech. Speeding (Whaplode). £153 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Rachel Barnes (35), of Glen Close, Little Bytham. No insurance (Bourne). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Samantha Brown (28), of Burghley Road, Peterborough. Speeding (Crowland). £40 fine, £30 v/s, £30 costs, 3pts.

Florentin Chivoiu (41), of Station Road, Surfleet. Speeding (Sutterton). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

Lukasz Dziezk (28), of Kime Mews, Kirton. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Ridman Eminov (34), of Gardner Row, Kirton. No insurance (Spalding). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts. Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. £220 fine.

Gheorghe Godhi (32), of Barrier Bank, Cowbit. Failed to give driver ID (Lincoln). £660 fine, £66 v/s, £85 costs, 6pts.

Alexander thomas-Davis (34), of Crossways Road, Mitcham, Merton. Speeding (Crowland/Cowbit). £220 fine, £30 v/s, £85 costs, 3pts.

We look back to the Lincs Free Press this week in 1999...

A junior football team was able to tuck into a tasty treat - thanks to their sponsor!

Long Sutton under-11s’ drill tops were sponsored by the town’s Little Chef and Travelodge.

Manager Mike Sisson decided that as well as a party at the clubhouse, the lads deserved a second celebration at the Little Chef.

After the meal, the boys were presented with special boot bags for their efforts during the season.

Hearts are lonely no more in 1999

A couple who met through the Lincs Free Press lonely hearts column were preparing for a summer wedding in 1999.

Sutton Bridge couple Sue Gratton and Ashley Cooper met through ‘Heartline’ back in August 1996 - and it proved third time lucky for Sue, who had placed a message twice previously without luck.

Ashley (35) wrote a letter in response to Sue’s messageand they met for drinks.

Sue (36) said it wasn’t love at first sight, but after a few weeks realised their feelings.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND: A weekly column from the South Lincs Centre of Jerry Green Dog Rescue

We can never thank our supporters enough for their generosity, especially over the winter months, when we receive much needed donations of bedding.

We have a wonderful washer/dryer which means we can now launder our blankets, towels and sheets rather than having to throw them away once they get a bit too grubby.

There’s nothing nicer than being able to give the dogs warm, fluffy blankets every day and we will always accept donations of laundry powder/softener to help us keep the beds, kennels and dogs smelling spring fresh.

DOG OF THE WEEK

Hello, my name is Parsnip and I am a lovable Lurcher with oodles of energy.

I love to play with both humans and dogs and do lots of zoomies in the off-lead area.

I would really like an active home who will take me on lots of walks, play with me and give me lots of cuddles.

I would love to live with another playful dog and I could live with older children who wouldn’t mind a bouncy dog as I may knock the little ones over.

I am also super clever and my friends at Jerry Green have been teaching me new tricks to help me find a new family.

Telephone: 01205 260546

Email: slincs@jerrygreendogs.org.uk

TRAINING TIP – DIGGING

Dogs dig for many different reasons. For some there is a genetic component that motivates them to dig, some may have learned to dig rather than to play with objects, some find it a great stress or boredom buster, there may be something that smells good in the area or perhaps it is simply a fun way to burn off excess energy.

It can be difficult to extinguish this behaviour completely and dogs usually look for another way to express their behaviour so it is not recommended that you stop or punish digging. Instead, try to facilitate appropriate digging with some basic rules in place that allow your dog the outlet they need to express their natural behaviour while keeping your garden intact.

The simplest way to direct digging towards a more appropriate source is to provide a sandpit. Children’s sandpits tend to be suitable for this and sand can be bought relatively cheaply.

Sand is very appealing to dogs because it is easier to dig in and bury objects in than soil is. It causes less friction on the nails and dogs can create much bigger holes which can actually fulfil their digging need quicker than digging in soil can.

A dog with fulfilled needs is often a happy dog; and happy dogs tend to be easier to live with!

If you spot your dog trying to dig in any other area call them away and direct them towards the sandpit. You may need to encourage them to dig in the sandpit at first; try making small holes, digging with your dog and praising them when they dig or even partly burying toys or treats in the sand to pique your dog’s interest.

It might be useful to purchase or create a lid for the sandpit so it can be covered over at times when it is not in use, or perhaps when you do not wish for your dog to dig.

A lid can also keep a sandpit more hygienic as other animals may take a liking to it too.

Tim Machin, chairman of Long Sutton and District Civic Society, supports the case for Long Sutton historic market.

Just when things seem to be going well, some new controversy raises its ugly head to upset the apple cart.

A couple of months ago, our district council (South Holland) decided that drastic action was needed to improve the safety of Long Sutton’s historic Friday market after a health and safety report identified a number of possible safety risks.

Hackles were raised locally and a public meeting to discuss the concerns drew a large turnout.

Long Sutton’s Friday market charter was granted on May 4, 1202, by King John, so has been in fairly continuous use for over 800 years.

We don’t know for certain how soon the market got up and running or how popular it was, though 50 years later, it had evidently become a local institution because a second charter granted on December 20, 1252, was sought from the monarch, now Henry III, for a second weekly market each Thursday, plus an annual four-day fair each July. The same charter also granted Lutton a market each Friday.

Supply evidently generates demand because on January 4, 1282, Edward first granted a charter permitting a third weekly market for Long Sutton on each Wednesday, as well as an annual four-day fair for Lutton around July 25, coinciding with the one in Long Sutton a couple of miles distant.

These fairs were specifically held on four days around July 25, that day being the Feast of St James the Greater.

So Long Sutton’s local trading pre-eminence was now established, with the ability to hold three weekly markets plus an annual fair.

The organisation of the market days is uncertain. Presumably, there would be a livestock market on at least one of the three market days and certainly that was so by the end of the 19th century, when we have photographic evidence.

Food produce, household goods, clothes, peddlars’ wares, medicines, street food etc would all have been available.

The market days gave an opportunity for local people to catch up on news and gossip, meet, eat and drink socially (and no doubt anti-socially) and for public ‘naming and shaming’ to take place.

An entry in the ‘History of Long Sutton’ by Frank and Bruce Robinson for 1803 reads ‘At Spalding Sessions, Thomas Smith of Long Sutton, for stealing a jacket, was ordered to be publicly whipped next market day, and discharged’.

Nothing like a public whipping to draw the crowds!

Fortunes of the markets have come and gone. In 1823, a ‘Free Market’ event allegedly drew a crowd of 10,000, but attempts in 1848 to establish a ‘fat stock’ (animals fattened for sale) market failed through lack of interest. In 1858, the railway arrived and new, more distant markets were opened up – customers and traders alike could move further afield and perhaps the need for frequent local markets diminished.

The town now faces another challenge to its 800- year market history. Times have changed, but consumer demand remains strong and the traditional local market is not something we will give up easily.

DOCTOR CALLING: By chairman of South Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group Kevin Hill

Patients across South Lincolnshire are being reminded what they can do to combat flu during the New Year.

Often flu can be treated without seeing your GP and you should begin to feel better in about a week.

Symptoms of flu can come on quickly and can include:

• A sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above;

• Aching body;

• Feeling tired or exhausted;

• A dry, chesty cough;

• A sore throat;

• Headache;

• Difficulty sleeping;

• Loss of appetite;

• Diarrhea or tummy pain;

• Nausea and being sick.

For children the symptoms are similar but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

There are some simple things you can do to help you feel better quickly. It is important to rest and sleep, making sure you keep warm.

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Don’t forget your local pharmacy can give great advice on a wide range of topics, treatments and remedies.

Be careful when taking flu remedies if you are already taking paracetamol or ibuprofen as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose – your pharmacist will be able to advise you.

Similarly, if you have a long-term condition and contract a cold or flu, don’t forget to take your regular medication and speak to the pharmacist about any issues with taking other over the counter medicines as well.

You should see your GP if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after seven days;

• You’re worried about your child’s symptoms;

• You’re 65 or over;

• You’re pregnant;

• You have a long-term medical condition, for example, diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease;

• You have a weakened immune system, for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV.

Antibiotics are not recommended for flu because they won’t relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery. If you develop sudden chest pain, have difficulty breathing or start coughing up blood you should call 999 or go to A&E.

Flu is really infectious and spreads easily to other people, particularly during the first five days you have it, and is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk

Previously...

Try to use self-care this winter

Your views on health, politics, transport.... and Jesus

Health centre deserves help and support

Regarding your report: ‘Inadequate surgery is put in special measures’. This has come as a shocking piece of news at the start of 2018 as I have lived in Carrington Road for 29 years and have been a long-term patient of the Pennygate Health Centre for most of that time.

Like so many people within the community I am very concerned about the centre being rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission inspectors and what must be going through people’s minds as what to do next?

I have the greatest repect for Dr Azmeena Nathu, the nurses and all the staff that work at the centre in Pennygate. I know the doctor works long hours like so many of our valued NHS staff up and down the country.

The report refers to over 3,000 patients, but I would imagine the figure would be closer to 4,000 now because of the increase in the local population. With so few comment cards filled in it must be difficult to judge the views of almost 4,000 patients.

The health centre provides a valued service to the local area – where would we be without it in the worst case? If people moved from one practice to another, this would only have an impact on the few facilities we do have.

Living in a deprived area of Spalding I would be wanting to know the source of the problem here and what can be done to help. As this current government continue to be in denial about the crisis in our NHS, local services are bound to feel the impact.

NHS England figures for October 2016 had 3.9 million people waiting for non-urgent operations, the highest level recorded since December 2007. Now NHS bosses have divided the country into geographical areas called STP footprints (sustainability and transformation plans). This device will only be used to further cut and privatise services to implement £20billion of so-called efficiency savings by 2020. It is totally unfair to ask NHS staff to deliver more and provide better services with less money and resourses. It is time this cruel attack was stopped by giving the NHS proper funding and give services like the Pennygate Health Centre time to care, not time to cut. I hope this situation can be resolved with the help and support that this health centre deserves for the benefit of the local community it serves.

Rodney Sadd

Spalding

Pompous but an exemplary local MP

John Hayes is prone to Churchilian pomposity, self promotion and a reliance on broad generalities. After all, he is a professional politician.

John is an exemplary constituency parliamentarian. There are few causes he will not support on behalf of any constituent. John is genuinely religious. I have been an agnostic since early childhood but disapprove of any who denigrate or ridicule those for whom, like my mother, their faith is their guide for life.

As a rational empiricist my guide for life is Maynard Keynes the economist. When the facts change I change my opinion. What do you do?

My early life experiences and school taught me to be wary of anyone who always answers Cromwell’s question, addressed to the Scots leaders when seeking a negotiated peaceful resolution to differences between the Scots and English in 1650: “I beseech you, from the bowels of Christ, think it not possible that you may be mistaken?” The Scots leaders emphatically said no. In 1651 Cromwell and his New Model Army so soundly thrashed the Scots that by 1707 they voluntarily surrendered their sovereignty.

John and I both revere 17th Century pragmatic politician and sage Edmund Burke but not always from the same perspective. Burke wrote: “I am not one of those who think that the people are never wrong, they have been, frequently and outrageously, both in other countries and this. But I do say that, in all disputes between them and their rulers, the presumption is at least on a par in favour of the people.”

Burke, a democrat, believed that the views of the people should be given fair consideration through debate.

During my lifetime, politics, feeding on media coverage, has degenerated into a raucous exchange of snippets of information designed to reinforce people’s existing prejudices.

Communication to inform, enlighten and persuade people through compromise to reinstate and reinforce the socal cohesion that the country needs is a rarity in the triumphalist rhetoric of the Leavers.

The systemic weakness in Britain’s economy and social fabric can only be successfully addressed if the country can restore its social cohesion.

So John, less pomposity and waffle in your Hayes in the House column.

Paul Walls

Spalding

Sort out this muddy, sodden, metal-strewn, road

Following your article about South Fen Road, I would like to make some comments.

Having driven all over Britain and abroad in recent years, I believe South Fen Road to be one of the worst roads I have driven on, if not THE worst!

The local farm tracks are in much better condition.I have written to Lincolnshire County Council and the Highways department on several occasions to complain about the disgraceful state of this road, only to be fobbed off with the same old excuses about limited resources and other more urgent repairs .

Central Government made funds available for Lincolnshire roads, so I fail to accept these excuses.

I fear damage to my car every time I use this road and am absolutely embarrassed to use this road when I have visitors.

The road needs complete resurfacing from end to end. Even the section that was resurfaced a couple of years ago is already showing signs of deterioration.

Every pothole that the council repair is back to a pothole after the first rains, being a complete waste of time and taxpayers’ money, money which could have been spent on doing a proper repair.

There are hidden dips which, to the unsuspecting driver, could easily result in a vehicle ending up in the ditch or serious damage to the vehicle.

There should be a speed restriction for the whole length of road. The central white line needs to be replaced for the whole length of road, absolutely essential for dark, foggy nights!

A parking area for the heavy lorries using the scrapyard should be built.

How they were ever allowed to park along the road, causing road blockages and damage to the road sides, is beyond belief.

I suggest the existing section of road be used by the scrapyard and a new section built alongside to by-pass this muddy, sodden, metal-strewn, puncture-damage section!

This road is also used as a detour route when the busy A15 or the A151 is closed for repair or accident, quite a common practice. I could go on but I think you get the message.

John Broadley

via email

Thought For The Week...

We are journeying into January, leaving 2017 behind, still making mistakes as we date 2017, not 2018!

Thought about the journeys after the arrival at the innkeeper’s stable. The return journeys of the shepherds back to their flocks, singing as they picked up their night job again. The Wise Men on their camels, having outwitted the political game playing of Herod, the baddie in the story, returning to their astrology.

With Mary, Joseph and now new baby Jesus returning to the carpenter’s shop in Nazareth.

A return to the ordinary after a theophany, a breaking in of God to human history, and the dynamic of incarnation, God coming and dwelling in human flesh to come into the human condition.

So a return journey back into our rhythms and routines even ruts for months, until this year ends with weeks of preparation for the Christmas arrival again in the innkeeper’s stable.

Oh dear, that does seem such a waste, returning to our normal and ordinary, leaving behind in 2017 the experience of encountering the Christ child and singing and praising his arrival. Please then can we journey into 2018 sharing the amazing and shocking good news that God is with us, Immanuel, all year round.

Rev Frances Ballantyne

Spalding Methodist Church

We look back to the Spalding Guardian this week in 2000.

High-flying twins Neil and Shaun McLaughlin became fully-fledged pilots after keeping their promise to fly solo on their sixteenth birthday.

Each twin took solo control of their glider for the first time - and Neil was forced to admit that Shaun did better than him on the day.

The daring duo, from Shepeau Stow, completed the feat at Peterborough Gliding Club.

Kitten saved from jaws of digger

A stray kitten was saved from the jaws of an excavator thanks to an eagle-eyed building site foreman.

Darren Hall spotted the kitten dangerously close to the machine working on a site at Woolram Wygate, Spalding.

The kitten was very weak and dehydrated, but a colleague, Judy Gordon, a volunteer for Spalding Cat Protection, was able to find the kitten - re-named ‘Darren’ - a home.

Until last year, Diane Rayson had never heard of a rare heart condition called ‘SCAD’.

She kept herself active, looked after her health, and on the morning on May 2 had gone to the gym, then for a walk, as part of her usual routine.

Later in the day, she’d met a friend for coffee and in the evening headed out for a meal with her brother Graham.

But shortly after ordering her food she began to feel unwell.

She said: “I suddenly felt nauseous. I asked for a glass of water from the bar and sat back down but still felt unwell.

“I said to my brother ‘I’m fine’ and at one point he looked at me and said: ‘You’re not having a heart attack are you?’”

That it could be a heart attack was the last thing on Diane’s mind.

She said: “I didn’t have any cardiac risk factors and I felt fit and healthy.”

Still feeling unwell, her brother dropped her off at her home in Bourne where she lives with her son Neil (30) and decided to lay down on the settee .

“All of a sudden I felt a central tightness in my chest, like an elastic band,” she said.

“There was a sharp pain in my left arm and my fingertips on both arms down to my wrists were turning blue.

“I shouted to my son and he rang 111.”

The operator kept Diane (58) on the line while an ambulance and fire fighter co-responders were called out to her home.

She was treated at the scene and then taken to Peterborough City Hospital where a blood test confirmed she had suffered a heart attack.

Days later she was transferred to Papworth Hospital in Cambridge where further tests showed the attack was caused by an arterial wall tear which affects normal blood flow.

It is a little known condition called Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) and can be fatal.

The charity Beat SCAD is working to raise awareness of the condition and points out that many patients are young and fit with no history of or risk factors for heart disease.

It says on its website that due to this, symptoms can at first often be ignored or mistaken for something else, such as indigestion or gallstones.

In Diane’s case, she was given medication after her diagnosis, had to take rest, then a gentle return to exercise. She was told that the tear would eventually heal itself.

But not everyone survives SCAD .

Diane said: “They do not know what causes it but that perhaps extreme stress could be one reason.

“My heart itself is fine but post SCAD I think about everything I do now.

“I am living a normal life but I am more aware.

“They say it can happen again but that is rare.

“Post heart attack I am probably better. I am carrying on as normal but have slowed down my pace.

“Luckily for me I was at home when it happened. I could have been driving the car, I could have been out walking. I was at home and resting.

“On reflection I had had a year of stress with my mother-in-law’s death and two dear neighbours’ deaths in difficult times, accumulating in a house move which didn’t go smoothly so it was a highly stressful year.

“The stress doesn’t go away because life is stressful; but it’s how we deal with it and using coping mechanisms that work for you.”

Diane has been a complementary therapist for many years and says she helps to keep her own stress levels down by meditating, having Shiatsu (a form of physical therapy) and is now back at the gym.

She also uses the Balance Procedure, an energy technique which she also teaches, to bring the body into a relaxed state.

She said: “Resting the mind is just as important as using it.

“I am back to the gym, health walks, dancing and holidays but everything in moderation.

“Most important, it is about listening to what our body wants.”

○ The charity Beat SCAD says that Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection is an under-diagnosed condition.

It occurs when a tear or bruise develops in one of the coronary arteries, resulting in a blockage that prevents normal blood flow.

It is said to affect mainly women and can occur during or soon after pregnancy. Menopause, extreme stress and exercise and connective tissue disorders have also been associated with SCAD but the exact causes are unknown. More info can be found at: www.beatscad.org.uk

SEE ALSO:

Rachel thanks heroes who saved her life in Spalding

School raises £2,135 with a no uniform day for Maddy