New Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has released a report showing a reduction in crime of 14 per cent.

Mr Hardwick, who was voted in as the first Lincolnshire Crime Commissioner in November of last year, said the figures show Lincolnshire Police in a favourable light in comparison to other forces but added that there will be no complacency.

Mr Hardwick said: “Recorded crime continues to decrease and the overall detection of crime is up.

“However, there are some aspects of service that could be developed and I will be relentless in pushing for improvements.

“Linked to this is my pledge to ensure that we will get the best value for money from every pound that is spent.”

The report focuses on crimes committed between April of last year and January of this.

It highlights a 14 per cent reduction in recorded crime. Lincolnshire Police now has the 16th lowest rate of recorded crime in the country out of 43 forces. The force was ranked 23rd in December, 2011.

Mr Hardwick’s report also trumpets a 25 per cent reduction in criminal damage and a 13.5 per cent cut in anti-social behaviour.

Burglary saw a small reduction, however the detection rate for burglaries also slumped slightly by 3.3 per cent.

Mr Hardwick said: “The force is implementing plans to improve detection rates.

“I will vigorously monitor progress.”

Mr Hardwick said the next report will be issued in May.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick has accepted an invitation to appear at a public meeting on March 5 - and not March 7 as appeared in last week’s paper.

The meeting will be held in the council chambers in St Peter’s Hill, Grantham at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.

A family fun day held out at South Witham attracted more than 170 people.

The day was put on by Swingbridge Children’s Centre in South Witham Primary School’s school hall with lots of different organisations invited including the police, fire service, Pets at Home and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Different activities were put on including face-painting and a ball pool for the children.

Julie Ashworth of Swingbridge Children’s Centre said: “We had a really good response with 175 people coming along and quite a few families registered with the centre.

“A lot of people said how much they enjoyed the day.”

Smoke will continue to blow across the High Dyke, forcing a two-day road closure.

Firefighters have been working since 12.40am this morning to bring the fire at Mid UK Recycling, on Barkston Heath, under control and say “good progress is being made”.

They found 550 tonnes of recycled carpet ablaze, giving off copious amounts of smoke.

The stretch of the High Dyke between the A17 and A52 will remain closed for two days as a safety measure.

Meanwhile, the A153 between Honington and Sleaford, plus Ermine Street, will reopen shortly.

Rotarian Humphrey Platts has been recognised for his long service with a special certificate.

President of the Rotary Club of Grantham Irvin Metcalf presented Mr Platts with the certificate to mark 35 years of work as a Rotarian on behalf of Rotary International.

Mr Platts was President in 1986/87 and now runs the annual Rotary Quiz. He has worked on all the Rotary committees and was delighted to receive the award.

He said “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Rotary serving on all the various committees. Being part of Rotary gives a lot of pleasure and satisfaction in helping other people on both a local and international basis.”

In his column this week, Grantham MP Nick Boles looks at the proposed closure of Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen.

Last Friday, Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill and I attended a public meeting in Corby Glen.

It was packed full of parents concerned about the future of Charles Read Academy which has been threatened with closure in 2014 by the West Grantham Academies Trust.

I understand better than ever the value parents place on Charles Read and the very personal education it is able to provide children, especially those with special needs.

It is clear that the school faces real challenges as pupil numbers (currently 269) are projected to fall to a level where it is very hard to teach all the subjects that have to be covered at secondary school without losing money. But parents are justifiably angry at the way in which the trust dropped the closure proposal like a bombshell and appears to be trying to bounce the school community into going along with their plans.

And the leader of the county council pointed out that the housing growth planned in Grantham will quickly reverse the decline in numbers of secondary school age children so we might end up having to build a new secondary school a few years down the line if Charles Read is allowed to close.

On Monday, I met with Lord Nash, the minister for schools who is responsible for all decisions about academies, and I received the following reassurances. First, that the final decision about any possible closure will be taken by ministers and not by the trust. Second, that the trust must not prejudge the outcome of the consultation or act in any way that undermines confidence in Charles Read. Third, that officials will seek evidence from the county council about future demand for secondary school places in the area before making any recommendation.

As local MP it is my job to ensure that the minister makes the best decision for local children, both those currently studying at Charles Read and those who want to have a range of good secondary schools to choose from in the future.

A charity cycle ride is to take place this summer to raise money for the Grantham Foodbank.

The ride will be held on August 10 and will starting at 7am in front of the Guildhall in Grantham with those taking part cycling 100 miles on a total of ten laps around Grantham.

In a move dubbed ‘the Feeding of the Five Thousand’ the Foodbank, which has supplied crisis food parcels to 2,200 people since opening in July, 2011, is aiming to raise enough money for 5,000 meals, at the rate of a pound per meal.

Phil Cranwell, one of the organisers of the event, said: “It is a case of using the event to publicise the foodbank and the good work it’s doing.”

It is hoped the event will not only raise money but also raise awareness.

For sponsorship forms or entry details contact Phil Cranwell on 07785387934 or e-mail: phil@cranwells.plus.com

A petition against changes at Grantham Hospital which include the loss of the town’s maternity unit has received 7,696 signatures.

The petition, which concluded this week, opposes the loss of the maternity unit, opposes the reduction of A&E services at Grantham Hospital and calls for a new acute stroke unit for Grantham Hospital.

Charmaine Morgan of SOS Grantham Hospital said she was delighted with the response from the Grantham public.

She said: “We are absolutely delighted at the fabulous result we have had.

“We have had a brilliant level of support from the community, especially local businesses who have been tremendous.”

The petition gathered momentum in the past couple of weeks as pressure mounted on United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust - the organisation responsible for Grantham Hospital and Lincoln County Hospital - over claims it put targets before patient safety.

The trust is also one of nine bodies being investigated for high death rates.

Charmaine said: “Given the news on patient safety and the high level of deaths, can they really afford to ignore what we in the town are saying?”

Charmaine would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped with the petition, from the businesses who stocked the petition to the supermarkets and shopping centres who allowed SOS Grantham Hospital to set up on their premises.

She added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to the members of SOS Grantham Hospital who really bust a gut travelling around, dropping off and picking up petitions.

“They are all just volunteer local people who care about the hospital.”

NHS Lincolnshire’s Shaping Health for Mid Kesteven consultation concludes TODAY (Feb 20).

Take part in the consultation and have your say on the future of Grantham Hospital by logging on to www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk

A woman who saw the aftermath of a lorry shedding a 20 tonne concrete block on to a busy road believes “it’s a miracle no-one was killed”.

One of three 10ft long blocks crashed on to the A607 at Harlaxton on Monday morning, splitting it in two and leaving debris scattered across the road.

Annette Barton drove with her husband right by the flat-bed lorry, and was shocked to see the concrete blocks had been secured by straps rather than chains.

Mrs Barton, 71, of Stathern, said: “I wound down my window and said ‘it’s a miracle no-one was killed’.

“My family travels into Grantham on the A607 and they would have been on the road with their child because it’s half-term. When we saw the lorry I felt quite sick.”

Lincolnshire Police spokesman James Newall said no action has been taken against the lorry driver or company.

He added: “The incident is being investigated as a damage-only road traffic collision.”

There were substantial delays for motorists while the road was cleared.

Entries into this year’s Colsterworth Festival of Performing Arts are up by a staggering 20 per cent.

Dance was the first of four events in the 17th annual festival, which has steadily grown in popularity. It took place Friday to Tuesday at Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen.

A schools event will follow at The Meres Leisure Centre in Grantham on Friday, March 1, and then music and drama at several Colsterworth venues the following day.

Festival chairman Julia Kerby said: “We had an amazing festival. Grateful thanks must go to our dedicated committee for another year’s hard work and our fantastic team of volunteers.

“We received very positive comments on the festival from our adjudicator Gayle Johnson, parents and dance teachers.

“Charles Read is just a perfect venue for our festival - we would be bitterly disappointed to lose it.”

Delving into various elements of performing arts, the festival is deemed a wonderful opportunity for talented performers to showcase their skills.

* Spectators are welcome to attend the festival. An entry fee will apply. For more information, visit www.colsterworthfestival.co.uk

DANCE RESULTS

Lyrical - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Pippa Boaden

Cabaret Duet Junior - 9 Years and Under Mae Batchelor & Tierney Campbell

Character - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Lauren Stanley

Cabaret Duet Junior - 9 Years and Under Lucy Grammer & Faith Hepburn

Classical Duet Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Charlotte Proctor & Shelby White

National - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Cara Bostock

Acrobatic - Open Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Erin Cassidy

Song and Dance - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Cara Bostock

Cabaret Duet Senior - 21 Years and Under Abigail Robb & Daisy Squire

Tap - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Lily Godfrey

Modern - Novice C - 10 and 11 Years Charlotte Briggs

Character - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years Niamh Spencer

Tap - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Lauren Bostock

Modern - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Jessica Gibert

Character - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Chloe Hull

Lyrical - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Rosie Dorsett

National - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Charlotte Fruin

Greek (inc Natural Movement) - open B - 8 and 9 Years Tierney Campbell

Modern - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Lily Godfrey

Cabaret Group Junior - 9 Years and Under The Dance Studios

Lyrical - Open F - 16 Years and Over Daisy Squire

Modern - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Ella Coleman

Lyrical - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Gracie-Lou Brooks

Lyrical - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Faith Hepburn

Classical Duet Senior - 21 Years and Under Jordan Neary & Naomi Murfin

Ballet - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Lauren Bostock

Acrobatic - Open Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Shelby White

Character - Open F - 16 Years and Over Daisy Squire

Classical Group Junior - 9 Years and Under The Dance Studios

Ballet - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Lily Godfrey

Lyrical - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years James Briggs

Character - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Shelby White

Lyrical - Novice D - 12 and 13 Years Cara Bostock

Ballet - Open F - 16 Years and Over Daisy Squire

Lyrical - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Erin Cassidy

Classical Group Senior - 21 Years and Under Deburnays

Tap - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years Chloe Hull

Lyrical - Novice C - 10 and 11 Years Evie Venables

Classical Duet Junior - 9 Years and Under Tierney Campbell & Mae Batchelor

Ballet - Novice C - 10 and 11 Years Darcie Brown

Character - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Lauren Bostock

Tap - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Faith Hepburn

Cabaret Trio Senior - 21 Years and Under Hollie-Mae Lane, Georgie Lane & Amy Berwick

Ballet - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Amber Murphy

Cabaret Trio Junior - 9 Years and Under Mae Batchelor, Tierney Campbell & Serena Newell

Ballet - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Rosie Dorsett

Cabaret Trio Junior - 9 Years and Under Mae Batchelor, Tierney Campbell & Serena Newell

Character - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Niamh Eagles

National - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Elizabeth Hindmarch

Song and Dance - Open F - 16 Years and Over Lizzie Emery

Classical Trio Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Connie Longridge, Erin Cassidy & Anna Heathcote Woodbridge

Song and Dance - Open A - 6 and 7 Years Ella Coleman

Cabaret Group Adult - 22 Years and Over Abbey Tappers Dance No1, Murray Park Adult EducationTap Dance Class No1

Cabaret Group Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under The Dance Studios

Song and Dance - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Caitlin Bentman

Ballet - Novice D - 12 and 13 Years Alice Thompson

Classical Group Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Deburnays

Tap - Open F - 16 Years and Over Hollie-Mae Lane

Modern - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Charley Povey, Abigail Mahony

Ballet - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Olivia Turk

Song and Dance - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Rosie Dorestt

Baby Cabaret Baby - 5 Years and Under Abigail Bentman

Ballet - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years Charley Groom

Modern - Open F - 16 Years and Over Bethany Haughton

Lyrical - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Natalie Ward

Baby Cabaret Baby - 5 Years and Under India Lee

National - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Rosie Dorsett

National - Novice A - 6 and 7 Years Charlie Lee

Cabaret Duet Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Christie Burgoyne & Charlotte Briggs

Baby Classical Baby - 5 Years and Under India Lee

Cabaret Duet Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Holly Samantha Radford & Rosie Dorsett

Song and Dance - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Ellie Thornewill

Cabaret Trio Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Alice Thompson, Bethany Johnston & Ellie Thornewill

Character - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Ella Batchelor

Cabaret Group Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Deburnays

Song and Dance - Novice C - 10 and 11 Years Christie Burgoyne

Classical Group Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under First Stage Dance & Theatre Academy - Mary Mary Quite Contrary

Tap - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Georgie Lane

Modern - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years Niamh Spencer

Tap - Novice D - 12 and 13 Years Bethany Johnston

Modern - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Isabelle Naylor

Acrobatic - Novice Junior - 9 Years and Under Olivia Turk

Song and Dance - Novice B - 8 and 9 Years Mia Loydall

Classical Trio Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Natalie Ward, Tiegan Woods & Jasmine Melbourne

Tap - Novice C - 10 and 11 Years Lauren Stanley

Modern - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Charley Groom

Tap - Open D - 12 and 13 Years Eleanor Scarborough

Classical Trio Junior - 9 Years and Under Coral Frost, Olivia Turki & Mia Loydall

Tap - Open C - 10 and 11 Years Neve McGuinness Dyce

Song and Dance - Open B - 8 and 9 Years Chloe Hull

Cabaret Trio Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Ella Mai Blagg, Isabella Atkinson & Mia Basilisko

Ballet - Open E - 14 and 15 Years Natalie Ward

Greek (inc Natural Movement) - open D - 12 and 13 Years Erin Cassidy

Modern - Novice D - 12 and 13 Years Erin Cassidy

Acrobatic - Open Junior - 9 Years and Under Faith Hepburn, Bradley Cooper

Cabaret Duet Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Levi Scothern & Georgie Lane

Classical Duet Intermediate A - 12 Years and Under Lauren Stanley & Rosie Dorsett

Cabaret Duet Intermediate B - 15 Years and Under Ellie Thornewill & Alice Thompson

Acrobatic - Open Senior - 21 Years and Under Abbie Green

Cabaret Group Senior - 21 Years and Under Deburnays

Street Jazz Group Senior - 13 Years and Over Nadia Jane

Newark Alliance

Division One

Barkestone le Vale 3

Farndon Reserves 1

Barkestone continued their good run of form with a home victory over Farndon which saw them rise to second in the table.

The home side started brightly and were soon causing Farndon problems down both flanks, with the pace of Thomson and Coleman a constant threat.

Thomson found himself free just inside the box but he fired over the bar. Soon afterwards, Fazackerley was unmarked in the box but headed over.

The score remained 0-0 until 10 minutes before half time when a Moore corner found Ian Hollingsworth free at the back post to slot home the opener.

A Hollingsworth cross was too hot for the Farndon keeper to hold and the ball dropped kindly to the feet of Thomson who fired home from close range to double Barkestone’s lead.

Just before half time, a rare Farndon attacked saw them win a penalty and reduce the deficit.

In the second half, Barkestone failed to kill the game off, despite having more of the ball and numerous chances.

The third goal finally came from another set play. A free kick from the right hand side was whipped in by Moore for Thomson to skilfully volley home at the back post.

Moore then had chance to score himself from the penalty spot after man-of-the-match Ian Whatton had been brought down in the box. But his spot kick was pushed on to the post by the Farndon keeper, and Garner fired the rebound over the bar.

A road which was due to be closed for two days as a result of a blaze at a recycling plant has now reopened.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has extinguished the fire at Mid UK Recycling, on Barkston Heath, enabling the emergency services to reopen the High Dyke with immediate effect.

As reported online yesterday, the High Dyke was due to be closed from the A17 to the A52 until at least Friday over safety concerns created by smoke blowing across the road.

* Click on the links below for the full story.

Mid Lincs League

Under-12

Grantham Town 4

Nettleham 1

Grantham opened the scoring when Lewis Brady put a super ball through to Praise Ollalere who finished with aplomb.

Further pressure came when Brady set up Josh Carey whose shot was well saved by the Nettleham keeper.

Man-of-the-match Ollalere fired home his second with style following a fantastic individual run from Brady.

The opposition tested Campbell Williams on a couple of occasions in the first half but he was confident and controlled the play well. Good defensive work from Liam Clamp saw the home team 2-0 up at the break.

The second half started well with Jacob Thompson having a fantastic strike saved by the keeper and then moments later hitting the post. Brady showed his quality when he made a fabulous individual run, cutting the opposition apart to deliver a super ball in to Alfie Morley.

Grantham continued to dominate play and always looked like they would score again. The third goal came from a great delivery by Morley and super finish from Brady.

Nettleham pulled a goal back but shortly after, Morley took a shot from the wing to seal the win.

Under-11

Gonerby 3

Long Bennington 0

Gonerby took the lead early in the first half with an excellent debut goal from Alfie Chapman.

Long Bennington responded, bringing two good saves from Gonerby keeper Burridge.

Coates then produced a fine finish to double the lead, and Meffen scored Gonerby’s third to make it 3-0 at half time.

Gonerby continued to press in the second half with further close efforts from Coates and Hardy but the Bennington defence stood firm. Further saves from man-of-the-match Burridge kept a clean sheet for Gonerby.

Gonerby: Meffen, McNulty, Baker, Nowak, Coates, Hardy, Grieh, Burridge, Scott, Williamson, Ballaam, Chapman.

Under-13B

Gonerby 8

Hykeham Tigers 0

A rampant Gonerby team climbed to the top of the league with an emphatic victory over Hykeham Tigers.

Two goals apiece for Sam Brown, Peter Lewin, Robert McNulty and George Corden meant that Hykeham were second best all match, despite putting up decent resistance early on.

Captain Stefan Eardley in the Gonerby goal kept his eighth clean sheet of the season and once again marshalled his back four superbly.

Gonerby: Eardley, Gullick, Sellars, Corden, Burton, Lewin, Gorman, Swain, Atkinson, Brown, McNulty, Bautista, Boyle, Smith.

Saxilby Athletic 0

Gonerby 1

Gonerby put the pressure on the league leaders with an excellent away win.

With Ryan Taggart and Jack Davidson putting in great shifts in midfield, Gonerby dominated possession without really troubling the Saxilby keeper.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Luke Gorman threaded a pinpoint pass through to Sam Brown who neatly chipped the ball over the advancing Saxilby keeper.

Striking the woodwork twice in the second half, Gonerby continued to take the game to Saxilby but the hosts kept the result in the balance with some determined defending and a constant break away threat.

Gonerby : Eardley (c), Gullick, Sellars, Corden, Burton, Davidson, Taggart, Gorman, Atkinson, McNulty, Brown, Boyle, Lewin, Swain.

Under-15A

Barrowby 1

Young Dons 0

Barrowby were initially frustrated by the visitors in the first half, who sat nine men behind the ball.

The home side made a tactical change at the break, bringing Frazer Wingad into midfield which resulted in their best spell of the match.

Ten minutes into the second half, a fine Josh White Cross was met in the box by Wingad who coolly slotted home.

Patryk Lawniczak did a superb job man-marking the Young Dons danger man out of the game.

Barrowby battled in vain to add a second goal but the Dons keeper was in fine form.

Man of the match was shared by Patryk Lawniczak and David Croke.

Barrowby: Asplen, Lawniczak, Reid, Wingad, White, Page, Hayward, R. Evans, Scott, Croke, S. Evans, Hollingworth, K. Evans.

Under-16

Gonerby Yellows 2

Saxilby 0

The home side took the initiative just before the break, with a precise cross from Alex McIntosh finding Harry Hutton to give Gonerby the lead.

In the second half, the home team settled down, taking control of the game with Cameron McIntosh and Daniel Hibbert, holding the back line. Man-of-the-match,Liam Geeson asserted his authority in the middle of midfield, giving the visitors very little opportunity to trouble stand-in goalkeeper Aiden Hotchin.

Gonerby secured the match with a 45-yard free kick from Luke Bond.

Gonerby: Hotchin, Clater, C. McIntosh, Hibbert, A. McIntosh, Eyre, Bond, Geeson, Pickering, Hutton, Baker. Subs: Ellis-Millar.

Businesses and householders are being warned to be on their guard after thefts of heating oil were reported

Sometime over the last two weeks offenders have drained a heating oil tank at a property in West Street Folkingham, near Sleaford.

This follows a similar incident between 6pm on Sunday (February 10) and the morning on Monday (February 11) at Grantham Truck Services at Tollmache Road South in Grantham.

Offenders got into the yard and stole 900 litres of heating oil from a tank. They would have used a vehicle that was either parked in Gorse Lane, or in a lay-by on the A1 Southbound.

Police are appealing for anyone with any information on either incident to get in touch with them via the non emergency 101 number as soon as possible.

Officers are also urging residents and businesses with heating oil tanks to look at ways of improving their security. For more information click here

Call Lincolnshire Police with information on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Thieves stole car parts from the back garden of a Grantham home

This incident took place between 10.30am and 11am on Thursday (February 7) in Turnor Crescent, Grantham.

Offenders entered the back garden of a house in the road and stole a sky blue Ford Fiesta Mark 2 bonnet, two front doors, a boot lid and an engine hoist.

Two men were seen loading the parts into a Ford Transit van. Anyone who was in the area and may have seen this is asked to call PC Emma White at Grantham Police Station via the non emergency 101 number.

Call Lincolnshire Police with information on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust has released a statement saying it has written to its former Chief Executive Gary Walker, reinforcing his freedom to talk about patient safety.

A statement from the trust said: “The letter from trust chief executive Jane Lewington again confirms that, for the avoidance of doubt, Mr Walker is fully at liberty to talk about patient safety.

“This means that he can raise and discuss any issues he may have - without fear of redress - at the forthcoming hearing of the Commons Health Select Committee, potential General Medical Council proceedings, or any other forum.”

The trust says it is also writing to Stephen Dorrell, the Health Select Committee Chairman, and Niall Dickson, GMC Chief Executive, to confirm that as far as the trust is concerned, there is no restriction on the questions posed and answers given during their proceedings.

Mrs Lewington said: “This further reassurance is given in our Trust’s spirit of openness and transparency, which encourages all staff to raise issues about patient safety at any time.

“We hope that Mr Walker recognises it as a positive step, made in good faith.”

“Our focus is on the quality and safety of the healthcare we currently provide for the people of Lincolnshire in 2013.”

Church architect Graham Cook has written a report on the history and future of restoration work at St Wulfram’s Church.

Here is Mr Cook’s report in full:

The spire of St Wulfram’s church, in common with most stone spires, is constructed of a relatively thin (about 6 inches or 150mm) octagonal, tapering hollow skin,capped at the summit with a solid section of stone, in this case 5.4 metres (about 17 ft 6 inches) deep. This solid top section is clamped together, both here and normally,by a sturdy metal rod (the holding-down rod) tightened above and below the solid top stonework and carried on down to a pair of strong metal cross bars known as cross trees.

These are built into the masonry lower down in the spire, in this case a further 3.1 metres (10 ft) below the underside of the solid top section of masonry.

This metalwork has the effect, when tightened up, of tying together the top 8.5 metres of stonework enabling it to act as one solid mass and better resist the effects of strong winds.

The summit of the spire of St Wulfram was found to be in a parlous condition during the war and in 1945, while the Church Architect Lawrence Bond was away on war duty, an inspection was carried out by Mr Robert Godfrey, the Surveyor at the time at Lincoln Cathedral. He had taken on the care of St Wulframs while Mr Bond was away. In essence he advised that the top 40 ft or so of the spire probably needed rebuilding at that point.

Much of this damage was probably due to the fact that the earlier holding-down rod, and other metalwork described above, would have been made of iron which is vulnerable to rusting in this exposed situation. The resultant rust expansion often causes extensive splitting and opening up of such stonework.

By the time consideration was being given to starting this work, in 1946, Mr Bond had returned from the war and it was amicably agreed that both Mr Bond and Mr Godfrey would collaborate in seeing the project through. When the scaffold was erected they jointly inspected and decided that it was in fact only the top 16 ft or so which needed rebuilding. That work was done very well with much new stone and a new bronze holding down rod and cross trees, all of which still appear in good condition.

It is clear from notes made at the time that the 24 ft or so of the spire below the rebuilt section (effectively down to the cill level of the upper spire lights) was closely inspected and although a few rusting iron cramps were cut out and replaced in non-ferrous metal, nothing more extensive than that was felt to be necessary. This decision was jointly made by Mr Bond and Mr Godfrey and is recorded in notes.

To be fair to those who made the decisions in 1946 there would probably have been no open joints visible at that time (over 65 years ago), and they did not have the advantage of “cover meters” to test for the presence of buried metalwork.

The exterior of the spire was previously last inspected by steeplejacks in 1987 and no evidence was found at that stage of any significant problems. As a further five yearly general inspection of the church was under way it in Autumn 2011, it was decided that it would be wise to carry out another external inspection of the spire and Cedar Steeplejacks of Sewstern were commissioned to do this.

When Cedar Steeplejacks erected their ladders to inspect, the initial reaction was that there was not much wrong. However, although most joints look perfectly sound on the outside elevations Cedars did raise concern about a few external fractures at high level, for which there was no obvious cause, and it was then decided that we needed to look inside to see what was causing these.

After some delays due to high winds, close inspection of the internal stonework from the level of the top spirelights to the underside of the solid masonry at the summit was carried out on 14th October 2011 from a scaffold platform erected inside and accessed through the upper spire light openings.

I went up on the external ladders, and thus into the interior at the summit, to look at the condition myself with the steeplejacks. We also used a “cover meter”, a metal detector which gives a reading for the depth of any concealed metal behind the surface.

In addition we brought in a specialist Structural Engineer from London, Ed Morton, who has wide experience in dealing with problems with church spires. He climbed the spire with us, subsequently carried out various sophisticated computer aided calculations based on his findings and produced a report with recommendations for action in late November 2011.

Visually it can be seen, much more clearly on the inside of the spire than the outside, that there are a number of places where embedded iron cramps in the 24 ft deep zone below the 1946 rebuild have now rusted to the extent that the stone has lifted a little and spalled the inner face of the stone.

There are also some fine vertical cracks between these lifted joints and in some places the lift has been sufficient for a thin sliver of daylight to be visible from inside. Testing with the “cover meter” has shown that virtually every course of the stonework in this particular section of the spire is tied together with embedded iron cramps, a lot of which will be rusting to some degree or other.

There have been two previous recorded rebuilding campaigns at the top of this spire. The first followed a partial collapse of the spire in 1797. The second was in 1884/8 which was overseen by the Architect at the time, Oldrid Scott. The strong suspicion is that the embedded ironwork currently causing so many problems dates from the 1797 rebuild but historical research into this question is ongoing. Cast iron was a relatively new material at that stage and the long term effects of its subsequent corrosion were probably not fully appreciated.

The discovery of this rusting ironwork means that, although the top 16 feet of stonework is secure and tightly cramped together with non ferrous metalwork, unfortunately that mass of stonework is now sat on a deteriorating band of masonry 24 ft deep below that. In some courses where the cracks are most pronounced a lot of the weight of the stones above is carried on the rusting iron cramps themselves rather than, as originally, the mortar bed around them.

This means that effectively a lot of the bonding effect of the mortar in the joints between stones has been lost and a tendency has been introduced for courses of stonework to want to “rock” slightly on the expanded ironwork. This obviously significantly weakens the structure under wind loading. Also the 24 foot deep band containing the rusting ironwork also contains the upper spire light openings which, in themselves, create one of the weak points in a spire structure.

The calculations carried out by the Structural Engineer confirmed our fears that there was a risk of instability in the upper parts of the spire, in its present weakened condition, if wind speeds approached 100 miles per hour. In the period running up to Christmas 2011 a threat arose that winds of that sort of speed, already being experienced in Scotland, might be heading southwards. Serious concerns were obviously raised about public safety in that period before Christmas when the church was in heavy use most days and also an awareness of the need to prevent any potentially catastrophic collapse or disturbance of the high level stonework with threats to the roofs and other fabric of the building below.

A rapid decision was therefore made to carry out the Structural Engineer’s emergency recommendations for temporary strengthening to the summit of the spire and these were very efficiently put into effect by Cedar Steeplejacks in the early part of December 2011, working in difficult weather conditions.

This involved the erection of a grid of bracing scaffold poles inside the top part of the spire combined with external boarding and strapping which, together, clamped the structure together more firmly and thus made it better able to resist the buffetting effects of strong winds.

This has bought us time but a major rebuilding exercise, to the whole top 40 ft of the spire (down to the level of the present, temporary high level scaffold platform), is going to have to be faced as soon as sufficient funding, through donations and grants, can be raised. That fundraising process is now well under way and has been given significant impetus by the offer, in December 2012, of a substantial grant towards the costs from English Heritage / Heritage Lottery Fund, applied for in June 2012.

However that leaves the best part of £250,000 of funds still to be raised by the end of 2013, by which time we have to have completed a series of further investigations, agreed specifications for the rebuilding work with English Heritage and the Diocesan Authorities, agreed a tender list with English Heritage and obtained and reported competitive tenders for the necessary scaffolding and repair works and negotiated all necessary permissions for the repair work to proceed in 2014. The dismantling and rebuilding work will take all of the time between early spring and late Autumn 2014, the work having to be completed by the time the winter weather arrives in late Autumn as we are using lime mortar which needs time to cure properly before it is exposed to hard frost.

In the meantime consideration has had to be given to the now regular, annual return to the walkway at the top of the Tower of the nesting Peregrine Falcons. Once their nesting box has been put in place, in early spring, it becomes a legal offence under wildlife protection legislation to disturb or go near the birds until the young have flown in July. We are carrying out all of the high level investigations and measurements, needed for preparation of the specification, this month so that we will be out of the way during the critical nesting months for the birds.

Steeplejacks will, by the end of February, ensure that all boards at high level, which might be disturbed by winds, have been removed so there should be no need to ascend the Tower or Spire until the birds have flown in the Summer. The SOS banner flown from the top of the Tower will also need to be taken down for the duration of the birds nesting period but will be put back again once the young Peregrine Falcons have flown the nest this summer.

The investigations being carried out at present include a detailed survey of the whole of the stonework to produce accurate measured drawings and record in detail the full extent of the iron cramps and resultant damage, the strength of the various mortars used, the condition and type of the stone used (earlier work was almost certainly in Ancaster stone but at least some of the later work used Clipsham stone) and decide on the most appropriate, safe and cost effective method to carry out the necessary scaffolding and repairs.

Graham Cook, Church Architect ~ February 2013

Wheels have been set in motion to set up a Youth Football Development Centre at Grantham Town in time for next season.

A committee is being set up to make the plans become a reality and the club this week said they were “delighted” with the calibre of coaches that responded to the Gingerbreads’ initial request for help.

Applicants include those with Centre of Excellence and Academy backgrounds, as well as less experienced but equally enthusiastic budding coaches.

The club intends to have teams at under-18, under-16, under-15, under-13 and under-12 in the first season, expanding to under-10 upwards from thereon. Trials for all age groups are likely to be held between April and June.

It is hoped at least two teams will play in the Junior Premier League Midlands Division, with the remainder contesting at a more local level.

There are also plans afoot to set up a Saturday Soccer School for four to nine-year-olds with the intention for conditioning players to be ready to step straight into the under-10 side when they are old enough.

Ultimately, the hope is that youngsters will progress into the Grantham Town first team – and perhaps even higher up the football ladder.

Former Grantham Town midfielder Nick Andersen currently manages the club’s under-12s, and is a driving force behind the ambitious plans.

Nick said: “I’m really pleased that the club has decided to put a large focus on developing its own players. Given the current financial climate it is a very sensible thing to do and we are confident that there is enough talent in the area to make this work.

“We are currently setting up an infrastructure so that it becomes a sustainable system. I am particularly excited about the formation of the Saturday Soccer School and the potential that arises from that.

“We are really keen to build on the momentum that the current group of youngsters we have at the club have provided, and as long as everyone pulls in the same direction, the future of the club is certainly bright.”

Players interested in registering for a trial should contact either Eddie Humphreys at eddie.humphreys@virginmedia.com or Nick Andersen at quincycole@aol.com

Potential coaches and anyone interested in setting up a women’s team should also make either Eddie or Nick their first contact.

Friendly

North Hykeham 14

Kesteven 2nd 10

With the second non-show of Matlock 3rd for a crucial league game, Kesteven’s second string travelled to Midlands 5 League side North Hykeham for what was expected to be a tough encounter.

The home side wasted no time in utilising the huge boot of their outside half to keep the greater threat of the Kesteven back line pinned back in their own 22. Soon enough the pressure told and Hykeham crossed the try line for the game’s first points following a defensive mix-up and breakaway. The conversion attempt was good.

Kesteven’s response was positive. Having gained some possession, Ks forced Hykeham to commit penalties that enabled Harry Martin to boot to the corner. An impressive maul from a 5m lineout found Scott Odhams at the bottom of the pile to register Ks’ first points.

The second half followed much the same pattern as the first with Hykeham playing territory and Ks keen to get their backs involved.

The home side extended their lead when from a number eight pick-up off a scrum, only just over half way, he scythed through some woeful tackling to make it to the 5m line where he offloaded to his rampaging support. The extra two points were converted.

The visitors responded and dominated the remainder of the game, with Odhams managing to burrow over for his brace. Kesteven: Odhams, Login, P. Dolan, Shields, Brown, R. Dolan, Morrissey, J. Smith, Jordan Hughes, Martin, Windsor, J. Hughes, Cann, Betts, Price, Hanson, S. Smith, Chris, Charles.

Shorttrack motorcycling racing returns to Arena UK on Saturday (February 23).

Shorttrack UK have signed two major names to feature in a double header at the Allington venue.

England take on the Rest of the World at 1pm with Edward Kennett taking his place for England in the first team event of the Great Indoors Shorttrack Series.

International speedway rider Kennett is no stranger to racing indoors at speedway or shorttrack, and has returned from the Speedway Monster meeting in the USA.

Riding for the Rest of the World team will be Fabrizio Vesprini, the 2012 Flat Track World Cup champion. The Italian is a former ice racer and speedway rider. He will be lining up alongside Aussies Kevin Doolan and Damian Koppe.

All the riders will also be among those contesting the second meeting of the day, the International Shorttrack Arena Championship, at 6.30pm.

Entry includes access to a licensed bar, grandstand, trade stands and pit walkabout.

To book tickets for one or both meetings visit www.shorttrackuk.com or call 01673 878426. Limited seats are available on the day, cash only.

MARREN TILES TRIOS

Results (week 26): Team Bar 10 Oddsods 1, Grumpy Old Men 8 9ers 3, Team Powerplay 7 Magic Weasels 4, Crafty Foxes bye.

Highs: female – HGS 183 Jackie Dickson, HGH 226 Julie Newman, HSS 469 Julie Newman, HSH 607 Julie Newman; male – HGS 237 Gregg Ross, HGH 258 Gregg Ross, HSS 590 Gregg Ross, HSH 653 Gregg Ross; team – HGS 579 Team Bar, HGH 654 Team Bar, HSS 1628 Team Bar, HSH 1853 Team Bar.

Positions: 1 Team Powerplay 168, 2 Team Bar 150, 3 Grumpy Old Men 144½, 4 Magic Weasels 127, 5 Crafty Foxes 103, 6 Oddsods 93½, 7 9ers 72.

THURSDAY DOUBLES

Results (week 7): Jetsetters 0 Smokey Mountain Duo 10, Cobblers 10 New Venture 0, Last Resort 2 Old Codgers 8, Revrite 10 Lavender Hill Mob 0, Cool Runnings 5 v 5 Kanada St, Giraffes 7 Spare Parts 3.

Highs: female – HGS 157 Natalie Tagg, HGH 201 Natalie Tagg, HSS 435 Natalie Tagg, HSH 567 Natalie Tagg, male – HGS 246 Lee Pennock, HGH 264 Lee Pennock/Stephen Speechley, HSS 633 Lee Pennock, HSH 687 Lee Pennock; team – HGS 409 Revrite, HGH 468 Cobblers, HSS 1176 Revrite, HSH 1293 Revrite.

Positions: 1Smokey Mountain Duo 60, 2 Revrite 57, 3 Last Resort 45, 4 Old Codgers 44, 5 Giraffes 35, 6 Cobblers 33, 7 Cool Runnings 33, 8 Kanada St 30, 9 New Venture 29, 10 Jetsetters 22, 11 Lavender Hill Mob 17, 12 Spare Parts 15.