Grantham Hospital wards remain closed while hospitals in Lincoln and Boston are back to normal, says the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

There will be no admissions on to wards at Grantham Hospital due to continuing cases of the winter vomiting bug, norovirus.

A&E will remain open, but any patients who need to be admitted to a ward will be diverted to other hospitals. Ambulance services will also take patients who need to be admitted for treatment to alternative hospitals.

Admissions at Lincoln County and Boston Pilgram hospitals have returned to normal.

The trust said staff have also been affected by the bug.

One man was jailed and another received a suspended prison sentence for handling stolen jewellery and antiques which they wanted to sell to make money for Christmas.

Liam Curtis, 23, of Lymn Court, Grantham, was jailed for 16 weeks after admitting possessing stolen goods. Clive Taylor, 24, of Thames Road, Grantham, was handed a 16-week sentence suspended for 12 months for the same offence and a two-week concurrent sentence, also suspended, for possessing cannabis. He was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.

A third person, Sarah Taylor, admitted receiving stolen goods and was fined £70 with £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Prosecuting, Marie Stace told the court that the three were stopped in a Fiat Punto car in Trent Road by police on November 20 last year, because they were driving without lights.

Clive Taylor admitted he had a spliff in his hoodie which he handed to one of the officers and it was identified as cannabis.

The police found bags containing the antiques and jewellery in the boot and footwell of the car. The defendants told the officers they had bought the items off a “tall ginger skaghead”.

Miss Stace said Curtis told officers the items were to be sold for scrap to get cash for Christmas.

Clive Taylor tried to escape from the officers but was quickly caught. A ring was later found at his address and a bag containing a camera and a GPS tracker was found during a search of Sarah Taylor’s. These had been stolen in a burglary in Redmile Walk.

Miss Stace told the court that Sarah Taylor said she had bought the car on November 16 and then found the bag containing the camera and tracker in the boot.

She put the bag in a cupboard under the stairs at her address, intending to take it back to the car company from which she had bought the vehicle. Miss Stace said Taylor had never gone back to the company or made any inquiries about the items.

Clive Taylor had said the property had been bought for £100 and that the cannabis was for his own use. In interview, Curtis had also said he and Clive Taylor had bought the items for £100. The property was later returned to its owners.

Rob Arthur, for all three defendants, said: “For Mr Taylor and Mr Curtis it was the old adage ‘never look a gift horse in the mouth’ as this had come back to bite them.

“They were stopped in the vehicle and accept they bought the items for £100 to try to sell them and make money for Christmas.”

He said Sarah Taylor agreed for police to search her property and they found the bag containing the camera and tracker which she now accepts she was asked to look after.

Mr Arthur said: “The fact is she turned a blind eye and will face the consequences.”

Clive Taylor and Curtis were sentenced after magistrates read probation reports. Curtis, who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, had previously said it was unlikely he could complete a community service and was prepared for a prison sentence.

A Grantham man on drugs charges has been committed to crown court.

John Paul Blenkinship, 39, of Houghton Road, is accused of possessing 31 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, possessing 5.6 grams of cannabis and possessing a class A drug all on January 6 last year. He was committed to crown court for a first hearing on May 3. He was granted unconditional bail.

A man made an abusive phone call to his former partner when he heard she was moving away from Grantham.

Anthony Byrne, of Larch Close, Grantham, admitted making an offensive or menacing phone call on February 3 to his former partner  who he had split up with five years earlier.

Prosecuting, Marie Stace told the court that the relationship was difficult. On the evening of February 3, Byrne’s ex-partner received a call from his number, but he hung up.

There was another call a few minutes later but again he hung up.

Then Byrne called his ex-partner a third time.

She said he was very drunk and slurring his words. He later told police that he had heard she was moving to Birmingham and it had come as a shock to him.

Miss Stace said the partner had said Byrne told her he did not want her to contact him again and had said he had stabbed himself twice in the stomach “and I am going to do two to you”.

He then called her a “dirty little slag”.

In a statement Byrne’s ex-partner had said: “I was concerned that he was going to carry out the threats and come and stab me.”

She left the house with a friend and her children and called the police.

He called her again while the police were there and told her was was sorry and was very angry.

He was then arrested.

Byrne had said in interview that the couple had split in 2008 and had a son. On February 3 he had been drinking in town and had heard she was moving away.

He said: “In the heat of the moment I became abusive but did not threaten her.

“She has no reason to fear me.”

Julian Sheen, defending, told the court that Byrne said in interview that he would not threaten her and that she would not have treated them as realistic threats anyway.

Mr Sheen said: “She said she feared it would be carried out but but also said he had never been violent to her. He has been frustrated at not being able to arrange contact and has seen solicitors about it so has gone down the right channels.”

Mr Sheen added: “It’s unfortunate it’s blown up as it has. He has not had any contact with the complainant since the incident but has been in touch with solicitors again about contact.”

The magistrates decided to adjourn the case until April 29 for a report.

Byrne was given bail on condition he did not go to a certain address in Grantham or contact his former partner.

A woman who persistently called 999 and kicked a police officer was praised in a report for the progress she was making since the offences.

Anne Elizabeth Callander, 47, of Bailgate, Lincoln, had pleaded guilty to assaulting a constable and making a phone call to cause annoyance or inconvenience in January but was given time to show she was making progress with treatment for an alcohol problem.

Marie Stace, prosecuting, told the court police attended an incident at Ermine Close in Grantham on December 14.

Officers saw Callander in a rear garden on her mobile phone. She was drunk and slurring her words while speaking to the police control room. The officers took the phone off her and ended the call. She would not say why she had made the call.

Miss stace said an ambulance arrived which Callander had called. She was sitting in the ambulance when an officer got a call to say she had called 999. He then felt a blow to his shin and saw Callander pull her leg back.

Miss Stace said: “It was hard and deliberate”.

She was arrested for making the phone calls and the assault.

Callander told police her partner had been abusive to her and had forced her out. She admitted making the 999 calls but could not remember and was very distressed. Miss Stace added: “The reason she did not speak to the officers was because she did not feel safe with them and she did not trust the officers she was with. She accepts her calls to the police could have prevented other people making emergency calls to them.”

Defending Callander, Mr Coley said a report on the defendant had been “glowing” and she had “exceeded all expectations set of her”. He said she had been attending sessions at Addaction, which supports those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

He said: “She is under no illusions. It’s a long road. She knows she will have to remain out of trouble and will need to access whatever support she can. It seems the prognosis is good and she is willing to make the best of this.”

Callander was given a 12-month community order which includes a supervision order and six months of alcohol treatment. She was also ordered to pay £60 compensation.

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division

Grantham Town 1

Witton Albion 3

Grantham Town suffered a home defeat at a very windy Meres on Saturday, and were under the cosh from the kick-off.

Gingerbreads goalkeeper Jake Turner was called into action with seconds on the clock, blocking Shaun Tuck’s effort after the number nine scythed with ease through the Grantham defence.

Three minutes later, Turner was kept on his toes with another Tuck attempt which he caught, and seconds later Daniel Andrews fired not far wide and over.

Unsurprisingly, Witton Albion went in front a minute later when Joshua Hancock fired in unopposed from the edge of the penalty area.

The visitors doubled their advantage within a minute. Tuck looked to be offside but the linesman’s flag stayed down and he carried on running and slotted in, with Turner’s fingertip touch unable to deflect the ball away from the target.

Fighting the strong head wind, Grantham finally had a shot on goal in the 13th minute, but Albion defender Ben Harrison blocked Jordan Smith’s effort. Seconds later, Sam MacVicar headed on target but Witton keeper Matthew Cooper caught the ball over his head on the goal line.

MacVicar had another chance on 20 minutes. Although hindered somewhat by Harrison, Town’s number nine managed to get a shot off but made it too easy for Cooper.

At the other end, Turner pulled off a good diving save to deny Witton defender Anthony Gardner in the 24th minute. Hancock’s subsequent corner kick found Marc Joseph but he drove the ball into the ground and over the bar.

Gingerbreads fans were given some hope when the pulled a goal back in the 26th minute, with Gio Carchedi taking advantage of keeper Cooper’s fumble and tapping in on the line.

Albion’s Michael Powell tried his luck from a 35-yard free kick but curled his effort wide and over. At the other end, MacVicar attempted a cheeky lob and was not far off target.

Witton turned the screw further when they went 3-1 up on 34 minutes, with Hancock rocketing in his 20-yard free kick past the Grantham wall.

Town had a free kick of their own with a minute left to play in the first half, but Deon Meikle could get no direction to his header from Danny Elliot’s set-piece.

With seconds of the half remaining, Grantham missed the best chance of the match to pull back within a goal of their opponents when Jordan Smith somehow managed to fire over an open goal from close range.

The second half turned out to be one of few chances for either side. Witton struggled against the wind but the Gingerbreads failed to capitalise on the tailwind advantage.

Town substitute Karl Demidh had his 64th minute drive blocked on the line. Meikle got to the rebound but the keeper was equal to his effort.

Witton sub Jason Oswell had a header on target in the 74th minute but Turner plucked the ball to safety.

Grantham looked to be going 4-1 down two minutes later after a defensive fluff which allowed Steve Foster through one-on-one with the Town’s keeper, but the Witton skipper fired wide of the mark.

The final 10 minutes were all Grantham’s but they failed to take advantage. Kallum Smith chased a wind-assisted long ball which bounced too high for the Town substitute and allowed Cooper to collect.

MacVicar drove his shot over the bar from distance in injury time and the Gingerbreads’ final attack saw sub Nathan Watson’s effot stopped at the near post by keeper Cooper.

Grantham Town: Turner, Purcicoe (Watson, 87), Ridly, Hannigan, Hawes, Meikle, Elliot (K. Smith, 75), Lewis (c), MacVicar, J. Smith, Carchedi (Demidh, 60). Subs not used: Asher, Martin. Att: 210.

A Grantham man will appear at crown court charged with drugs offences.

Gregg John Chappell, 41, of Grantley Street, is accused of posessing 10.19 grams of amphetamines with intent to supply, possessing cocaine and possessing cannabis at Houghton Road on January 6 last year.

Grantham magistrates granted Chappell unconditional bail until a first hearing date at crown court on May 3.

A 21-year-old said he would never drink again after he walked into on-coming traffic and head-butted car windows.

Anthony Patrick Green, of Woodlands Drive, Grantham, admitted being drunk and disorderly in a public place on February 2.

Prosecutor Marie Stace told the court that police received a report of a person walking into oncoming traffic in Harlaxton Road where he had headbutted the windows and had punched the glass in the kiosk window at the nearby Esso garage.

Miss Stace told the court that police found Green on the garage forecourt just after 7pm where he was very drunk, completely incomprehensible and wearing only one shoe.

He could not stay still or keep his balance. He was handcuffed while other officers arrived.

He was later arrested for being drunk and disorderly and put in a cell. Later, police had to call an ambulance because he was so ill.

Green, who was not represented, told the court: “It was unacceptable. I will not be drinking again. It won’t happen again.”

Magistrates ordered a higher fine of £250 because Green was already on a conditional discharge.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £25.

Bottesford and District Angling Association’s Norman Chenoworth Memorial was held on Grantham Canal on Sunday.

The match was won by A. King with a catch weighing in at 8lb 14oz 8dr.

Other results: 2 J. Brockway 7.04.00, 3 B. Baines 6.01.00, 4 M. Wallington 4.14.08, 5 C. George/A. Howe 4.12.00; section A - N. Lale 2.12.00, section B - G. King 4.08.00, section C - G. Moore 3.13.00, section D - N. Toon 4.07.00; pairs - 1 G. King/A. King 13.06.08, 2 B. Baines/J. Marcier 9.03.00.

Bottesford AA’s next match is on Grantham Canal on Sunday, April 28. The draw will be held at Pizzarini in Bottesford at 9am, breakfast available.

A teenager accused of possessing and intending to supply £4,000 worth of drugs will face a crown court judge.

Wayne Kirk, 19, of Aveland Way, Aslackby, Sleaford, is accused of possessing 13.7 grams of cocaine with intent to supply, possessing 477 grams of dried amphetamine with intent to supply and possessing an amount of cannabis.

The case was adjourned for committal until June 3. No pleas were made. Magistrates granted Kirk unconditional bail.

A 28-year-old accused of drug possession was committed to crown court by Grantham magistrates.

Lee Makemson, of New Beacon Road, Grantham, is charged with possessing 37.8 grams of cocaine in Edward Street, Grantham, with intent to supply.

No plea was entered. Makemson, 28, was committed to Lincoln Crown Court with a first hearing set for May 3. He was granted unconditional bail.

The Bishop of Grantham has criticised the holding of a ceremonial funeral on Wednesday for Margaret Thatcher.

The Rt Rev Dr Tim Ellis says it is a “mistake” to spend a reported £10 million on the funeral and that holding the funeral on such a scale in London was “asking for trouble”.

Baroness Thatcher will be given a ceremonial funeral with full military honours at St Paul’s Cathedral, which will be attended by the Queen.

Dr Ellis condemned those who held “parties” celebrating the death of Baroness Thatcher but said: “I am not surprised by the parties, which show that events of 30 or 40 years ago still engender that kind of violent reaction because her reign was very divisive and controversial, and people still remember that today.

“In a context where there is great ill feeling about her legacy, we have a situation where we seem to be expecting the nation to glorify that with a £10 million funeral it is asking for trouble. People with extreme views will use it to promote their political views.

“We should be marking her as a person in Grantham and with a more low-key, personal marking.”

Dr Ellis Ellis made his remarks over the weekend. This morning a spokesman said he would not make any further comment.

Midlands League 3

East (North)

Kesteven 80

West Bridgford 12

Kesteven sealed promotion with an emphatic victory to line up a league title deciding match against Melbourne at Woodnook on Saturday.

Ks were expecting a tough encounter as third-placed West Bridgford arrived still with an outside chance of gaining promotion. What happened was a quite spectacular performance of fast, fluent rugby.

The home team got off to the best possible start. West Bridgford kicked off and Kesteven fielded the ball in their own half. A couple of early thrusts produced good clean ball for Danny Turner to take at speed. His break was well supported by Cameron Hudson who ran in from 30 metres to score with just 34 seconds on the clock. Chris Galloway kicked the conversion.

Galloway doubled Kesteven’s lead two minutes later when Turner again broke clear for the line. This time he was stopped just yards short of the line and Galloway was up in support to score. Galloway’s kick was good again.

West Bridgford did get some possession but generally their play was of a more pedestrian nature. In the end, Kesteven weathered that period but again straight running, this time by Goodrich, punched a great hole in the visitors’ defence to create an opening for Hudson’s second after 25 minutes. Hudson added his third with a fine solo run down the wing for the crucial bonus point try. Galloway added another conversion for a 26-0 lead.

West Bridgford continued to try to play rugby and were rewarded with a simple try under the posts to narrow the gap, but Kesteven finished the half on top with a fifth try. Doug Hayward used his experience to keep the ball alive and send Parker in under the posts. Galloway kicked his fourth conversion to take the half time lead to 33-7.

Kesteven turned round with the wind at their backs and set out to enjoy their rugby. First try of the half fell to Goodrich who supported a break by Turner to go in for his first try. Straight from the restart, Turner picked up from the base of the scrum on halfway to race to the line. He unselfishly passed the ball inside to the supporting Olly Wood for the try. Galloway added another conversion.

West Bridgford did have a spell of pressure, forcing Kesteven to concede a number of penalties. Woolerton had 10 minutes in the sin bin and the visitors scored a try in the corner. Ks did not let the numerical disadvantage bother them as they pressed forward again.

Enjoying a resurgence, Graham Smith made for the line and when he was stopped, Odams was in support to score. Parker made good ground to put Will Cann in for a try, and Turner supported a break by Goodrich to go over. Galloway kept up his kicking record with a further three conversions to take the score up to 66-12.

West Bridgford were a tired side now and Kesteven finished the game with two further tries, the first by James Goodrich followed by Danny Turner who crowned an outstanding display with yet another break, which this time he finished himself. Parker was successful with both conversions.

Promoted Kesteven will now meet top of the table Melbourne to decide who becomes champion at Woodnook on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Kesteven: Galloway, P. Jordan, Hudson, Goodrich, Taylor, Parker, Wood, Sheardown, Hayward, Purvis, Pert, Cowley, Flear, Woolerton, Turner. Reps: Odams, G. Smith, Cann.

Leader of South Kesteven District Council Linda Neal will attend the funeral of Margaret Thatcher on Wednesday, as a representative of Grantham.

The Conservative councillor will attend the service at St Paul’s Cathedral, alongside world leaders, Royals, politicians and celebrities.

Coun Neal said: “I am honoured to be able to represent people from Grantham and throughout South Kesteven as the nation says farewell to the woman who was born and educated in our town before going on to become the country’s first and only female Prime Minister.”

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the service, which will be held following a military-led procession through the streets of central London.

As a tribute to Baroness Thatcher, SKDC will mark her funeral by unveiling a personlised rose, named ‘Grantham’s Thatcher Rose’.

Coun Neal said: “This rose, with a pink flower, is unique to Grantham and will be positioned in the civic area at the Guildhall next to the book of condolences. In due course it will be replanted in Wyndham Park.”

Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto (sponsored by Galaxy Fish Bar), winners of April 13 draw:

£200 – 408 W. Toseland; £10 – 650 K. Pick; £5 – 43 J. Hickling, 528 P. English, 796 S. Marriott, 280 M. Carthew, 798 A. Taylor, 342 Galaxy Fish Bar.

The Angel and Royal Hotel in Grantham features in a new handbook of historic watering holes.

Ye Olde Good Inn Guide, written by James Moore and Paul Nero, factors in the hotel as it was venue stayed in by Richard III in 1483 as well as a host of other Royals. Due to be published this month, the guide includes a number of Lincolnshire pubs and inns. Mr Moore said: “Lincolnshire has a rich heritage of historic pubs, inns and hotels. This book helps you find the best and reveals their incredible history – as well as providing some great tales to share with your fellow drinkers along the way.

“The Tudor period was the golden age of the alehouse and inn. Our guide allows you to step back into the world of Shakespeare and Elizabeth I to enjoy a drink in atmospheric places which they may very well have frequented themselves.”

“At a time when 18 pubs are closing a week it has never been more important to preserve the history of those which have often served their communities for centuries.” The book is available via www.amazon.co.uk

Three vehicles wre involved in a smash on the A1 at Great Gonerby yesterday afternoon (Monday).

A fire crew from Grantham was called to the scene just before 2.50pm.

Firefighters assisted an ambulance crew with one casualty.

Grantham Badminton Club men’s and ladies’ first teams both beat Cross O’Cliff away in Newark League Division One.

The ladies’ match went right to the wire after Sophie Turley with Kerry Durham won two rubbers and lost another in the final game. Susie Steeples with Jaz Gilbert also fought superbly to win two rubbers from three, with their third also being amazingly close. Crucially, Sonal Modi with Laura Graves needed to beat at least one Cross O’Cliff pair, which they did in style to seal the away win for Grantham.

The men won 6-3 to set up the possibility of overtaking Cross O’Cliff in the league, if they can achieve a home win against Cross O’Cliff 2nd later in the week. This they achieved, winning 7-2, with Ben Johnson and Jan Bailey winning all three rubbers. Nick Gill with Joe Attewell won two, as did Toby Mills with Adrian Ackroyd.

In the Melton Mixed League Division One, Grantham travelled away to top-of-the-league Mars but were defeated 8-1. Sandra Jennings played with Declan Hill, Sonal Modi with Matt Whittle, and Kerry Durham with Rob Scarborough claimed the single rubber.

In Melton Division Two Mixed League, Grantham also struggled against division-toppers Radmoor, who won 5-4 with two pairs. Josh Gould with Laura Graves claimed a rubber and Sarah Bransby with Ian Witham went close, as did Sophie Turley with Mike Woodhouse, losing in the third end of one of their rubbers. Three rubbers were conceded by Radmoor.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club (Grantham branch):

Forest are at home to Barnsley on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

Bookings are being taken for the away game at Millwall on April 27, kick-off 3pm.

For details contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

SATURDAY (April 20)

Football

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Blyth Spartans v Grantham Town (3pm).

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One – Bugbrooke St Michaels v Harrowby United (3pm).

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division – Buckminster United v White Horse Sleaford.

Division One – Croxton AFC v Rippingale & Folkingham.

HITS Consultancy Senior Cup Final – Heckington Millers v White Swan Barrowby (at Harrowby United’s Dickens Road ground, 6pm).

Culverthorpe Cup – Bottesford v CK Dons.

Rugby

Midlands League 3

East (North) – Kesteven v Melbourne (3pm).

Notts Pennant League

Group 2 – Kesteven v Melbourne 2nd (3pm).

Cricket

South Lincs & Border League

Premier Division – Belton Park v Skegness 2nd, Woodhall Spa 2nd v Welby.

Division Two – Boston 3rd v Claypole, Grantham 2nd v Cavaliers, Welby 2nd v Lindum Academy.

Friendlies – Trent College v Belvoir, Stamford School v Belvoir 2nd, Belvoir 3rd v Beeston & Toton Sycamore, Belvoir 4th v Beeston & Toton Sycamore.

SUNDAY

Football

Lincolnshire FA County Sunday Cup Final

FC Ivy Tavern v Ropsley Fox (at Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank ground, 10.45am).

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – AFC Sleaford United v Ruskington, Three Gables Sunday v Thurlby United.

Division One – Long Bennington v Grantham United TRE, Nobody Athletic v Springfield AFC.

Charity Shield, quarter-finals – Aslockton Cranmers v Ancaster Rams, Helpringham Rovers v Lions.

Cricket

Grantham & Melton Association

Division One – Ashby Carington v Belton Park, Bottesford v Empingham, Buckminster v Sileby Town, Kinoulton v Woolsthorpe, Pickwell v Barrowby.

Division Two – Bingham v Syston Town, Grantham Sunday v Houghton on the Hill, Sproxton v Ashby Carington 2nd, Welby v Harlaxton.

Division Three – Barkston & Syston v Croxton Kerrial, Colsterworth v Skillington, Foston v Belvoir Colts.

Newark Alliance

Division Four – Belvoir v Newark Ransome & Marles 2nd.

MONDAY

Football

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One – Harrowby United v Oadby Town (7.45pm).

WEDNESDAY

Football

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – FC Osbournby Rangers v Ropsley Fox.

FOOTBALL RESULTS

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Grantham Town 1 Witton Albion 3.

ChromaSport United Counties League

Division One – Wootton Blue Cross 2 Harrowby United 2.

Grantham & District Saturday League

HITS Consultancy Junior Cup Final – Croxton AFC 2 CK Dons 2 (Croxton AFC won 4-2 on penalties).

Grantham Hospital Charity Cup – Cranmer Arms 0 Bottesford 2.

Memorial Cup – Buckminster United 2 White Swan Barrowby 2 (White Swan Barrowby won 3-2 on penalties).

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division – AFC Sleaford United 2 Three Gables Sunday 2, Thurlby United 6 FC Osbournby Rangers 2.

Division One – Long Bennington 0 Nobody Athletic 2, Ropsley 0 Grantham United TRE 0, Springfield AFC v Aslockton Cranmers HW.

Sunday Knockout Cup, semi-final – Ruskington 0 Lions 7.

Charity Shield, quarter-final – Colsterworth United 0 Ropsley Fox 7.