Denton Primary School has received an ‘outstanding’ report from Ofsted.

The school was graded outstanding in achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils and leadership and management.

Headteacher Sheriden Edwards said: “We are delighted that Ofsted have acknowledged the many strengths of Denton CE School. The staff, pupils, governors, parents and all members of the community should feel very proud of themselves.

“This is our second ‘outstanding’ grade, the first was awarded in 2010. The school was graded ‘good’ in 2008 after coming out of special measures in 2007. We were delighted to have maintained our outstanding grade under the new framework.

“In September 2012 we federated with Harlaxton CE School who also had a very good Ofsted in February. Our governing body is shared as is much of our staff. Both grades are a testament to how well the federation is working 
together to drive progress in both schools.”

The school has 69 pupils.

Paedophile Richard Bullimore is still pleading his innocence more than a decade after he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the rape and sexual abuse of young girls.

Following the protest on Uplands Drive on Sunday afternoon in which people called for him to leave town, the Journal spoke to Bullimore.

He claims he was set up and said: “I am innocent and that’s all there is to it. I did 10 years in prison for a crime I didn’t commit.”

In February 2002, Bullimore, who was 53 at the time, was convicted of four sample charges of rape and also found guilty of five charges of indecent assault. He denied all the offences which related to incidents between January 1986 and March 27, 2001.

The prosecution said four girls had made complaints against Bullimore and all were under the age of 12.

Bullimore, who was released from prison early last year, said he wanted to move away from Grantham with the help of the council.

See today’s Journal for more reports on this story.

Grantham Dramatic Society has pulled off another coup with it latest production at the Guildhall.

It was always going to be difficult to stage anything that could trump the triumph that was last year’s production of Calendar Girls, but GDS has made a fantastic effort.

Boeing Boeing is a French farce written in 1960 by playwright Marc Camoletti and it ran for 19 years in Paris. Comedy is never an easy thing to pull off, and farce is even tougher as the play builds up to a crescendo with complicated plot and everybody in a frenzy firing their lines at one another.

The farcical story concerns a Parisian man who has three fiancees, all of them air hostesses and of different nationalities - American, Italian and German. But Richard Geldard’s character Bernard can handle the situation as the hostesses all have different timetables to work to and so their paths will not cross at Bernard’s apartment. Of course, it all goes wrong, their paths do cross and the farce begins.

The cast struggled slightly at times having to be prompted from off-stage, but they gallantly ploughed on and pulled off a successful evening. Geldard was larger than life as Bernard and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his time on stage. Briony Sparrow, Tami Brown and Lucy Smith get stuck into their roles as the hostesses and Allison Allen, in her first big part with GDS, does well in the cynical role of the maid Bertha. Craig Edgley as Robert, Bernard’s long-lost friend, puts on an assured performance.

GDS has found itself another winner with Boeing Boeing. The run ends tonight at the Guildhall Arts Centre at 7.30pm. Call the box office on 01476 406158 or go to www.guildhallartscentre.com

Grantham Tennis Club’s Mini Reds eight-and-under team defeated Deeping to reach the final which will decide who becomes Lincs county champions.

The team, comprising Luke and Jacob Cullen, Matthew Barry and Eve Kimberley, will now take on Eastgate in the final.

The 14-and-under boys’ AEGON team continued their campaign with a home win against Boston B. The team enjoyed a 12 rubbers to nil victory. Joe Patton, Tom White, Lewis Picker and Adam Tapson now find themselves third in the league.

Last Thursday, the men’s fifth team lost at Nettleham despite a good effort. Michael Cragg, Dom Newcombe, Simeon Cook, Harry Larkin, David Hall and Mike Roys completed the team line-up. On the same night, the mixed doubles second team enjoyed a win away at Eastgate 2nd. The team were Simon Cormer, Sophie Fletcher, Jonathan Cummins, Wendy Stewart, Mark Harris and Megan Jones.

The mixed doubles first team enjoyed their first victory of the season against Farnsfield. The team of Richard Cragg, Mell Milner, Lianne Tapson, James Drennan, Paul White and Sophie Fletcher triumphed 16½-1½ in sets.

The mixed doubles fourth team of Colin Walton, Katy Dines, David Todd, Lorraine Walton, Martin Garrett and Elaine Pulfree found their first match in Nottinghamshire Division Four tough and lost 15½-2½.

Four Grantham swimmers competed in the Midlands Age Group Championships over the past two weekends at Coventry.

Leah Roughan finished as the top 13-year-old girl, achieving five national times and three Lincolnshire records. William Hawkes finished third overall in the 11-year-old boys’, achieving his first national time and four county records. Both swimmers dominated the breaststroke, winning gold in the 100m and 200m events.

Both Leah and William won their events by huge margins, smashing their own personal bests and Lincs records in the process. Leah’s 200m time is now the second fastest in the country in the 13 years age group. William won his first gold medal at regional level in the 100m breaststroke, becoming the fastest 11-year-old boy in this event in the country, and managed to qualify for the Age Group Nationals at 12 years old.

In both 100m and 200m backstroke, Thomas Lewis swam a good race, improving by a good 2.5 seconds and setting new club records in both events. Amelia Peters made a very good debut in the 100m backstroke.

Overall in the four days of Age Group Midlands competition, swimmers from Grantham set 21 new club records, seven county records and six national standard times, winning four gold medals.

Leah and William are now set to compete at National level at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, in July.

Pictured from left are: Williams Hawkes, Amelia Peters, Thomas Lewis and Leah Roughan.

Grantham United’s race from Wetherby was won by Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert.

Thirteen members sent 198 birds.

Results: 1 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1496, 2 E. Crawford 1493, 3 E. Crawford 1479, 4 J. Ablitt 1479, 5 Mr and Mrs D. Dixon 1477, 6 D. Parker and son 1466, 7 J. Ablitt 1456, 8 J. Ramm 1443, 9 J. Ramm 1424, 10 Mr and Mrs D. Dixon 1419, 11 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1413, 12 D. Parker and son 1403, 13 J. Ramm 1401, 14 Mr and Mrs Colyer and son 1400, 15 E. Crawford 1391, 16 Mr and Mrs D. Dixon 1384, 17 D. Parker and son 1378, 18 E. Crawford 1359, 19 K. Meadows 1348.

l Grantham and District North Road Club’s race from Aycliffe was won by club secretary John Norris, whose birds finished first and second.

Eight members sent 111 birds and race sponsor was Peter Healey of Exton.

Results: 1 J. Norris 1532.7, 2 J. Norris 1532.3, 3 T. Ballaam 1528.0, 4 D. Fowler and son 1487.3, 5 J. Norris 1477.6, 6 D. Fowler and son 1433.7, 7 D. Gilbert 1423.4, 8 A. Tudor 1407.1, 9 A. Tudor 1382.5, 10 M. Tudor 1359.8.

Grantham school students were part of the Newark Rowing Club junior squad that enjoyed a very successful weekend at the Peterborough Regatta last weekend.

The juniors entered 14 events and secured seven wins, two second places and three thirds.

Sophie Eaves (KGGS) won WJ14 single sculls on both days of the Regatta. This feat was matched by Ashley Cowley (King’s School) in the J16 single sculls. Sophie also raced against girls in an older division, the WJ15 event, achieving a hard fought third place, whilst Ashley went on to secure a second and a fourth place in the prestigious IM1 division for single sculls.

Rowena Price (KGGS) rowed in two single scull events, the WJ18 and the highly competitive IM2 race, and finished in a commendable third place in both.

There were also wins for the rowers racing in double sculls, with Megan Pepper (Sir William Robertson Academy) and Stephanie Hennessy (Walton Girls’ High School) taking their first victory of the season in the WJ14 category, in just their second race together.

Harriet Swindells and her partner Hannah Fulton (both KGGS) won the WJ15 event. Harriet and Hannah also raced up against girls in an older age group, WJ16, and were pleased with their second place.

The quadruple scull of Gabrielle Price, Jenna Draycott, Katie McLaughlin (all KGGS) and Georgia Powell (Walton Girls’), coxed by Megan Pepper, completed the success for the team,by winning both their heat and final in the WJ14 age group.

Most of the squad will be competing at the Nottingham Sprint Regatta on the River Trent this Sunday.

Firefighters were called out to a tumble dryer fire this morning (Tuesday).

A crew from Grantham was called out just after 9.40am to a house in First Avenue, Grantham.

They extinguished the flames, and found the cause of the fire to be an electrical fault.

A teenager who gave his twin brother’s details when he was stopped for driving offences has been warned he faces custody.

Benjamin Garratt, 19, of Lime Grove, Grantham, admitted doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice on October 13, when he appeared before Lincoln Crown Court yesterday (Monday).

Garratt also admitted driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Judge Michael Heath adjourned sentence until next month for the preparation of a probation report and granted bail.

But he warned Garratt: “The fact that I grant you bail does not mean that you won’t go to a young offenders’ institution when you come to be sentenced. It is a serious offence.”

Police have been called to two crashes on the A1 near Grantham - one either side of midday.

The first was reported by Lincolnshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit northbound at Foston with one lane blocked. However, it is now all clear.

The second was reported around 12.30 and was a road traffic collision involving a caravan and a car on the A1 southbound at South Witham.

One lane is currently closed to aid recovery south of Colsterworth.

From a Red Arrows flypast to chainsaw sculptures, from ferreting to a Royal visit...this year’s Lincolnshire Show (June 19-20) promises to be one of the best ever.

Organisers say they are expecting to receive thousands more visitors to the Lincolnshire Show – with footfall boosted by guest of honour Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex, on the second day.

The Lincolnshire Show is one of the largest and most prestigious county shows in the UK and attracts people from all over the country. And in partnership with show organisers.

Now in its 129th year, the Lincolnshire Show is a great family day out with lots going on to attract youngsters.

Organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, agriculture remains at the heart of the show with livestock and equine competitions, machinery displays and the chance to find out more about local food and drink produce.

There will be cooking demonstrations from chefs Rachel Green and Dominic Franks, local produce in the food court, vintage vehicle displays, floral decoration and flower shows, a sporting showcase, main ring entertainment, craft tents, plenty of fantastic retail opportunities – and lots of live music.

On the first day of the show, highlights include Simon Whitehead, a professional ferreter who will wow the crowds with his ferrets – and their skills. There will be the Cuerden Falconry display – with more than a dozen of the world’s most amazing birds of prey. On both days, there will be Jive Pony – the UK’s talented female equestrian display team – with their skipping horses and hula hooping horseback ballerinas.

Sponsors Duckworth are offering guests the chance to take part in the Land Rover experience where visitors will be scaling steep inclines and daring slide slopes as they are driven by qualified off-road Land Rover instructors.

Other attractions include an appearance by rugby legend Mike Catt, entertainment by the British Scurry and Trials Driving and a parade of hounds with the region’s premier packs of hounds. This year will also see the 20th Schools Challenge where pupils from 46 schools will be competing against each other on a variety of challenges which look at the environment, sustainability, and agriculture.

As well as being a great day out for the family, the show is must-attend event for farmers and businesses.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.lincolnshireshow.co.uk

** See Friday’s Journal for a chance to win three family tickets worth £42 each.

The Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen will stay open after millionaire David Ross stepped in to save it.

The academy will join a group of other academies already under the umbrella of the David Ross Education Trust.

MP Nick Boles told the Journal: “I am obviously delighted. After strong representation from me and from Martin Hill, leader of the county council, the school will not close and will be transferred to the David Ross Foundation. The school will be in the hands of one of the strongest academy groups in the country which specialises in small schools in rural areas.

“This is a cherished institution in Corby Glen and it is excellent news that it will now have a secure future as part of the David Ross Educational Trust. I want to pay tribute to the parents and residents of Corby Glen who have campaigned so hard to keep Charles Read open.”

Mr Boles said he was relieved and that there were “moments when I did not know if it could come off”. He said that a number of children had already left Charles Read because of its uncertain future but that those children and their families who were considering going to the school in future “could do so with confidence”.

On the look-out for Nessie are organisers of music festival Knipfest.

Phil Noon, Johnnie Watchorn, John Copley and Jack Noon took on the challenge of rowing 60 miles in three days along the Caledonian Canal, in two-man kayaks.

They started at Fort William and finished at Inverness two-and-a-half days later. The journey took them across Loch Ness, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich.

* Knipfest is on June 29 at Belvoir Cricket Club in Knipton. Information: www.ryanbenbow.co.uk/knipfest

The chief executive of the David Ross Education Trust has welcomed the news that Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen can join its network of academies and stay open.

Wendy Marshall said: “This is fantastic news, and something that we have been working hard towards for some time. Within our trust we have a number of smaller academies, so we understand and appreciate the pressures an academy like Charles Read faces. We will be using our experience to help this academy grow and strengthen.”

After reviewing the business case, the Department has concluded that the Trust had the expertise and capability to develop The Charles Read Academy. While Charles Read will not officially join the Trust until the start of the next academic year, Ms Marshall confirmed that work would be starting immediately.

She said: “We will all need to work together over the coming weeks and months to ensure that no time is lost from September in delivering success in the academy.”

As part of the new partnership the academy has already been asked to take part in the Trust’s Summer Cup on July 1, a festival of competitive sport that is being attended by Lord Coe.

Ms Marshall added: “We offer our students some incredible experiences, and I hope that the Summer Cup will give the students a flavour of what is to come.”

Staff, students, parents and the wider community will have the opportunity to meet the Trust at events and open evenings later in June.

Ms Marshall added: “One of the key reasons the Trust approached The Charles Read Academy is the obvious support it has in the local community. This support is vital to its long-term success, and we look forward to meeting and working with everyone associated with the academy over the next few weeks.”

The David Ross Education Trust is the education arm of the David Ross Foundation. Mr Ross was born and grew up in Lincolnshire. For more information on the David Ross Education Trust go to www.dret.co.uk

Sergeant Major Nobby Clark has been awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Nigel Brown.

It was in recognition of Sgt Maj Clark’s dedication to the Army Cadet Force, as an adult volunteer.

Sergeant Major Clark joined Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force’s 13 Colsterworth Detachment 2 Sqn. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant Instructor in April 1983 and to Sergeant Major Instructor in April 1988.

During his service, Sgt Maj Clark has held many positions, including detachment instructor, detachment commander, squadron Sergeant Major and county medic, and he is currently employed within 2 Squadron as the Training Sergeant Major.

In addition to his main ACF Duties, he has undertaken many other commitments in the Grantham area, organising various activities for the youth and community of the town. These include co-ordinating and carrying out the duties of parade Sergeant Major for the Remembrance Parade and St George’s Day Parade within the town, and assisting with other community-based activities such as Grantham Carnival.

Families flocked to Bingham Town Fair at the weekend.

A highlight of the day was a flypast by the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, while there was plenty more entertainment to be had.

Stalls, competitions, displays and rides were part of the day, as was the first Bingham Bake-Off, which attracted 50 entries.

In total, just over £200 was raised for the Mayor of Bingham’s charities, which are the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.

Bingham Town Council clerk Lynn Holland said: “Bingham Town Fair was a great success thanks to the support of the stall holders, entertainers, service providers and members of the public.”

She also thanked volunteers from the Air Training Corps for their help in carrying out jobs behind the scenes.

A quad bike and buggy are among the items stolen in a burglary in Barrowby last month, and police are now appealing for information on their whereabouts.

Outbuildings in the village were targeted by crooks sometime between May 27-29, and a large amount of equipment was stolen.

The items stolen were:

* 2x petrol STIHL garden strimmers (white & orange).

* 1x petrol STIHL garden hedge cutters (white & orange).

* 1x petrol STIHL garden leaf blower (white & orange).

* 1x petrol JOHN DEER lawnmower (green & yellow).

* 1x KARCHER pressure washer (yellow).

* 1x orange mid size 125cc quad bike (as pictured).

* 1x custom build children’s petrol driven go cart/buggy (as pictured).

Police say a vehicle would have been used to transport the items.

If anyone has any information regarding these items, or if you have been offered any of them for sale, call Pc Jonathan Smyth at Grantham Police Station on 01476 403320, or e-mail jonathan.smyth@lincs.pnn.police.uk

The leader of Lincolnshire County Council has welcomed the news that Charles Read Academy in Corby Glen will stay open after he condemned the proposal to close it.

Councillor Martin Hill said: “This is excellent news for parents, children and the local community and the decision has vindicated all the hard work we have put in with Nick Boles MP. We have strongly supported parents and children who clearly wanted to see their school stay open – this is an important local facility and we don’t want to see children travelling vast distances.

“As I have said before it made little sense to close the school as Grantham becomes a major growth point area, where we will have to find more school places in a few years’ time. I must thank the Secretary of State for taking up the cause and seeing how valuable this school is to the community.”

The future of the Charles Read Academy is safe with the announcement that David Ross Educational Trust will take over the running of the school from the West Grantham Academy Trust.

Lincolnshire County Council joined forces with the parents and residents of Corby Glen earlier this year to secure its future after the viability of the school was thrown into question by the West Grantham Academy Trust.

A spokesman for the Department for Education said this afternoon: “Ministers have, following the business case from West Grantham Academy Trust, decided not to close Charles Read Academy. Instead they have invited David Ross Educational Trust to take over the school. DRET has the necessary background and experience to ensure the long term viability of the school. This decision should give confidence to all parents in the area that Charles Read Academy has a bright future.”

A 24-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage with intent to endanger life following an explosion at a constituency office of Grantham MP Nick Boles.

Paul Leversedge, of Marquess Court, Bourne, has been remanded in custody to appear at Grantham Magistrates’ Court this morning (Wednesday).

The Conservative MP’s Bourne office, in the Stamford and Grantham Conservative Club in North Street, was targeted at around 1.20am on Sunday.

Mr Boles said he understood a homemade device had been thrown through the window of the office.

Police said there was no structural damage to the building but a window was broken.

No-one was injured in the incident.

7 CAFE DOUBLES

Results: Bandits 3 Sandbaggers 7, No Idea 6 Pirates 4, Pins On Viagra 0 Paddy’s People 10, It’s Up To You 1 Dodgy Strikes.com 9.

Positions: 1 Pins On Viagra 121, 2 Paddy’s People 107, 3 It’s Up To You 100, 4 Bandits 97, 5 No Idea 89.5, 6 Pirates 83.5, 7 Dodgy Strikes.com 81, 8 Sandbaggers 81.