Sproxton is the venue for an Oakham Motocross Club/AMCA meeting this Sunday (June 16).
Large numbers of riders are expected to contest the latest round of the East Trent Racing Series with up to 36 per race battling it out for the trophies.
Local riders to watch out for will be Curtis Plant, Sam Smith and Ross Witcomb.
Practice commences at 9.45am with racing starting around 11am.
Spectators welcomed and there will be catering and a merchandise stall.
Mid Lincs League side Gonerby Blues under-17s are on the lookout for players for next season.
If interested contact Dion Short on 07929 935450.
SUDBROOK MOOR
Trio Alex Clarricoates, Martin Corby and Simon Green did Sudbrook Moor proud in the Inter-Club Scratch Championship matchplay competition, The Bramley Trophy, over the last six weeks.
They defeated Kirton Holme away in the opening round and then beat Kenwick Park at home in round two.
The very young team battled bravely in the quarter-final against Sleaford in a fine display, but ultimately lost 3-0. Alex lost 5&3, Martin 2&1 and Simon 5&4. The team were supported by a crowd of Sudbrook Moor supporters who walked the course in all three matches.
l The scratch A Team played the fourth match of the Scratch Matchplay League at Kirton Holme at the weekend and returned with a 4½-1½ victory, their fourth consecutive win, for a maximum eight points accrued.
l The Senior Matchplay League team were not so fortunate and went down ½-5½ against Gedney Hill.
BELTON PARK
Belton Park first team played Spalding at home in the South Lincs League and triumphed 5-1.
The men’s Club Match at home to Wollaton was won 4-2.
Seniors
Belton 5½
Stanton 2½
Peter Brooks and Fred Williams won 4&2, Bill Brogan and Barrie Stainton won 3&2, Keith Ball and Norman Halliday lost 6&5, Alan Addis and Shaun Boney won 3&2, John Carey and Paul Skelton lost 4&2, Tony Robinson and David Green lost 2&1, Ray Clark and David Langley halved, John Thompson and Willie Badraum lost 4&3, Manny Barker and Ian Saunders won 7&6, Nick Craft and Terry Bond won 2&1.
Stanton 4½
Belton Park 5½
Peter Brooks and Brian Mole won 2&1, Bill Brogan and Rick Alsbury lost 5&3, Barrie Stainton and Norman Halliday won 3&1, Colin Farrington and Mike Monaghan won 3&2, Terry Bond and Willie Badraum lost 4&3, Nick Craft and Paul Skelton halved, Manny Barker and Fred Willaims won 1 up, Andrew Cookson and Alan Addis won 2 up, Keith Ball and Tony Davies lost 2&1, David Langley and John Alsbury lost 1 down.
C Team
Nottinghamshire 4
Belton Park 2
Belton Park names first – Tony Davies and Dick Short lost to Colin Brown and Lee Dixonn 3&2, John Cooke and Stewart Boylan lost to Will Tilley and Brian Wigley 3&2, Simon Whitton and Robert Pask beat Dave Simpson and Martin Morris 2&1, Alex Green and John Jalland lost to Vince Townley-Moss and Vic Gram-Hansen 6&4, Andy Stepney and Stuart Smith lost to Matt Shephard and Mike Dimblebee 3&2, Ben Baylis and Paul Woods beat Geoff Oliver and Keith Harris 5&4.
Ladies
The Brunyee Trophy was won by Ann Bartlett with a score of gross 87 (net 72). Second on countback was Issie Guest and third place went to Donna Hayle with 102 (73).
l The Coronation Foursomes, postponed from March due to extremely bad weather and course conditions, was won by Issie Guest and Sue Walker-sherriff with 37 points. Second on countback were Carol Steele and Donna Hayle, with Josie Short and Anna Clark third on 36. Issie and Sue will go on to represent Belton Park in the next round at Kettering.
l The Ladies’ Club Championship, played over 36 holes last Sunday, was won by Megan Illingworth with a gross score of 152. Net Champion was Edina Burns with 151.
Best gross in the morning round was Joy Stepney with 87 and best of the afternoon round was Anna Clark (85). The morning’s best net round was played by Pam Mackey with 78 and Issie Guest came in with the best net of 72 in the afternoon.
Edina will represent Belton Park as Ladies’ Club Champion in the Queen of Clubs Competition in July .
STOKE ROCHFORD
Seniors
Burghley Park 3
Stoke Rochford 5
Mick Rance and Barry Coop lost 3&2, Mike Dickinson and Chris Woof won 2&1, Brian White and Eddie Plant lost 5&4, Graham Manton and Trevor Harvey won 2&1, Ken Taylor and Ray Smith lost 1 down, Brian Ayto and Greg Ewart won 5&4, Keith Dugmore and Mike Graves won 2&1, Alan Jessop and Ernie Armstrong won 2&1.
In the third round of the Seniors’ Trophy competition, Mike Nixon was the winner with 42 points, one point ahead of runner-up John Wright. Third on countback with 40 points was Graham Manton.
Sixty-eight players have competed to date and with the aggregate of the best three rounds from six to count, the current leader board shows the same three players in the leading positions with aggregate scores – Mike Nixon 114, Graham Manton 110 and John Wright 107.
Mixed
Lincoln (Torksey) 5
Stoke Rochford 3
David and Carol Hamilton won 2 up, Graham and June Miller won 4&2, Keith and Sheila Dugmore lost 2 down, John and Carol Whalley halved, Alan and Janet Jessop halved, Philip and Norma Varley lost 4&2, Alan Hayward and Gill Little lost 5&4, Joe and Kath Lindley lost 4&3.
As far as career changes go, Sam Clark’s takes some beating.
Sam has just set herself up in the dog grooming business with her new business Diva Dogs Grooming having previously worked for Nationwide Building Society in Grantham High Street.
Sam, who works out of Posh Paws in Welby Street, said: “Due to ill health I was unable to go back so I’ve decided to start a new career and reinvent myself.”
Sam has always had a passion for animals. She has four dogs of her own and is a foster parent for dogs in need of homes.
After leaving nationwide she studied dog grooming at Grantham College, achieving a distinction in her City and Guild before starting off her own business.
She said: “Some people see it as pampering but my main aim is to make sure the dogs are not stressed and are safe.”
Sam is grateful Jackie Ridealgh of Posh Paws for all her help and for giving her the chance to work out of her business.
Sam said: “She has helped me so much. If it was not for her I wouldn’t be doing this.”
If you are interested in booking your dog in, call Sam on 07527648276 or facebook.com/DivaDogsGrantham
A picturesque look around the Grantham area thanks to Journal reporter Toby Roberts.
Have you taken a striking snap you’d like to share?
E-mail us at comment@granthamjournal.co.uk and it could be given top billing on Page 2 of the Journal.
Recycling company Environcom, one of Grantham’s biggest employers, is to shed up to 100 agency staff, the company confirmed today.
The decision will affect staff on short-term contracts who were recruited for “seasonal” work.
The company added that permanent staff are not affected.
When asked to confirm rumours of job losses of between 90 and 100 staff, Chief Executive of Environcom Sean Feeney said: “Environcom is one of Grantham’s largest employers and is committed to growing as a business and employing and training local people.
“Due to the seasonal nature of our business, we rely on agency staff at key times of the year, particularly post-Christmas when we need to process increased volumes of electrical items for re-use and recycling.
“These agency staff are employed on a short term contract and as such, many of those contracts are now coming to an end.
“This has no bearing on permanent Environcom employees, who are key to the growth of our business.
“Environcom expects to take on up to 100 agency staff again later in the year, to coincide with the busy Christmas/New Year period when people traditionally replace old electrical items which then need to be recycled.”
Music is a life-long love of this week’s caricature subject, more specifically brass bands.
The spotlight is on Barrie Tupper this week, champion euphonium player, businessman and animal lover.
Barrie, 63, owns long-standing Grantham business Bridge End Carpets, in Bridge Street. A family business, Barrie says it has stood the test of time because the team offers a reliable service. It was born in 1974 as a fitting service, opening in Bridge Street in 1981.
Although he loves his work, his real passion is the brass band. Barrie has been principal euphonium player in many bands, most at championship level. Not only that, the talented musician has been a featured soloist on Radio 2 on a number of occasions.
As a brass band member, Barrie has been able to travel to many destinations to perform.
Another interest of his is boating. But wherever his hobbies take him, Barrie always finds time to spend with his beloved pet lurcher, Milo.
Caricature by Terry Shelbourne
Magistrates have remanded in custody a man accused of causing criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
Paul Leversedge, 24, of Marquess Court in Bourne, was charged following an incident in North Street, Bourne, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The road was closed for several hours while police investigated an explosion at the Stamford and Grantham Conservative Club, where MP Nick Boles holds surgeries for constituents.
At Grantham Magistrates’ Court this afternoon (Wednesday), Leversedge’s case was sent to Lincoln Crown Court as it is too serious for magistrates to deal with.
No plea was entered. Leversedge will appear at the crown court on June 26 for a preliminary plea and case management hearing.
Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until the hearing.
Children in Grantham will be dancing to a Samba beat thanks to the efforts of St Sebastian’s Primary School’s PTFA.
With the World Cup to be held in Brazil next summer it’s the perfect time for the children to learn.
Tracey Bohea, chairman of the school’s PTFA said: “We liaise with the committee, the headteacher and often the children to purchase items like this which the school budget does not cover.”
The school’s Summer Gala will be held on July 6 from 11am to 1.30pm. All are welcome.
Last weekend saw Open Farm Sunday hit the country.
Up and down Britain, farms opened their fields to the public as they hosted special events and attractions. One of them was Great Wood Farm at Boothby Pagnell.
Almost 1,800 visitors and various farming and wildlife stalls made up the special day which aimed to highlight the story behind our food and to promote a reconnection to Lincolnshire’s rural lifestyle.
As I’ve often written in my columns, I’m an advocate for bringing locals closer together and events such as this, taken on by locals wanting to explore local history, are a huge part in doing so.
While attractions such as the pet animals and bouncy castle were there to generate some fun and pull in punters the community angle is an important aspect of Open Farm Sunday and should be praised, especially when the number of visitors reach as much as they did Sunday.
The event has gotten bigger every year at Great Wood Farm as more and more are drawn in by not only the quality of the day’s entertainment but wanting to be a part of the community spirit. With local businesses jumping in and supplying raffle prizes, owls to handle and running a children’s colouring competition, there is no doubt that events like OFS breed a tight-knit family.
We need more opportunities like Open Farm Sunday to promote not only rural Grantham but the town and the surrounding areas as a whole.
With success stories like last weekend and last year’s Gravity Fields Festival it is obvious that there is not only enough interest to keep these afloat but to support more fun, informative and inclusive events.
This week, education ministers announced that Charles Read Academy will stay open and be transferred from the West Grantham Academies Trust to another group of schools, the DavidRoss Educational Trust.
This is one of the strongest academy chains in the country. They already run schools in Lincolnshire and they believe that small, rural schools can thrive.
I am confident that they will be totally committed to Charles Read - and will not be looking to pull the rug out from under its feet, when our backs are turned.
I want to pay tribute to the parents and Corby Glen residents who campaigned so passionately to keep their school. And to Councillor Martin Hill, the leader of the county council, who produced vital evidence of the prospect of growing demand for school places in the Grantham area.
People are sometimes cynical about public consultations because they rarely seem to make any difference to the decisions that are made. I hope they will therefore take some heart from what has happened this time.
The Government asked people to present their views and provide evidence of what will be needed in future years. Parents, residents and local councillors responded fully.
As your Member of Parliament, I kept in close contact with David Ross and took advantage of the fact that I am also a minister in the Government to lobby my fellow ministers at every stage in the process.
Together, we have secured a good result for local children - and for the community of Corby Glen.
I think we can all be quite proud of what we have achieved.
A brewery in Grantham has relocated to larger premises to allow its team to brew more beer.
Oldershaw Brewery held its official opening at its new location in Barkston Heath last month, with special guest Councillor Ian Stokes invited to cut the ribbon in his role as Mayor of Grantham.
As part of the business’s expansion, a new beer fermenting vessel has been installed which increases the brewery’s capacity by over 5,000 pints a week. A new member of staff has also been taken on.
Oldershaw managing partner Kathy Britton said: “The people and pubs of Grantham have been so supportive of us, it’s thanks to them that we have been able to expand and the old mushroom farm at Barkston Heath was just perfect.
“It is just the right space, the same water source as we were on previously and a lovely location.”
Coun Stokes, whose mayorship ended a fortnight ago, said: “I am delighted to be able to support a growing local business. In these difficult times it is great to see a Grantham business doing so well.”
Oldershaw Brewery is owned and run by Kathy and Tim Britton. It has been brewing beer since 1997 and produces a number of prize-winning beers.
Information: www.oldershawbrewery.com
Grantham’s music scene is well established, and now musicians of all forms can make use of a brand new recording studio.
The 5th Leg Studio@Simmonds Music, on the second floor of the Westgate music shop, is not like others - it is so big in size that an entire choir could sing and record together.
Owner Tom Simmonds, 37, said: “Since I started the shop I’ve wanted to have something that was not just retail but encompasses everything to do with music in the building, and now we do that.”
The shop also offers music lessons, a repair service and more, in a bid to create what Tom calls a “hub for musicians”.
The new venture is a joint effort between Tom and sound engineer Pete Banfield. The idea formed last year.
Tom said: “We noticed that there was a gap in the market around this area for a decent recording studio.”
It is decked out in all the latest equipment, and is open to anybody to book, from bands, to schools, to choirs.
A lot of time and effort has gone into sound proofing the studio, and into getting the acoustics just right.
Location recordings are also possible, for capturing events such as concerts at St Wulfram’s Church
Bookings have already started to come in.
Tom said: “We’re very confident that it will be a very popular thing for people in Grantham and the wider area to use.”
* To book time in the recording studio, call Simmonds Music on 01476 570700 or e-mail enquiries@simmondsmusic.com
Sports men and women of all generations in Long Bennington are celebrating the news this week of a £50,000 donation from Sport England.
The money will be spent on making improvements to the Long Bennington QE2 Playing Fields which will benefit the many football teams in the village - from under 7s to a veterans team, as well as transforming cricket in the village.
Part of the grant will go towards creating a cricket square on the playing field.
Simon Foat, treasurer of Long Bennington’s veterans side, said: “The main boost will be the cricket square. We’ve got lots of budding young cricketers who will no longer have to leave the village to play.
“But it will not only benefit Long Bennington but surrounding villages too such as Foston, Bottesford and Claypole because all their kids can come and get involved.”
As well as the £50,000 from Sport England, a further £10,000 will go towards the improvements thanks to money raised by the parish council, the Playing Field Management Committee and the football clubs of Long Bennington.
Steve Rowley, Secretary of the football clubs said: “Long Bennington has a thriving football community with over 180 players involved regularly aged from 5 to 56. The playing surfaces at the QE2 Playing Field have improved tremendously over the last 20 years due to hard work and investment.
“However, the current facilities are struggling to cope with the existing demand and this project will take the facilities to a new level. It will also enable us to provide a nine-v-nine football pitch for our Under-11 and Under-12 age groups.
“This promises to be a very exciting period for everyone connected with the football club and we are indebted to the support of Sport England, as well as the parish council and Playing Field Management Committee.”
Nick Bitel, the Chair of Sport England, said: “If community sports clubs want to attract and retain participants, they need to be able to offer quality facilities for everyone. The improvements to the Long Bennington QE2 Playing Field will be welcomed by regular users and those who are new to football.”
A restaurateur in Grantham is reassuring his customers that a ‘for sale’ outside his eatery does not mean it is closing.
In the words of Muhammed Karim, owner of Bindi in London Road, he is “keeping calm and currying on” as the building for which he pays rent goes to auction later this month.
Mr Karim, who has run his business from the premises for the past six years, said: “We have had over 100 phone calls with great concern, customers and the general public, thinking that Bindi Restaurant is up for sale. We would like to reassure all our customers and the people of Grantham that Bindi is NOT for sale.”
Savills will be auctioning off the property, described as a “mixed commercial and residential”, on June 27 in Nottingham, with a guide price of £250,000. However, Mr Karim says he has a long lease and any new landlord will have to offer an incentive for Bindi to move out.
He said: “If that was to happen we would relocate to other premises in the Grantham town centre. We have been serving the Grantham area for six years this year and wish to continue doing so.”
A round-up of court cased heard at Grantham Magistrates’ Court.
Look out for full court coverage each Friday in the Grantham Journal.
Sam Croft of Thorold Road, Barrowby, was found guilty at trial of carrying out an assault in Grantham.
The offence occurred on May 31 of last year. Croft, 21, denied the charge but was found guilty by magistrates at Grantham Magistrates’ Court.
Croft was fined £90 and must pay court costs of £625, as well as a £15 surcharge.
A 26-year-old man who admitted assaulting a woman was ordered to complete a 29-day “Building Better Relationships” programme.
Lee Caldwell of Sharpe Road in Grantham admitted assault by beating following an offence committed on April 21.
Caldwell also admitted damaging a light fitting and a photograph frame.
He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.
A Long Bennington man admitted stealing meat from Morrisons in Grantham.
Mark Wilson, 33, of Winters Lane, Long Bennington, admitted stealing four lamb chops valued at £17.36 on April 25.
He was sentenced to a six-month conditional discharge.
A 24-year-old man appeared before magistrates and admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a court-ordered community order.
Nicholas Bell of West Street, Folkingham, was told he must participate in an integrated domestic abuse programme for 27 days, carry out 41 hours of unpaid work and abide by a supervision requirement.
A trial date was set after a woman was charged with assaulting another woman in London Road, Grantham.
Julie Kavanagh of Strood Close, Harlaxton, denies the assault which is alleged to have taken place on May 20.
The trial will be heard at Grantham Magistrates’ Court on August 14.
Kavanagh, 41, was bailed with the conditions she does not contact the alleged victim, does not enter Grantham except to attend pre-arranged appointments and must live and sleep each night in Strood Close.
Peter Brothwell of Ermine Street, Ancaster denied a charge of driving in Springfield Road, Grantham, whilst using a hand-held mobile phone.
The offence is alleged to have occurred on October 24 of last year.
Brothwell, 40, will face trial at Grantham Magistrates’ Court on September 3.
Grantham League
Three-wood
Gonerby A 39
Swayfield 59
Gonerby names first – L. Lord, P. Cooper and M. Massingham lost to M. Lyon, R. Halsey and T. Harwood 13-22; J. Saxby, W. Sneddon and R. Childs lost to I. Richardson, R. Selby and H. Mumby 14-19; S. Calvert, D. Holton and I. Lord lost to M. Sharp, B. Marston and N. Davis 12-18. Vacu-Lug B 51
Swayfield 59
Vacu-Lug names first – P. Riches, S. Davies and S. Odams beat A. Smith, M. Lyon and T. Harwood 23-18; J. Williamson, D. Cryer and C. Abbott lost to I. Richardson, J. Huckerby and H. Mumby 8-29; V. Cryer, P. Armstrong and I. Kettle beat M. Sharp, B. Marston and N. Davis 20-12.
Friday League
Vacu-Lug 99
Grantham 57
Vacu-Lug names first – A. Parker, R. Atter and J. Franklin beat J. Asher, D. Rainsford and T. Asher 27-11; W. Leadman, C. Stafford and A. Blackburn beat B. Patten, J. Duke and A. Curtis 19-12; C. Taylor and B. Allen beat B. Hodder and D. Pimm 26-10; P. Musson and B. McLean beat R. Sumner and C. Jackson 27-14.
Lincs ASC
St Giles 55
Grantham 41
St Giles names first – D. Skayman, D. Scanebrook and C. Wood lost to J. Asher, R. Smith and T. Asher 15-17; M. Bower, T. Slaith and A. Weir beat B. Hodder, M. Healey and T. Oxley 27-11; B. Wright, Den Skayman and R. Day drew with D. Rainsford, D. Pimm and Jay Lewis 13-13.
Hospital Bowl
Dysart Park 64
Grantham 49
P. Newton, A. N. Other and M. Holby beat B. Hodder, R. Sumner and J. Duke 29-5; J. McAtter and C. Dexter beat D. Rainsford and Jay Lewis 17-9; S. Yates, L. Thompson, C. Bland and J. Sayer lost to T. Sumner, T. Gostick, B. Smith and Joe Lewis 11-15; D. Warren and B. Veasey lost to L. Anderson and W. Brunton 7-18.
Grantham saloon car racer Rich Hockley enjoyed a top weekend at Snetterton in the latest round of the Honda Civic Cup – winning every single race.
Rich put his Civic on pole position in qualifying on Saturday, made a good start and stayed in the lead in race one on the 300 circuit. He diced with a more powerful Civic Type R EP3 all the way to the line but managed to hold it off and take the chequered flag.
The second race saw him once again in a race-long battle with the Type R which was faster on the straights, but Rich was able to keep regaining the lead in the corners. A last lap lunge saw him go in front a final time and he held it to the line for his second victory of the day.
Rich qualified in pole position again for two more races on Sunday – this time on the shorter 200 circuit which, with less corners, was more suited to the Type R.
Eleven laps of the first race saw them swap first and second place constantly. The decisive move came when Type R driver fluffed a gearchange, allowing Rich to pounce and once again hold him off till the chequered flag.
Rich went in front from the lights in race two and managed to keep the Type R behind him until the finish line to record an impressive fourth win of the weekend.
Rich expressed thanks to his sponsors and supporters. He said: “I had an amazing weekend racing. I must say, Snetterton is one of my favourite tracks in the UK.”
Four members of Belvoir Tri Club saw competitive action last weekend.
Glynn Attewell and Adam Jackson took part in the Outlaw Half at Holme Pierrepont, which comprised a 1.2-mile open water swim, 56-mile bike stage and a half-marathon to finish off. Adam recorded 5hr 14min 24sec and Glynn 5.23.01.
Steve Squires and Simon Morgan competed in the Market Bosworth Sprint event, with a 750m open water swim, 21km on the bike and a 5km run. Steven finished in 1.26.18 and Simon 1.30.18.
A team from the Grantham area are set to take on the might of the Central Midlands League next season as they make the step up to Step 7 of the FA football pyramid.
Grantham and District Saturday League Premier Division champions Barrowby FC have joined forces with Sunday League Premier Division table-toppers Ropsley Fox who also won the Lincs Sunday Cup.
The two sides already shared players and with both so dominant in their respective competitions, Barrowby boss Nigel Milne and Foxes’ boss Richard Payne took the decision to amalgamate and take on a bigger challenge.
Richard said the two sides’ players had plateaued and were ready for something to tests their mettle.
He said: “Four or five players played for both sides. There’s not that much difference between Saturday and Sunday leagues anymore.
“Some of the players have played at a higher level so it’s not really an enormous step up to the CML.”
Barrowby will play in the league’s South Division in which opposition will be mainly from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Looking to the future, Richard and Nigel also see the side as something to really give Barrowby’s already successful youth teams an ambition to aspire to, rather than drifting away from the sport in their mid-teens.
Nigel said: “We see it as a natural progression for the youth players. It will be something for them to aim at.”
Preparations are already well in hand for joining the league with part of the criteria necessitating the club undertakes various improvements at their Lowlands ground, including the erection of metal railings around the pitch, laying down paths for spectators and building dug-outs.
The club has funded the ground improvements itself with volunteer work and sponsorship from main sponsor Grantham Honda, Sam Ballaam, Leatherland Plastering, Pearce Roofing, Bloomsbury Bread, Avanti Windows and Golden Fry Chip Shop.
Nigel praised his father Trevor Milne and Lee Dobson who he said were spending pratically all their time at the ground, readying improvements in time for the league’s ground inspection this month, and had secured equipment and sponsors.
Richard and Nigel also thanked the efforts of all the Barrowby Pavilion committee, Paul Milne, Sean O’Callaghan, Joe Clarke, Sam Dobson, Rob from Associated Timber Services, Arraquip, John Young, Margaret Bradshaw, Steve Richardson, Jacksons for donating building blocks and Nick Anderson who will be building the ground’s two dug-outs.
Visit Barrowby FC’s new website at www.barrowbyfc.net