A Labour councillor has accused the district council of “gambling” to avoid a funding shortfall and potentially putting Grantham businesses at risk.

Coun Charmaine Morgan, who sits on South Kesteven District Council and the county council, said she had many concerns in the wake of SKDC leader Coun Linda Neal’s decision – made under emergency measures – to join the pool of all the Lincolnshire councils looking to collect more business rates on behalf of the Government.

The decision was made as part of SKDC’s medium term financial strategy, which predicts Government funding of local services would be cut, but says councils would be able to keep a bigger proportion of business rates and use them locally.

Even by making cuts and efficiencies, the strategy document suggests SKDC will have a budget deficit of £214,000 in 2014/15, rising to £1.6m in 2015/16, 1.76m in 2016 and 2.56m in 2017/18.

Coun Morgan’s concern was that with services likely to be cut, the council had not revealed which would be regarded as a priority and said it was a “gamble” to rely on local businesses to make up the shortfall.

She said: “How will they decide on the priorities? Will it be based on the services most used, or most needed? And how do people have a say to influence that?

“It isn’t clear and that’s not democracy in action.”

She said she supported moves to bring in more money to support services, but questioned the reliance on local commerce to provide it, adding: “This is a low income area and many businesses are struggling, so it is wise to rely on an increase in the take from business rates? Is it sustainable?

“This is one of the worst average household income locations in the country, so how can local households increase their support of local businesses?

“Those who receive benefits are really being squeezed financially and that must affect local expenditure. People with higher incomes will travel elsewhere to shop or do business or might go online. That’s not good for Grantham.

“This could end up killing some local businesses.”

The decision was ratified by full council, but Coun Morgan pointed out the report admits there are risks in pooling with other councils because: “any losses will be needed to be shared among the pool”.

A spokesman for the council said the leader had made the decision because the deadline to join the pool was October 31; however the detail had been previously published in the medium term financial strategy and it also was considered by the cabinet.

The spokesman said: “If we collect more business rates than the Government expects us to, we get to keep the vast majority of that excess rather than passing it back to the Government.

“If any one of the seven districts in the pool falls below their business rate baseline, the amount they are short would have to be found from other members of the pool. Some may even have excesses. Therefore, the risk to the authority is quite low because we are sharing it together.

“Pooling will probably help us deliver our ambitious plans for Grantham because the more money we are able to keep can only boost our growth agenda.”

Filipinos living in Grantham are getting together to raise funds and support their country which has been ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan.

Scores of Filipinos live in the area and are deperate to help family and friends back in the Philippines where thousands of people were killed by one of the worst typhoons in history and millions of others badly affected.

Funds are being raised tomorrow (Saturday) at Grantham market where there will be a stall selling Filipino cakes and sweets.

Also on December 14, at 7.30pm, there will be a “Taste of the Philippines” event where people can taste Filipino food, watch traditional dances and enjoy the company of the local Filipino community. The event will take place at the Jubilee Life Centre and tickets cost £10 per person. Tickets are available from the centre.

Hannah San Jose, who is organising events, said: “After the recent events in the Philippines the local Filipino community are coming together to raise money and aid for their home country. There are currently over one hundred Filipinos living in and around Grantham and several of these families have been directly affected by this typhoon and have heart wrenching stories about their relatives. As a community they want to do all they can to support their home country but are unable to do this alone.”

Hannah is also askeing for donations of clothing, blankets and toys to be collected at the Jubilee Life Centre from Monday to Wednesday between 9am and noon. People can also sponsor aid boxes which cost £60 each.

People can also help by 
donating old mobile phones. These are being collected at the Jubille Life centre, Ocean’s gym and in schools.

* If you would like to help or want more details about the fundraising events call Hannah on 07519 356133 or email hannah8279@hotmail.co.uk

A couple who left Grantham in July to go and live with their sons in the Philippines have described the destruction in the country following the ravaging typhoon.

Gary and Cyndy Davies, formerly of High Meadow, Grantham, live in a town called Consolacion. They saw a message on the internet about Huntingtower Academy organising a sale for the vicitms of the typhoon and sent a letter about the disaster to the school to be read to the children and as a thank you for all the help that people in Britain are doing for the Philippines.

Gary used to work in sales and Cyndy taught at the Isaac Newton School.

Gary said: “My wife and I finally left Grantham in July to live here in a town called Consolacion on the island of Cebu with our two sons. They had moved here some time ago and we used to visit every year and fell in love with the country and the people.

“As a Granthamiam of 45 years I thought the children might be interested in hearing from a local person now living here as to what it was like to go through both October’s earthquake and the largest storm ever to hit land.”

Mr Davies added: “We suffered some minor damage to the house but it is a mere pinprick compared to the damage and devastation elsewhere. We only have to go 35 or 40km north and it’s like entering another world. The devastation is incredible.

“I would ask the journal to say a big THANK YOU from us all over here for the magnificent response of the UK public.

“Words cannot express our true feelings. Just seeing the comings and goings at our airport makes us realise how much the world is trying to help.”

In his letter to the children of Huntingtower School, Mr Davies describes the damager the typhoon has caused and how people are having to live without shelter, water, food and power.

In the letter Mr Davies says: “The wind was so strong it blew part of our roof off but luckily it did not hit anybody. Our next door neighbours kept all their windows closed and as a result the wind blew out 4 or 5 of them. The electricity went off, so did the water and it was 36 hours before it came back, but it’s still going off from time to time.”

To end his letter Gary said: “Thank you, thank you from all the Filipino people who have suffered. You and they may never meet but your kindness will never be forgotten.”

Missing Grantham teenager Hayley Laughton has been found in Scotland safe and well.

A friend of the family has posted a message on Facebook to say Hayley has been spoken to by police. She said the family wished to thank all those who helped with the search and for their support.

Hayley went missing last Friday and was last seen in the afternoon at the Spar Shop in Bridge End Road.

She was found on Thursday evening.

A village pub’s future could be saved after research showed it was one of the inspirations for the world’s longest running radio soap opera.

The Bull at Rippingale – which is up for sale – is thought to be the pub of the same name which features in The Archers and the programme, which is set in the fictional Ambridge, is believed to be based around the local farming community.

Tomorrow (Saturday), The Bull will host a special afternoon of events celebrating the popular Radio Four show and its links with the village.

A sold-out three-course meal for 40 based on meals enjoyed by the characters will be followed by a presentation by villager Jim Latham, who unearthed the show’s connection with Rippingale.

He said: “The village pub has been up for sale for some time and this link with The Archers could be important in saving it.

“We will have to do more of these special days and we already have plans to do another one in the new year.”

The link with Rippingale is believed to date back to 1946 when radio producer Godfrey Baseley visited the village to make an agricultural programme.

He interviewed local farmer Henry Burtt and his son Stephen and when Mr Baseley went on to edit the Archers he is thought to have based the main characters, Dan Archer and son Phil, on the pair.

The BBC organised a meeting for members of the farming community in Birmingham two years later and Mr Burtt spoke out there about the the need for a programme based around ‘a farming Dick Barton’ – the most popular radio show at the time about the dramatic life of a special agent.

The Archers aired for the first time, on what was the BBC Midlands Home Service, in 1950 and continues to attract audiences of more than five million listeners every week.

The village of Inkberrow, in Worcestershire, and The Old Bull pub there has also claimed it was the inspiration for the show.

But Mr Latham has a transcript of the farming programme Mr Baseley made after he visited Rippingale and he says this is proof of the village link with the radio soap.

“When you read the transcript of the interviews with Henry and Stephen Burtt there is absolutely no question that they were the inspiration for Dan and Phil Archer,” he added.

Mine hosts at The Bull, Eben and Sue Atkinson, are retiring and are hoping a buyer will be attracted by the pub’s links to The Archers.

On Saturday, Sue will prepare for the food for the special day, based on a dish ordered by Mr Baseley when he visited the village and a wartime vegetable casserole, with starters and sweets from some of The Archers’ cook books.

She said: “There is obviously lots of interest in it because we sold out all 40 seats a while ago and some people are coming from far afield.

“It’s nice to think that The Bull at Ambridge was based on our pub and the village was based on our farming community.

“Mr Burtt was a very clever bloke who really knew about farming and his great-grandson, Stephen, lives in the village and still farms the same farm as his great-grandfather.”

Archers Day at Rippingale will conclude with Mr Latham’s presentation, which will include video clips of Norman Painting, who played Phil Archer for nearly 60 years, telling fascinating behind-the-scenes stories including about the death of Grace Archer in 1956.

* For more information on tomorrow’s event, or to book, call 01778 440054.

Staff from Cappuccino’s and Oscar’s Wine Bar in the George Centre, Grantham, raised £275 for Children in Need by persuading some local volunteers to have their legs, chests and even an armpit shaved!

They also sold special Pudsey cakes and raised a total of £275 for Children in Need. The cakes were made by Tyler Cameron. They also held a raffle and handed out three prizes. The brave men taking part in the waxing were Terry Burnett, Sean Price, Karl Bradish and Luke Hawkins.

Grantham Town joint manager Ian Robinson says the Gingerbreads have made “massive strides” from where they were last season but stressed that they needed to keep their feet on the ground.

He said: “We are punching above our weight in terms of the resources the club has available to it. We are doing that comfortably at the moment, but we are certainly over achieving what we expected to do.”

Robinson said he was frustrated with a draw at Whitby Town last Saturday but maintained it was still a good result: “The frustration came from the manner in which we got the result. One thing we need to do is to keep the ball better.”

Robinson added that Grantham released striker Massiah McDonald from his contract last week: “He missed such a lot of football that it was hard for him to get going for us.”

Robinson said that defender Sam Purcicoe has gone out on loan to Belper Town for a month to get some game time and “get his confidence back”.

The Gingerbreads will also be without striker Greg Smith for tomorrow’s game at home to Witton Albion, while Kern Miller and Michael Towey are possibilities.

Kick-off at The Meres is 3pm.

BELTON PARK

Ladies’ section

Belton Park lady captain Diane Dixon ended her year’s tenure with a presentation to her nominated charity.

During her year as captain, Belton Park ladies have raised nearly £2,900 for the charity LIVES First Responders.

Diane presented a cheque to LIVES representative Neil Chadwick at the ladies’ section annual meeting last Wednesday.

Diane then passed on the captain’s brooch, tankard and club jumper to her successor Marjorie who takes over for 2014.

l The Four Club Competition was won by Sue Addis with net 33. Runner-up was Jaquie Barson with 34 and Shelley McClelland (35) was third.

l Clear winner of the November Stableford was Julie Hamer in the Silver Division with 39 points. Second with 34 was Elizabeth Sharp and third on countback was Sheila Mason.

Bronze Division was won by Sandra Pask with 33 points on countback from Becky Lloyd. Kathleen Bell was third with 32.

SUDBROOK MOOR

The 23rd annual Eagles versus Albatrosses junior matchplay was again won by the Eagles 2-1 in the foursomes format.

The lead match saw Eagles Joshua Smith and Sam Howes triumph 3&2 before Albatrosses levelled with a 2&1 win by Robert Eldred and Olivia Bradley.

The decider was won by Joseph Ablewhite and Lewis Anthony who beat Jack Williams and Jared Hackney 3&2.

l The junior Sandhill trophies and medals, sponsored by Paul Mason and Simon Carter, were presented to recognised the year-long achievements throughout the age groups.

The 13-18 gold medal went to Alex Doig who has reduced his handicap from 17 to 14 and recorded a county trophy win. Silver went to Jack Williams and Robert Eldred received bronze.

The 12 years and under gold was won by Joseph Ablewhite whose handicap has been cut from 45 to 33. Silver went to Olivia Bradley.

Receiving the Fledglings Trophy for most improved junior was 10-year-old Sam Howes who plays off 54.

In the Tiger Championships, scratch champion was 18-year-old five-handicap Joshua Smith and the net event was won by Joseph Ablewhite.

Ten-year-old Ben Doughty was the Nine-hole Tiger champion.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Three teams scored 93 points in last week’s Stoke Rochford seniors Winter Warmers competition.

It was a best two from three on each hole, except the four river holes where all three scores counted. Winners on countback were Joe Lindley, Mike Graves and Malcolm Edwards.

Runners-up were Keith Dugmore, Brian Ayto and, playing in his first seniors winter warmer, John Booth, and the trio of Greg Ewart, John Helstrip and Mike Palmer were third.

After four rounds, Greg Ewart retains overall lead with 16 points. His nearest challengers are Brian Ayto and Mike Palmer who both have 12 points. Seventy-six seniors have so far competed in this year’s Winter Warmers competition.

Grantham Hospital is in danger of losing more services, including its children’s ward and A&E, says a health professional who works there.

The concerned source, who does not wish to be named, says staffing levels have been dangerously low and that United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust will have to close a total of 52 beds, almost half.

The whistleblower told the Journal: “For a long time they have wanted to downgrade the hospital. When the Keogh team came earlier this year they were so concerned with staffing levels they said close 16 beds in Wards Five and Six. They had to close the beds because of insufficient staff to run them. Then they reopened beds without recruiting any more staff and put more patients at risk.”

The source says the hospital is increasingly under pressure because people are choosing to come to Grantham from Newark, which has no A&E department, and the Sleaford area.

He said: “The perception of people is that as the town grows so will the hospital. That’s not true. The town is growing and there are major rail and road routes nearby, but the hospital currently could not cope with major accidents.”

He says the hospital cannot cope with trauma cases and no longer takes complex surgery cases such as bowel and cardiac cases.

He added: “ULHT are not investing in an acute general hospital. They want to concentrate on day surgery, refurbish the theatres and focus on day cases, not the hips and knee operations local people need.

“If you look at Grantham and its needs, it needs a fully functioning district general hospital that can provide core services and the people of Grantham expect that and deserve it.”

A&E is in danger of being downgraded to an emergency care centre which does not require a consultant, he said.

“We need a consultant-led service to support all these different kinds of services. We need consultants to maintain a safe service otherwise this is putting people’s lives at risk.”

He said people seriously hurt in car accidents were being diverted to Lincoln which meant there were inevitable delays in getting patients to hospital.

The hospitals trust says there are no plans to close beds at Grantham.

A trust spokesman said: “There are currently no plans to close any beds at Grantham. Over the last few months, we have successfully improved the responsiveness of our services to the needs of patients, meaning patients stay in hospital for a shorter period of time. This means that although we are just as busy, we have less people in the hospital at any one time, meaning we need fewer beds.

“We have also carried out a review of staffing levels across the trust to ensure safe staffing levels on all wards, and as part of these two pieces of work, it made sense to merge the empty beds so that we could use staff more efficiently.

“The NHS constantly responds to the needs of patients, so any situation will fluctuate and we will respond accordingly at a local level. For example, we currently have plans to put in place more palliative care beds for next year.”

Children’s services at the trust have been reviewed as part of the Shaping Health for Mid Kesteven review which went to public consultation.

The trust said: “The outcomes included putting in place a ‘hub’ for children’s services, supported by additional paediatrician resource in A&E which will include an observational bay for children. These recommendations are being implemented as per Shaping Health.”

With regard to A&E the trust said: “Grantham has always had an on-call system for consultants at night, as is the model used by many hospitals. This does not affect the status of any A&E department, but is often the most appropriate service to provide for the needs of the patients that use A&E at night.”

* Do you think Grantham Hospital is going to lose more services? E-mail comment@granthamjournal.co.uk

The editorial comment in the Journal (November 8), vis-a-vis United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust must reflect the views and indeed the fears of thousands of local residents.

The unnecessary transfer of patients from Grantham to Lincoln has been going on for many months – recently exemplified by the case of an elderly man suffering a fall in Byron Avenue. Instead of being taken two minutes’ drive to Grantham hospital with its diagnostic equipment and professional expertise, paramedics on the spot chose to transport him uncomfortably all the way to Lincoln hospital. Such judgement must surely be called into question – or perhaps that decision had an ulterior motive, viz the deliberate manipulation of statistics.

The same tactics are being employed in other departments, eg dermatology, and there have been many stories in recent years of pregnant mums being given no choice of giving birth locally in Grantham, but being compelled to undertake that stressful journey to Lincoln. Was the closure of Grantham’s maternity unit formally ‘justified’ by such cynical tactics which artificially undermined its viability in terms of patient numbers?

Senior executives of ULHT continue to make claims of openness and promises of improvements to Grantham hospital, but in view of the evidence many local residents and politicians struggle to believe such claims. Should United Lincolnshire Hospitals TRUST by definition feel bound to re-name itself – or risk infringing the Trade Des-criptions Act?

Brian Bruce

Bourne Road, Colsterworth

In yet another outburst in the press our MP is now suggesting that the Tory party are perceived to be the party of the rich.

That’s because it’s true Mr Boles. You also have to accept your part in this perception.

He is now touting his former boss, London Mayor Boris Johnson, as the next leader of the nasty party. This man is clearly out of control.

Let’s have an answer to my question Mr Boles. Set an example. Set out your (alleged) principles before the electorate.

Will you vote for a proposed 11 per cent increase in your salary, taking your income to over £250k per annum?

We, your constituents, have a right to know.

Anthony Hindmarch

By email

I note that in the recently published Register of Members Interests for 2012/13 that Mr Boles received £10,000 on October 1, 2012, for two speaking engagements with Deloitte LLP.

He also received a payment of £5,000 on October 3, 2012, from Man Investment Finance for a speaking engagement and a payment of £1,897.50 on August 19, 2011, from the Axel and Margaret Axson Johnson Foundation in respect of an essay and speech for the Engelsberg Seminar in Stockholm on June 11, 2012.

Perhaps it might have been advisable for him to have used some of this largesse to pay his £640 electricity bill.

But of course this is just the tip of the iceberg. During 2012/13 per the current list of members’ expenses, Mr Boles claimed a total of £141,468.29 or which £10,611.13 was for accommodation. All this in addition to his salary of £89,435, as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Planning. Nice work if you can get it.

Mark Whittington

By email

Newly sponsored by BGB Engineering, in Dysart Road, Barrowby under-12s banged in nine goals at the weekend.

Barrowby hammered Louth 7-0 in the Mid Lincs League on Saturday. Wright claimed a hat trick, man-of-the-match Foister bagged a brace, and Hands and Edwards scored one apiece.

Barrowby progressed to the quarter-finals of the Mid Lincs League Cup with a 2-0 win at Wyberton on Sunday.

The two goals came in the first 15 minutes. Wright smashed home from man-of-the-match Cullen’s corner, and Hands finished from close range after good work by Evans and Wright.

Barrowby: Read, Down, Cooper, Johnson, Fedorson, Edwards, Evans, Wright, French, Cullen, Hands, Foister, Andrews-Harrison.

A production of the ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ will be performed next week by students from both King’s and KGGS at the King’s School.

Based on the famous novel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the redoubtable Sherlock Holmes (Leo Hall) has to solve an intriguing case that involves an escaped convict, a lugubrious butler, the eccentric naturalist Stapleton (Ben Poole) and his sister, Beryl (Tegan Rowe). Dr Watson is played by Sean Hack and Sir Henry Baskerville by James Clack.

This version by Simon Williams is slightly tongue in cheek and also features an ensemble of ten who play all the minor characters as well as creating the dark, foggy moorland where the giant hound roams. The play runs at 7.30pm from Wednesday 27th to Friday 29th November at the King’s School Hall. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3.50 for concessions available on the door or at reception.

Doctor Who (PG) will be materialising in 3D at the Reel tonight (Saturday).

It will be shown at the same time as it is aired on TV. The episode will include the return of old favourites such as David Tennant and Billie Piper alongside current Doctor Matt Smith, which will make it essential viewing for any fans of the series. The episode will mark the show’s 50th anniversary, and although the plot is currently under-wraps, it is hinted that it will reveal some of the Doctor’s history.

The sequel to 2008 hit film The Hunger Games is also out. Catching Fire (12A) will follow the characters from the first film as they are forced to fight for their lives once more while a rebellion is growing. It 
contains everything that made the first film a hit with

teenagers - jaw-dropping action, intense romance and plenty of drama.

Also showing are Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (U), Gravity (12A) and Philomena (12A).

Northern Premier League

Premier Division

Grantham Town 0

Witton Albion 0

Grantham Town battled out a goalless draw at The Meres with a much improved second half performance after they found themselves under the cosh early on.

Witton’s Jonathan Breeze had a shot in the opening seconds and he volleyed over in the fifth minute as Grantham were kept on the back foot.

Adam Parkhouse hit the Grantham post a minute later and Daniel Andrews missed a sitter with just Town keeper Dan Haystead to beat on nine minutes.

The Gingerbreads started to display some composure after a quarter of an hour or so. Ashley Burbeary had a go from distance and Ben Fairclough shot wide through a gaggle of legs on 32 minutes.

Burbeary’s 36th minute free kick from half-way was on target and would only of needed the slightest of touches to have beaten Albion keeper Matthew Cooper.

Grantham stepped on the gas after the break with Romaine Graham, Jamie Jackson and Lee Ridley all denied in the opening minutes.

Town hit the post in the 51st minute and Burbeary and Emeka Nwadike were both foiled by Cooper minutes later.

Home keeper Haystead did well throughout to keep a clean sheet, pulling off some great reaction saves to earn himself the match sponsor’s man-of-the-match award.

Witton substitute Joshua Hancock forced one such save with his first touch of the game and continued to be troublesome till the final whistle.

Michael Powell missed a 70th minute sitter for the visitors and, at the other end, Cooper was forced into a couple of good saves to deny the Gingerbreads.

Witton hit the woodwork on 83 minutes and Grantham substitute Jamie McGhee had the best chance of the game seconds later, but with virtually the whole goal to aim at, fired straight at Cooper.

Haystead blocked Parkhouse’s effort with his feet a minute later and, with both sides desperately searching for the winner in the closing minutes, the Grantham stopper pulled off another excellent reaction save to Powell’s injury time strike.

Grantham Town: Haystead, Reynolds, Ridley, Miller, Lister, Towey, Burbeary, Nwadike (c), Graham (Hawes, 67), Jackson, Fairclough (McGhee, 62). Subs not used: Lewis, King, Sucharewycz.

Att: 189

Mid Lincs League Cup

Under-16

Great Ponton 17

Metheringham 0

Great Ponton went goal crazy to reach the quarter-finals of the league cup.

Striker Charlie Copley smashed in four times in the first half, Brendan Dixon headed home a fifth, and goals from Elliot Hutchinson, Macauley Hughes and Oliver Hutchinson made it 8-0 at half time.

Copley added his fifth after the break and Hughes brought his tally to four. Oliver Hutchinson bagged a second goal and Elliot Hutchinson completed his hat trick.

Completing the rout were a goal apiece from Mark Cornish and Matthew Rawding.

MoM: Conor O’Leary, Charlie Copley, Josh Allen.

Ponton: Cook, Cornish, O. Hutchinson, E. Hutchinson, J. Hutchinson, O’Leary (c), Dixon, Allen, Brain, Rawding, Copley, Hughes.

Grantham Youth League

Under-11

Pointon 2

Great Ponton 2

Pointon took an early lead through Josh Newman and maintained it until early in the second half when Joseph De’Ath netted for Great Ponton.

A well taken second goal from De’Ath put the visitors in front.

Pointon pressed for an equaliser but the Ponton defence of Hodgkinson, Armstrong and O’Brien held firm and Ponton looked good for the win, until Newman popped up to score with seconds remaining.

Barrowby 2

Great Ponton 6

Great Ponton took an early lead through a well taken Jack Croft goal.

Ponton man-of-the-match Joseph De’Ath then added two more to continue his impressive scoring run. Barrowby pulled a goal back through Danny Gray before Josh Crane restored the visitors’ advantage.

A Ponton own goal narrowed the gap but Ted Sweeney and Liam Raitt scored from long range to give the visitors all three points .

Barrowby’s man of the match was Danny Gray.

Under-12

Gonerby 4

Great Ponton 1

Gonerby overcame a spirited Great Ponton side for the second time in a week in this top of the table clash.

Baker grabbed a goal from a Coates cross to put the home side ahead. Ponton replied after a quick break to draw level.

Two well taken goals from Bramley and a fine volley from Baker, supported by great defensive performances from Grieh, Hardy and man-of-the-match Nowak sealed the points for Gonerby.

Gonerby: Baker, Bramley, Burridge, Coates, Grieh, Hardy, Mcnulty, Nowak, Robson, Rowley, Williamson.

Peterborough Youth League

Under-13

Colsterworth Colts 1

Wisbech 1

In a hard fought contest between two evenly matched sides, it was a tale of two defences as both teams’ attacks were dealt with admirably.

As had been seen the previous week, Wisbech were a well drilled side who worked on capitalising from long throw-ins into the box and a tremendous kick from their goal keeper.

But with the return of Smith in the heart of the Colts defence, these high balls were cleared each time.

Colts maintained their passing game throughout and tried to snatch a winner in the second half.

MoM: Smith.

Under-16 Premier

Colsterworth Colts 2

Rippingale & Folkingham 3

In a game that could see either side go top of the league, a great encounter followed.

After a goalless first half, good work from Robinson saw him find Adam Gait to open the scoring for Colts.

The double act soon combined again only to have the goal chalked off for offside.

This spurred the visitors on and they squared the game.

Colts still pushed on and regained the lead when a Simpson corner ended up direct into the goal.

But again the visitors equalised following a goalmouth scramble.

With both teams looking for the win, it was Rippingale who snatched it late on with a breakaway effort.

Colts’ man of the match awards was shared between Bland and Robinson.

Newark League Cup

Under-12

Gonerby 4

Bottesford 0

Gonerby scored within a minute of the start with a fluent sequence of passing culminating in Meffen lobbing the Bottesford keeper. Both teams played well in what was a tight first half.

After the break, Baker beat the offside strap and coolly finished to extend the lead. Grieh saved Gonerby with a superb last ditch tackle and Coates brought a fine save from the Bottesford keeper.

Bramley hit the bar and there were close efforts from Hardy, Meffen and Robson.

Goals from Bramley and man-of-the-match Meffen sealed the win for Gonerby,

Gonerby: Baker, Bramley, Coates, Grieh, Hardy, Mcnulty, Meffen, Nowak, Robson, Scott, Stewardson.

I would like to thank everyone who gave me their kind thoughts, prayers and support following the disaster caused by the typhoon in the Phillipines.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to everyone in Skillington and beyond who organised a coffee morning.

In my home village of Lambunao in Iloilo province, crops, trees and houses are ruined but, thank God, the people are alive and safe.

Once again thank you so much for your kind hearts and generosity and also to all my British family.

Eleanor Craythorn

Grantham

I have just returned home from Ward 5 of Grantham hospital after major surgery. For me this has been traumatic since I have always enjoyed good health through a long life.

I wish, however, to pay tribute to the doctors, nursing staff and all other workers in Ward 5 for the wonderful care, respect, love and expertise that I received while there. Nothing was too much trouble for them and they all made every effort to keep me comfortable. My deep, deep thanks go out to all of them.

Grantham people should be proud of this magnificent institution. Any further mention of cutting this service must be resisted strongly. It is pretty obvious that the overpaid Trustees in their ivory tower in Lincoln are unaware of this fine hospital and it must be supported in full by us all.

Gerald Necklen

Arnoldfield Court, Grantham

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School is not participating in this year’s Rock Challenge.

As a former member of the team, I know how important it is to the girls involved and to the school as a whole. I am therefore left puzzled by the decision to cut it.

KGGS actively support the notion of family, however it appears to be that if you are doing anything vaguely different than applying to be a member of the ‘Oxford and Cambridge’ family then you are not supported.

Being part of the Rock Challenge team allows a welcome break from the copious amounts of academic work demanded by A-levels, allowing for team building and simply having a bit of fun with your peers!

My sister is currently part of the team. I have seen first hand how hard all thecrew have worked this year, starting rehearsals in summer. It would be a travestry to see all their hours of dedication simply brushed aside.

I strongly hope that the school reconsiders its actions, and for once takes into account the well-being of its truly marvellous students.

Penny Macgown

Former KGGS student