Four members from Grantham King’s School Tae Kwon-Do Club were promoted to black belt first degree at the TAGB Academy in Bristol.

Matthew Keyse, Disha Singhania, Cieran Roberts and Joshua Crook were all tested on their fighting skills, self-defence strategies, pattern drills and finally a verbal examination on their knowledge of the martial art.

The examiners were a team of eighth degree black belt world masters and a ninth degree grand master.

Grantham club instructor Malcolm Scholes, a seventh degree black belt, was very pleased with their success. He said: “It will hopefully inspire other club members to attain this goal in the future.”

The Grantham club always welcomes new members wishing to learn more about the martial art. Contact Malcolm on 01476 570616 for further details.

Grantham League

Two-wood

Grantham 80

Swayfield 72

Grantham name first – J. Patten, R. Barnes and J. Duke lost to B. Marston, J. Nuckerry and W. Flower 16-27; A. Gostick and D. Pimm beat R. Halsey and H. Mumby 22-17; A. Curtis and P. Harby beat M. Lyon and N. Davis 18-13; B. Patten, R. Sumner and B. Sowerby beat J. Kopp, J. Bainbridge and T. Harwood 24-15.

Three-wood

Grantham 67

Gonerby A 34

Grantham names first – R. Sumner, A. Curtis and P. Harby beat D. Morrison, D. Holton and M. Massingham 23-16; J. Duke, T. Asher and Jay Lewis beat T. Smith, I. Lord and R. Childs 21-9; J. Asher, T. Sumner and N. Smith beat L. Lord, M. Durrant and K. Wilson 23-9.

Lincs ASC

Grantham 55

Brant Road 55

J. Asher, B. Patten and T. Asher lost 16-28; J. Duke, B. Sowerby and Jay Lewis lost 10-19; D. Pimm, T. Oxley and Joe Lewis won 29-8.

Grantham & District Bowls Association

Lee Trophy

First round

Great Gonerby AW v Corby Glen 2nd CON, Swayfield AW v Long Bennington CON, Long Bennington 2nd lost to Dysart Park 17-43, Colsterworth beat Bottesford 2nd 48-24, Great Gonerby 2nd beat Corby Glen 62-17, Grantham AW v Arnoldfield CON, Vacu-Lug 2nd lost to Bottesford 12-55, Vacu-Lug 35 Swayfield 2nd 24.

Fellowship of Freedom and Reform

First round

Vacu-Lug beat Grantham 88-28, Corby Glen lost to Great Gonerby 54-103, Swayfield lost to Dysart Park 66-117.

l Grantham Outdoor Bowls Club hosts a match between Lincolnshire Ladies and Derbyshire Ladies on Tuesday (June 24), starting at 1pm.

Police are investigating a break-in at the Tesco Express store in Harrowby Lane this morning.

A member of the public alerted police at 3.35am after the alarm was activated. Three men were seen running away from the premises.

A police spokesman said entry had been gained to the store but could not confirm if anything was stolen. Forensics officers were at the scene this morning.

In the early hours of Thursday morning last week, the Tesco Express store in Barrowby Gate was broken into and cigarettes and alcohol stolen. Three men were also reported to have been involved.

Last week the Journal was invited to look around the £1.2 million building project which has been completed at Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School in just 10 months.

Supported by a £450,000 Education Funding Agency grant, the school now has over 1,000sq m of extra teaching space in a new block housing a drama studio, three arts rooms, classrooms and an ICT and media studies room fitted with the latest equipment.

As Assistant Headteacher Ian Todd said: “It’s amazing how quickly it has all been finished. We were able to get equipment and furniture in over the half-term so that the new buildings are already being used by students, ahead of the official opening in September.”

Head girls Ome Kokoricha, Francesca Halter and Jessica Lord are especially delighted the project includes a sixth form common room.

All aged 17, they describe the new study and communal area as a ‘tardis’.

Jessica said: “It is much bigger inside than it looks outside”, to which Ome agrees and added: “We now have our own space with computers to study for exams.”

The girls have plans to leave their mark on the new site too - as Francesca explains: “The school council wants to create a garden, with the years all clubbing together and hopefully with support from the community.”

Headteacher Graham Burks said: “We are delighted to be able to enhance the provision for our students with the opening of our new art and drama block. This has also enabled us to add three more much-needed science teaching rooms following the conversion of our existing art rooms.

“We have been able to achieve this through a grant from the Education Funding Agency following our conversion to an academy. Thanks must also be paid to our local MP Nick Boles for his encouragement, advice and support during the bidding process.”

An official opening with the MP will be held on September 26.

Art students from Grantham College are set to add a splash of colour to walls at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.

Five students from the college’s HND Art Design course presented designs to a judging panel having spent six weeks researching, trialing and creating mood boards and design books.

They were asked to create the murals around the centre’s 1Life brand that incorporates their campaign to ‘live more, live well’ that promotes health, wellbeing, sports and physical activity.

The Meres, run by 1Life on behalf of SKDC, invited the students to the centre to showcase their designs and receive feedback on their creations.

Winner Leanne Shipman came top of the judges’ scores and will have her sports-inspired design displayed on the walls of the ground floor of the complex. It incorporates five silhouettes moving in five different sports set over the ‘live more, live well’ colours.

However, given the impression the designs made on the judges, all five will be created and adorn the walls at the centre later this year.

1Life’s Kevin Grant and Rachel Fox joined SKDC’s portfolio holder for leisure, arts and culture Coun Bob Adams to judge the designs. They were accompanied by head of community assets Paul Stokes and team leader Susie McCahon from SKDC.

Coun Adams said: “It really was humbling to see the designs and how much thought and effort went into each creation. The designers showed an incredible amount of talent and that’s why we saw fit to arrange all of the designs to be displayed at the centre in the future.

“Congratulations go to Leanne for topping the judges’ scores but this really was a case of all the designers coming out of this as winners.”

An extra £5.5m of Government funding for pothole repairs will be put to good use in Lincolnshire, Grantham county councillor Richard Davies has promised.

Lincolnshire will receive £5,429,664 from a dedicated Pothole Repair Fund pot of £168 million, although local authorities may choose to spend money on other road maintenance.

Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways at the county council, said: “The maintenance and quality of Lincolnshire roads is of critical importance and among the most important things we do as a council. That’s why we’ve invested heavily ourselves but also lobbied Government for additional funding to help with the backlog we face and the particular challenges of our county’s size and rural nature.

“We’re delighted the Government has made this significant amount of additional funding available, especially given the difficult financial climate. The fact we’ve received more than expected shows that the Government recognises how well we will spend it.

“We’ll ensure that this money is put to good use, and will do all we can to keep the county’s roads in the best possible condition with the cash that’s available. Getting the best out our roads will also help boost the Lincolnshire economy, meaning this money will benefit everyone, not just motorists.”

All repair works using the funds have to be completed by the end of March 2015.

Grantham Museum is looking for a local family to take part in a history project.

The museum is exploring the story of one Grantham family through the First World War. The Harvey’s of Great Gonerby lived through the war and descendants have loaned their letters to the museum. To explore what has changed in the last 100 years and what this family went through, the museum is looking for a modern Grantham family to lead research into the Harvey family story.

Ideally they will have similarities to the Harveys. They had a 20-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. The museum will film the process of discovery and turn this journey into an exhibition. If any readers and a couple of members of their family have about a day to give to the project, the museum would like to hear from them to help uncover the real story of Grantham at war.

If you would like to take part or would like more details email Helen Goral at helengoral@granthammuseum.org.uk

The Mayor of Grantham took his own photographic record of the town’s carnival at the weekend, even having time to take a few shots while on horseback.

Coun Ian Selby rode a shire horse called Hercules at the front of the parade on Saturday. Here is a slideshow featuring a selection of the photos he has shared with us.

In today’s Grantham Journal (June 20) we incorrectly put the deadline date for our competition to win a farm hamper as June 20.

This should read June 27 so readers still have a week to enter the competition. We apologise for the error. For your chance to win a hamper worth £100 and also a farm hospitality day on July 13 (including a trailer ride and lunch) see today’s Journal, page 23.

After seven years Indian restaurant Bindi on London Road is closing its doors, and owner Muhammed Karim has expressed his disappointment.

Muhammed said: “Bindi has become famous around the world, but Grantham seems to be my Achilles’ heel.

“We have become known for the world’s hottest curry and our sauces, but people still ask me where we are in the town.”

Now Bindi will be leaving town with the restaurant’s last night being next Saturday, June 28.

“It really is crazy that it’s come to this, but the plan now is to do a roadshow with our sauces,” Muhammed added.

He has already arranged deals with other restaurants in Lincolnshire and further afield to use the spicy sauces he has created during his 30 years working in the restaurant business.

Fans of Bindi’s famous curry the Widower will now find its fiery flavours at Ruskington’s Green Elachi restaurant, while Oscar’s in Sleaford is the new home of the Atomic Kickass sauce and Death by Pizza can be enjoyed at Sleaford’s Little Italy.

Having ended his 14 year lease of the premises on London Road, Muhammed says he is not sure what will replace Bindi but suspects it might be another restaurant.

Regular customer Kye Colquhoun who lives on College Street opposite Bindi said: “I’m really upset that it’s going, it’s my favourite Indian. Muhammed knows what I like so I’m able to just come in and he will cook it for me.”

Indeed as a special farewell meal Muhammed today served Kye ten chicken drumsticks covered in his Atomic Kickass sauce, which measures as Kye demonstrated a tear-inducing 13 million units on the Scoville scale.

The mouth-burning challenge was captured on camera by Brazilian television network Globo for their weekly show Fantástico.

Reporter Roberto Covalick watched as Kye signed a disclaimer on the risk of ‘paralysis or death’, before the man versus food attempt which after two and half minutes saw eight chicken drumsticks left on the plate.

After Kye had to leave for some much needed air, Roberto had a piece of chicken himself and despite scraping off much of the sauce his eyes were watering, ensuring there were tears at this restuarant’s goodbye.

For more information on Bindi’s closure and where you will be able to purchase his range of sauces, go to www.bindirestaurant.com

The best of Sudbrook Moor Tuesday ladies in the weekly stableford was Linda Whittaker with 32 points.

Runner-up was Joan Doughty on 30, in a countback with Hnin Shein, with back nines of 16 and 11 respectively.

Amanda Roberts increased her overall lead in the Tuesday Eclectic.

l The Senior League squad lost their first match away at Kirton Holme, and were narrowly defeated 3½-2½ at home by reigning champions Gedney Hill.

l Sudbrook Moor’s away day to College Pines Golf Club, Worksop, saw Dave Guy emerge as overall winner, from Ray Snell and Graham Buxton. Nearest the pin went to Mick Massingham.

l Bob Watson triumphed in the weekly roll-up stableford, with other prizes going to Andy Milner, Geoff Wilkins and John Morley. Andy Milner tops the Order of Merit table with 168 points, followed by John Costall (163) and Graham Buxton (161).

l Captain Colin Henfrey heads the seniors’ Summer Eclectic at the halfway stage on net 53, one point ahead of David Leslie. In equal third are John Johnson, Bob Watson and Mick Massingham.

l The club’s A Team won 4-2 away at Sutton Bridge and 4½-1½ at Kirton Holme, but narrowly lost 3½-2½ at Thorney Lakes, to leave them currently second in the South Lincs League.

BELTON PARK

Seniors

After a series of good results, Belton Park’s luck ran out away to Radcliffe seniors as the visitors struggled with the Nottinghamshire greens.

Radcliffe 5½

Belton Park 2½

Bill Brogan and Michael Goodacre lost 3&1, Trevor Collis and Terry Bond lost 3&2, Phil Shaw and John Carey won 3&2, John Alsbury and Rick Alsbury lost 6&4, Brian Mole and Colin Farrington lost 6&4, Dave Langley and Peter Hawkins won 4&3, Alan Addis and Dave Jackson halved, Willy Badraun and Mike Monaghan lost 6&5.

Gents

The Centenary Cup was played on Saturday and won by Sam Sutton with 75-8 (net 67).

Runner-up with 84-16=68 was Danny Coyle and Tim Stubbs (74-6=68) was third. Best gross score came from Leon Bell with 69.

Ladies

American greensomes –1 Nicola Routledge and Sue Addis 41pt, 2 Elizabeth Sharp and Yvonne Bashford 40 ocb, 3 Sheila Mason and Sue Mitchell 40.

l The Scratch Team match at home against Stoke Rochford was a 2-1 win for Belton Park, with victories for both Edina Burns and Jan Johnson.

l Lucy Morley and Jose Short travelled to Beedles Lake for their fourth round match in the Daily Mail Foursomes last Wednesday, but their their run in the competition came to end.

Teams

Last Thursday saw the latest outing for Belton Park’s dream team as their captain Tony Davies took his men down the A1 to Burghley Park, where they suffered defeat despite some quality play .

Burghley Park 4

Belton Park 2

Tony Davies and David Nock lost 3&2, Colin Mason and Stewart Boylan lost 3&2, Ben Bayliss and Richard Claxton won 4&3, Bob Rogers and Roy Allan won 2&1, Dave Wing and Andrew Macgowan lost 2&1, Ian Carroll and Nigel Strutt lost 2&1.

BELTON WOODS

Seniors

Belton Woods held its Seniors Charity Open last Wednesday on the Woodside Course.

Winners with 44 points were J. Bryant and R. Lugsdin, and runners-up with 41 were G. Forbes and P. Stanford.

The raffle for this year’s seniors captain’s nominated charity – the League of Friends of Grantham Hospital – raised £200.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Seniors

Stoke Rochford 4½

Newark 3½

Mike Nixon and Dave Hudson lost 6&4, Graham Manton and Ray Beal won 1 up, Don Werner and David Hamilton won 4&2, Ken Taylor and Eddie Malloy won 4&3, John Batty and Keith Eddy lost 6&5, Chris Woof and Ray Elsome lost 1 down, Alan Jessop and Nev Marris halved, Roland Slack and Tim Haward won 5&3.

SKDC is continuing to work with dog owners to help reduce animal fouling in the district with the help of a new dedicated webpage.

www.southkesteven.gov.uk/dogfouling is now the place to report fouling issues for residents across South Kesteven. The council’s environmental health team is promoting responsible behaviour among owners and publicising the need to pick up mess animals create in public spaces. They have spoken to over 150 individuals in the last six weeks discussing dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping issues and telling them about free dog-poo bags that are available to them.

Hundreds of dog fouling signs are present across the district warning dog owners of their responsibilities to pick up after their animals. Patrols from the team cover all of the district’s towns but also concentrate on rural parts of the district where problems have been reported including Rippingale, Morton, Aslackby, Marston and South Witham.

In Grantham, officers regularly patrol the canal towpath near Earlesfield Lane, Riverside Walk, Berkshire Drive, Sedgewick Meadows, Commercial Road, Fletcher Street and Norton Street.

SKDC staff can issue a fixed penalty of £75 to those who do not comply with the rules, but SKDC’s portfolio holder for healthy environment, Coun John Smith, said this was a last resort.

He said: “The new webpage is an even faster way to report any problems residents encounter with dog fouling in their area. We know most dog owners are very responsible and educate fellow owners about the need to pass on the message on always picking up after your dog. Dog fouling bags are available to pick up free of charge in the council’s customers service centres.

Residents can also report dog fouling by calling SKDC on 01476 40 60 80 or by email ehs@southkesteven.gov.uk

Grantham Athletic Club had three athletes competing at Newark Parkrun on Saturday.

Janice Anderson knocked a massive 29 seconds off her personal best and was second fastest lady. She also went to the top of her category table with 77.15 per cent.

Results: 9 Paul Davidson 21.16, 23 Keith Measures 23.11, 42 Janice Anderson 24.48

On Sunday, Keith Measures took part in the Stathern 10km race. He finished 37th in a time of 45.09 and was first in the Veteran 60 age category.

May I through your letters column comment on your feature ‘Developer hits back at Lodge Way opponents’. As a councillor I take my duties seriously and representing residents on planning applications is an important part of this role.

In 2007 when the first application to develop this site was submitted I was asked to represent the residents of Lodge Way and Manthorpe Road at the development control committee meeting. The application was refused.

A similar situation arose in 2010 when a further application was made. Once again the application was refused on the grounds that the ‘scale and prominent location would be dominating not only to neighbouring properties but also have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the adjacent conservation area’. This decision was upheld by the planning inspector. The developers state Coun Ray Wootten’s comments are baffling and ask why he didn’t express any negative comments when he last met both the architects and local officials. The last time that I saw the developers was in July 2011 in the planning committee and apart from visiting the Guildhall a few weeks ago to look at the public display of the new plans I have had no contact whatsoever either with or from them. Let me clarify their misquote, ‘development should be elevated or prominent’. My actual words that I said at the committee were ‘This application, and the subsequent altered plans do not offer a development for which is a prominent, elevated and strategically important entrance to Grantham’.

And as for saying that I refused to meet with the developers to discuss local opinion on three separate occasions, this is totally untrue. Despite my efforts to broker a meeting it was the developer who refused to meet with residents or indeed to listen to their concerns.

The developer highlights how South Parade and Harlaxton Road is not a good gateway to Grantham; if that is the case why then have they deliberately left a van to rust at the entrance to their site? What message does this send to visitors to Grantham? They also talk about NIMBYism, but local residents do want the site developed.

Let me quote what the planning inspector said in his last decision, that he concluded ‘that the proposal would unacceptably affect the character and appearance of the area and detract from the setting of the Grantham Conservation Area’.

Cleary this new application has yet to be submitted and of course should residents have strong views either way and want me to support them I will be happy to do so.

Coun Ray Wootten

St Wulframs Ward

As the portfolio holder for Well Run Council I feel I must respond to Coun Morgan’s misleading information regarding requests being overturned by planning.

What she fails to inform the populace, either accidentally or intentionally, is wrong. She is being very disingenuous to the development management services manager.

Any elected member can request a planning application to be referred to the committee. On this application the councillor making the request must include a statement outlining material planning reasons why the proposal needs to be considered by the committee. Things like I don’t like it, I want to speak on it, I believe we should debate this, are not proper planning reasons to persuade the manager to cede to the councillor’s request. Failure by the member to comply with these requirements will result in the planning manager exercising his right to refuse the request.

Planning meetings can be very long and if every frivolous request was allowed, they would go on and on. I am aware that over the last 16 years meetings have gone on longer than six hours, which can result in applications being rushed instead of being properly debated. The planning process is under the control of members contrary to the thoughts of the East Midlands Council, as there are many instances of the members overruling the officers’ recommendations.

Coun Morgan is very adept at relaying misleading information or incomplete information, for what reason only she can enlighten us. Trying to mislead the public and members is a very dangerous path to take. If she wishes to challenge this last statement in council, I would be only too happy to answer her.

Coun MikeTaylor

Portfolio holder Well Run Council

Greyfriars Ward

Residents are calling for action to stop motorists parking on their street instead of paying to stay in Grantham Hospital car park.

People living in Langford Gardens, across Manthorpe Road from the hospital, say there has been a problem for years but it has increased with the introduction of parking fees and worsened with a recent increase in fees.

Darren Mitchell, chairman of Langford Gardens Residents’ Association, said: “We have experienced parking problems on the estate for several years but there was a dramatic increase in the frequency and extent to which they arose following the introduction of parking charges for hospital employees.

“The majority of problems arise on the main entrance to the estate and around each of the corners which lead therefrom into the rest of the estate. Essentially the problems stem from inconsiderate parking by hospital employees and visitors alike.”

“We have approached the hospital to try and alleviate the problems with no success to date, although it has recently made a fresh offer to open a dialogue with residents.

“Individual residents have tried to reason with the culprits (particularly the most prevalent) but they are usually met with verbal abuse along the lines of ‘ I can park where I like…’.

The residents’ association is considering calling for yellow lines to restrict daytime parking.

Mr Mitchell added: “All in all, though, we appear to face red tape and bureaucracy at every turn but as an association we remain undaunted.”

Ward councillor Ray Wootten has spoken to the police and hospital bosses about the situation. He said: “Residents once again highlighted to me the continued frustration of people attending the hospital which is opposite who park and cause obstruction.”

In reply to Coun Wootten, Insp Gary Stewart, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “I do need to point out that the only real way to combat this problem is for the road to have double yellow lines on or the hospital to reduce its parking fees. Can I just add that any enforcement for obstruction we have to be able to show that progress was stopped and not just hindered. There is a difference in what the public actually consider obstruction and what we can prove I am afraid.”

Chairman of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust Ron Buchanan told Coun Wootten: “I am sorry to hear about the car parking problems being encountered by residents of Langford Gardens and that these have persisted for some time. I have referred the matter to our Director of Facilities, Paul Boocock, and hopefully a satisfactory resolution can be found.”

I felt compelled to write after reading the front page article (Journal, June 6) regarding the proposed development on Manthorpe Road.

I do believe the development will provide much-needed town centre and possible professional hospital accommodation, along with the prospect of “smartening up” the whole area. I do not believe it would be “out of keeping” with the area. I feel it would modernise and enhance what is essentially an overgrown plot of waste land.

I would appreciate it if my view was considered by the people of Grantham, along with the article that was published earlier.

Abigail Rowe

By email

One casualty had to be rescued by firefighters after a car crashed into a hedge last night.

Crews from Grantham, Corby Glen and Bourne attended the crash just before midnight. They used a centre punch to break a window and rescue the casualty.

A few hours earlier a Corby Glen crew attended a 70ft high conifer on fire in High Street, Swayfield. It was put out using one hose reel.

The thousands of runners lining up for the Great North Run in September will face a gruelling challenge, but Grantham competitor Anthony Burton has already completed a punishing examination of his determination, willpower and resolve just to get to the start line.

Fifteen months ago the 46-year-old father of two grown-up children weighed 22 stone, and had dangerously high blood pressure.

When he runs in the half marathon in Newcastle on September 7, he will be a remarkable six stone lighter and fit as a fiddle, having kicked a 25-a-day cigarette habit.

Here Anthony, a technical manager for a manufacturing firm, who lives with wife Kirsty in Kedlestone Road, Grantham, tells us how he did it.

It’s an inspiring achievement, Anthony. What was your motivation?

My story started in September 2012 when I went to hospital for continued pain between my shoulders, palpitations and breathlessness. I was admitted immediately as they saw my blood pressure was dangerously high at 208 over 132.

There was also some concern that I may have had a distended aorta which is a killer, and it was the upset this caused my wife that made me realise I had myself to blame and I had to change my lifestyle before it was too late.

After two days in hospital I was discharged to outpatient care to determine the cause of my still high - albeit reduced - blood pressure.

It was during this two days that I determined to change my lifestyle and set myself a phased approach to losing weight and getting fit. I gave up smoking 25 cigarettes a day - I had been smoking since the age of 14 - just after leaving hospital. I kept this up until Christmas to make sure I had kicked the habit and on the first Monday of 2013, phase two kicked in, changing what I ate and exercising.

I did not want to diet. Dieting is a temporary measure that results in some weight loss before we go back to eating what made us fat in the first place and putting on even more fat than we started with. The plan was a permanent change and involved cutting processed foods, and a lot of high sugar food, drinking plenty of water and eating five to six times per day.

After losing three stone I joined the gym. I went three times a week, mostly for rowing, cycling, running and some weight work, and kept this up until November when I set myself a goal to run a half marathon for charity in Milton Keynes the following May. I started to road run, and the gym work meant I could run 5km now.

5km is a long way short of a 21km half marathon. What kept you on track?

I decided to raise money for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Hospices in this country deserve every penny they get for the care and support given to patients and families during very upsetting times. I ran four times a week before the half marathon, though snow, rain, wind and darkness but came out knowing I could run the distance.

I actually ran in the Derby 10km race as a learning exercise and surprised myself with how fast I completed it.

How did you get on in the half marathon?

On the day, the field was a mix of marathon and half marathon runners, totalling about 6,000. I was very excited and nervous too. Not only because I was running a distance I had not done before and did not know what might happen, but also because more than £2,000 had been pledged to St Barnabas and they were relying on me to finish the race. As it transpired, I finished in 2hr 10min and I was elated. I had achieved so much in a short period of time and the money raised for St Barnabas was fantastic. I used Facebook and Running Bug websites to keep people up to date with progress, but mostly for the motivational comments I received during the journey. These really keep you focused on your goal.

After the Great North Run on September 7, what will be your next challenge?

My ultimate goal was to run the London Marathon in April next year, and this was realised this week when Help the Hospices offered me a guaranteed place in their team. The London Marathon is difficult to get into, so this was great news and a real goal to aim at. Fifteen months after weighing in at 22st with high blood pressure and

generally been unfit, I have now completed a half marathon, have low blood pressure and will be running in the Great North Run Half Marathon on September 7 (watch out for Darth Maul).

I will also be running the biggest challenge yet in the Nottingham Robin Hood Marathon on September 28, which I am now training for. My quality of life is much better now. I can shop in any clothes store, I can ride a sports bike again, and I won’t get thrown off roller coasters any more for not been able to fit in the safety restraints

Your achievement has been remarkable. Could anyone do it?

There is no quick fix or miracle diet. The only way to get fit and lose weight is to permanently change what you eat and drink, and exercise regularly. Aim to lose up to 2lb a week and no more. By the end of a year that’s over seven stone in weight. Another key is eating five to six times a day. You never get hungry when you eat this frequently and it makes for efficient digestion.

Since the renewal of the grass cutting contract by the local council, it would appear that the quality of work has considerably deteriorated.

There appears to be no grass collection boxes on the mowers; grass is blown about or just left lying.

In “common” grassed areas the cut grass is left in cut tufts, leaving brown patches until the next “cut” is piled on. A fine example of this can be seen in the area of Westry Close, Barrowby.

SKDC management should be looking at this!

F. Anderson

Westry Close, Barrowby