Grantham Bowl can now claim to have Lincolnshire Junior County Champions in its ranks.

Fourteen-year-old Bailey Hibbitt took part in the Lincs Junior Championships at Lincoln along with seven clubmates last weekend. He contested the under-14 team event with Sam Lee, Emily Posy and young England starlet Katie Tagg, and ran away with the event to bring home gold by more than 100 pins.

A personal best series score of 567, along with his singles and doubles scores, was enough to make Bailey county champ.

There was also gold in the under-18 doubles for the brother and sister Connor and Blair Jackson, while Josh Davies and Thomas Pierrepoint finished third in the under-16 doubles.

On behalf of the Salvation Army and ChristChurch Grantham I wish to thank all who gave or assisted in any way with the street collection and sponsored walk in aid of the Salvation Army’s work with victims of human trafficking, and the ChristChurch Community Project.

We collected £52.95 from generous members of the public, and together with sponsorship, other donations and Gift Aid we hope to top £700, which will be divided between the two causes.

ChristChurch is modernising and adapting the buildings on Finkin Street so that they are accessible to all and provide a welcoming venue suitable to the 21st century.

Human trafficking is the fastest growing international crime.

Just the day before the walk, a young woman who had been trafficked was rescued in a town not far from Grantham and taken to a safe house where her needs will be assessed by the Salvation Army and, together with other 
agencies, she will be helped to realise her dream of education, legitimate work or maybe return home to her friends and family in her own country.

Major Marta Ager walked blindfolded, and I walked with chains on my wrists and ankles to show symbolically what it is like not to be in control of what you can do and where you can go.

If you suspect anyone is a victim of human trafficking, or you are a victim yourself, please ring the helpline number 0300 3038151 which is totally confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Janice Webb

By email

Lincolnshire Police’s roads policing unit (RPU) took to Twitter today (Sunday) to report on a morning of catching speeders on the A1.

Drivers were dashing along at speeds of between 92mph and 107mph.

A further tweet explained how the speeders will be dealt with, reading: “All drivers are reported, this will lead to a summons being raised. A magistrate will determine the penalty.”

The RPU had a similarly successful day in catching speeding motorists on the A1 yesterday. A tweet sent yesterday afternoon read: “Speeders reported on the A1 today in Lincolnshire: 95mph, 91mph, 104mph, 98mph, 102mph, 95mph, 103mph & 96mph.”

Thank you to everyone who re-homed one of our lovely cats from the photos in the Journal two weeks ago.

We are still trying to rehome a few more before winter time sets in, as not all the cats can be brought inside the house.

I must also ask people to check gardens etc as we have had two cats staying with me for a few days escape from an outside pen.

Both are 18 months old, black and black and white, brother and sister, very shy and will be together.

We are hoping they will try to get back home, heading Barkston way. If seen please let me know. Do not try to catch them.

Cath Rawson

Grantham Rock 
Redcross Street Grantham


Corby Glen Sheep Fair - the oldest festival of its type in the country - has been given a makeover this year in a move to attract more young people.

The main event, on Sunday October 5, will feature a host of new attractions, including a giant climbing tower, floating zorbing balls, and bike-pulled barrel rides.

Two top bands will play on stage and, there will also be a showcase for young singers and dancers.

Long-standing, popular attractions will continue alongside the new features, including clay pigeon shooting, a classic car show and craft and food stalls.

A beer festival will take place throughout the weekend at the Fighting Cocks pub, where acclaimed Oasis tribute band Noasis will play on Saturday night.

Andrea Day, entertainments co-ordinator of a newly formed committee for the 776th sheep fair, said: “We’re really excited about this year’s event. We have a number of attractions new to Sheep Fair and we have a new wristband system so visitors can enjoy the climbing tower, zorbing balls and barrel rides at a discounted price.

“Animal lovers can see search dog demonstrations, enter their dogs in the dog show, let their furry friends have a go at a dog agility course and see some magnificent birds of prey.

“All in all, it’s going to be a fantastic weekend celebrating local talent, trade and tradition.”

Grantham MP Nick Boles will open the event this year.

The sheep fair is steeped in history and is the oldest of its kind in the country.

To find out more, including information about local trade stalls, visit the website: www.sheepfair.co.uk

A rear window of Ropsley Village Hall was forced open by burglars this weekend.

It is not yet known whether anything was taken.

Police say it is likely that a vehicle was used to get to the village hall. Anyone who saw suspicious vehicles, or activity, in the area over the weekend is asked to call Lincolnshire Police on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting incident number 147 of September 28.

Police warn there have been similar break-ins at village halls and club premises, and ask villagers to be vigilant.

Three top bands will be appearing in Corby Glen over the Sheep Fair weekend, October 4 and 5.

Kicking off the music at the Fighting Cocks pub on Saturday night, October 4, will be Noasis, hailed as the definitive tribute band to Manchester super group Oasis.

Since forming in 2006, Noasis have built their reputation on playing the classics with energy and attention to detail.

Two bands will appear on stage in Market Place on Sunday – The Tunnel, a rocking four-piece from Peterborough, and Outcry.

A wheelie bin fire in Harlaxton last night (Sunday) was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Firefighters were called out to the village, near to the A607, just after 7.10pm.

The extinguished the flames and identified the cause to be “discarded smoking materials”.

FA Cup

Second qualifying round

Stamford 1

Grantham Town 2

Grantham Town progressed to the next round of the FA Cup after victory over local rivals Stamford on Saturday.

The Gingerbreads went in front through Alex Simmons on 35 minutes.

The Daniels levelled five minutes into the second half when Ryan Robbins scored for the home side.

But eight minutes later, Ben Fairclough gave Grantham the winner.

Match attendance was 381.

Town will find out who they will face in the next round at lunchtime on Monday.

Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto (sponsored by Galaxy Fish Bar), winners of September 27 draw:

£200 – 213 G. Chappell; £10 – 490 R. Gilbert; £5 – 287 S. Cornish, 359 D. Howitt, 292 D. Wilson, 344 P. Wright, 75 T. Snarey, 508 O. Hurt.

Oscar’s Wine Bar in Grantham is holding a talent contest for local acts last this month in aid of a local charity.

Grantham’s Got Talent is being held at Oscar’s on October 26 and the bar is looking for a variety of acts to apply. There will be guest judges but it will be a public vote which will cost £2 per person with unlimited voting. All proceeds will go to Grantham Disabled Children’s Society to support their trip to Disneyland.

There is £100 prize money for the winner.

Any acts who would like to take part can text Laura Church on 07835502734 or post a message at www.facebook.com/laura.church.16

Planning applications before South Kesteven District Council include:

Ancaster

S14/2416/FULL - Marian Keenan - Change of use equestrian use and erection of stable block, Paddock adjacent to Willoughby Road Garage, Willoughby Road.

S14/2753/AAC - Mr C. Mountain - Retention of staff amenity building upon land (PL/0205/14), adjacent to building 4, Mid UK Recycling Ltd, Ermine Street.

Barkston, Syston

S14/2578/TCA - Mrs E. Duncan - Fell crab apple tree and deuto, Holly Lodge, Church Street.

Barrowby

S14/2594/HSH - Mr D. Donger - Erection of garage (amendment to that approved under S13/0381), Coe Farm, Denton Lane, Casthorpe.

Barrowby, Grantham

S14/2659/EIASC - Robert Gaskell, Gladman Developments Ltd - Request for Screening Opinion for residential development up to 355 dwellings, convenience store, access, open space and associated infrastructure, land off Barrowby Road.

Barrowby, Great Gonerby

S14/2664/EIASC - Raoul Tufnell, Belectric - Screening Opinion for a solar farm (14.2ha), Pasture Farm, Gonerby Lane,

Allington.

Belton and Manthorpe, Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without

S14/2635/LB - National Trust - Installation of secondary glazing to five properties on the Belton Estate (Gardener’s Bothy, Entrance Lodge, Lion Lodge Cottage, Laundry Cottage and Gift Shop), Belton House, Belton Park.

Carlton Scroop

S14/2690/HSH - Mr and Mrs J. Hope-Hawkins - Rear orangery, The Red House, Hough Road, Hough on the Hill.

Caythorpe

S14/2614/DC - Adam Lovett - Approval of details reserved by Conditions 2 (Materials) and 4 (Surface Water) of S14/1575, 5 Frieston Road.

Corby Glen

S14/2450/FULL - The Co-Operative Group - Replacement of condensor units, Co-operative Retail Services Ltd, High Street.

S14/2747/LB - Ian Wilson - Replacement first floor sash window, Mackenzie Wilson Design, 2 High Street.

Folkingham

S14/2463/LB - Mrs S. Norman-Smith - Alteration of Listed Building, 36 Market Place.

S14/2697/LB - M. Friend - Conversion of existing building to new dwelling, Mill House, Bourne Road.

Foston

S14/2230/FULL - Janet and Simon Bray - Conversion and extension of barn to form dwelling, Coach House Farm, Long Street.

Grantham

S14/2361/DEM - Lincoln Diocesan Trust and Board of Finance - Demolition of former school, The Priory Ruskin Academy, Queensway.

S14/2592/HSH - Mr W. Lound - Single storey extension to front, 134 Barrowby Road.

S14/2612/FULL - Mr A. Derry and Mr J. Derry - Four bungalows with garages, rear of 21 Beacon Lodge, Beacon Lane.

S14/2620/LB - Mr Dags - Strengthening of damaged floor beam, Pizza King, 10 Westgate.

S14/2639/CWC - Riverside Design - Confirmation of Compliance with Condition 1 of S11/2065 (deadline for implementation), Shirley Croft Hotel, Harrowby Road.

S14/2657/HSH - Miss Angelina Mielczarek - Ground and first floor extensions, 2 George Street.

S14/1278/HSH - Derek Chidlow - Erection of attached garage to front of dwelling and insertion of roof lights to ground floor side elevation, 6 St Helen’s Close.

S14/2403/FULL - Asda Stores Ltd - Relocation of smoking shelter, erection of bike shelter and conversion of trolley bay into an outdoor trading unit, Asda Plc, Union Street.

S14/2658/FULL - Joanne Green - Change of Use to indoor cricket facility, Electro Tec Ltd, Dysart Road.

Great Gonerby

S14/2698/EIASC - Victoria Whalley - Screening request for solar farm, land at Gonerby Moor.

Harlaxton

S14/2702/TCA - Mr and Mrs Walker - Work to various trees - hawthorn, 50 per cent crown reduction; acer, 10 per cent crown reduction; acer, 25 per cent crown reduction; prunus, 25 per cent crown reduction; acer, 25 per cent crown reduction, Highwell Cottage, 33 High Street.

Heydour

S14/1923/FULL - Team Bootcamp - Change of Use from C3 residential to mixed use comprising C3 residential and C2 residential training centre (Health and Fitness Training), Heydour House, Church Lees.

Hough on the Hill

S14/2585/TCA - Mr J. Lord - Fell one conifer and remove branch for sequoia, All Saints Church, High Road.

Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without

S14/2663/NMA - Mr M. Watson - Amendments to previously approved barn conversion (S11/2331) including change to windows/doors and internal layout, Manor Farm, Newgate Lane, Londonthorpe.

Long Bennington

S14/2571/DC - Smart Fleet Services - Discharge of Condition 2 (drainage) of planning permission S14/0659, Hangar 2, Roseland Business Park.

S14/2677/FULL - Mr W. Wright - Four detached houses, garages and gardens with a new cul-de-sac from The Meadows, 13 Church Street.

S14/2701/ADV - Harlaxton Estates - Installation of free-standing entrance/tenant sign at business park, entrance to Long Bennington Business Park, Main Road.

North Witham

S14/2691/HSH - Ray Cox - Single storey side and rear extensions with rooflights, 8 Northerns Close.

Sedgebrook

S14/2762/AG - A. V. Sheardown and Sons - Erection of agricultural anaerobic digestion system and associated landscaping, land to the south east of Woolsthorpe Lane.

South Witham

S14/2750/CM - John Gough - To extract limestone from land to the north of Mill Lane; to continue to extract limestone from the existing quarry to the south of Mill Lane and to use this area for the production of recycled aggregates; and to restore both areas utilising imported inert material, primarily to a mix of agriculture and calcareous grassland, South Witham Quarry, Mill Lane.

Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir

S14/2567/HSH - Sean McArdle - Two-storey side and rear extension, single storey rear extension, The Hollies, Main Street.

To view the forms and plans of any planning application click on the link www.southkesteven.gov.uk/planningsearch

A man awaiting trial on assault and criminal damage charges breached his bail by doing some work on a house.

Christopher Elliot Stray, of Lime Grove, Grantham, admitted the breach of bail on September 20 when he appeared in custody.

Prosecuting, Marie Stace said police officers were called to an address in Uplands Drive, Grantham, where they found Stray getting up by the side of a bed in an upstairs room.

One of the terms of his bail was not to go to Uplands Drive.

Defending, Bill Fraser said that Stray had been asked to go to the property to do some work on it.

Mr Fraser said his client had mental health issues and was somewhat immature.

The magistrates imposed the same bail conditions on Stray - not to go to Uplands Drive and not to contact two named people.

Stray will go on trial, accused of assault by beating and criminal damage in Uplands Drive on May 21, on December 17.

A woman was bombarded with texts and phone calls after she split with her boyfriend.

Alastair Brunton, 33, of Albion Place, Grantham, admitted harassment without violence against his former girlfriend between June 24 and August 31.

Prosecuting, Marie Stace told the court that Brunton and his girlfriend split in March but sought relationship counselling which failed.

She went to the police after receiving 1,400 text messages from him in May and June.

Miss Stace said Brunton became abusive and her solicitors told him to stop making contact with her.

A police information notice was issued on June 26 but Brunton failed to sign it and continued to contact her.

On June 30 Brunton sent a text saying he still wanted her to be part of his life, but she told him to leave her alone.

Miss Stace said Brunton also made contact with her family and friends between July 1 and August 31.

On August 10 the former girlfriend received a call from Brunton which lasted three hours and 22 minutes.

He said he was apologetic for his behaviour and wanted to make things right.

The former girlfriend also received a call from Brunton as she was giving a statement to police. Miss Stace described Brunton’s calls and text as “an absessive pattern of behaviour”.

She said Brunton had said he had not been threatening or violent and had only wanted to salvage the relationship.

The court was told that police siezed six mobile phones from Brunton.

Defending, Rory Macmillan said Brunton had some mental health issues as a result of recent events, he had been feeling low and was on anti-depressants.

He had referred himself for counselling and had lost his job as a result of the court case.

Mr Macmillan said Brunton wanted to move away from Grantham and put all that had happened behind him.

He said: “He wants to apologise for any alarm or distress caused. It’s not necessarily all one sided.”

The court was told Brunton’s girlfriend had thought he had cheated on her, but he hadn’t and as a result they had signed up for three sessions with a counsellor.

She then changed the locks at her house where Brunton’s belongings remained.

Mr Macmillan said the calls and texts were partly about his feelings but also about his property which he wanted back.

His girlfriend had taken part in the long phone calls and it had been a distressing time for them both.

Mr Macmillan added: “He felt he was receiving mixed signals about just what her intentions were with regard to their relationship bearing in mind they had even set a wedding date for September 6.

“Since it was clear the relationship was over he has tried to get his property back but he has been told this is a civil matter.”

Mr Macmillan said Brunton had no intention of going anywhere near his former girlfriend again.

The magistrates imposed a restraining order on Brunton to stop him from contacting his ex-girlfriend in any way.

He was also handed a six-week prison sentence suspended for two years and a supervision order for two years which includes attendance at a Building Better Relationships course. He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £85.

The draw for the third qualifying round of the FA Cup was announced at midday today.

Grantham Town will face North Ferriby United away on Saturday, October 11, kick-off 3pm.

North Ferriby are currently eighth in the Conference North, just below Boston United.

Nottingham Forest Supporters’ Club (Grantham branch):

Forest are at home to Ipswich Town on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

Bookings are being taken for games at Cardiff City on Saturday, October 18, kick-off 12.15pm, Watford on Tuesday, October 21, kick-off 7.45pm, and Huddersfield Town on November 1, kick-off 3pm.

For details contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

A man who stole a caravan from a Grantham home gave police a “cock and bull” story when he denied the theft.

James Lewis, 28, of Half Mile Close, Norwich, later admitted the theft of the caravan from a house in Barrowby Road earlier this year.

Prosecuting, Marie Stace told the court that the owner of the caravan parked his car in the driveway near the caravan at 11.30pm on March 31. The next day he noticed the caravan had gone and the locks had been left on the driveway.

That morning police officers on the A1 in North Yorkshire saw the caravan being towed. Police spoke to Lewiswhen he pulled into a petrol station. He told the officers he had bought the caravan from some travellers that morning. He said he had bought it for £4,500. Defending, Rob Arthur said Lewis had made up a “cock and bull” story in a panic and accepted his wrongdoing. Magistrates imposed a community order in which Lewis must undertake 18 months’ supervision and a Thinking Skills Programme. He must also do 80 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

A Grantham rock band are releasing a single which can be downloaded for free.

Matt Grocott and the Shrives will release their first single, Turn Me On!, on Wednesday, October 1. They recorded it as part of an album in the United States. It was recorded and mixed by Chris Dugan at Jingletown Studios, Oakland, in California.

Guitarist Josh Horsfall said: “The song is energetic, intense and catchy. It’s been described as a full-on in your face rock ‘n’ roll song. The lyrics are dark with a fun and upbeat tune including hints of ska and a crazy shivering guitar solo just before a big sing-along chorus at the end. It will appeal to fans of Green Day, The Clash, The Hives and The Jam.

“We’ve decided to release it for free so we can make it more accessible to fans. We have also decided to do this as a self release with no record label help. This will give us a better control and hopefully create even more interest from labels. After the single we are planning on releasing an EP with four songs from the album. This should be out in the next month or so.”

The single was recorded by Josh on guitar and backing vocals, Matt Grocott on vocals and guitar, Joey Armstrong on drums and Billie Joe Armstrong on bass. On stage, the bass and drums are played by Tom Shelton and Joe Michelson respectively.

Matt has got to know Billie Joe, lead singer of the punk rock band Green Day, after discussing their music and bands online. Billie Joe led Green Day to world-wide fame with hits such as ‘American Idiot’ and ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ and was struck by the sound of the Grantham band and invited Matt and Josh out to California.

The single will be available for download at www.soundcloud.com/mattgrocott-theshrives

An illegal immigrant was today (Monday) jailed for nine months after cannabis with a potential street value of £250,000 was found at a house in Grantham.

Police discovered 27-year-old Ervin Ethemaj living at the address in Kedleston Road after a neighbour became suspicious that the curtains were always drawn.

Inside the house officers found 271 cannabis plants in various states of growth and Ethemaj, who was sleeping in the dining room, Lincoln Crown Court heard.

On his arrest Ethemaj admitted: “I don’t need a solicitor, I’ve made mistake.”

The court was told Ethemaj had come in to the UK on a back of a lorry from his native Albania and was being used as a “gardener” for the plants.

Jeremy Janes, prosecuting, said: “He was living in the premises downstairs, in a dining room with an en-suite toilet. There were cannabis plants growing in all the other rooms, with 271 plants in total.

“This was not an amateurish grow with just one room containing 131 plants.”

Mr Janes said the electricity supply in the house had also been bypassed and a bill of over £9,000 had been run up over a six-month period.

“Somebody, not this defendant, was going to make significant gains,” Mr Janes added. “His role was as a gardener. He had been brought in to this country and had that debt to pay back.”

Ethemaj, of no fixed address, admitted producing cannabis between December 31, 2013, and June 23, this year.

Chris Milligan, mitigating, told the court: “He came in to the UK in March 2014 on the back of a lorry from Albania. He had borrowed £5,000 from his parents to get a better life.

“He arrived in Kent and some time later was offered a job in Grantham by a group of men from Albania.

“His role was simply to switch on the lights and water the plants for which he expected to receive around £1,000. He knew it was illegal but wanted to pay his parents back.”

Passing sentence, Recorder Graham Huston said: “This was commercial operation growing cannabis on a significant scale.”

But he added: “Your role, however, is one of gardener.”

One of the team’s youngest swimmers led Grantham Swimming Club to victory in the Lincolnshire League B Final last week.

With strong performances in all her races, Iona Colbert also set a new club record in 25m butterfly.

The first competition of the new season produced some great swims from the whole team, with wins coming from Ella Coleman, James Dobney, Annabel Roberts, Matthew Smith, Freya Colbert. Allen Jacob, Mia Ellis, Billy Reed, Sophie Sutton and Imogen Raistrick.

The closest and most exciting event was the final race – the 8x25m canon relay – with Grantham just bringing home first place with the team of Iona Colbert, Billy Reed, Colbert Freya, James Dobney, Lara Hawkes, Matthew Smith, Abigail Farkas and Jacob Allen.

Final scores: Grantham 155, South Lincs 107, City of Lincoln Pentaqua 104, Lincoln Vulcans B 89.