Former allotments at Beacon Gardens, Grantham, will be transformed into 47 luxury new homes with some completed next year.

Cambridge-based developer Yelcon Homes has now started on the Beacon Lane site and the show home is expected to be open for viewings by late spring.

Moira Scott, Yelcon’s sales and marketing manager, said: “We’re very excited to be building in Grantham - a very prestigious residential market. We’ve enjoyed designing the homes to reflect local building traditions and Lincolnshire’s heritage. The site is only a short stroll from the High Street and local schools.

“Part exchange will be available on selected plots and early purchasers will benefit from a choice of kitchens and tiles, which adds to the 
excitement of buying a brand new home.”

The 47 homes include two bedroom maisonettes, three bedroom semi-detached and a choice of four and five bedroom detached homes. All have either one or two parking spaces and a single or double 
garage.

The homes will boast luxury bathrooms and en-suites and will be finished with contemporary Porcelanosa tiling.

Miss Scott added: “The kitchen is the heart of any home and for Beacon Gardens we will be using contemporary handle-less designer kitchens in modern neutral shades, combined with Zanussi integrated appliances to produce a kitchen which is light 
and welcoming, plus easy to keep clean.”

To request a copy of the brochure once it is available, visit www.yelcon.co.uk or contact Newton Fallowell 01476 591900.

The year six pupils at Grantham Preparatory School are clearly an intelligent bunch, with all 19 having sat and passed their 11 plus exam.

The school has enjoyed successful results in the 11 plus over previous years, but to have every student take the optional test and pass is a particular achievement.

Headteacher Kathyrn Korcz said: “We are all very proud of our year six class. They are a a hard working, diligent group of children with many talents.”

If this wasn’t enough the students are now busy writing their own opera with guidance from their class teacher Mrs Banfield.

It will be based on the timely theme of World War I, and performed to family and friends next summer at the Guildhall theatre.

Mrs Korcz added: “The children, particularly year six, are writing the story and are very excited at the prospect of performing something completely different next year.

“They will be very involved in thinking about costumes, music and props. We think it will be a wonderful opportunity for our children to use their talents in a productive and creative manner.”

Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit today executed warrants at nine addresses in Grantham as part of investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

A total of seven men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs as a result of the enforcement action in the Earlesfield area.

Five more arrests linked to the investigation were made this morning in Nottinghamshire and in the Greater Manchester area.

Deputy Chief Constable Heather Roach, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “We are committed to identifying those we suspect of being involved in the supply of dangerous and illegal drugs within out communities, and disrupting their criminal activity.

“From time to time, that requires us to take enforcement action which can have an impact on local communities simply because of its high visibility, as was the case today. Clearly, we do not want to alarm or inconvenience local law-abiding residents.

“I would like to reassure them that this action is intended to protect them not just from the supply of drugs but also the other crime types associated with it, including burglary, violence and vehicle crime.

“As a result of our action this morning, we have a number of people in custody this afternoon who hopefully will be helping us with our investigation into the supply of drugs in this part of Lincolnshire.”

Two Grantham drug dealers have been sentenced in separate cases at Lincoln Crown Court.

On October 13 Sebastion Joaoa, aged 28, was sentenced to three years six months in prison for possession with intent to supply heroin, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis.

Police attended Huntingtower Road, Grantham on August 15 2013 following a report of a man dealing drugs. Joaoa ran away and was seen to discard a large package of goods which he took from the front of his trousers. This was recovered and he was stopped and arrested. Joaoa pleaded guilty to the above offences.

In another case, Scott Fendley aged 42, was sentenced to five years six months in prison on October 21 for possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and heroin found on March 15 last year for which he was given 12 months imprisonment to run concurrently.

Fendley was stopped by police in his vehicle in the early hours of the morning. Three clear bags containing eight wraps of heroin and one wrap of cocaine were found hidden behind the driver’s door panel. He was found not guilty of possession with intent to supply by the jury, but had already pleaded to the possession.

On June 12 last year police executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at Fendley’s address. A drugs dog indicated a find on an extension reel and when this was examined 37 wraps of heroin and 18 wraps of cocaine were found. Fendley was found guilty of possession with intent to supply by a jury following a five day trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

East Division 6 NW (N)

Peterborough 9th 1

Grantham 0

Taking a team of 12 to Peterborough, Grantham were improved by the addition of Jem Hill, rising from his sick bed to bolster the ranks.

There was a debut for 14-year-old Hayden Evans and 15-year-olds George Lodge and Andy Hill played their second and third league matches respectively.

Grantham expected a tough match but coped well with a Peterborough side mostly full of talented youngsters, making it to half-time with the score 0-0.

There were plenty of chances for Grantham but a cool-headed Peterborough central defender, and a well-marshalled team, kept us out.

The second half started with Peterborough slightly quicker to the ball and a couple of short corners resulted in a goal to the home side.

This spurred Grantham on, driving Peterborough back, but countless attacks and some slightly wayward passes meant Grantham were unable to get a goal back on this occasion.

Arnolds Daniels Manguzis, playing in goal, touched the ball only once or twice in the match, while the Peterborough keeper had to make a number of saves.

Andy Willey, Graham Johnson, David McDonald and Nick Wraith made up the Grantham defence, George Lodge, Will Hill, David Braunton, Jem Hill, Andy Hill and Hayden Evans the midfield and Paul Hollingworth the ‘Duracell’ striker up front.

This Saturday is a local derby when Grantham take on Leadenham at home at The Meres. Kick-off 2pm.

SATURDAY

Football

Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Witton Albion v Grantham Town (3pm).

United Counties League

Premier Division – Harrowby United v Peterborough Northern Star (3pm).

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division – Barrowby v Ancaster Rams, Beehive United v Aslockton Cranmers Reserves, Cranmer Arms v Blue Pig, Croxton v Greyhounders.

Rugby

Midlands League 3

East (North) – Kesteven v Amber Valley (3pm).

Notts Pennant League

Group 2 – Notts Casuals v Kesteven 2nd (3pm).

Lincs Merit League

Kesteven 3rd v North Hykeham.

Hockey

East Division 6 NW (N)

Grantham v Leadenham (2pm).

TUESDAY

Football

Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Grantham Town v Buxton (3pm).

FOOTBALL RESULTS

Northern Premier League

Premier Division – Grantham Town 1 Workington 0, Grantham Town 4 Nantwich Town 0.

Lincs Senior Cup

Harrowby United 1 Deeping Rangers 2.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division – Ancaster Rams 2 Cranmer Arms 2, Aslockton Cranmers Reserves 5 Barrowby 1, Bottesford Reserves 3 Caythorpe 0, Blue Pig 2 Croxton 2, Greyhounders 2 Beehive United 4.

Lincolnshire Intermediate League

Under-21 – Sleaford Town 3 Grantham Town 0.

A road remains closed five days after 24,000 bales of straw were destroyed by fire near Sleaford.

The A15 near Silk Willoughby and Quarrington has been closed since Sunday

The road was closed just after 6.15pm is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day as the clean-up operation is still continuing. Police say assessments will be made later today as to when the road can be reopened.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and pay attention to the diversion signs in place.

Grantham Running Club’s Paul Rushworth completed the Southland Festival of Running’s Marathon in New Zealand on Sunday.

Paul, who is trying to run on every continent he visits as part of a year abroad, completed the 26.2-mile course in 3hr 27min 44sec, romping home in sixth place.

The race left Riverton in New Zealand’s deep south bound for Invercargill. The course was undulating but pretty forgiving and without any serious hills, just the occasional undulation.

Paul said: “In reality I had a tough marathon but no tougher than anyone else’s.”

A new-look Co-operative Food store has reopened today in Grantham following a £380,000 refit.

The Princess Drive store has been given a completely new look which the company says will turn it into a hub for the local community as well as a place to pick up everything shoppers need to create inspirational meals. The new-look store reopened today (Thursday).

As part of the refurbisment, the in-store bakery has been enlarged and there will be extended ranges of fresh produce, ready meals and pizzas. Staff at the store are receiving additional training to enable them to provide expert advice and to help inspire customers with meal ideas.

The Co-operative says it has also launched its commitment to “Fair and Square Pricing”, lowering prices on hundreds of everyday essentials such as bread, milk and bacon.

Store manager Steve Barnes said: “I’m excited about welcoming shoppers into the new store. The transformation is amazing, and I’m sure our customers will enjoy shopping in the new environment, which will provide them with a convenient location to pick up everything they need to create inspirational and tasty meals.

“The Co-operative is a community retailer, and we are committed to playing an active role in local life, embracing the area’s community spirit. The store will be a hub for the local community, and customers will be able to find out what is going on locally, and learn about how The Co-operative can benefit local groups.”

The store has a ‘community pioneer’, Della Wollerton, appointed as part of a new programme that sees a member of the store team with an additional remit to foster a strong involvement in community activity, from volunteering opportunities to helping develop solutions to meet local needs.

A special ceremony will be held at Stoke Rochford Hall on Sunday to remember one of the fallen of the First World War.

The hall was the home of the Turnor family before becoming a hotel and Sunday sees the 100th anniversary of the death of Lieutenant Christopher Randolph Turnor at the battle of Ypres.

To mark the centenary, a memorial stone will be unveiled at 1pm by Mrs Rosemary McCorquodale (nee Turnor), the last member of the Turnor family and mother of Neil McCorquodale, the estate’s present owner.

Christopher was the second son of Algernon and Lady Henerietta Turnor and was born at the Hall on August 16, 1886. Lt Turnor, of the 10th Hussars, was killed in action near Ypres in Belgium after engaging in a fierce struggle which stemmed the advance of the German troops to the coast. He was shot by a sniper while serving in the trenches and trying to locate an enemy artillery gun with his field glasses. He was described as a “universal favourite and a very good officer and a great loss to both the regiment and the country. He was an educated and thoroughly grounded soldier and officer with a personal charm that endeared him to all ranks.”

Being an early casualty of Ypres, he is buried with three comrades in a small churchyard in Zandvoode and so no lasting memorial for him exists at his family home. The memorial stone that has been commissioned has been sourced from the estate and is intended to provide a lasting legacy and tribute to a brave soldier by his family.

Representatives from the Royal Hussars, The Royal British Legion, Army Benevolent Fund, military veterans, Mayor of Grantham Coun Ian Selby and the Army Cadets will join Mrs McCorquodale, Neil McCorquodale and his wife Lady Sarah McCorquodale along with a piper, Bill James, to mark the occasion. The Grantham Army Cadets have also created a small garden in front of the memorial as a community project.

Anyone wishing to attend the unveiling is welcome.

Grantham Passage’s project to create a help centre for the homeless has been boosted by a £500 donation from the Freemasons.

Lynn Thomas and Alex Vowles from the William Peters Lodge of the Freemasons presented a cheque raised as part of the society’s new provincial benevolent fund.

Grantham Passage aim to set up a centre where the homeless can receive meals and job advice, along with practical services like washing and storage.

The £50,000 project still needs more support, and if you can help in any way, such as providing building services or fundraising, contact co-ordinator Mike Monaghan on 564809.

A resident was shocked to find this badly damaged Skoda Octavia dumped behind North Parade in Grantham on Friday.

Police believe it may have been involved in a collision with another car and a skip, and want to trace the owner of the red Skoda, registration ND54 UNM.

If you have any information call Lincolnshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 501 of October 16.

The Chief Inspector of Police in Grantham says yesterday’s raids in Earlesfield show that the local force is determined to tackle the supply of illegal drugs in the town.

On Wednesday, Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit executed warrants at nine addresses in Grantham as part of an investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

Grantham Chief Inspector Chris Davison said today: “Residents of Grantham may be aware that Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit have recently undertaken a series of arrests of Grantham men in relation to the supply of controlled drugs.

“While most of our community will no doubt be happy that drug dealers are being taken off the streets, there are a number of people who will now struggle to easily find their supply of illegal drugs. Lincolnshire Police are committed to tackling the trade in illegal drugs, and will enforce on others who ply their trade in Lincolnshire.

“Those suffering from the effects of substance misuse addiction may want to take this opportunity to seek treatment to free themselves from the cycle of addiction. Help can be obtained from their GP, or via Addaction at 71 High Street, Grantham on 01476 512950.”

For more details on Wednesday’s arrests please visit: www.lincs.police.uk/News-Centre/News-Releases-2014/Drug-Supply-Arrests-made-in-Grantham.html

Grantham Additional Needs Fellowship (GANF) has been awarded £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund, taking them closer to their fundraising target of £24,000 to build a purpose built gym.

Comprising of Ambergate Sports College and Sandon School, GANF provides education to pupils with learning difficulties and complex needs, and has been carrying out a number of fundraising initiatives with the aim of installing a small adapted gym at the Ambergate site.

Principal in charge of schools at GANF, Ann White, said: “Life skills is paramount and sits very high within our organisation. We want to prepare our pupils as best we can for life after education.

“For many of them, improving and developing their motor skills will give them a better chance in life and spending time with others at the gym will enable them to boost their social skills.

“We are thrilled to receive this lottery grant of £10,000 - this now puts us on a fundraising total of £18,279 meaning we are getting so much closer to our goal.”

A Grantham opticians will become part salon tomorrow as a member of staff goes ‘under the scissors’ during a fundraising day for cancer charities.

Anda Veita, a student dispensing optician at Specsavers in the Isaac Newton Centre, is donating her long golden locks to the Little Princess Trust.

The charity provides real-hair wigs, free of charge, to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Anda said: “A close family member passed away suddenly a few years ago and it made me realise just how fragile life is.

“I hope that by cutting my hair off, I’ll raise awareness of the charity, but more importantly, I hope I will play a small part in helping a child get through an upsetting time in their life.”

Anda’s decision to give her hair the chop will take place during the store’s fundraising activities tomorrow in support of the Breast Cancer Campaign ‘wear it pink’.

Not only will they be dressed in pink, but the team will decorate the store and offer specs MOTs (cleaning and adjustments) in return for donations to the charity.

Store director Bijal Ladva added: “Please do come along to support Anda, the Little Princess Trust and the Breast Cancer Campaign. We want to raise as much money as possible to help improve the lives of children and adults living with cancer.”

Now in its 13th year, wear it pink raises over £2 million every year for world-class breast cancer research that saves and improves lives, giving women quicker diagnosis and more effective treatments.

See more at www.breastcancercampaign.org/support-us/wear-it-pink

For further information on the fundraising at Specsavers, or to make a donation, visit the opticians at the Isaac Newton Centre, call 01476 572 111 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/grantham

Police have arrested two more people in further raids on homes in Earlesfield, Grantham, today.

Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit have executed warrants in the Earlsfield area of Grantham this morning. Two men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

The enforcement action follows arrests and searches carried out yesterday in the same area of the town, as well as locations in Nottinghamshire and Greater Manchester. A total of 12 people were arrested on Wednesday. All remain in custody.

The warrants all relate to the same investigation into the supply of class A drugs.

DCC Heather Roach, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “I would like to thank local residents for their patience during the course of this necessary enforcement action yesterday and today.

“Once again, this is intended to protect the community from the impact that the supply and sale of illegal drugs can have through a variety of crime types, and also to identify and take the appropriate action against those involved in this activity.”

The A15 at Silk Willoughby was re-opened just after 7pm last night, following the stack fire on Sunday.

Road closures had been in place around the A15/A153 roundabout since 6.15pm on October 19.

The blaze involving 24,000 bales of straw led to an extensive clean-up operation, with the road closed as a precautionary measure as well as to clear the bales from the area.

Grantham Premier Darts League presentation night took place at the Electric Club last Saturday night.

Trophies were presented by Angie Emms.

Results: A League – 1 Three Gables D, 2 Electric A, 180s - J. Baker 6 out of 77, checkout - D. Warrington & A. Dennis 154, singles - 1 A Beck 2 W. Watkin, doubles - 1 A. Beck/D. Andrew 2 W. Watkin/J. Baker; B League – 1 Three Gables C, 2 Electric C, 180s - S. Newcombe 5 out of 32, checkout - A. Haynes 153, singles - 1 B. Robinson 2 D. Ancliffe, doubles - 1 D. Moore/C. Pidd 2 D. & O. Pearson; C League – 1 Black Dog B, 2 Images, 180s - C. Knowles 3 out of 11, checkout - C. Knowles 138, singles - 1 C. Knowles 2 D. Salmon, doubles - 1 B. Thorpe/R. Boryszczuk 2 M. Glover/D. Botherway; D League – 1 Electric B, 2 Ponton Social B, 180s D. Sansom 1 out of 10, checkout - W. Forster 133, singles - 1 J. Nicholls 2 T. Newcombe, doubles - 1 I. Spridgens/J. Hill 2 D. Sansom/P. Bruce.

A total of 12 people have been charged after a number of arrests in Grantham in connection with an investigation into the supply of drugs.

On Wednesday and Thursday Lincolnshire Police and the East Midlands Special Operations Unit executed warrants in Grantham relating to the supply of class A drugs.

Arrests and searches were also carried out in locations in Nottinghamshire and Greater Manchester.

Twelve people have now been charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and are due to appear at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court this morning.

They are:

Jonathan Paul Ferry, 45, of Larch Close, Grantham

Paul Hull, 46, of Grantley Street, Grantham

Stuart Frazier, 53, of Princess Drive, Grantham

Jamie Darby, 38, of Princess Drive, Grantham

Adam Higgs, 23, of Shaw Road, Grantham

Anthony Morton, 26, of Tamar Court, Grantham

Ashley Toulson, 26, of Edward Street, Grantham

James Straw, 49, of Petersmith Drive, New Ollerton, Newark

Tyrone Sly, 44, of Bye Path Road, Retford

Ryan Anderson, 29, of Walmer Street, Gorton, Manchester

Luke Smith, 25, of Goulden Street, Salford

Francesca Moynihan, 21, of Hawthorn Drive Salford.

Tom Simmonds, aged 39, started his company Simmonds Music in 2007, which consists of the shop on Westgate, a recording studio upstairs, and music lessons for children and adults.

However Tom’s love of music goes back much further, since his parents gave him his first recorder.

Aged 12 he took up his favourite instrument, the bassoon, and proceeded to learn the oboe, drums and piano to name just a few.

He studied at the Birmingham Conservatoire, and afterwards decided that rather than performing himself he wanted to help others get into music.

He is able to do just that through the shop, the studio enabling local bands and artists to record tracks onto CD or MP3, and a team of music teachers.

Tom, from Dudley Road, is also passing the musical bug on to his and partner Debbie’s four-year-old daughter Beatrice, who is already a fan of the ukulele and recorder.

Simmonds Music on 8-9 Westgate is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, with more information at www.simmondsmusic.com