Friendlies

Grantham United TRE 4

Croxton 3

Grantham United TRE 4

Nobody Inn 0

Grantham United TRE 3

Springfield AFC 1

Grantham United TRE 3

Harrowby United Reserves 3

GRANTHAM United came out all guns blazing with fine results against Croxton and Nobody Inn.

In the game against Springfield AFC, there was some fine football played by both teams but ultimately the United lads came out on top with a well deserved 3-1 victory, with goals from Mark Gray, Sam Scothern and Tyler Haynes.

United took on Harrowby United Reserves in a last minute arrangement last Tuesday.

A slow start saw Harrowby take the lead within the first two minutes and look dominant up until half time.

United began to gain in confidence but were 3-0 down midway through the second half.

United pulled out all the stops with goals from Tom Figura, who found himself one-on-one with the Harrowby goalkeeper and comfortably slotted home.

An outstanding free kick with 10 minutes to go from Conor McGregor closed the gap further.

Tyler Haynes fired a half volley from a corner kick into the top left corner to level the scores before the final whistle in an outstanding performance by the whole team.

AN Indian restaurant is offering patrons the chance for free food if they can complete the Naan-lympic Challenge.

Bindi, in London Road, Grantham, created the food eating challenge to raise money for the Journal’s Children’s Fund, which supports sick youngsters and their families.

The Naan-lympics involves competitors devouring a 20 inch naan bread stuffed full of three chicken tikka breast fillets, three lamb tikka portions and three Shish kebabs. And do not worry if you are concerned about your five-a-day because there is also salad, along with mint yoghurt sauce.

To win at the Naan-lympics, hungry customers have to finish the naan in 10 minutes.

If you consume every bit within the time then there is no charge, but, if you fail in the attempt, you will be asked to donate £25 to the charity.

Journal photographer Toby Roberts was one of the first to take on the mammoth task, which originally was set to take just five minutes.

Toby has been known to eat several pizzas at a time – the record is two 10-inch deep pans in less than 10 minutes – so we thought he would be the ideal man for the job.

Unfortunately after five minutes of constant chewing, and getting hotter and hotter, he was not very far through the Naan-lympic feast.

He said: “I’m not mega full, it’s just I stuffed so much down in the first three minutes I thought I was going to choke.”

Toby then continued to see if he could eat all of the feast. After 15 minutes he resigned from the challenge.

He said: “I’m disappointed but after watching the video replay I don’t think I did badly for five minutes.

“It’s just too much food, you’d need to be Adam Richman from Man v Food to finish it!”

Co-owner of Bindi Muhammed Karim, who previously created the world’s hottest curry and most expensive chutney, said: “We do something different every year. It’s for a good cause.

“After Toby’s five-minute effort we’ve decided to make it 10 minutes to make sure it gives everybody a fair winning chance. It’s easier if you have a strategy. I would always say stand up to eat it and make sure you’re not too hot. Pace yourself.”

Would you like to compete in the Naan-lympics? If you want to enter, book a challenge time by calling 01476 570777.

l To take a look at Toby’s attempt at the Naan-lympic Challenge, go to www.granthamjournal.co.uk and

watch the video

A PLAQUE to Charles Dickens will be unveiled in Grantham today (Aug 3).

The world-famous author will be honoured with a Grantham Civic Society plaque in the George Shopping Centre at 2.30pm today. All are welcome to attend.

Jazz, pop, brass bands and family entertainment have been laid on for a big Bank Holiday festival.

Festivities in Newark will begin on Friday, August 24, with an evening of jazz at Ann et Vin wine bar.

On Saturday, August 25, there will be an array of food stalls in the market square, where street entertainers and musicians will be on walkabout.

Chart band Scouting for Girls will headline a live concert at The Riverside on Saturday night.

And on Sunday, family fun activities at the Riverside will culminate with a Brass Explosion Spitfire flypast and firework display.

A FEAST of folk music is served up at a festival this weekend.

The third annual Day of Lincolnshire Folk Music, Dance and Song in Leadenham follows last year’s

successful event which was attended by more than 1,000 people.

In all, 60 artists will be performing 37 hours of music on Sunday.

The festival kicks off on Saturday with a ceilidh in Leadenham Village Hall with local legends the Higgledy Piggledgy band.

Then on Sunday, two stages at the George Hotel, in the village, will showcase a wide range of local talent from 11am.

Performers will include Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher, ‘The Whisky Bard’ Robin Laing, Higgledy Piggledgy band, Barbara Owers, Brian Dawson, Liam Robinson, John Pape, Heidi Theaker, Norwegian Blues and many more.

Singarounds, workshops on a variety of themes and tune sessions will be held and are open to everyone.

Sunday is a free event, and tickets for the ceilidh are £5 on the door and it starts at 8pm.

GRANTHAM high jumper Vikki Hubbard believes the frustrations of watching the Olympics on television will help her come back from injury stronger than ever.

The Birchfield Harriers ace had her London 2012 dreams dashed by a recurring ankle injury in February and since then has been unable to compete.

It is another bad break for Vikki who suffered a career-threatening injury to her ankle in 2007 and missed virtually the entire 2008 season before bouncing back to not only walk again but also to return to competing.

And, while disappointed to be missing out on a home Olympics, Loughborough-based Vikki is determined to take as many positives as she can from the situation and now has the upcoming indoor season firmly in her sights.

Vikki, who benefits from being a member of the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes programme, said it was “horribly frustrating” to miss out on the Olympics.

She said: “My aim now is the upcoming indoor season – I know I’ll be back in time for that and my aim is to be as competitive as possible.

“The important thing is not dwelling on what you’re missing out on, you have to stay mentally strong so that you can come back physically strong when the time is right.

“I came back from a big injury in 2009 and beat my personal best in my second competition – so I have no doubt I can return and be competitive.

“I’m really excited to watch the Olympics. Watching it all from my living room and not being there is great motivation going forward.”

The former Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School pupil is also excited at the improvements that are bound to be made in grassroots participation from the home Games.

The 23-year-old took up high jump 11 years ago at an Aviva Sportshall meeting and was hooked instantly, and she hopes that the huge draw of the Games will inspire today’s young generation to do the same.

Vikki said: “If you look at the attention it’s all received, it’s such a big deal for everyone. Across all sports there is a real buzz generated by the Olympics, everyone wants everyone else to get involved and it’s great.

“I think we’ll see a great amount of youngsters wanting to try sports like high jump after the Games, so I think the Games will clearly leave a lasting legacy.”

l Lloyds TSB Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, provides support and funding to 346 of Britain’s most talented developing athletes on their journey to London 2012 and beyond. Since 2008, the programme has supported 1,000 athletes. Follow future stars at facebook.com/lloydstsblocalheroes

WITHAM Wheelers life member Rod Ellingworth can bask in the reflected glory of history-making Olympian Bradley Wiggins who won the men’s time trial in style on Wednesday.

Rod is on the Great Britain endurance coaching team that helped Wiggins to his fourth career Olympic gold on Wednesday afternoon, making him the most decorated Olympian Briton in history with seven medals.

Wiggins powered his way to victory in London, finishing in 50min 39.54sec, 42 seconds ahead of Germany’s Tony Martin. GB team-mate Chris Froome won bronze.

The link between Grantham’s Rod and Wiggins goes back to when he was coaching the GB track team. Wiggins has since transferred to road riding for Team Sky with whom Rod is also a performance coach.

The Olympic success came after Wiggins’ historic Tour de France victory last Sunday.

Prior to the Olympic time trial, Rod had remarked that Wiggins was still in “race-perfect condition”, despite the rigours of the three-week Tour.

But Rod this week also had to endure the Olympic road race disappointment of Mark Cavendish, to whom he is coach and personal mentor. Rod has since criticised the other countries’ teams who did little to assist Team GB in trying to chase down the winning breakaway.

l Twenty-year-old Fulbeck swimmer Sophie Allen was devastated after she only finished 21st in the women’s 200m individual medley.

Going into her debut Olympic Games invigorated from winning a European Championships silver medal, Sophie was disappointed to only record 2min 14.72sec for the multi-discipline event.

Following her race, 20-year-old Sophie posted her feelings on the online social networking service Twitter. She said: “Gutted to have not made the semi final tonight, but it was my first senior meet so hopefully the future will bring better things for me.

“Support has been amazing. It’s great to still have people behind me even after a disappointing performance. Will do you all proud next time.”

l Former Grantham archer Simon Terry also had a disappointing Olympics.

Thirty-eight-year-old Simon suffered a 7-1 defeat to 15-year-old Moldovian Dan Olaru to exit the individual competition at the last 16 stage on Wednesday. Simon had earlier defeated Japan’s Yu Ishizu 7-1.

Simon said: “It was a difficult one for the second match. I hadn’t moved my sights at all from the first match and I did exactly the same. I just got off to a poor start and the shots seemed to spray everywhere.”

Simon and his Team GB archery team-mates crashed out of the team competition after they were defeated by the Ukraine on Saturday.

A PLANNED fly-over at Grantham by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight today has been cancelled, the BBMF Association has confirmed this morning.

The fly-over was set to mark the opening of a new exhibition at Grantham Museum today.

Museum organisers announced yesterday that 12 planes would be flying over Grantham at 1.10pm.

But a spokesman for the BBMF Association said the plan was only ever for one plane to fly over - and that has an oil leak which will keep it grounded.

A spokesman for the association said: “We were going to fly the Dakota but unfortunately it has an oil leak from its engine.

“There was always only ever going to be one aeroplane. It was a last minute bid and this week most of our crew are on leave as it is out of flying season.

“There was never going to be 12 aeroplanes.”

Jayne Robb of Grantham Museum said she had been told 12 planes would be flying over Grantham while on a practice flight.

She said: “We had a message through that it was for 12 - that came from the team - so that is a bit gutting. It was going to be our centre-piece.

“But these technical things happen and we can’t do anything to change it.

“I can only apologise on behalf of the museum and Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage who arranged it all. It’s heart-wrenching.”

The exhibition is on loan from the Polish Air Force Association and dozens of Polish dignitaries are expected to attend the opening, including Col Stanisław Król, Military Attaché at the Polish Embassy and Ireneusz Truszkowski, Consul General at the Polish Embassy, as well as a Polish television crew and other journalists.

Jayne Robb of Grantham Museum said: “The exhibition is going to be with us for five weeks and I think it will really show the people of Grantham the Polish community have always been part of our community and we owe them a lot.”

The opening of the exhibition will be at 1.30pm and all are welcome to attend.

The event will also be used for the official launch of a film featuring an interview with Tadeusz Herchenreder, who flew Lancaster bombers with 300 Squadron out of RAF Faldingworth, Lincolnshire during World War II and carried out 16 missions over enemy territory.

Tadeusz Herchenreder is believed to be one of only two surviving Polish Lancaster pilots in the UK.

Jayne said: “This is our first major exhibition and will be a real international event - as well as being good for the town.”

THE Mayor of Grantham will marry today (Friday) at The Angel and Royal Hotel.

Coun Ian Stokes, who met his bride Sarah Wilks 16 months ago, will celebrate the union with his family and close friends.

He said: “We’re very happy. I’m very excited about the big day, I’m hoping I haven’t forgotten anything.”

Romance blossomed between the pair after Coun Stokes attempted to impress Miss Wilks with a chat-up line.

She explained: “He said to me: ‘I’m going to be deputy mayor next time round, will you do me the honour of being my mayoress?’

“How could I refuse an offer like that?”

But it is not the first time the bride has been involved in mayoral duties as her father, John Wilks, was Grantham’s mayor twice and Sarah once acted as his consort.

She said: “I’ve been in this position before. It’s a great privilege and great honour.”

The pair are going to a secret destination for their honeymoon. But they did reveal that they will not be too far away.

The soon-to-be Mrs Stokes said: “Wherever we go we will be flying the flag for Grantham, we’re proud of what we have here.”

A BEER festival raising money for Help for Heroes starts on August 9.

The festival at the Lord Harrowby pub in Dudley Road, Grantham, will feature 25 real ales and a variety of ciders.

It will run until August 12 with a barbecue on the Saturday afternoon. Call 01476 563515.

PERMISSION has been given for car boot sales to be held in Station Road East car park for the foreseeable future.

The sales, which operate alongside the Old School indoor market, run on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Call 07580 582334 for information.

I WOULD like to draw your readers’ attention to a recent and most interesting addition to Grantham Museum, which I saw last week.

There is a wonderful scale model of St Peter’s Hill as it was in the 1950s - complete with authentic shop fronts, pedestrians and traffic, as well as associated memorabilia.

It will surely bring back lots of memories for local people as they recall yesteryear.

The display is in a large, lit cabinet with a backdrop of cinema and rock ’n’ roll posters.

It is a work of art and thanks must be given to the creator, David Morgan, for the momentous effort in making it and donating it to the museum.

PETER ALLEN

North Witham

GRANTHAM Town came out on top in another high-scoring visit to Nene Park.

Trailing at the break, a strong second half performance from Grantham saw them canter to a 5-3 win, Kettering’s third goal coming as a last minute consolation.

The Gingerbreads had three good chances to take the lead inside the first 10 minutes. Connor Higginson took a short corner to Lee Potts after three minutes. Potts crossed and found Rhys Lewis who put a free header wide of the mark.

Another Potts cross a couple of minutes later found Ben Saunders but his header lacked power and failed to trouble Ben Gathercole in the Kettering goal. Gathercole was busy a couple of minutes later when Sam Purcicoe robbed Joe Lamplough and drove forward. His shot was turned round the post by Gathercole.

The home side created a couple of early chances of their own with Samuel Aziz delivering a good cross from the Grantham left for Ugo Okoro. Jimmy Lindley made a good save. Ed Palmer then volleyed over the top after a Kettering corner.

Ten minutes before half time, Kettering took the lead thanks to poor defending from Grantham. Palmer’s 30-yard free kick skidded off the surface and came back off Lindley. Three Kettering players closed in on the loose ball with no challenge from a red shirt and Aziz tucked it into the net.

A minute later, the Poppies doubled their lead before Grantham had re-organised themselves. Aziz made the most of indecision in the Gingerbreads defence, winning the ball then playing it in for Jamie Griffiths to score.

It could have been even worse for Grantham as almost straight away a ball over the top of a static Grantham defence sent Danny Voight away with only Lindley to beat. A poor touch gave the ball to the Gingerbreads goalkeeper.

Higginson got Grantham back in the game seven minutes before half time. Ben Saunders and Paul Grimes did well to work the ball to Higginson who opened up space for himself and drilled a low shot into the corner of the net.

Gathercole kept his side in front as the break approached. First he routinely tipped a free kick from Martin Ball over the crossbar, and then made a good save to deny Grimes after Phil Watt and Potts had worked the ball nicely to him.

Kettering changed the whole of their side for the second half and for the opening minutes Grantham were on the back foot. Sam Saunders was beaten to the ball near the halfway line and Sean Bennett-Johnson showed a turn of pace down the flank. Jacklin was well placed to clear his low cross.

Ten minutes into the second half, Grantham pulled level. Higginson seemed to be going nowhere inside the Kettering penalty area. Nathan Mukuna chopped his legs from underneath him, giving the referee no option but to award a penalty. Grimes blasted the spot kick past Laurie Walker.

After 71 minutes, Grantham worked the ball across field from Potts to Lewis who easily beat Paul Colclough and drove a low cross into the six-yard box. Walker fumbled the cross and Grimes picked up the loose ball and fired into the net.

Six minutes later, Grantham made it four when Purcicoe took aim as the ball dropped nicely for him 25 yards out. Walker stood no chance as Purcicoe unleashed a pile-driver shot that flew into the top corner of the net.

Substitute Tony Battersby added a fifth with seven minutes remaining. He robbed the Kettering defence when Mukuna and Colclough dithered. Battersby looked to see if anyone was better placed than himself before setting off with just Walker to beat. The Kettering goalkeeper could do nothing to stop him sliding the ball past him into the net.

Right on the final whistle, it was Grantham’s turn to concede after not clearing their lines. As the Gingerbreads decided who and how they were going to clear, Bennett-Johnson nipped in and took the ball away. Creating space well, he drilled a shot past Lindley for a consolation goal.

Grantham Town: Lindley, Purcicoe, Potts (Magee, 77), Jacklin, S. Saunders, Watt, Lewis, Ball, Grimes (Carchedi, 77), B. Saunders (Battersby, 77), Higginson (McGhee, 57). Subs not used: Briers, Nwadike.

Friendly

Horncastle Town 0

Harrowby United 5

A DOMINANT display by the Arrows saw them play some of their best football this pre-season.

Horncastle had no answer to the pace of the Harrowby going forward and the final score could have been a lot higher.

Seb Firman’s fine header from Harper’s driven corner gave United the lead, and it was soon followed by a second from the impressive Lee Shaw to whom Horncastle had no answer all afternoon.

The second half started much the same and Shaw soon had his second. With Whyley, Hodgkin and Firman rarely troubled, Horncastle never really posed a threat.

Bolland poked home number four and the impressive Wilson scored the fifth after a sweeping move from the Harrowby box ended with him getting on the end of a Harper cross.

l Harrowby’s next game is tomorrow at home to Graham Drury’s Stamford. Kick-off is 3pm.

GRANTHAM Life Saving Club completed their term with an impressive presentation night which was well attended.

The age range of the recipients was from seven years to quite a way over 21. Awarded were bronze, silver and gold rookie badges, bronze medallions, Award Of Merit, National Pool Lifeguard Qualification, Life Support and Rescue Test for Supervisors of Swimmers with Disabilities.

Stephen Winter received his Long Service Award from the Royal Life Saving Society for his continued voluntary commitment to the club.

The club now is running the newly-devised Survive and Save courses for ages 13 and over.

The club’s next term begins in September.

l If you would like more information on Grantham Life Saving Club contact Diane on 07961 067784 or e-mail diane.found1@btinternet.com

FIRST and second place went to J. Ramm in Grantham Social Flying Club’s latest race from Bubwith.

Four members sent 50 birds.

Results: 1 J. Ramm 1121, 2 J. Ramm 1103, 3 E. Crawford 1089, 4 E. Crawford 1086, 5 J. Ramm 1083, 6 E. Crawford 1082, 7 Mr and Mrs M. Colyer and son 1046, 8 E. Crawford 1022, 9 Mr and Mrs M. Colyer and son 982, 10 E. Crawford 743.

l Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert’s birds filled the first three places in Grantham United Flying Club’s race from Bubwith.

Six members sent 129 birds.

Results: 1 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1295, 2 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1289, 3 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1270, 4 Mr and Mrs D. Dixon 1253, 5 D. Parker and son 1213, 6 Mr and Mrs L. Gilbert 1196, 7 Mr and Mrs D. Dixon 1181, 8 J. Ablitt 1141, 9 D. Parker and son 1124, 10 D. Fowler and son 1109.

l Grantham and District North Road Club’s race from Wetherby was won by club secretary John Norris.

Five members sent 90 birds and race sponsor was Sally McMullan.

Results: 1. J. Norris 1199.5, 2. T. Ballaam 1198.7, 3. J. Norris 1135.1, 4. J. Norris 1124.6, 5. D. Gilbert 1115.8, 6. T. Ballaam 1100.6, 7. D. Gilbert 1080.4, 8. T. Ballaam 1015.8, 9. J. Stalley 961.7, 10. J. Stalley 901.5.

BARROWBY Cricket Club hosted Newcastle club Davipart CC on their bi-annual visit to Grantham last Saturday, to contest the John Garrett Trophy.

The home club were put in to bat on a lively wicket and were skittled out for 80 by a ferocious and accurate Davipart attack and some unbelievable catching by the visiting side.

Notable performances with the bat came from captain for the day Craig Turner (31), his brother Lee Turner (8), and Matt Veasey (9). Pick of the Davipart attack was Mark Skinner (4-33).

It took a patient, defiant batting spell by Alan Notley (33no) to thwart the Barrowby bowling led by Matt Veasey (1-11) and Lee Turner (0-12) to give Davipart a splendid six-wickets victory.

Davipart usually visit Grantham every two years, with Barrowby going up to Newcastle inbetween.

Davipart were presented with the cup by Gill Garrett who kindly donated the trophy some nine years ago following the death of her husband. John Garrett played for both clubs, having initially resided in Newcastle and then moved down to Barrowby.

THESE cadets have graduated as “First Class” after completing 18-weeks of basic training.

The youngsters from 47F Grantham Squadron Air Training Corps began their training in March. Out of a total of 14 who began the course, nine have completed it successfully and passed their first exam giving them promotion to the rank of Cadet First Class.

Training Officer at 47F Flying Officer Andy Cutts said: “They worked hard together and formed as a team very early on. We recognise that this is not for everyone and we always expect to loose a few cadets early into their training.

“They are all without exception more confident individuals, and they should also be very proud of what they have achieved.”

To mark the end of their course, the recruits were on parade in front of their families and friends and awarded congratulated by SKDC Councillor Mike Cook and Officer Commanding 47F, Flight Lieutenant Gary Allen. The recruits were then formally enrolled into the squadron.

The next intake of recruits will be in September and is for anyone who is between 13 and 17. Anyone is welcome to call in at the squadron on a Tuesday or Thursday evening.

For further information please contact Flying Officer Andy Cutts on 07858 386854.

A RECREATIONAL drug user who stole from two Grantham stores in ten minutes and then breached his bail spent two weeks in custody.

Neil Redding, of Archers Way, Great Ponton, was spotted by security staff at B&M Bargains stealing beer and noodles from the shelves.

He was followed out of the store but then dropped the bag of goods before fleeing the scene. However, he was picked up by police a short time later.

After he was arrested, police became suspicious that he may have been involved in another shop theft committed just ten minutes earlier at Asda.

A check of the store’s CCTV showed Redding stealing a CD worth £12.97.

Redding also admitted stealing a jar of coffee from Poundland in Grantham and two bail act offences after failing to appear in court. He spent two weeks in custody awaiting his court appearance after failing to answer bail.

He also admitted being in breach of a conditional discharge.

Rory Macmillan, defending, described Redding as a “recreational drug user”.

Mr Macmillan said: “These offences were committed during a short period when his benefits were stopped after he missed an appointment.

“He was not aware of missing an appointment. The first he was aware was when his benefits were stopped.”

Redding was given a two-year community order, including supervision from the probation service and mandatory attendance of a “thinking skills” programme.

He must also pay a contribution to costs of £40 and £1 in compensation to Poundland.

A LANCASHIRE man charged with assault and damaging a kettle was told his three-hour trip to Grantham was in vain after an administrative error.

Adam Gibson, of Chapman Road, Hoddlesden, Darwen, could not have the charges put to him because police in Lancashire had not forwarded on the files to the Crown Prosecution Service in time for the case to be heard.

Rob Arthur, defending, said: “It is very unfortunate for Mr Gibson who took three hours getting here this morning in the hope he could progress matters.”

Gibson, 22, who is accused of assaulting a woman in Grantham, was bailed with the condition he does not contact the alleged victim and does not go to two addresses in Grantham.

The case was adjourned until August 13.