Have you ever heard things go bump in the night? Do items move with no explanation? Or has your home simply got an eerie atmosphere?

Well if you want to get to the bottom of the strange goings on, Red Moon Paranormal is who you’re gonna call.

The team of four paranormal investigators have formed to study peculiar happenings in places around Grantham which are believed to be haunted. The group is made up of Carl Gregory, 31, Kay Timmins, 34, Sarah Devereux, 35, and Vic Marchant, 41.

In the weeks since the launch of Red Moon, they certainly have plenty to show for their efforts. One of their most recent night-time explorations was at Grantham Museum in St Peter’s Hill. After seven hours of recording and monitoring, the gang reviewed their footage - and captured something quite remarkable.

Kay, of Wilks Road in Grantham, said: “We heard someone say ‘play-time’. It sounded just like Chucky, it was a little child’s voice.”

On another occasion, the group travelled to a graveyard just outside Belvoir where people have reported seeing lights and hearing footsteps and voices. During the night, they heard a voice say “Hey up” and footsteps, as well as seeing light orbs.

But sometimes, their run-ins with spirits of another world are not so pleasant. One Grantham family were suffering at the hands of an aggresive spirit which Kay says dragged a child from a bed, leading to calls for an exorcism to be carried out.

The group carries out investigations solely out of a passion for the paranormal and does not make any money. Any equipment they need they pay for themselves.

The majority of the equipment Red Moon uses was bought previously by Kay, who used to belong to another paranormal investigation group and is also Wiccan. Among the tools in her kit are a digital thermometer, a K2 meter which measures electro magnetic fields and a machine which reads electronic voice phenomena.

Kay became intrigued by hauntings aged just 14 years old when she learned her grandmother’s house was haunted.

She said: “I was one of those people who was interested but I was concerned about how I’d react if I saw a ghost.

“About two years ago I had the opportunity to join a research team where I learned about investigations. I saw my first aparition and I was hooked.”

Meanwhile, Carl was part of the production team for TV’s Most Haunted series for two years, and found his interest in the paranormal grew.

Carl, of Canberra Crescent, said: “It was exciting to be part of that, but the company I worked for said we were not able to touch the equipment ourselves and that’s what I wanted to do, to use it myself.”

So Carl and Kay teamed up and added Sarah and Vic to the mix.

If you think Red Moon Paranormal can help you, call 07717 645249 or e-mail redmoonparanormal@gmail.com

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a plant in Gonerby Road, Grantham, last night (Wednesday).

Six crews, from Grantham, Brant Broughton, Corby Glen and Sleaford, and also a hydraulic platform from Lincoln, were called just after 9pm.

A Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said there was severe fire damage to a flue extraction unit, moderate heat damage to a plant room and severe damage by smoke to the remainder of the plant room.

The cause was determined to be overheated plant machinery. There were no injuries.

A farmer was fined £15,000 by magistrates on Monday after he admitted responsibility for an accident which polluted the River Witham and killed many hundreds of fish.

Robert Charles Grindal, 42, of South Lodge Farm, Lobthorpe, Grantham admitted causing poisonous, noxious or polluting waste or matter to enter controlled waters following an incident in April of this year.

The court heard how a tanker carrying 10,000 litres of fertiliser was being driven by an employee of Mr Grindal’s when it slipped into a ditch and flipped over, with 6,000 litres of fertiliser leaking out and reaching the River Witham.

Patrick Cordingley, defending, said: “He is absolutely devastated by this matter. He is a country man. He loves wildlife and loves fish.

“He was devastated to find out his actions or his employee’s actions caused damage to the environment in any way.”

Mr Cordingley said Grindal deserves praise for preventing all 10,000 litres of fertiliser from leaking into the river. He said: “My client has been co-operative and has been the instrumental cause in 4,000 litres not entering the watercourse and causing more damage.”

Mrs Caulfield, prosecuting, said Grindal was advised by the Environment Agency to block the stream carrying water and fertiliser to the River Witham to minimise the impact of the spillage.

She said: “On April 10 the agency asked him to block the watercourse. This was ignored.”

However, Mr Cordingley said his client has no recollection of the request.

As well as the fine, Grindal must also pay £6,761 in costs.

The court heard how the incident caused the death of at least 741 brown trout and many more smaller fish.

Mrs Caulfield described the incident as a “category one fish killer”. She added: “It had a devastating effect.”

John Cuckson, chairman of the fly-fishing section at Grantham Angling Association, said the River Witham is still closed downriver. He added: “We are quite satisfied with the outcome of the court case. We just hope things will come back to normal.”

As farmers struggle following a difficult harvest this year, a conference coming up at Marston aims to discuss solutions to protect crops in the future.

The National Farmers’ Union and research organisation HGCA will hold a half-day cerals conference at The Olde Barn Hotel on Tuesday, November 13, between 1pm and 4.15pm.

A range of topics are up for discussion, including raising yields to meet the needs of an increasing world population, environmental protection and recent research and its results.

Speakers will look at the stagnation of wheat and oilseed rape yields and the range of factors which might influence yields. These will include farmer behaviour, finances, climate, genetics and agronomy.

Expert speakers include agriculture and horticulture development board senior analyst Jack Watts, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council member Jim Godfrey, HGCA head of research Susannah Bolton and NFU combinable crops board chairman Andrew Watts.

To reserve a place at the half-day cereals concert at the hotel, in Toll Bar Road, Marston, call Laura Harrison at NFU East Midlands region on 01572 824250 or e-mail your name and details to laura.harrison@nfu.org.uk

Renowned comedy writer Eric Chappell will see his latest comedy premiere in Grantham this month.

Mr Chappell, best known for writing the ‘70s sitcom Rising Damp, will be at the Guildhall Arts Centre on November 12 to see his new play, Father’s Day.

Mr Chappell, who lives in Barrowby, said: “The play looks very cosy on the flyer but it’s about a man confronted by his past life by the arrival of his wayward son, his kooky girlfriend and his ex-wife.

“It all comes to a climax that evening but it’s not as cosy as you would think.

“It’s really inspired by my television series Home to Roost - which is one three of my plays still running regularly on ITV3.

“That’s what inspired me to write a stage play about the subject.”

Last year Mr Chappell penned his first thriller, Dead Reckoning, which also premiered at the Guildhall in Grantham.

The play has been so well received it is due to be performed at the National Theatre in Oslo.

Mr Chappell said: “I will be going out to Oslo in a couple of weeks time. It will be nice to meet the cast and make contacts.

“We sent it to Oslo and the Norwegians seemed to like it. It’s a thriller and they love anything like that - the heavy stuff - and they are very good at them. That seems to be their strength somehow.

“It’s nice to think that a play that has had its premier in Grantham has gone all the way to the National Theatre in Oslo.”

Dead Reckoning began in front of a full house at the Guildhall and Mr Chappell hopes for the same support with Father’s Day. To book call 01476 406158.

Have you marked Christmas on the Green in your diary?

The family event will take place in Grantham town centre on November 25 - and there’s lots to look forward to.

One highlight is set to be a procession of families through town, all brandishing glow sticks and following the RAF Waddington Pipe Band. Meanwhile, choirs will sing all day on the green in St Peter’s Hill, and organisers are asking any choirs wishing to take part to get in touch. Other treats in store include reindeer, a nativity play by pupils of Isaac Newton Primary School, Santa’s Grotto, a post box for letters to Santa and a host of stalls in ‘Petticoat Lane’ by the green.

Christmas on the Green is being organised by Grantham Events Group in conjunction with South Kesteven District Council.

l To be part of the event, call 07717 311533.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Grantham & District

Saturday League

Premier Division

Ancaster 0

White Swan Barrowby 12

Swans found themselves 2-0 up after 10 minutes when Wilson scored from the spot after being brought down in the area, and Radford added a second.

Wilson squared back for Tyndall to smash past the stranded Ancaster keeper on 20 minutes. Five minutes later, Johnson picked the ball up on the edge of the area and with a quick one-two with Wilson, found himself on goal and slotted home.

Wilson showed some quick feet to find the corner of the gaping net and put an end to the first-half goalfest.

A Winters corner fell to an unmarked Johnson to score his second. Then Winters put a fizzing ball between the Ancaster defence and keeper, for Wilson to complete his hat trick.

Swans added two more goals through Wilson to make it 9-0. Warner beat the offside trap and the keeper to coolly roll the ball into an empty net.

Wilson completed his double hat trick, and second half substitute Josh Pettit scored his first goal for the club.

Man of the match was Callum Tyndall, match sponsor was Bloomsbury Bakery, and Lorne Stewart sponsored the ball.

Cranmer Arms 3

Buckminster United 3

Buckminster went behind after the Cranmer forward finished neatly.

An intercepted pass waslashed home from 20 yards to put Cranmer 2-0 up.

After the break it was a different story. Moore scpre twice to level the affair.

Cranmer regained the lead from the spot after a handball decision was given.

Moore had his penalty saved well by Kirby in the home goal.

A free quick was awarded and a pinpoint cross from Bucky captain Martini was nodded home at the far post by Moore to complete his hat trick.

Witham Wheelers are committed to developing the future generation of cyclists and helping British Cycling find its next Bradley Wiggins or Victoria Pendleton.

The club is promoting a taster Go-Ride session, which will be delivered by British Cycling-qualified coaches, for aged seven to 16. All that is needed is a bike, a helmet and lots of energy and enthusiam.

The taster sessions is being held at Priory Ruskin Academy (Manthorpe) tomorrow (Saturday) between 10.30am and midday. The introductory session is free of charge.

For more information e-mail tracymc38@hotmail.com or visit www.withamwheelers.co.uk and click on Go-Ride.

l Hill climber extraordinaire Jim Coleman was unable to challenge for the National Championships on Sunday due to an injured knee.

Although already injured, Jim managed second place in the previous weekend’s Huddersfield RC event to secure the overall Yorkshire Hill Climb Champion title.

l The Wheelers promoted their annual round of the Lincs Cyclo-Cross League at Stroxton last Sunday.

Best club performance came from Kerrigan Robb in the under-12s. Nathan Townsend finished 13th and Jessica East was first girl and 14th overall. Eleanor Crawford was third girl and 20th overall in the under-16s.

First club rider home in the senior event was Peter Cocker in 15th overall and second junior. Chris Carter was 40th, Simon Cocker 54th, Chris Crawford 61st, Sean East 66th and Richard Peberdy 67th.

l Three Wheelers rode the eighth round of the Notts and Derbys Cyclo-Cross League at Bromcote Park on Saturday.

Kerrigan Rob raced to seventh from a field 81 in the under-12s, and James Carter was 13th out of 51 in the youth race.

Chris Carter survived 50 minutes of pain to take 81st out of 151 in the senior event.

Grantham & District Sunday League

Division One

Totemic FC 3

Grantham United TRE 4

Grantham United managed to hold out for a vital three points to stay in contention at the top of the table.

Four nil up at the break, Grantham were pegged back by a determined and battling Totemic side who came roaring back, and were denied a deserved final equaliser by a strange refereeing decision

United TRE coasted to a big lead with spectacular goals from Tyler Haynes and Smudger Smith, coupled with a powerful header from Sam Scothern and an assured finish by JJ Gaskin.

Grantham United: Newcombe, Foster, Potts, Gray, Turner, Scothern (c), Gaskin, Sheen, Smith, MacGregor, T. Haynes, Eldred, Grant, I. Haynes.

Springfield AFC 4

Nobody Athletic 0

Springfield got off to a good start when debutant Luke Abel guided in the ball in from five yards against his former club.

The home side’s back four were pretty solid and rarely troubled by Nobody.

The second half saw Springy play some net football and a defensive mistake let in Abel to grab his second. He completed his hat trick when he curled his shot past the Athletic keeper.

Man-of-the-match Scott Webb scored Springy’s fourth to seal the win.

Springfield: Dos Santos, Duncan, Dixon, Blanchard, Stubbs, Webb, Proctor, Sterry, Sheridan, Wilson, Abel, Martins, Vorley.

Ropsley 4

Rippingale 1

Ropsley trailed by a goal at the break but came back with four goals early in the second half to take all three points.

Bottom of the league Rippingale took the lead after 15 minutes with a well-taken one-on-one past keeper Neil Graham.

Loz Fiorentino levelled the scores immediately after the restart.

Minutes later Ropsley went ahead when Jack Russell fired a shot from the edge of the box which went in off the post.

Lewis Watson headed Ropsley’s third before rounding off the scoring with an excellent strike from outside the box.

Ropsley man-of-the-match was Loz Fiorentino.

Colsterworth 6

Aslockton Cranmers 2

The young visitors took the
lead following a lucky deflection, but Colsterworth struck back before half time through Mark Redley in a rather abject opening 45-minute display.

Super-sub Martin Maclean put Colsterworth ahead with his first touch before James Ballaam’s sweetly struck volley gave the home side a two-goal cushion.

Aslockton hit back to make things interesting before a Paul Wallace header and a further two from Maclean completed his hat trick to seal the win.

Colsterworth’s man of the match was Matt Leonard.

Colsterworth: Corby, Nicholson, Jewkes, Ambrose, Charnock, Burchett, Ballaam, Moore, Leonard, Redley, Wallace, Maclean, Rylott, Lawson, Earl.

Newark Alliance

Barkestone le Vale 2

Rose & Crown

Barkestone continued their good form with a good win thanks to two Sam Garner strikes, which saw them go second in the table.

In a game where Barkestone always looked in control, a good through-ball by Tom Coleman led to confusion between goalkeeper and centre-half under heavy pressure from Garner, who picked up the loose ball to fired home into an empty net.

Barkestone continued to create chances but could not put the game to bed, until late in the second half good play from Ian Hollingsworth opened up the defence for man-of-the-match Garner to hold off the centre-half and stroke home his second of the game.

Mid Lincs League U15A

Young Dons 2

Barrowby 1

After a goalless first half, Barrowby started the brighter with a Josh White cross-cum-shot flying into the top corner.

Dons responded with a fine header and hit a winner with two minutes remaining.

Man of the match was Oliver Reid for a true captain’s performance.

Barrowby: Asplen, Hollingworth, White, Wingad, S. Evans, Reid, Evans, Hayward, Hall, R. Evans, Lawniczak.

Under-14A

Ancaster Athletic 3

Sleaford Town 2

Ancaster recorded back to back wins and started strongly when Anthony Renshaw’s through-ball was cooly slotted home by Nathan Ford-Pain.

The same combination doubled the lead midway through the half. A defensive mix up gifted Sleaford a goal.

Ancaster continued to dominate and got their reward with Maughan’s unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.

Sleaford scored a second time but some assured defending ensured Ancaster took all three points.

Ancaster: Parker, Poole, Spencer, Hammond, Heard, Doughty, Edwards, Lloyd, Renshaw, Maughan, Mott, Mitchell, Ford-Pain, Marshall.

SATURDAY (November 3)

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

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

Chromasports United Counties League

Knockout Cup - Thrapston Town v Harrowby United.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division - Bottesford v Heckington Millers, Greyhounders v Ancaster, Harrowby Reserves v White Horse Sleaford.

Division One - AFC Three Gables v Bottesford Reserves, AFC Skillington v Caythorpe.

Leicestershire & Rutland FA Shield

Sileby Town FC Res v Buckminster United, Magna 73 FC Res v CK Dons, Thurnby Valley FC v Croxton AFC.

Lincolnshire FA Junior Cup

Immingham Bluestone FC v White Swan Barrowby.

Rugby

Midlands League 3

East (North) - Ashby v Kesteven.

Notts Pennant League

Group 2 - Kesteven 2nd v Ashbourne 3rd.

Lincs Merit League

Kesteven 3rd v Lincoln 4th.

Hockey

St Ives 3rd v Grantham, Grantham Ladies v Woodhall Spa Ladies.

SUNDAY (November 4)

Football

Lincolnshire FA County Sunday Cup

Ropsley Fox v Inkworks FC.

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division - AFC Sleaford United v Helpringham Rovers, FC Osbournby Rangers v Ruskington, Lions v Three Gables Sunday, Thurlby United v Witham Wanderers.

Division One -: Caythorpe v Springfield AFC, Grantham United TRE v Rippingale, Long Bennington v Colsterworth United, Totemic v Aslockton Cranmers FC.

FOOTBALL RESULTS

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League

Premier Division - Grantham Town 0 Chorley 1, Grantham Town 0 Buxton 0.

Chromasports United Counties League

Division One - Oadby Town 1 Harrowby United 2.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division - Ancaster 0 White Swan Barrowby 12, Cranmer Arms 3 Buckminster United 3, Harrowby Reserves 1 Greyhounders 1, Heckington Millers 2 White Horse Sleaford.

Division One - Bottesford Reserves 1 AFC Three Gables 9, CK Dons 3 Croxton AFC 1, Rippingale & Folkingham 4 Caythorpe 4.

Grantham & District Sunday League

Premier Division - AFC Sleaford United 1 Thurlby United 3, FC Osbournby Rangers 1 Lions 4, Ruskington 1 Ropsley Fox 7, Witham Wanderers 5 Ancaster Rams 5.

Division One - Caythorpe 3 Long Bennington 3, Colsterworth United 6 Aslockton Cranmers FC 2, Ropsley 4 Rippingale 1, Springfield AFC 4 Nobody Athletic 0.

A charity fund-raising effort will be attempted at Oceans tomorrow.

Chris Simpson, 43, of Alford Street in Grantham will be swimming to raise funds for the Care Leavers’ Association.

Anyone who wants to support Chris’s effort can call him on 07849228042.

For more on the association go to www.careleavers.com

Lord Heseltine has called the system of local government used in Lincolnshire costly, confusing and unsustainable, in his review published on Wednesday.

Lord Heseltine is encouraging counties like Lincolnshire to abandon the two-tier county and district council system in favour of unitary authorities.

The change would mean a single authority overseeing Lincolnshire or the county being divided up into half a dozen unitary authorities, perhaps with a Kesteven unitary authority covering the Grantham area.

Lord Heseltine said in his report that businesses prefer dealing with a single authority while the two-tier system is “costly and confusing”.

He added: “Unitary authorities run local services effectively and at considerably lower cost. They provide greater clarity and accountability about where responsibilities lie for delivery of local services. They avoid duplication and coordination issues that can arise between different local authority functions.

“They facilitate faster and more robust decision making and avoid the unnecessary administrative expense associated with running a two-tier system.”

SKDC leader Linda Neal said: “SKDC provide more than 100 services to our residents and work hard to ensure that they get value for money and great service.

“If the Government were to look at replacing the current two tier local system with unitary authorities the work we do, within our communities, including refuse collection, housing provision, environmental health and planning would still need to be done.

“We hope that the move, which has been opposed by the communities secretary, Eric Pickles, will be thoroughly thought through.”

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill said: “There are pros and cons to all these issues around the best model for local government but the Secretary of State has made it clear that there are no immediate changes planned to the present system. Here in Lincolnshire we will continue to work closely with all the district councils, including South Kesteven District Council, where we are working towards providing a bypass for Grantham.”

Lord Heseltine accepts that his proposals for local government may be unpopular but believes they are necessary. He said: “Changing to a unitary model will not be easy. It will naturally be uncomfortable for those involved, it may be disruptive in the short term and it will take time. But it would be a mistake not to persevere.

The costs of the two-tier system are simply unsustainable. The advantages in increasing effectiveness and freeing resource for the benefit of communities will outweigh the pain.”

Lord Heseltine said the change could save counties £10m-£15m. He said: “There can be signiicant initial costs (but) these are recovered in as little as three years, with ongoing savings thereafter.”

Belvoir Archers hosted their second Winter Windsor tournament at Barnstone last Sunday.

Belvoir Archers hosted their second Winter Windsor tournament at Barnstone last Sunday.

The event attracted more than 40 competitors from around the region and further afield.

The tournament was finished by around 4pm and everyone made their way to the village’s country club for the presentation of awards by Terry Davey, president of Nottinghamshire Archery Society, and Belvoir treasurer Sue Haynes.

Belvoir Archers took a good selection of the trophies with Sue Haynes winning the Ladies’ Recurve with a personal best of 836. Peter Emery won the Junior Gent’s Longbow, Steve Gamble came third in Gents’ Longbow, Steve Burdett was third in Gents’ Compound. and Alan Carter-Davies won the Senior Handicap Adjusted award, competing in his third tournament after finishing his beginners’ course in early June.

Peter Emery won the Junior Handicap Adjusted award and tournament organiser Bryan Haynes shot a personal best of 407 with his longbow.

Belvoir Archers was set up last year with just seven members and has now swollen to more than 30 archers from around the Vale, Grantham, Nottingham and Derby.

The club has provided a number of beginners’ courses and taster sessions, introducing nearly 200 people to the sport this year.

The club shoots at Barnstone on Saturdays during the winter.

For more information e-mail bryan@belvoirarchers.co.uk

When you’ve got to book your £28.95 main course two days in advance you know it’s going to be something special.

It was steak night at the Odd House in Oakham. A bit of a trek out, but then there aren’t many places that serve up a 64oz rump steak meal.

Nine of us arrived but only seven dared take the challenge - and I wasn’t one of them. One of the group opted for a 32oz steak (£19.95) while I completely bottled it and went for the 16oz option at £13.75.

Mine arrived first and the waitress clearly thought she would be serving it to a child. The next to arrive was the 32oz rump which soon shut everyone up. It looked enormous.

The 64oz steaks were ridiculous. One looked as thick as a turkey but everyone commented on the high quality of the meat as bets were taken as to who would succeed and who would fail.

Incredibly, I wasn’t even the first to finish. Kesteven Rugby Club’s Tony Woolerton saw his 64oz steak off in 12 minutes. 12 minutes!! That’s more than five ounces a minute!

More than an hour later the last of our group finished up and we had our winners and losers. Five finished their 64oz steak while two were defeated. Journal photographer Toby Roberts, unsurprisingly, was successful.

By Neil Graham

Reporter

Grantham Journal

Actresses will be baring all from Wednesday, November 7, in Grantham Dramatic Society’s production of Calendar Girls.

The play is on limited non-professional release and groups all over the country are putting on the play this year, so this is your chance to see Grantham’s own version. A proportion of each licence fee is being donated to Leukaemia Research. Hugely successful in the West End and on tour, Calendar Girls has captured the hearts and tickled the ribs of audiences all over the country.

When Annie’s husband dies of Leukaemia, she and best friend Chris persuade their friends in the Women’s Institute to help raise funds for a new hospital settee. Their plan? To pose for a cheeky nude calendar. Their story spreads around the world, but new-found fame challenges friendships and tests relationships. This heart-warmingly hilarious, poignant and hopeful true story is a celebration of love, friendship and beauty - both inside and out.

“It’s a fantastic story, and so well-written,” said Society chairperson Helen Pack. “The author has us in stitches one moment, and tugs at the heartstrings the next. It’s moving and inspiring, but is first and foremost a wonderful comedy. The choreography of the ‘nude’ scenes is challenging, not least to our actors’ courage, but it’s all done in the best possible taste. Just like in the original calendar the scene is more cheeky than revealing, and creates a magical atmosphere.”

GDS has also produced a charity calendar, in the spirit of the original Calendar Girls, with the aim of raising £3000 for local charity St Barnabas Hospice. Calendars will be on sale at the performances, and are available from St Barnabas Hospice charity shop, Cafe Leo and Fox Music for £6 each.

Calendar Girls will be staged at the Guildhall from Wednesday, November 7, to Saturday, November 10, at 7.30pm nightly. Tickets are available from the Guildhall on 01476 406158. Visit www.granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk for more information about the production or calendar.

Grantham Tennis Club held its annual awards evening at Totemic House on Saturday evening.

The evening saw club championships trophies and certificates for coaching presented. The player of the year went to Madison Cook who represented the county in the Orange (nine-and under) category and helped the team win the league.

Volunteer of the year was presented to Martin Patton for all his work behind the scenes and help at the tennis club. The coaches award for “whatever” went to cleaner Sue Stevens who also does a lot of work behind the scenes to help the club.

l The tennis week started with Grantham’s second Nottingham indoor team facing Nottingham Castle. The team, consisting of Simon Cormer, Karel Meuwissen, Jackie Wilson and Liz Williams, made it two wins out of two for the season.

The mixed winter team of Pam Aust, Mark Ottey, Laura Dixon, Rob Isaac, Liz Isles and Dale Wright played some good tennis to beat Sutton-in-Ashfield.

The men’s second veterans team travelled to Louth to face their second string. In a tightly contested match, Mike Roys, Adam Bramley, John Legard and Mike Tromans earned a well fought draw. The ladies’ veterans second team of Yvonne Walker, Janet Ibberson, Catherine Garment and Jill Pindar lost narrowly 5-3 at Sleaford.

ADD PIC

The Gibbons family – Jake, Harry and Rob – who won Grantham Tennis Club’s Junior Committee Happy Shield.

Well-known Grantham man Ian Smith has died, aged 96.

Many people will remember Mr Smith driving around in his vintage Fiat, or as the man who designed and built the landmark water tower in Grantham’s Gorse Lane.

He moved to Grantham in 1938 to take up work at Grantham Waterworks, going on to lay the town’s water mains and build the tower and several reservoirs - earning him the nickname ‘Waterworks Smith’.

His biggest passion was old cars, and over the years he owned Aston Martins and Bentleys, but his Fiat was the love of his life, according the other love of his life, wife Jacky.

She said: “We went all over the continent with the old car.” Mrs Smith said she has received countless cards, letters and phone calls since Ian passed away.

She added: “He was somebody who was always happy and had a love of life and of Grantham.”

A funeral service will be held at St Wulfram’s Church on Monday at 10am.

Police officers are appealing for witnesses after reports an 11-year-old girl was threatened with rape as she walked to the shops.

The young girl was in Hornsby Road at 4.40pm on Tuesday of last week when she was approached by two teenagers.

The girl’s father told the Journal: “She was just walking to the shop when two lads came up behind her and said something. She didn’t hear because she was listening to music on her headphones, as children do. She turned round and they said ‘what phone have you got?’

“She didn’t want to tell them so walked away. The next thing they say is ‘watch your back, we are going to rape you’.”

The girl kept walking and told staff at Costcutter who contacted the police. Fortunately a relative was also in the shop who contacted her father.

He said: “The people in the shop were absolutely brilliant and the police officer, David Keightley, was absolutely brilliant too. When we left the shop she was holding my hand. We saw an elderly couple coming towards us and I felt her grip my hand tighter.

“We are trying to keep as patient as we can but the longer it goes on the worse it gets.”

l Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on 101.

Belton Park’s Dream Team end-of-season Am-Am was a tremendous success.

The format was a teams-of-three stableford with two scores counting on each hole, played off full handicap.

Club captain Barry Tetley presented the prizes and congratulated the team on another outstanding season.

Ladies’ section

The rosette for the victors of the annual lady captain versus lady secretary match was this year carried off by the team playing for the secretary Marjie Thompson. She was presented with the rosette by captain Alice Epton.

The Brooches Competition was won by the team of Issie Guest and Joan Croft with 42 points. Second with 36 were Veronica Rose and Norma Howitt.

A ladies and seniors Am-Am saw seniors captain Shaun Boney and partner Curly Foster, along with ladies Jill Barry and Ina Wood, take first place with 87 points. Second with 83 were Terry Bond and John Clark, with Enid Maltby and Sue Hall.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Seniors’ section

Fifty-five players turned out to play a teams-of-three Texas Scramble. Winners with 63-6 (net 57) were Brian Ayto, Eddie Plant and Philip Varley. Runners-up with 67-7 (60) were Brian White, Mike Dickinson and Dave Hamston. Third on countback with 68-7 (61) were Barrie Griffin, Ray Elsome and John Wright.

SUDBROOK MOOR

All sections of the club have completed their Summer Eclectics.

In the Tuesday ladies’ competition, Amanda Roberts beat the field by an impressive eight shot margin to regain the trophy and title she last won in 2008.

David Leslie took the Thursday seniors title on countback from Pete Armstrong.

Winner of the main club ladies’ section for the second consecutive season was Mags McArthur.

The main gents’ resulted in last season’s title holder Doug Nelson finishing second behind Phil Hall, who recorded 13 gross birdies, one eagle and four pars to win by five shots.

Grantham Badminton Club notched over two more cracking away wins in Division One of the Newark League.

The first mixed team beat Cross Rackets at Lincoln by six rubbers to three. Jan Bailey with Susie Steeples won three, Jaz Gilbert with Chris Parrat claimed two and Jon Ashley with Sonal Modi won one.

Also victorious against Lincoln St Andrews were Ben Johnson with Susie Steeples and Jan Bailey with Kerry Durham, each pair winning all three of their rubbers. The win was completed by Chris Parrot with Jaz Gilbert who managed a single rubber to take the score to 7-2 in Grantham’s favour.

Grantham men’s first team lost 5-4 at home in a tough clash with Cross O’ Cliff, where Ben Johnson with Jan Bailey won two rubbers, as did Nick Gill with Chris Parrot. Martin Chambers with Joe Attwell did not manage to claim.

Grantham men’s second string were at home to Cross Rackets. An on-form Rob Young with Josh King claimed two rubbers, Rob Howbrook with Chris Graves took two, and John Ashley with Ian Witham also scored two, taking the score to 6-3 in Grantham’s favour. All three narrowly to win rubbers against the opposition’s first pair.