Grantham Town Supporters’ Club lotto (sponsored by Galaxy Fish Bar).

Winners for the week ending Saturday, November 3: £200 – 381 P. South; £10 – 43 J. Hickling; £5 – 229 Mrs Williams, 312 P. Mason, 549 A. Chantry, 402 J. Parker, 883 N. Pearson, 713 C. Fardell.

Lincolnshire Junior Cup

Immingham Bluestone 3

White Swan Barrowby 4

Swans overcame their toughest test of the season and gave their opponents a shock when they took a 1-0 lead after Wilson scored from a difficult angle.

Swans doubled their advantage after a vibrant Radford skipped through the home defence to unleash a shot which smashed off the far post to land at Wilson’s feet to tap home.

Barrowby were made to pay for giving away a sloppy free kick which was despatched into the top left hand corner, giving Flavell no chance.

On 27 minutes, Jones saw the opportunity to burst through midfield and roll a perfectly weighted pass to Wilson who coolly rounded the keeper to complete his hat trick.

Swans were yet again made to pay for giving away a sloppy free kick to make it 3-2 at the break.

Bluestone finally levelled when a throw-in deep into the Swans’ penalty area bounced through the crowded box to be flicked home.

Swans had the perfect reply to this when Radford hit an unstoppable shot from outside the box that bent round the keeper’s right arm and went in off the inside of the post.

Bluestone nearly got their reward but for a quite unbelievable save from Flavell that left the home crowd in disbelief.

Swans held on for the victory and their reward – an away tie in the last 16 against Moulton Harrox.

Man of the match was Ian Flavell, match day sponsor was Grantham Honda, and Bloomsbury Bread sponsored the ball.

Emergency bottles which alert paramedics and other emergency services to patients’ medical conditions are available for free at Boots, in High Street, Grantham. The ‘Message in a Bottle’ allows people to write a description of their ailments and place it in the fridge, with stickers placed on the front and fridge doors to direct paramedics to it. Grantham Lions Club is behind the scheme and has run it for several years. Lion Godfrey Mackinder said: “This service is for young or old people and provides excellent access to information for both relatives and emergency services.” If you would like a ‘Message in a Bottle’, simply pop into Boots and visit the pharmacy. The bottles are free to collect.

Pictured, from left, are - Grantham Lion Mike Bailey, Gary James of Boots and Grantham Lion Godfrey Mackinder.

Grantham & District Saturday League

Premier Division

Bottesford 3

Heckington Millers 0

Bottesford recorded their first league victory of the season with a solid performance against Heckington.

Despite the first half remaining goalless, they had the better of the play and should have taken the lead through Alex Thomson.

It did not take Bottesford long to break the deadlock though, as they scored in the opening minute of the second half. Chris Tonge sent Wilkinson clear but his effort was saved. Fortunately, Tonge followed in to smash home.

Theo Wilkinson, a half-time substitute, proved a constant menace and he got the goal he deserved when his tricky feet gave him half a yard to plant an excellent left foot shot in off the post.

Scorer then turned provider as Wilkinson’s through-ball found Alex Robinson who was ice cool. He drew the keeper then slipped the ball past him.

The result marked a much-improved performance from Bottesford who displayed much more organisation and work rate in a good team display, although Sam Garner was selected as man of the match.

Grantham & District Sunday League

Division One

Caythorpe 0

Springfield AFC 3

Springfield managed a second consecutive clean sheet and grabbed all three points against a battling Caythorpe side.

Springy took the lead when James Green’s low shot found the back of the net.

They then hit the post a couple of times, before Caythorpe missed the chance to level ahead of half time. The home side were denied when Dos Santos pulled off a good save.

The visitors started well again after the break and Green grabbed his second, running
on to Webb’s through-ball and slotting past the keeper.

Webb then bagged a goal of his own, curling a shot over the keeper from the corner of the 18-yard area.

Man of the match was M. Proctor.

We would like to show our appreciation to The Ropsley Fox, a wonderful country pub, and the greeting and service we received from the barman.

We went to this establishment on Saturday, October 27 for lunch with a friend who we had not seen for over 25 years, and the service from the waitress was second to none.

Even though it was not busy, she went above and beyond what you would expect on the service. We did not get her name, but would like her to be recognised for her friendliness and politeness.

Nothing was too much for her and she finished her shift before we left, and made a point to come and say goodbye to us and to thank us for our custom, and wish us a pleasant rest of the weekend.

Also, the food in the pub is absolutely first class, and it is very unusual to find a chef that knows how to cook a rare steak correctly.

In these days it is lovely to find respect for customers.

Phil and Viv Stockdale

Caythorpe

I just had to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Grantham Hospital. From the moment the ambulance crew arrived, I knew I was in good hands.

At A&E, Lynn, who I had met several months ago (eye problem), was so attentive and calming.

In HDU Sue and Dr Joel were professional and caring, then in EAU Carl and Mr Roy were just as professional and caring. I can’t leave out the guy who brought round the drinks and dinner, what a nice man.

All in all we have a fabulous team at our local hospital, long may it remain.

GRATEFUL PATIENT

By e-mail

Leicester County Cup

Barkestone le Vale 8

North Kilworth 1

Barkestone had a safe passage through to the last 16 with an accomplished performance.

Chris Tonge opened the scoring with a freak goal. He slid to keep a ball in and the goalkeeper misjudged it and allowed it to find the corner.

Ian Hollingsworth doubled the lead before Jo Lee converted a right wing cross to make it 3-0 at the break.

Barkestone scored in the opening minutes of the second half with Lee completing an excellent Barkestone counter attack from a quick free kick.

Simon Hollingsworth headed home a corner before Tonge completed a brace.

Kilworth pulled a goal back but man-of-the-match Lee responded instantly to hit an unstoppable shot from a tight angle to complete his hat-trick, before Sam Garner completed the rout.

Jacob Stuart writes:

Next week, counties all over England and Wales will be voting for the first time on a newly created role aimed at heading up the local police forces.

The police and crime commissioners are meant to bring the public closer to the policing in terms of access and accountability.

I believe this is something that has been missing from the police force as long as I have known it.

Bringing in the community to state what they feel are the issues with crime in their area should mean a swifter resolution to the problems than what has been available.

In order to make this a success for the area however, we need to do our part and turn out to vote.

The result of this election will be extremely important to Grantham and as each of the candidates have their own takes on how to tackle the position, we owe it to ourselves to find out what they stand for, what they aim to do and go vote for whoever we feel will do the best job for Grantham and Lincolnshire as a whole.

This approach to policing has been a long time coming and now that it’s finally here we need to support it and take advantage of it to help clear crime from Grantham.

l Do you agree with Jacob’s comments? Will the introduction of a police and crime commissioner make policing more accountable? Will the new role allow members of the communities served the opportunity to make their voices heard on issues they feel should be made a priority? E-mail: comment@granthamjournal.co.uk

I was just wondering if I am the only person in Grantham who is utterly fed up with attitude of Harrowby Lane Doctors Surgery?

It is virtually impossible to get an appointment at the surgery these days, whenever you phone up desperate to see a doctor, you get told you have to attend an open surgery in the morning between the hours of 8am and 10am. That’s all well and good if you don’t work for a living, but if you get there at 8am , as I did with my two-year-old son a few weeks ago, you get told to join the queue and wait until the doctors arrive at 8.30am.

The problem is if you don’t get there at exactly 8am, you will end up having to wait well over an hour to be seen, as the surgery is normally jam packed. It’s a completely silly and frustrating system that does nothing for patient satisfaction.

Whatever you do though, don’t dare call up and ask for an appointment after 10am, because you will feel the wrath of the receptionists, who will demand to know why you cannot attend the morning open surgery. And, if you reason isn’t good enough, you will be told you can only have an appointment if it’s deemed urgent. But it’s then up to you to decide what is deemed urgent and what’s not - like you’re the expert?

Take my advice, wait until the surgery closes and call the out-of-hours service at Grantham hospital. They’re much better, more polite, understanding and professional.

Dissatisfied patient

Sunningdale, Grantham

In only six days’ time, the people of Lincolnshire will be asked to vote for a candidate running for the role of police and crime commissioner.

By now, each and every household in England and Wales should have received a leaflet distributed by the Electoral Commission, giving details about the elections and what the police and crime commissioners, who will replace the role of police authorities, will be expected to do.

Yet we asked our friends and followers on social networking sites this week whether they feel they have enough information to be able to make an informed decision before they head out to vote on November 15.

Dozens responded. What did the majority say? No. And many said they had not received a single piece of literature about the elections.

This is rather concerning given that the commissioners will be responsible for setting policing priorities, setting the police budget and the policing precept, and monitoring the performance of the force.

There are four candidates running for police and crime commissioner in Lincolnshire, each with very different views and different policies. If the county’s residents do not know who they are or what they stand for, how can they make an informed decision on who to vote for? They can’t.

So while the Grantham Journal has done its bit to inform people of the upcoming elections and the candidates standing for it, more clearly needs to be done. But is it now too late? No.

If you care about the future of policing in Grantham and the wider area, turn out on Thursday and vote. Turn to page 28 to read up on each candidate and what they stand for.

As our columnist David Burling writes on the opposite page, “the handling of this election has been shambolic from start to finish” but a low turn-out of people will have a negative impact moving forward.

And as Jacob Stuart writes below right: “We owe it to ourselves to find out what they stand for, what they aim to do and go vote for whoever we feel will do the best job for Grantham and Lincolnshire as a whole”.

This week is your last chance to pick up a Rotary shoebox from the Journal office.

The shoeboxes will go to deprived children and families in Eastern Europe.

A guide to what to include is printed on the boxes, which Journal receptionists Veronica Sanderson and Julie Weedon (pictured) are handing out from the office in High Street.

Shoeboxes must be returned by November 16.

Crimestoppers and Lincolnshire Police are launching a campaign to deter people from handling stolen goods.

A spokesman said: “On the lead up to Christmas, and with people being on tighter budgets, the temptation for a bargain may be higher.

“However, Crimestoppers is making people aware that if you buy something that is knowingly stolen it is always at the expense of someone else and you are doing nothing other than keeping the burglars in business.”

Crimestoppers is urging people to report any suspicious transactions on 0800 555 111 or call the police on 101.

A pamper and presents evening will take place at St Anne’s School, in Harrowby Road, Grantham, this Thursday (November 15).

The event, which will raise money for Duchenne Research Breakthrough Fund and the school, will take place between 6pm and 8.30pm.

There will be a range of stalls from crafts and Christmas gifts to gorgeous cakes, fudge and much more.

Tickets, which cost £3.50 in advance or £4 on the door, can be purchased from the school office. Entry includes a warming hot drink and biscuit or mince pie.

A Children’s themed party will raise cash for Children in Need on Thursday night (November 15) at the Late Lounge in Grantham.

The evening will feature music from Ultra 90’s (a 90’s tribute band), a magician, face-painting, games and a dress-up photobooth. The party is for over-18s only and starts at 8.30pm. Tickets are £6 and are available from the Late Lounge or Lauren (Tel: 07500 008124).

A man was removed from a Grantham courtroom on Monday after breaking into a racist rant in front of the magistrates.

Barry Eite, 47, formerly of Welham Street, Grantham, started shouting shortly after admitting a charge of racially aggravated intentional harassment.

Prosecutor Daniel Paulson was telling the court about the crime, which took place at Grantham Police Station on July 13 at 3.15pm.

He said Eite was in the custody suite at the station with an officer on guard outside.

He said: “As soon as the door shut with the officer outside the cell, he took issue and started a tirade of verbal abuse against the officer.”

Eite also started kicking on the door.

Mr Paulson added: “It was clearly distressing for the officer involved, it was an attack on his race.”

At that moment in the hearing, Eite, who was defending himself, stood and started shouting racist opinions about immigration and employment.

Eite, who has previously been treated for mental health issues, was escorted from the court by security.

When he returned magistrate Richard Spinks said: “This is a very serious issue.”

Eite responded: “I wish it to be addressed, it should be.”

He was warned by the court clerk to be quiet. Mr Spinks continued: “Whatever your views of people, there are limitations.”

Eite responded: “There should be a lot of limitations in this country.”

He asked to speak but the magistrate refused saying he had said enough. Mr Spinks then continued to fine Eite £165 plus £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.

Eite added: “I would like to go to prison and not pay. I can’t afford it.”

He was told to leave the court.

Grantham Town took a share of the spoils in an enjoyable 2-2 draw with Blyth Spartans at The Meres on Saturday.

The Gingerbreads were the better side in the first half and led by a single goal going into half time. A scintillating first 45 minutes saw Town generally play a neat passing game which was a joy to watch.

Spartans levelled after the break but Grantham regained the lead with 10 minutes remaining. Blyth denied Grantham the win when they equalised a second time with five minutes left on the clock.

The visitors were the first to have a shot on goal, but Ryan McGorrigan dragged his effort wide of the near post in the second minute of play.

Conor Higginson and Paul Grimes combined well in the sixth minute but the former was intercepted by a Blyth defender as he approached the goal. Rhys Lewis fired on target in the 19th minute but the ball went straight to Spartans keeper Conor Grant.

Two minutes later, Lewis put Town in front. Sam Purcicoe forced a corner kick, taken by Lee Potts, and Lewis was the recipient, stabbing in from the edge of the six-yard box.

Phil Airey broke away at the other end three minutes later, but his long pot shot rose over James Lindley’s goal.

Spartans had a good chance to equalise on the half hour mark. Neal Hooks’s corner kick found Robert Dale unmarked. He weaved a shot around Lindley but Grantham skipper Sam Saunders cleared from the edge of the six-yard box.

Lewis’s 34th minute header went into the side netting and Sam Saunders’ cross-cum-shot was only just smothered at the feet of Lewis on the goal line.

Grantham’s last scoring opportunity of the half saw Lewis dive in an attempt to get his head to Martin Ball’s whipped in cross, but he was unable to make contact.

Town had a scare two minutes into the second half. Lee Mason broke free and beat Lindley, but this time it was Potts who cleared off the line.

The visitors levelled on 50 minutes. McGorrigan found himself with enough time and space to tee up a chip. Lindley got a finger to the ball but it still went over his head and into the back of the net.

Higginson had a pop from 25 yards in the 53rd minute but fired wide and his 62nd minute effort was deflected wide.

Spartans’ McGorrigan forced a good reaction save by Lindley with his feet. The rebound was driven into a Town defender’s backside, and Lee Mason skied the second rebound over the bar.

Visiting keeper Grant denied Higginson a 70th minute header from a Sam Saunders ball. Grantham substitute Jamie McGhee had a good run down the right seven minutes later. He put a good cross to which Grant got a fist. Potts struck from the rebound but his shot was blocked.

The Gingerbreads regained the lead on 80 minutes. Sub Ben Saunders’ effort was blocked but the ball hung nicely in the air for Potts to float in a delicate header.

Five minutes later, the visitors were back on level terms. The Grantham defence was too easily unlocked and Daman Mullen slid the ball was Lindley.

Town had a few late chances to take all three points but it was not to be. Ben Saunders had two headers go wide of the mark, and Ball’s 89th minute 30-yard free kick was deflected wide.

Grantham Town: Lindley, Purcicoe (B. Saunders, 71), Potts, Meikle, S. Saunders, Watt, Lewis, Ball, Grimes (Demidh, 82), Higginson (McGhee, 71), Magee. Subs not used: Robinson, Nwadike. Att: 255.

Kesteven entertained Burntwood at Woodnook in the third round of the RFU Senior Vase on Saturday.

It was the first time the two clubs had met, and Burntwood were also defending an unbeaten record as the teams took the field.

After observing a minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, Kesteven were soon on the attack. Harland missed a penalty in the first minute then Dan Turner was forced into touch some 10 metres out. Burntwood failed to clear the line-out and Turner was first to the loose ball and scooped it up to score in the corner.

Burntwood proved to be a strong unit and soon forced a penalty which they converted, but still the strong running of Kesteven caused problems.

Although they won some good possession, Kesteven found it difficult to build momentum and conceded a number of penalties. However, Turner got his second try after 23 minutes. He took possession at a scrum 30 metres out and ran in to score at the posts. Harland converted.

This spurred Ks on and a massive effort at a scrum 15 metres out led to Burntwood giving away a penalty. Wood took it quickly and the ball was whipped out to the left where Turner gave the scoring pass to Taylor.

Burntwood finished the half strongly and added a penalty just on half time to make the score 17-6.

In the second half, Burntwood were intent on causing problems for the home team, but it was Kesteven who scored next. This time Hughes made good ground before sending Taylor off on a run, which he finished with a flourish for his second try.

Burntwood’s response was to increase the intensity and as they pushed for the try, Kesteven gave away one more penalty which led Gavin Purvis being sent to the sin bin. Burntwood scored a push-over try which was converted.

Worse was to come for the home team as Turner was also sent to the bin after he just mistimed a tackle. The visitors took advantage by adding a further converted try to narrow the gap to 22-20 with 20 minutes left, to set up a fierce finish.

Burntwood also incurred the wrath of the referee and had a player sent to the bin. Ks regrouped and started to get on top. They were rewarded with a penalty, scored by Hudson, before Jamie Flear fed Hughes who raced in at the corner.

Burntwood threw everything at Kesteven but the defence held firm and the home side celebrated as they progressed through to the quarter-finals.

Kesteven: Whittaker, P. Jordan, Taylor, Hudson, Hughes, Harland, Wood, Sheardown, Brown, Purvis, Pert, Cowley, Flear, Turner, Webster. Reps: Odams, Hanson, Dent.

The case of a man who admitted stealing £56 worth of clothing from Matalan was adjourned on Monday after the probation report was misplaced.

Richard Godson, 61, of Princess Drive, Grantham, entered a guilty plea on October 15 but his sentencing was delayed to allow for the report.

The next hearing will take place on November 16. He was released on conditional bail.

A teenager shouted abuse at police officers called to an incident of criminal damage.

Kane Brackenbury appeared before magistrates on Monday charged with using threatening behaviour in Harlaxton Road, Grantham, on October 20. He admitted the charge.

Daniel Paulson, prosecuting, told the bench that police were called to Harlaxton Road after receiving reports of a window being broken. He said Brackenbury was not involved in the criminal damage incident.

Mr Paulson said: “Mr Brackenbury became abusive with officers and tried to prevent them taking away the person responsible for the criminal damage.”

The teen, of Lymn Court in Grantham, was told to leave by the officers but instead continued to be abusive, using bad language and saying “I will knock you out”.

Representing himself, Brackenbury told magistrates: “I’m sorry for my actions and for what I done and that.”

His mother also addressed the bench, telling magistrates her son suffers from ADHD.

She said: “He does have a lot of problems.

“This is what he does, he gets aggressive. He can’t help the things he does.”

Magistrates handed Brackenbury a six-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay a £15 victim surcharge.

Attacking his girlfriend after she slapped him around the face to wake him up landed a man with a 12 month community order.

Carl Trubshaw, 28, of Dexter Avenue, Grantham, was drinking with his partner on July 24. He admitted assault by beating.

Daniel Paulson, prosecuting, said that the victim tried to wake him at around 2.30am to see if he was alright, as he had been sick.

He said: “She tapped him on the face but there was no reaction so she tapped him harder. He began to slap and punch her around the face.”

The victim left the room with their child in her arms. She was left with a cut and a swollen lip.

Trubshaw told his partner that she should not have woken him in that way because he startles easily.

Giles Tyas, defending, said: “He was intoxicated and was woken up by a slap round the face.”

Trubshaw, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, apologised to his girlfriend during the first court hearing. Since the incident he had stopped drinking alcohol and had arranged to see a psychiatrist.

Magistrate Richard Spinks, sentencing Trubshaw to a 12 month community order with supervision, said: “We believe that you need as much help as possible.”

He also ordered him to pay £40 towards costs.