Grantham College student Matt Leete was a double gold medallist at the School Games last week.

Matt helped the Midlands boys’ team to win the team title for the third year in succession, before sweeping all before him to take the singles gold as well.

The 16-year-old was unbeaten in singles matches throughout the weekend at Loughborough University.

He first helped Midlands win group matches against Scotland (5-2), South West (6-1) and Wales (5-2), and they then beat South East 4-2 in the semi-finals.

The final saw them up against North East, and Matt’s 3-0 victory over Joe Clark helped them to a 4-1 success; he also teamed up with Alex Ramsden to win the doubles tie.

In the individual event, Matt won three knockout matches to put him in the semi-finals against Northern Ireland’s Owen Cathcart. He was made to work hard to secure a 3-1 (8-11, 11-5, 11-9, 15-13) victory.

His final opponent was Clark, who had upset top seed Ramsden in the last 16. And although Clark improved on their previous clash by taking a set, Matt was too good in a 3-1 (11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-3) scoreline.

Matt said: “We had a good chemistry between the team and respect for each other and were there supporting each other and battling well as a team. We helped each other through tough matches.

“In the singles, when I saw Joe had beaten Alex Ramsden, I thought I had a chance to win it. I had Owen in the semi-finals and I wasn’t sure I’d get through because he beat me in the Six Nations, but I relaxed and let my bat do the work.

“I had a lot of support in the crowd and that lifted me up a bit when I got down. I thought, ‘I’ve come this far and I’ll put everything into it to get a gold instead of silver’.”

Also in the Midlands squad was King’s School student Nathan Butler, 16, who contributed some good singles wins to the team cause.

Nathan said: “We came in thinking we had a chance because we won it last year. We battled hard when we had to and I think the key was team spirit.”

Well my two first thoughts when I saw the Grantham Journal headline “£100 million shopping village”, were these.

1) Good. Now they will be able to shut the redundant High Street down and make both sides available for even more disabled parking.

They could even have an NHS drop-in centre in the empty shops that will no doubt happen to be a result of the village, ready for when the A&E finally closes.

2) Maybe when the near-empty George Centre is completely empty, they will be able to return to its original purpose as The George Hotel.

So it’s not all doom and gloom then for the town centre. Everyone wins.

Robb Lambley

Saltersford Road

Grantham

The pouring rain last Saturday made no difference. Thousands of us marched through the streets of Grantham anyway, defiantly protesting against United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s outrageous decision to close Grantham Hospital’s Accident and Emergency ward. It was a wonderful sight.

Nick Boles MP was there. I wonder how he felt, knowing, as he surely must, that it’s his party that’s mostly responsible - responsible for not only this attack on Grantham hospital, but identical attacks on A&E departments up and down the country.

If it’s possible to do anything more shameful than attack a hospital, it’s to attack its most vital function - its accident and emergency service.

When Mr Boles spoke he said we should write letters; we should write to him, he said, and write to Jeremy Hunt, say we’re not happy.

All will be well if we write lots of letters.

Well you’re wrong Mr Boles. The time for letter-writing to MPs is over.

I’ve written dozens of letters to MPs, to Prime Ministers too, even the Royals - on dozens of subjects - from their butchery of our public services, to their facilitation of white-collar crime, to their active support of illegal wars.

To their credit, they or their flunkeys invariably answer - but you can almost see the conceited smugness in the replies, the “you can write to me all you like, but it ain’t going to make a scrap of difference” attitude.

The time for writing to MPs is over. There’s only one action left to take: the ballot box. Most of these people must be voted out of office.

The wonderful public services we once had, not that very long go - the free university educations, the good and plentiful council housing, full employment, the decent retirement pensions available at age sixty, the wonderful world-class NHS were all originally provided by socialists.

Then came Thatcher. For the last four decades capitalists have been slowly but surely destroying all of the socialists’ wonderful work with their cynical death-by-a-thousand-cuts tactic. They’ve butchered our wonderful public services so trans-national corporations and investment banks can loot the profits.

The time for writing to MPs is over. The most effective answer to A&E closures, and all the other scandalous attacks on our precious public services, is very simple: stop voting for capitalists; start voting for socialists.

You can have capitalists or public services; you can’t have both.

John Andrews

Marratts Lane

Great Gonerby

Arion Grantham & District Sunday League

Division One

AFC Colsterworth 2

Colsterworth United 2

The opening league fixtures brought about a Colsterworth derby with both sides looking to start the campaign strongly.

The away side started brightest forcing the keeper into a few early saves. The pressure soon told when Liam Tolley placed James Stokes through to beat the keeper at the far post to put the visitors ahead at the interval.

The second half started in a similar manner with Colsterworth United controlling possession and creating opportunities. A lofted though-ball from Will Barron allowed Corey Ballaam to neatly finish past the on-rushing goalkeeper to put the visitors 2-0 up.

An inconspicuous penalty decision, resulting in a red card for the visitors, allowed the home side an unlikely route back into the game which was duly taken with 10 minutes to go.

An injury time header from a corner kick pulled AFC Colsterworth level, resulting in a dramatic 2-2 draw against the 10 men of Colsterworth United.

United’s man of the match was Lee Metcalfe.

Colsterworth United: Hutchinson, Tolley, Hack, Daykin, Nicholson, Munton, Metcalfe, Burkitt, Barron, Stokes, Ballaam, Angeloni, Hutchinson, Ballaam, Spratley, Wyles.

Notts Youth League

U15 Division Three

Radcliffe Olympic 2

Bottesford 10

Bottesford got their league campaign off to a flyer with a convincing victory.

Bottesford took the lead when Lewis Smith coolly slotted past the keeper. Then, with a great bit of of passing and movement, Aidan Smith scored from a tight angle.

Both Lewis and Aidan added to their tallies, whilst Matt Cox grabbed one just before half time.

The second half saw Cox complete his hat trick with two quick goals, before Radcliffe battled back to score two of their own.

Bottesford pushed on and Kieron Smith bagged a brace, before Joe Myers unleashed a super 25-yard strike straight into the back of the net.

Edible goodies, floral delights and edgy art filled Barkston and Syston Village Hall in August for the popular Annual Produce and Craft Show.

More than 50 entrants from Barkston, Belton, Honington, Syston and Carlton Scroop filled the hall on August 20, as well as beautiful paintings and handwritings on display from the children at Barkston School.

In terms of results, Rob Parkin managed to beat fellow competitor Ray Wilson with the most number of points, and the ladies’ competition was a close contest with Sue Topps just getting the edge on Carole Pulford.

In the children’s competition, Emma Farmer retained the cup.

Results for the trophies were as follows; Gents Cup - Rob Parkin, Ladies Cup - Sue Topps, Larry Meadows Cup - Carole Pulford, Donald Clegg Memorial Cup - Vicki Strawson, Kathleen Jordan Memorial Cup - Christine Wyles, Phil Watkin Cup - Charlotte Bailey, Harru Jordan Memorial Cup - Carole Pulford, Tom Baker Cup - Ray Wilson, Jim Hawkins Cup - Carole Pulford, Joan Bennett Memorial Trophy - Jacky Radford, Mrs M M Clegg Memorial Cup - Emma Farmer, Wally Layne Trophy - Maisie Chung, Children’s Cup - Junior Top Tray - Emma Farmer, Wendy Coaten Pumpkin Cup - Elena Aldenhoff-Kelly, Hebert Exton Memorial Trophy - Josephine Williams, Harry Howslam Memorial Trophy - Ray Wilson, Barbara Banks Cup - Sue Topps, Graham Wheat Cup - Mollie Gould, Children’s Cookery Cup - Emma Farmer, Kendall Cucumber Cup - Charlotte Bailey and Under 16’s Most Points Cup - Emma Farmer.

Community Books was set up in November 2006 – and in that time it has donated almost £25,000 to local good causes.

The wonderful work of its manager, Nean Asher, and nine volunteers led it to win the Best Not-for-Profit/Social Enterprise award in this year’s Grantham Journal Business Awards. Here, Nean tells us what makes Community Books a deserving winner.

What are your main aims?

Our aim is recycling good quality books, CDs, DVDs, jigsaws, bric-a-brac and toys to raise money for good causes within the local community.

How did it feel to win the Best Not-for-Profit/Social Enterprise category?

I never thought we would win with such high calibre finalists in our category but it was a great honour to receive it on behalf of everybody at Community Books. It’s an accolade to all volunteers, customers and those who donate to us. It’s brilliant to see our work within the community be recognised.

How many charities/good causes have benefited from the money Community Books makes? How much do you think you’ve given to charities and good causes in total?

I believe we have supported around 100 local good causes over the years, some causes we support each year and this year we should hit £25k with our donations.

How does it feel for you on a personal level to be able to support so many good causes?

It’s very rewarding to have a business like this. I enjoy my day-to-day work and with being a single mum I love that my children are part of my work and they both enjoy being part of the fund-raising events. It’s a bonus at the end of each year being able to meet the organisations and give out the donations, hearing from them how our money helps them, knowing we are making a difference.

How has Community Books changed over the years, as times have changed?

Over the years we have diversified to include seasonal goods at Christmas, Easter and Mother’s/Father’s Day.

We have body bars and nose studs following the closure of other nearby shops that used to sell these items. We have several ladies that make and donate knitted wear and other items to us. I decorate wooden gifts for all occasions and personalised items which are available to order. Our newest line is memorial gifts as we were made aware there aren’t many in town and many people like something to remember a loved one.

We hold two craft fayres a year and a bingo/beetle night.

At the end of the day we are not just a book shop; many people, especially those living alone, just pop in for a chat as they don’t see anybody.

Keep up to date with events by searching for ‘Community Books’ on Facebook.

Brave Belvoir Tri Club members Catherine Davies and Louise Cann embarked on a very challenging, cold swim on a wet Saturday morning, with water temperature of just 16 degrees.

The Big Chill Swim was supported by more than 700 swimmers who swam a fully supported 5.25-mile length of Coniston Water, in the Lake District. The route started at the south of the lake and finished at the north shore end. After the first mile swimmers were kept within approximately 50 metres of the shore and event buoys and support craft directed swimmers on their journey.

Catherine finished in a time of 2hr 53min and Louise recorded 3:15.

Catherine said: “It was immensely enjoyable and very relaxed. Finishing, I was in a bit of a daze. It’s odd to suddenly be upright and in the real world again after enjoying the serenity of swimming. It was definitely one of my most memorable experiences.”

Closeby, fellow ‘Beavers’ Mark Wilson, Ove Andresen, Gerry Hyde, Patrick Cutmore, Blake Hutchinson, Chris Pugh, Kyle Fisher and Louise Hyde took part in one of the toughest triathlons in the world – Helvellyn Triathlon.

The triathlon commenced with a one-mile swim in the clear Ullswater, a chilly start to the race at only 13 degrees, followed by a tough 38-mile bike ride consisting of many challenging twisty roads and steep hill climbs. Notably the bike route included the infamous ‘Struggle’, a 2.5-mile climb to the top of the Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside.

Bike handling skills were taken to the limit as athletes descended Kirkstone Pass.

On completion of the bike, a gruelling nine-mile trail trek up Helvellyn faced everyone. The run was a mix of track, fell and road and a gruelling climb to the top of Helvellyn at 3,118ft with a run down the mountain to the finish line.

Results: Mark Wilson 4:41, Ove Andresen 4:49, Gerry Hyde 5:03, Patrick Cutmore 5:16, Blake Hutchinson 5:19, Chris Pugh 5:24, Kyle Fisher 6:03, Louise Hyde 6:05.

Belvoir Tri winner Mark commented: “It really was an epic day, climbing up the struggle on the bike, then struggling up and down Helvellyn on the run made it a race to remember.”

Louise, the only female Belvoir Tri competitor, said: “In terms of difficulty, on a scale of 1-10, it would be an 11, and an amazing day to remember. I can’t believe I did it.”

Closer to home, Belvoir Tri Club members Des Friel, Louise Perry, and Andrea Burnham took part in the Clumber Park Novice Triathlon which was aimed at those who are new to the sport or those who have completed pool events but have not yet ventured into open water.

This was a sprint distance event with a 21k bike and a 5k run, however, because going from a pool event with a 400m swim to open water with a 750m swim might be too big a step for some people, a choice of both distances was offered.

I was one of those who attended the rally protesting at the closure of the A&E Department of Grantham Hospital and well done to all the others who turned up.

I did note that not many who might have been aged 20 to 25 were there - very disappointing.

We were urged to declare “war” on ULHT. Not quite the word I would support but the point was made and here is some “ammunition”.

I have, over several months, been getting a response to a Freedom of Information request from ULHT regarding car parking charges at Grantham Hospital and the facilities manager at the hospital has advised me that ULHT have made a clear, net profit in excess of £1,000,000 in the last financial year. Grantham Hospital alone has made £116,710 in profit and despite being previously assured (and I quote): “The money generated from parking fees are reinvested in repair and maintenance for all our sites in Grantham, Lincoln and Boston.” He tells me that (and again I quote): “Whilst we may not invest all additional income in our car parks, it is included in the trust budget for direct patient care services.”

What this means is that staff and visitors to the three hospitals are paying, what is, arguably, a “stealth tax”, to subsidise the National Health Service. Now I can, with considerable difficulty, accept that, albeit I am either at the hospital because I am sick or I am there visiting someone who is sick, I have to pay to park but what I cannot accept is that ULHT make their staff pay to park at work despite making these enormous profits! I have copied my several letters to the Chief Executive of ULHT, Mr J Sobieraj, but he has never responded and presumably just passed the buck onto someone else (including Grantham Hospital Facilities Manager - Mr I Hayden).

Lt Col (Retd) Joe Adkins

Worcester Road

Grantham

The Duchess of Rutland XI took on the MCC in their annual cricket match in support of the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust.

The game, in the wonderful surroundings of Belvoir Cricket Club at Knipton, was especially poignant this year as the teams were competing for the Imogen Skirving Memorial Trophy.

Imogen, a long-serving trustee of the charity and owner of Langar Hall country house hotel, died tragically while on holiday in July.

The home team, featuring England Test legend and charity ambassador Graeme Swann and the Duchess’s eldest son Charles the Marquis of Granby in their line-up, reached 287-9 in their 35 overs, with the top six all contributing.

Belvoir Cricket Club’s overseas player Greg Oldfield top scored with 88 from 58 balls, including six sixes. Will Butler scored 54, Graeme Swann 26 and Tom Neville 40.

In reply, the MCC lost wickets at regular intervals and, despite quick 50s from David Cranfield-Thompson (64) and Derek Mulholland (57no), were bowled out for 201.

The Duchess of Rutland XI’s victory, by 86 runs, reduces their deficit in the series to 3-4 and saw captain and the Trust’s chief executive Darren Bicknell being presented with the trophy by Her Grace The Duchess of Rutland at a dinner in the state dining room at Belvoir Castle, with MCC chairman Gerald Corbett and 73 MCC members among those present.

A former barmaid who worked her way up to bar manager, is now the owner of the much-loved establishment she spent her days pouring pints in.

Tracie Morton is now the proud owner of the popular Hunters Bar in Union Street, Grantham, a place which has thrived for the last 12 years under the previous ownership of Malcolm and Siobhan Hensby.

Tracie worked for the couple for 10 of those 12 years at the popular snooker and pool venue, previously known as ‘Spot On’.

Sadly, Malcolm passed away in April this year following a heroic battle with cancer.

Prior to his illness, Malcolm had discussed that Tracie would always be the best outcome for the business, with her local knowledge and expertise.

“She was not only a co-worker but a close friend, someone they felt they could trust,” said Kathleen Shields, Malcolm’s daughter.

The couple received multiple offers to sell the bar, but had turned them all down.

Tracie, who brought the freehold of the bar last month, said: “Malcolm was a very good friend, so I’m delighted to carry on the business. He really did change this place for the better. I hope he would be proud.”

Kathleen, Siobhan and Tracie, and two other members of staff will be doing a sponsored walk for St Barnabas Grantham Hospice which cared for Malcolm during his illness.

They will take part in the St Barnabas ‘Early Bird Walk’ on September 18 and so far the girls have raised nearly £1,000.

“Dad was a popular figure in the community, but he was also a much loved father,” said Kathleen. “He will be remembered as a hard working, kind, family man.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/malcolmhensby

Long Bennington have been crowned Lincolnshire’s FA first ever Walking Football County Champions.

Competing against teams from Lincoln, Gainsborough and Scunthorpe United, amongst others, Bennington won all of their league games to secure the title just a year after being formed.

Walking football for the over-50s has grown enormously in the last year or so and there are now 22 teams playing in the county.

Bennington played some excellent football against strong opposition and player manager Steve Longden commented: “We are delighted to win Lincolnshire FA’s first walking football league title. The players have been magnificient, enjoying their football, keeping active and playing in a friendly and sociable atmosphere.

“It is a great way to keep fit.”

Anyone who would like to try walking football out can contact Steve on 07771 826821 for further details.

The Paralympic Games started in Rio this week to much fanfare, but Grantham man Christopher Simpson has brought in these pictures of his foster mother, Irene Hotchin, who he says received little attention despite winning six medals .

Irene took part in the 1984 Paralympics in New York where she won her medals. She took part in several disciplines, including swimming, shot-put and discus. She also held five world records.

Christopher was fostered by Irene for a few years in the 1970s and they lived in Redmile. Irene had a rare bone disease which meant she eventually relied on a wheelchair.

Christopher, of Alford Street, Grantham, says Irene won a Winston Churchill Fellowship Award and travelled abroad looking into how the disabled can integrate with the Guides and Brownies with which she was very much involved. Christopher said: “For me she was a very inspirational lady who was everywhere doing stuff all the time. I think she should be known more in town. With the Paralympics starting I hope 
we celebrate our local heroes.”

Irene originally came from Cumbria. She died in 2014.

About 100 people gathered on The Sands in Long Clawson on Saturday to dedicate and unveil a new war memorial.

Long Clawson has never had a war memorial before, although rolls of honour and wall plaques exist in the Methodist Church and St Remigius’s Parish Church.

The memorial honours all those from the village who have given their lives in times of war and conflict as well as all those who have given service in the cause of freedom.

The three feet grey granite memorial will also serve as a focal point, each November, for the well-attended outdoor Remembrance Sunday Service held on The Sands, which is arranged by Clawson Christians Together – an informal grouping of local Christians set up to serve the village, drawing together members and friends of each of the three churches in the village.

The inscription reads: ‘In perpetual remembrance of those of this village who have given service in time of conflict in the cause of freedom and in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.’ On the back it reads simply: ‘Lest we forget.’

Pastor Eric Moxham, life-long villager and Baptist Minister of Long Clawson Baptist Church since 1977, was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. He led the act of thanksgiving and dedication along with Deacon Dawn Canham, of the Methodist Church, and local Anglican Minister Canon Judith Wells, chaplain to the local Royal British Legion (RBL) branch.

Members of the Hose and Harby branch of the RBL (the Long Clawson branch disbanded years ago) paraded at the event and parade marshal and Long Clawson resident Peter Hackett gave the homage.

Poppy wreaths were laid by Mr Hackett on behalf of the RBL and Mr John Doubleday on behalf of the village. Those gathered sang ‘Abide with Me’ and ‘The National Anthem’ and there were prayers of thanksgiving and dedication.

Mrs Valerie Leverett, the stone mason who designed and created the memorial, was thanked for her efforts and given a bouquet of flowers.

Mrs Jean Cooke-Smith, lifelong village resident, gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to Pastor Moxham for all his efforts. Thanks were also given for the support of the parish council, Long Clawson Dairy, Long Clawson School, the three churches and the WI and all the other businesses and individuals who gave donations towards the memorial.

The whole cost (nearly £6,000) was raised from free-will donations from project supporters since the start of the year. Deli on the Sands provided refreshments after the dedication service.

Pastor Moxham said: “This memorial will be a testimony to future generations of what the people of this village have done and suffered in the past. It’s a call for all time to the people of Long Clawson to honour and follow in the steps of those whose loyalty and service we owe so much.

“It’s been humbling to be a small part of such an important thing we’ve done in their memory. Although we’ll never truly know how much it cost the past generations to preserve our freedom, let us salute them all.”

Following the excellent demonstration against the downgrading of A&E services on Saturday, it was disheartening to hear Nick Boles argue that this is a ‘non-political event’.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Despite the chronic incompetence of ULHT the whole shambles can be really laid at this Government’s door.

Nick Boles cannot escape the fact that his Government made a series of political decisions to prolong austerity in the public sector and to demand cuts in NHS budget of 22 billion pounds by 2020.

The effect of this is NHS Trusts up and down the country effectively having to cut staff which then results in cuts to services.

Grantham is not alone; a trust in Staffordshire have made the disgraceful decision not to offer A&E services to under 18s and in Leeds there are proposals to close the equivalent of five wards.

Nick and his Government will claim to be investing more in the NHS then ever before.

But the reality, according to the charity Health Foundation, is that the cuts to the overall health budget mean that UK health spending fell from 7.3 per cent of GDP to just 6.7 per cent this year. This puts the UK significantly below comparable countries like Germany, France, and the United States.

It suits Nick and his party to try and present the downgrading of Grantham’s A&E services as a ‘little local difficulty’.

In fact, the terrible reality is that Grantham Hospital is a victim of a savage ideology that prioritises austerity above the health needs of the community.

Rob Shorrock

Chair of Grantham Labour Party

With youngsters heading back to school this week, the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership has launched a campaign urging drivers to ‘Stop for the Lollipop’.

The partnership says it is an increasing issue across the county that drivers are not stopping for school crossing patrols – or lollipop men and women.

Communications manager John Siddle said: “We are seeking your support by ensuring you adhere to traffic law and stop when a school crossing patrol stop sign is raised.

“Sadly, in recent months, there has been an increasing number of incidents where drivers have failed to stop for school crossing patrols compromising the safety of everyone crossing the road, including young children and their 
parents.

“Help us stop those who fail to respect the law and all those using the crossing by reporting this despicable and dangerous behaviour and making a drive-through taboo.”

Road traffic law dictates that vehicles must stop when a school crossing patrol raises their ‘Stop for children’ 
sign.

Vehicles that fail to stop are committing a road traffic offence and in some cases charges have been brought by Lincolnshire 
Police.

Ahead of the new academic year, and as part of the campaign, schools and parents in areas with a school crossing patrol are being reminded of their legal obligation to ‘stop for the lollipop’.

Mr Siddle added: “It is possible that many drivers have either become complacent or are simply unaware of their legal obligation to 
stop.”

He said the partnership’s concern was not just for the patrol or the children - but the drivers 
themselves.

He added: “ School crossing patrols must be able to carry out their work in safety, drivers not stopping jeopardises this.”

The road safety partnership promotes more sustainable and healthier options for travelling to school - such as walking or cycling - particularly where there is parking congestion around the school.

Mr Siddle added: “However we should be able to offer Lincolnshire children a safe crossing option to and from school, without unnecessary danger.”

Another rained off weekend put paid to Sleaford 2nds’ challenge for the South Lincolnshire & Border League championship, leaving Spalding with an unassailable 21-point lead at the top of the Premier Division.

Sleaford are secure in second place with one game to go with Market Deeping, newly promoted in 2016, confirmed in third.

But in Division One, it is still all to play for. Spalding 2nd have finished their programme and have 263 points, a total Freiston could overtake if they win their game against Moulton Harrox on Saturday.

And the battle is still on between Graves Park and Boston 3rd for second place in Division Two.

The final matches on Saturday see Boston playing clear leaders Claypole, while Graves Park visit bottom placed Grantham 4th.

For the third week in succession, the weather wiped out the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League programme, denying clubs desperate for points the opportunity to improve their positions in the table.

Bracebridge Heath were already champions with Grantham confirmed as runners-up following Saturday’s wash out.

At the foot of the table, September’s weather gave Grimsby and Nettleham no chance of catching Skegness, who finish 10th.

The bottom two must now await decisions on feeder league winners - whether they wish to be promoted and, if so, do they meet Premier League criteria.

Members of the league’s Development Sub-Committee are currently meeting with possible contenders for promotion and their findings will be reported to the end-of- season meeting on September 21.

Sleaford’s Obus Pienaar topped the league batting lists with 1452 runs - a new league record - at an average of 111.69 while West Indian Ray Jordan of Skegness, claimed the most wickets with 48 and Grantham’s Dan Freeman, who took 43 wickets, recorded the best bowling average of 10.35.

Three wicketkeepers each made 32 dismissals - David Sargeant of Market Deeping, Lindum’s Richard Bishop - winner of the wicketkeeping award for the past two seasons - and Graham West of Louth.

And four players topped the list for the number of fielding catches, each taking 12 -Jonny Cheer (Boston), Andy Hibberd (Sleaford), Ben Stroud (Bourne) and Matt Carter (Bracebridge Heath).

Grantham College tutor Pauline Bacon has clocked up 25 years as a teacher there.

She teaches British Sign Language to students and also to service personnel at RAF bases in the region.

Pauline, who began teaching at the college way back in 1991, said: “I have seen a lot of changes at Grantham College over the years but my classes are larger now.

“I enjoy teaching Level 1 and 2 British Sign Language most because I love to see people learning and communicating for the first time.”

When Pauline started out she was very inexperienced at teaching and recalls not being able to write a lesson plan. Marketing manager at the time, Dawn French, who could also sign, helped her prepare for lessons in the early days.

“Now I have a fantastic team here and I can communicate with lots of people. I feel good and really enjoy it,” said Pauline.

“I have been teaching Level 1 British Sign Language and people began to ask for Level 2 as well so now I teach that too.

“I took deaf awareness training and began to teach that and it took off really well. Staff have also asked me to go into their classes and teach students on the public services and travel and tourism courses.”

Pauline is interested in also teaching sign language at nurseries and homes for the elderly in the coming years.

Anyone who would like to learn British Sign Language is invited to email the college at enquiry@grantham.ac.uk, visit the website at www.grantham.ac.uk or call 01476 400200 for more information.

The public was given a interesting view behind the scenes in Grantham this weekend when Heritage Open days were held.

The town took part in the national event which allows people to explore local treasures of all ages. Among the gems which were open to the public free of charge were St Wulfram’s Church, its tower and the Trigge library, Grantham House, ChristChurch in Finkin Street, and the old burial ground in Manthorpe Road.

Also open to the public were the Old King’s School where Sir Isaac Newton studied and the old reading room of the former Grantham Philosophical Society in Finkin Street, which is now the offices of Brown & Co.

Pictures by Toby Roberts.

People with dementia are being supported at special sessions with horses in a field at Oasby.

A quiet reflections group was held for individuals to enjoy the peaceful outdoor setting, meet a group of horses and make new connections.

A second Equine Assisted Learning programme, which is funded by the Dementia Support Network, has also proved popular.

Tracy Wilson, the Equine Assisted Learning facilitator for the sessions, said: “The feedback has been very positive and we had a lot of fun as well as quiet times.

“Dementia is an umbrella term and there are many different types of dementia, so we would be delighted if people would circulate news about what we do.”

With World Mental Health Day due to be celebrated on October 10, Tracy said the organisation planned to run the sessions again next year.

She added: “We would be very interested in working with people with early onset dementia but we are happy to talk to anyone who may like to know more.”

Any group or organisation interested in attending is invited to email Tracy at tracy.wilson@equineassistedqualifications.com or call her on 07980 783321.