Lincolnshire East Clinical Commissioning Group is urging smokers across the whole county to try and quit during Stoptober.

Launched in 2012, Stoptober has since helped almost one million people across England to give up smoking, with thousands more likely to take part in this year’s campaign.

Dr Stephen Baird, GP at Hawthorn Medical Practice in Skegness, said: “There are plenty of ways for people and their partners to get involved in Stoptober,

“Stoptober is a 28 day campaign because insight shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit for good.”

Stoptober aims to encourage as many smokers as possible to quit from October 1, by signing up to the campaign and using the range of free resources and support available. Stoptober will try and recruit smokers throughout October to take part, encouraging and supporting them through a 28 day journey to quit.

Dr Baird added: “The benefits associated with stopping smoking include breathing more easily, younger looking skin, living longer, more energy and helping to save money.

“More than eight million people in England smoke and it remains the nation’s biggest killer; half of long-term smokers die prematurely from a smoking-related disease and smoking is the biggest cause of premature death in the UK, costing the NHS up to £2.7 billion every year.”

• For more information visit https://www.nhs.uk/smokefree

Grant Koper has just enjoyed bringing his musical show Some Enchanted Evening to his home town of Grantham.

Grant, 26, has his own production company, See Productions Ltd, and staged the show at the Guildhall Arts Centre for the third time. Grant came to live in Grantham with his family when he was eight and later attended Sir William Robertson High School in Welbourn, before going to stage school. Grant now lives in south London with his partner. Last week, a group of students from Priory Ruskin Academy paid the company a visit as it was preparing for its show at the Guildhall.

How did the visit with the Priory Ruskin students go?

It went really well. They attended the rehearsal. We were doing a technical rehearsal so they saw how the technical side of it happens in such a short space of time. Then we gave them a tour of the backstage and the technical box. They got to see how a professional compay comes in and works throughout the day, which is something I never got the chance to do until I worked in a job.

What is it like to come back to Grantham with your own show?

The audiences throughout the tour have been lovely. This is our third time in Grantham and we come here partly to support the theatre but also because it is a great chance for my family and friends to come and see us. I grew up in Grantham, as did Victoria Rigby who is also in the show.

How does the show change from tour to tour?

We always change the set list and this year we included more movement and 
staging. We added some comedy numbers like Flash, Bang, Wallop from Half a Sixpence and just made the show that little bit bigger. This is actually the first time I have performed in it so, for me, it is really nice to get 
that response from the 
audience. It’s really refreshing for me.

How did you get involved on the stage?

I saw my cousin in a dance show when I was five and I said to my mum, ‘I have got to go to dance classes’! They even built a stage in the garage and I have been making shows ever since I was a child. It’s something in my blood. After school I went to Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom.

Will you be back with the show next year?

We will definitely be back in Grantham but I don’t know if it will be next year or maybe the year after. The tour is almost over this year. There are just two more dates to do and then I have other jobs in October/November. I run my own production company but at the moment I have also written a children’s book with a girl from Grantham and we are in the process of turning that into a children’s play.

Free falling from a plane at 120mph isn’t usually part of customer advisor, Chelsea Chell’s working week – but a few weeks ago the fearless fund-raiser was doing just that!

Chelsea, 25, who works at the Grantham branch of The Nottingham, took to the skies to help raise funds for local SportsAid swimming star, Hayley Milne.

The 17-year-old is one of the county’s top para-swimmers and staff at The Nottingham have been busy over the last year raising money for the sports star.

Chelsea, who has never done a sky dive – until now – decided to take on the epic challenge as it’s something she’s always wanted to do.

“I’ve always wanted to do a skydive, but I’ve never had a good enough reason to do one,” said Chelsea. “So this was the perfect opportunity to complete one, whilst raising funds for a great cause.”

The skydive took place on September 11 at Sibson airfield, near Peterborough and Chelsea had to wait over six hours until she got sent up in the ‘dreaded’ plane.

“It was so nerve wracking,” she said. “I was constantly asking myself if I was really doing this.”

But following the dramatic build-up, Chelsea braved the challenge and jumped out of the plane, much to her adrenaline filled excitement.

“It was fantastic,” she said. “It’s really hard to describe just how it felt - it takes your breath away.”

When Chelsea landed, all of her colleagues, family and friends were close by to congratulate her on her achievement.

“I had such a big smile on my face,” she added.

And that smile grew even bigger when she found out that she had raised more than £600 for Hayley, through a number of generous donations from both friends and customers of The Nottingham.

The money will help Hayley with the costs of competing and travel.

Richard Copestake, manager for the Grantham branch of The Nottingham, said: “The team is thrilled to be involved with this initiative to help someone like Hayley that is part of our local community.

“The main barriers to progression of professional athletes is often the high costs of equipment and training, with hotels costing £60 a night when she has to stay over for competitions - so we particularly value the support we can get from the people of Grantham for Hayley.”

The Nottingham Building Society is providing awards to 50 athletes across the Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Full details on the scheme can be found at www.thenottingham.com

Donations are still very much welcome, visit the branch to make a donation. The branch will also be hosting a cake sale and book sale in the coming months.

Notts Youth League

Under-15

Division Three

Bottesford FC 5

Sandiacre Town 3

Bottesford condemned Sandiacre to their first defeat of the season with a hard fought battling game.

Bottesford were a goal down when Colby Reynolds shot from the edge of the area. But it didn’t take long for Kieran Smith to level for Bottesford with a fine strike himself.

Sandiacre regained the lead through Marcus Verney but just before the break Bottesford were awarded a penalty which Matty Cox buried.

The second half saw Bottesford come out more positive and they went 3-2 up when Lewis Smith scored with a neat finish. Josh Beeston made it 4-2, scoring direct from his corner.

Sandiacre battled hard but couldn’t prevent Bottesford’s fifth goal. Great work from Declan Naylor down the wing saw him squaare the ball for Cox to grab his second goal.

Sandiacre were awarded a penalty which was converted by James Turnbull, but it was Bottesford who took all three points to stay top of the table.

Bottesford: Charlesworth, Murray, Myers, Gregory, Veitch, A. Smith, Beeston, K. Smith, Heafford, Cox, L. Smith, Greet, Naylor, Stokes, Levey.

New units for girl guides have started this autumn in two villages.

The 1st Barkston Centenary Senior Section for girls aged 14 to 26 has re-started, with new leader Linda Broomfield. The group meets Thursday evenings with 1st Barkston Guides which has places for girls aged 10 to 14 years.

1st Allington with Sedgebrook Rainbow Guides held their initial meeting this month with Leader Charlie Adey, Assistant Izzy Schaanning and Unit Helper Anne Schaanning. The rainbow guides are girls aged five to seven years and the unit has places for those girls who would like to be part of guiding in the villages of Sedgebrook and Allington.

A potential new leader for 1st Foston Rainbows is going through recruitment checks but to re-open the unit a second leader is needed.

If you would like your daughter to join one of the units, go to www.girlguiding.org.uk and click on information for parents and leave yours and your daughter’s details. The local leader will get in touch to arrange for her to visit the unit and join up.

If you would like to join as an adult (18 plus) go to www.girlguiding.org.uk click on ‘get involved’ and leave your details. District Commissioner Bex Mezzo will get in touch to talk through the application process.

Members of the 1st Barkston Guides, 1st Barkston Centenary Section, 1st Wilsford Brownies and Rainbows took a trip recently to Cadbury’s World in Birmingham. They learned all about how chocolate is made and how Cadbury’s set up its famous brand in the UK.

“Tasting chocolate was the best bit”, said Brownie Lilly. They also enjoyed a fun ride through Chocolate Bean Land and a 4D experience, including riding a roller coaster virtually with sound and chairs moving and 3D glasses to wear.

Jordan Bell, 16, who left Grantham College at the end of the last academic year, submitted several pieces of wood sculpture based arond the theme of ‘My World’ for the Unique Art Awards.

Jordan, who has autism spectrum disorder and lives in Cranwell, loves woodwork and is now doing a woodcarving course at Hill Holt Wood. He was given plenty of instruction by his great uncle who used to be a professional woodcarver.

Jordan’s mum Vicky said they were looking forward to spending a day in London on October 17 when the winners will be announced at a special ceremony.

Vicky said: “We are really proud of Jordan. This is a big thing for him.”

The winner of the competition will receive £1,000 in vouchers and £3,000 for their school or college.

with further prizes for second and third places.

Army Reserves have marked the completion of their first stage of military training with a Pass Off parade at Army Training Regiment Grantham.

More than 60 new reserves from a range of civilian backgrounds, including an artist and an accountant took part in the traditional passing out ceremony, watched by proud family and friends.

The parade marks the successful completed of Phase One training. This includes six weekend courses and a 16-day residential training course at ATR (Grantham), Prince William of Gloucester Barracks.

The training has taught them everything they need to know to fulfil their role and includes military terminology, drill, shooting, physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid, field craft and map reading.

The soldiers, who will be joining Army Reserve units with a variety of cap badges, will now return to their units to complete their Phase 2 trade training.

The Commander of the Army’s Initial Training Group, Brigadier Alex Potts, inspected the parade and presented a series of awards including those for Best Recruit and Best Shot.

Private Jack Coulbeck from the 3 rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and Private James Hutchinson from 254 Medical Regiment were awarded the title of Champion Soldiers for their Troop. Best Shot was awarded to Private Jordan Szymczuk from 150 Regiment RLC and Private Thomas Thewlis from 4 th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.

Addressing the parade, Brigadier Potts said: “It is a real privilege to be here today to witness the achievements as you pass out on completion of your initial training for the Army. You should be rightly proud of what you have achieved.”

My wife Linda and I have always been supporters of the National Health Service.

Having moved from Leighton Buzzard 12 years ago from a town of similar size which had no hospital we appreciate how vital it is to have Grantham Hospital on our doorstep.

At last week’s County and District Council I was pleased to table a motion for a debate calling on the United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust to reinstate the A&E 24/7 at Grantham Hospital as soon as possible.

I saw my motion as a Cross Party Issue where I was looking for full support in each chamber and was pleased to receive it.

For me this sends a clear message to the Trust Board that elected members from across Lincolnshire are behind the campaign.

I wish to thank all my colleagues for their support on this important matter.

Councillor Steve Palmer a member from Sutton on Sea offered his support to attend the next rally in Grantham which is at 11am on Saturday October 29th.

Bearing in mind that Steve lives 57 miles away it demonstrates how much support there is for Grantham Hospital and this campaign.

The rally on the 3rd September was attended by both leaders of the County and District Council, Councillor Martin Hill and Councillor Bob Adams and the local MP Nick Boles.

During my speech last week I praised Jody Clark, the organiser of Fighting 4 Grantham Hospital, and Cllr Charmaine Morgan, of SOS Grantham Hospital, and members of the public who attended the rally in the pouring rain.

To demonstrate that this was a cross party matter Cllr Adam Stokes who was due to second my motion moved aside for Cllr Morgan to second it.

It is my view that when the Trust publishes its Sustainability & Transformation Plan there will be changes to the way health care is provided in Lincolnshire.

For example the deficit needs to come down in order for Lincolnshire to share in the governments front loaded £8.4 billion boost to the health service.

Recently staff reported that only 60 per cent of patients were seen at Lincoln A&E within the four hours waiting time which is unacceptable especially as winter approaches.

Ambulances are travelling extra distances which put people with respiratory diseases at a greater risk.

I welcome the introduction of the new evening out of hour’s service for minor injuries but this is no substitute for A&E services that last year saw nearly 30,000 patients and of those 5000 were admitted.

With a growing population we need a hospital service with an A&E, not a glorified minor injuries unit.

Cllr Ray Wootten

Grantham North

A charity is warning people to avoid contact with the water in Grantham Canal and Denton Reservoir after a toxic algae was discovered.

The Canal and River Trust is advising visitors to avoid contact with the water due to an outbreak of blue-green algae.

The algae is naturally occurring in summer, but it can be harmful to the skin, causing allergic reactions including itchy eyes, skin irritation and hay fever-like symptoms.

The algae has been spotted in Denton Reservoir and the adjacent canal and the Trust is encouraging visitors, their children and pets to avoid contact with the water. Warning signs have been placed around the affected areas.

Occasionally, blue-green algae ‘blooms’ can turn the water green, blue-green or greenish brown and sometimes cause paint-like or jelly-like scums.

The Trust – which cares for the reservoir and the Grantham Canal that it feeds – is monitoring the algae levels and deciding on the most effective way of dealing with it.

Sean McGinley, Canal and River Trust waterway manager, said: “The Grantham Canal and Denton Reservoir are really popular placs for angling and also people walking, cycling or enjoying the local nature. We want people to continue to enjoy the lovely waterside setting but to be aware that there’s a current outbreak of blue-green algae in the water.

“Blue-green algae is naturally occurring but it can be harmful to your skin. We’re asking people to be extra careful and if they or their pets come into contact with the affected water, they should wash all exposed skin with clean water as soon as possible, and particularly before eating or drinking. If they are in any doubt about their health after contact with algae, they should seek medical advice.

“We’re monitoring the levels of the algae and deciding whether it is best to let it die off naturally or treat it directly.”

For more information about the Canal and River Trust visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.

County councillors have this afternoon (Monday) unanimously rejected plans to create a huge quarry and landfill tip in countryside to the south of Denton.

At a meeting of Lincolnshire County Council’s planning and regulation committee at The Meres Leisure Centre – attended by around 100 protesters – councillors followed officers’ recommendations to refuse the application for a quarry and infill site on an 84.6 hectares site at Gorse Lane.

A report to councillors stated there is not a proven need for the minerals that would be extracted and that there is not a need for the landfill tip that would be created from the quarry.

A cheer erupted when the decision was made.

The application was submitted by construction industry supplier Mick George Ltd, who told the Journal last week that an appeal would be submitted immediately if rejected.

A spokesman said last week: “If the planning committee reject the scheme we will submit an appeal with immediate effect, but will also commence activation of the existing consented mineral reserves.

“The company are surprised planners appear to have disregarded the fact there is an existing and valid planning consent for mineral extraction extending to an area in excess of 1,700 acres.

“This historic consent if activated would have a significantly greater impact on Denton and the surrounding area than the new application, which the planners are recommending for refusal.

“If this scheme is refused then the larger scheme will simply be implemented.”

The proposals have generated huge protests from residents in Denton, Harlaxton and Croxton Kerrial, who formed the Gorse Lane Action Group (GOLAG) to stop the quarry going ahead. Campaigners fear the surrounding countryside will be harmed and the area will be plagued by heavy lorries, dust, and noise.

The trade in illegal tobacco at stores in Spalding and across Lincolnshire has suffered a £50,000 blow after a joint intelligence operation on Tuesday and Wednesday.

More than 130,000 cigarettes, 42 kilogrammes (kgs) of hand-rolling tobacco and almost 3,600 litres of alcohol, all thought to be illicit, were seized by a team from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), police and trading standards who raided 36 stores in Spalding, Boston, Grantham and Lincoln.

Ten of the stores targeted where in Spalding where more than 36,000 illegal cigarettes, with a retail value of nearly £11,700, 1.4 kgs of hand-rolling tobacco, 12.6 litres of spirits and two vehicles were seized during the operation.

Sergeant Kim Enderby from Lincolnshire Police’s alcohol licensing team, said: “This was a multi-agency, intelligence-led operation and a large quantity of cigarettes were seized at some of the stores raided.

“Some of the premises where seizures were made have previously been subject to police action and/or premises licence revocation.

“Police and HMRC officers also recovered cigarettes from two vehicles parked close to some the stores and which intelligence indicated were involved in the transportation of the illegal products.

“Officers forced entry to the vehicles and recovered cigarettes from the boot.”

In total, the two-day operation uncovered a suspected illegal tobacco and alcohol trade which would have cost the Lincolnshire economy nearly £55,000, including more than £12,000 of lost tax revenue in Spalding.

An investigation into the illegal cigarette industry by our sister newspaper, the Spalding Guardian, in July 2015 found that tobacco fraudsters were costing the UK about £2 billion a year in lost taxes.

Sgt Enderby said: “Having three agencies working together in this operation allowed us to identify numerous potential offences, share information and cause as much disruption as possible to criminals involved in this activity.

“My team remaina committed to taking every action possible to prevent stores in our county being used to sell items which are illegal and dangerous to members of the public who purchase them.

“Further similar operations are planned for the months ahead and I would welcome information from members of the local community who can identify stores who are operating in this way.”

The joint operation in Spalding was led by the HMRC whose assistant director of the Fraud Investigation Service, Stuart Taylor, said: “Disrupting criminal trade is at the heart of our strategy to clamp down on the illicit tobacco market which costs the UK around £2 billion a year.

“In addition, the sale of illicit alcohol costs the UK around £1 billion per year.

“All of this is theft from the taxpayer, it undermines legitimate traders and, as tax fraud, is not acceptable.

“The sale of illegal tobacco and alcohol will not be tolerated by us, or our partner agencies, and we will tackle it head on.

“We are levelling the playing field for legitimate local businesses who cannot compete with their criminal competitors and, to help us, we would encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of tobacco to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”

Lincolnshire (County Council) Trading Standards has also teamed up with Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue to highlight the dangers of illegal cigarettes, with its officers having seized more than 138,000 counterfeit items in the county between January 2013 and June 2016.

Andy Wright, principal trading standards officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Sales of counterfeit and illicit cigarettes continue to be a concern to us and we are actively working with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and the police to crack down on the criminals that sell them.

“The joint operation in Lincolnhire last Tuesday and Wednesday, September 27 and 28, is a clear example of partnership working at its very best.

“This seizure sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the import or sale of counterfeit and illicit products in our county.”

The joint operation by HMRC, Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Trading Standards against illegal tobacco and alcohol sales has been praised by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lincolnshire.

Coun Marc Jones, an advocate of forging closer ties between the police and other law enforcement bodies, said: “Operations like this are a great example of agencies working together to protect the public of Lincolnshire from harm.

“These operations take a huge amount of pulling together but the result clearly paid back the effort of all involved.”

A couple both born and bred in Grantham celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday.

Cynthia and Graham Bennett were married in Grantham on October 1, 1966. They celebrated their anniversary with a large group of family and friends on a weekend away in Tetford.

The couple first met at a dance at Bmarc and Graham walked Cynthia home. They were married in St John’s Church, Spitalgate, They held a reception at Neal’s Cranes social club in Dysart Road and that was followed by a honeymoon on the Isle of Wight.

Graham, 73, started work at Steelweld but after being made redundant he helped out a friend at the Esso garage on Bridge End Road. The friend had broken a leg and Graham agreed to replace him for six weeks. Graham ended up staying there for another 27 years.

Cynthia is well known for her hairdressing business in Dudley Road. After several years of working there for the owner she took over the business in 1971. Four years ago she handed over the business to her niece, but she still works there a few days a week. Cynthia said: “It’s been a joy to work there over the years and it’s nice that we have been able to keep the business in the family.”

Graham and Cynthia lived next door to the salon for 20 years. They now live in Cliffe Road, Gonerby Hill Foot, next door to their daughter, Elise. The couple also have a son, Neil, who lives in Kettering, and they have three granddaughters.

The couple like gardening and DIY, but most of all they enjoy going to American square dancing in Allington. Cynthia said: “After the children left we wanted something to do. It’s lovely and we have made so many friends there.”

Priory Ruskin Academy raised £617.90 when it held its Macmillan Coffee Morning.

The academy said the morning was incredibly well supported and thanked staff, students, parents and members of the public who contributed - whether it was baking, donating tombola prizes or buying and eating the cakes.

A new £650,000 hyper-efficient energy centre is set to be opened at Grantham hospital.

The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, will officially open the hospital’s new energy centre on Friday.

The centre will provide the hospital with improved heating and hot water facilities following works that involved the replacement of temporary boilers with three new condensing boilers and the laying of new pipework around the hospital.

This £650,000 investment coincides with the launch of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust’s Sustainable Development Management Plan (SDMP) which outlines how the Trust is working towards being more sustainable and energy efficient.

The Trust says it is already one of the best performers in the country for reducing its carbon footprint, with a reduction of 13 per cent from 2010 to 2015, compared to the national target of 10 per cent for NHS organisations.

Paul Boocock, Director of Estates and Facilities at ULHT, said: “This is an exciting step forward for us in providing our services more efficiently and at reduced cost and is a significant investment in Grantham hospital. While we have always performed very well in terms of low carbon emissions, taking advantage of the latest technology and investing in our infrastructure into the future will help make further reductions and keep us at the leading edge. We have much more work planned in the future and this is a key milestone on our sustainability journey.”

Kier partnership director, Dan Maher, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in vital works to provide outstanding new healthcare facilities for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and those using the services of Grantham and District Hospital.

“The new energy centre will help support the hospital in meeting energy targets and reducing running costs, as well as providing an improved and efficient heating and hot water service to the hospital and service users.”

The centre will be opened on Friday, October 7, at 2.30pm.

A Grantham woman has run three half marathons in three weeks to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Amy-Jayne Saggers, 24, of Ninth Avenue, first ran the Great North Run on September 10 in a time of two hours and 16 minutes, followed by the Robin Hood half marathon on September 25 which she completed in two hours and 20 minutes. Finally Amy-Jayne ran the Lincoln half marathon on Sunday in a personal best time of two hours and nine minutes.

Amy-Jayne, who works at Johnsons Stalbridge Linen Services on Alma Park, has so far raised £2,190 on her JustGiving page in memory of the late Tracey Berry, the mother of a friend, who had the disease.

To donate to Amy-Jayne go to www.justgiving.com

A handful of Grantham Running Club members made the trip to Lincolnshire Showground to take part in the Lincoln Half Marathon on Sunday.

This was the first staging of the race in this format and the first half marathon to take place in the city for 25 years. The 13.1-mile route entered the city via Burton Road then took in the historic part of the city including Lincoln Cathedral and Lincoln Castle.

Next was the descent of Yarborough Hill before doing a circuit of Brayford Wharf. Lastly was the most testing part of the course – climbing back up Yarborough Hill before exiting the city and heading back to the showground for the finish.

First to cross the line for GRC was Gav Meadows in a time of 1hr 32min 27sec.

He said: “I was very pleased with this performance after my tired and disappointing showing at the Robin Hood Marathon the weekend before.

“There were also some nice touches at the finish with free beer (alcohol free) and a free massage. I can’t recommend this race highly enough.”

Not far behind was Paul Davis, finishing in 1:35:37 and continuing his impressive and consistent recent form. Also performing very impressively was Caroline Davis, setting a new personal best of 1:55:49.

l Grantham Running Club had six athletes taking part in the end of season West Pinchbeck 10k round the very flat but exposed south Lincolnshire route.

The weather was dry and sunny but unfortunately the wind was stronger than ideal and was going to punish the runners on the final 3k straight into it.

Holly Durham was first home for the club in 42:36 and picked up the prize as third lady, which was amazing considering this was less than a week after she completed a 150k stint at a local endurance race. Next home was a not fully fit Richard Payne in his 10k debut, clocking 44:10 and showing there is a lot more to come, followed by Robert McArdle in 45:43.

Charnia Kirk then set an all-time best of 47:54 with Tom Durham clocking 53:06. The final runner for GRC was Nichola Cottam with 57:50.

l GRC’s Andrew Pask joined more than 17,000 runners for this year’s Cardiff Half Marathon.

In near perfect running conditions, the UK’s third biggest race started in front of the iconic Cardiff Castle.

Andrew ran the first 10k to Cardiff Bay in 42:00, slightly quicker than planned. Paying for the early fast pace, Andrew was forced to dig deep around the 10-mile Roath Park area when the 1:30:00 pace maker overtook him.

Knowing that a strong finish could still salvage his goal of a sub 1:30:00 race, Andrew found that extra gear for the final two miles to finish with a time of 1:29:53, placing him in the top four per cent of the field.

l Two GRC members took part in the 10th Mabletherpe Half Marathon on Sunday.

Father and son duo Thomas and Matthew Williamson ran their first half marathon together in very windy conditions. Thomas was first to finish in an impressive 1:34:38 for 39th overall, closely followed by Matthew with a PB of 1:35:38 and 42nd overall.

l GRC’s Catherine Payne and Robert McArdle joined a strong field for the 10th Meia Maratona in Portugal’s second city, one of the last major half marathons of the year.

Having missed the last three weeks of training due to an ankle injury, Catherine started the race in more hope than expectation, with everything going well for almost five miles before tearing a calf muscle on a sharp cobbled uphill section. After a couple of minutes, she re-joined the race determined to finish and managed to limp home in a gun time of 1:39:40 which was still fast enough on the day to win first prize in the Veteranas IV category.

Further back in the field, clubmate Robert McArdle was once again struggling to run through the heat. As the temperature rose above 40C on the exposed course, the only option was to slow down to avoid overheating, but despite that his time of 1:43:13 was respectable.

Nottingham Forest Supporters Club (Grantham branch):

Forest have no game on Saturday, the next being Birmingham City at home next Friday, October 14, kick-off 7.45pm.

Bookings are being taken for away games at Blackburn Rovers on October 18, kick-off 7.45pm, and Reading on October 29, kick-off 3pm.

For details contact Bob Taylor on 01476 550242.

The first round of the 2017 Velo99 race series took place at Rampton last Sunday.

Fortunately, the 10am start escaped any rain although there was a stiff headwind for part of the 32-mile race, with a fairly testing hill to be climbed seven times.

Nine Witham Wheelers took part in a race of 41 entrants, with some reshuffling in the groups after the 2016 results.

Chris Samler (2nd) was first Wheeler over the line, and first in Group Five, followed very closely by Crispin Bridges-Webb (3rd)

John Pygott (12th) came through next in his first Group Five race, after having won Group Four in the 2016 series, followed closely by John Farmer (14th), Martin Milne (22nd), Dave Herd (30th), Carol Milne (34th) – in her first Group Three race after winning Group Two – Tony Mendham (38th) and Phil Etches (DNF).

After the race was a lunch with the presentation of the trophies for the 2016 series.

John Pygott and Carol Milne were awarded their winners’ trophies and Carol also collected Most Improved Rider, Ladies’ overall and Ladies’ over 50

Rob Johnson was the highest scoring Witham Wheeler in second place overall with 709 points

The ladies of Belton Park Golf Club travelled to Cambridge on Sunday to play in their annual away weekend competition.

The October weather was bright and sunny on both days and the course was in good condition. After an individual stableford competition on Sunday, the ladies took advantage of the leisure facilities at the hotel and relaxed in the spa and swimming pool before enjoying a three course meal in the dining room that evening.

On Monday, after a leisurely breakfast, the ladies played a three ball AM-AM competition, followed by the presentation of prizes.

Results:

Sunday: Division One – 1 Lisa White 37pt, 2 Ina Wood 35; Division Two – 1 Sandra Pask 32 ocb, 2 Liz Frobisher 32.

Monday: 1 Annette Fordham, Lisa White, Marjie Thompson 77.

l Belton Park Golf Club held their annual Captains Ball last Saturday.

More than 80 members joined captain Paul Screen and lady captain Sheila Mason to celebrate their special evening.

The meal consisted of five courses and the band Rogues of Rhythm provided live music throughout the evening.

Seniors

Belton Park travelled to Luffenham Heath last Monday for their re-arranged return match.

In the absence of seniors captain Alan Addis, vice-captain Graham Secker took the helm with high hopes of maintaining his 100 per cent – unfortunately it is now 50 per cent as the team lost 5-3.

There were wins for Graham Secker and Nigel Beaumont, and Keith Brown and Dave Dobney, whilst half points were scored by Mike Collins and Peter Hancock, and Bill Brogan and Derek Little.

Eight teams of four took part in an AM-AM competition at the Nottinghamshire Golf and Country Club to celebrate an excellent year of golf under the captaincy of Alan Addis.

The day went off without hitch with the course in excellent condition and weather to match. Winners on the day with a very commendable score of 88 points were the team of Ray Clark, Dave Langley, David Jackson and Keith Brown.

Trevor Collis won the prize for the ‘Nearest the Pin’ with an excellent shot over water to the very difficult 14th green, completing the hole with a birdy two.

After an excellent meal the prizes were presented by Alan and he offered thanks to all those who had been able to attend and support him during his year as captain.

BELTON WOODS

Seniors

The Memorial trophy is awarded to the senior golfer who records the best net aggregate medal score over the Woodside and the Lakes Courses.

A very close competition ensued with countback deciding the eventual winner

Results: 1 John Bratt 142 ocb, 2 Neil Hoyle 142, 3 Henry Knight 143 ocb, 4 Colin Thornton 143, 5 Gary Waterfield 145, 6 Roger Hanratty 146, 7 Pete Stephenson 147, 8 Ken Claxon 148, 9 Tin Win 149 ocb, 10 John Browne 149.

The Marshall’s Monthly medal was won by Henry Knight with net 67.

Others: 2 Tin Win 69 ocb, 3 Colin Thornton 69, 4 Roger Hanratty 70, 5 Bob Privett 72 ocb, 6 John Bratt 72 ocb, 7 John Browne 72, 8 Glen Grimes 73 ocb, 9 John Sabin 73 ocb, 10 Mike Gulliford ocb.

Belton Woods 4

Oulton Hall 2

Colin Musson and Alan Lowen lost 2-0, Ray Woodcock and Gary Waterfield won 1-0, Colin Thornton and Mick Hall lost 7-5, Paul Stanley and Tom Rea won 5-3, Dave Toole and Dave Dexter won 2-0, John Williams and Ken Claxon won 6-5.

STOKE ROCHFORD

Seniors

Stoke Rochford Seniors 6½

Peterborough Milton 1½

Despite rain and the best efforts of the captain, Stoke seniors completed their first win double of the season against Peterborough Milton in the penultimate home match of the season

Results: Graham Manton and Roger Nichols lost 2 down, Greg Ewart and Keith Dugmore won 5&4, Tim Haward and Phil Hewes won 5&4, Cliff Mills and Phil White won 1 up, Mick Rance and John Wright match halved, Barry Mitchell and Alan Jessop won 5&4, Philip Varley and Stephen Major won 7&5, Don Werner and Mike Dickinson won 4&3.

SUDBROOK MOOR

Congratulations to Roy Nelson as this week’s Senior Singles Matchplay champion, winning the Ron Boxell Trophy.

After a super exciting head-to-head against 85-year-old Pete Farmer, who was playing to defend the title, Roy won 5&3.

Roy said it was 26 years since he won his last golf trophy, very early in his golf experience, when working abroad in Naples.

The club now eagerly awaits the outcome of the Consolation Singles Matchplay in which senior vice-captain Dave Guy meets Dennis Green.

The new Senior Eclectic champion is the very modest and worthy Tim Newbery who held on to top spot in the last Roll-Up stableford of September in the six month series.

It was Tim’s first Sudbrook Moor full title and the second trophy he has taken home in the space of a month, as he also had a great result on Captain’s Day.

Captain Graham Mackinder hosted a really special morning for all his Thursday Seniors, comprising 18 holes of golf and buffet lunch, topped with a convivial ceremony of prizes.

Best score overall, to win The Des Godfrey Trophy, was returned by Mick Beasley with a superb round.

There were runners-up trophies and spot prizes for Pete Farmer, Barry Kay, David Leslie, John Chatburn, Tony Rose, Tim Newbery, Roy Nelson and Jim Carr.

Pictured are just a few of the children that took part in the Swim School Distance Awards evening at The Meres leisure centre pool last Saturday.

Fifty children in total took part, swimming distances from 25 metres to 2,000 metres. Some of the children of only five, six and seven years of age swam further than they thought possible.

Swim School head teacher Ange Taylor said: “Well done to all the children that took part, which was a very busy evening, and thanks to the parents for their help and patience.”