Ducks flew along the River Devon during the annual Boxing Day duck race.

Recent heavy rain meant a fast-flowing river and the winning duck crossed the finish line in under 15 minutes.

Ducks were released from the bridge in Grantham Road at 11am, marking the start of the event organised by the Vale of Belvoir Lions.

The Journal joined Grantham Street Pastors on the last Saturday before Christmas as they worked to help keep people safe in the town centre.

Read the full story in Friday’s Grantham Journal.

Lincolnshire County Council has been outspoken against wind farms in recent weeks.

But the authority is seeking the input of people living in the county before setting in stone its hard line against turbines.

People have until Monday, January 21 to have their say by completing a questionnaire.

The county council’s position against wind farms is backed by anti-wind farm campaign group reVOLT which was set up in opposition to plans to build five turbines on land at Temple Hill, south-west of Brandon and north of Hougham.

The group is encouraging people to take part in the consultation “so that we can all protect homes and the countryside from unwanted and inefficient industrial wind turbines”.

Leader of Lincolnshire County Council, Coun Martin Hill, said: “Although supportive of alternative energy, we do question the efficiency of turbines and their impact on the county’s residents, landscapes and tourism industry.

“In June our executive members agreed a set of guidelines we hoped would be taken into consideration by local planning authorities and developers when deciding where to locate new developments.

“To give these more weight, we now want to turn our stance into an official council policy. However, it’s only right that we should first ask residents their opinion.”

The county council also passed a motion earlier this month calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to hold a referendum on membership of the EU.

You can complete the wind farm survey at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/windfarms

Alternatively, people can call the customer service centre on 01522 782226.

Here are details of the changes to the silver and black bin collections in South Kesteven over Christmas and New Year.

Silver Bin Collection

Was Monday, December 24 2012 - NOW Saturday, December 22 2012

Was Tuesday, December 25 2012 - NOW Monday, December 24 2012

Was Wednesday, December 26 2012 - NOW Thursday, December 27 2012

Was Thursday, December 27 2012 - NOW Friday, December 28 2012

Was Friday, December 28 2012 - NOW Saturday, December 29 2012

Black Bin Collection

Was Monday, December 31 2012 - NOW No change

Was Tuesday, January 1 2013 - NOW Wednesday, January 2nd 2013

Was Wednesday, January 2 2013 - NOW Thursday, January 3 2013

Was Thursday, January 3 2013 - NOW Friday, January 4 2013

Was Friday, January 4 2013 - NOW Saturday, January 5 2013

For more information log on to www.southkesteven.gov.uk

The youngest children at South Witham Primary School performed their take on the Nativity for parents, staff and friends before Christmas.

The Reception and KS1 classes at South Witham Community Primary School performed their “Hey Ewe!”.

Elaine Bacon of South Witham Primary School said: “The jiving kings, excited sheep and twirling angels helped the other wonderful characters to make the performance truly engaging for our largest audience to date!”

A developer’s plan to go over the head of the district council to force through a 1,000-home development at Manthorpe has failed.

Larkfleet Homes, having already seen their proposal rejected by South Kesteven District Council and their appeal to the Secretary of State shot down, took their case all the way to the High Court.

However, a High Court Judge has also sided with the district council and the planning inspector despite Larkfleet arguing that the Grantham Area Action Plan proved a bar to any development outside of it.

The judge said the GAAP “did not create a bar or practically insurmountable hurdle for the appeal proposal, as alleged by the claimant”.

Two years ago more than 400 people signed a petition created by Coun Ray Wootten against the development.

Larkfleet Homes had attempted to get planning permission for the development despite it being outside the district council’s GAAP.

Had it been given the green light it would have meant more than 6,500 new homes would be built in Grantham between now and 2026 instead of the planned 5,500.

It may also have encouraged other developers to follow suit and submit their own applications for major developments outside the action plan.

However, last month South Kesteven District Council was forced to withdraw the Grantham Area Action Plan when planning inspector Roland Punshon deemed it “not fit for purpose”. The council was told not modify its plans before resubmitting in full.

A landlord has been ordered by a court to pay almost £8,000 for failing to adhere to fire safety regulations.

Hussein Dag pleaded guilty to six counts of breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Dag owns property in Westgate, Grantham, and it is this property which Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue found was not suitably safeguarded.

Safety concerns were initially raised during an inspection by fire and rescue officers earlier this year.

Legal action was taken when Mr Dag failed to respond to the emergency service’s attempts to reach him and offer help in putting right the safety flaws.

The case was heard at Grantham Magistrates’ Court, in Harlaxton Road, on December 10.

Dag, from Grantham, was fined £6,000 and told to pay costs of £1,856 and a £15 victim surcharge.

In fining him, the chair of magistrates said: “The legislation applies to all businesses and, because of the use of these premises for sleeping accommodation, the risk in the case of fire was much greater than premises where people are not sleeping and are only present during day-time hours.”

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation, landlords and other business owners must be able to demonstrate that they have carried out a thorough process to identify fire risks in their property, think about how these may affect guests, and make sure people know what to do in case of fire.

Following the court case, Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue is urging landlords to ensure they provide tenants with adequate safety measures.

Keiron Davey, from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Mr Dag’s failure to carry out his obligations placed his tenants at serious risk.

“Some people continue to treat compliance with fire safety legislation as an option – it’s not, as the penalty in this case clearly demonstrates.

“We will continue with our efforts to take action against any business owner who refuses to take their obligations seriously because everyone visiting or staying in business premises is entitled to be safe.”

l Advice on following fire safety legislation is available to landlords and business owners from Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue. Anyone wanting help can call 01522 582222.

l Fire safety advice is available online on the organisation’s website. As well as commercial fire safety, there is guidance of fire safety in the home. Find it at http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk

Jeanne Douglas tells Journal readers what’s in the stars for 2013.

* Aries (20 March – 19 April):

It’ll be a relief to discover that partnerships will continue to improve throughout 2013. Goodness knows that you’ve had ‘your fair share’ over the last few years with having to prove your commitment to others – whether in love or business. There are still ‘others’ who insist on being evasive and difficult to understand, so can blame you when you put your foot down this new year and make it quite clear just where the boundaries are! Then – and only then – will you find the freedom that you really need to move forward.

* Taurus (20 April – 20 May):

With Saturn hovering in your relationship zone – during 2013 – you have already had a ‘taster’ of what this is all about last year. Having to accommodate others will be a necessity, considering their needs and anticipating their actions. Though all quite exhausting, you will find that all areas of your life will stabilise and this will be a joy. For raising money and expanding a business continue to bring you success and others will want to share this with you in 2013! Just watch the social invites flood in and your popularity soar.

* Gemini (21 May – 20 June):

Work circumstances throw up a bit of a challenge this year and you’ll find yourself torn in two directions. Whilst you will do anything to escape a ‘gruelling treadmill’, you are also aware that only good can come out of seeing it through. Further rewards are indeed promised as you build firm career foundations. You’re particularly pleased with positive developments in your financial circumstances! Moreover, a partner proves their loyalty and affection. Your creativity soars and you prove your mental prowess. What more could you want?!

* Cancer (21 June – 21 July):

The main theme of the year will be a growing sense of future success! At first, you will think that you are just imagining it but – as the year goes on – more and more things start to go your way. Your personality starts to blossom as your confidence takes off. Your highly sociable and gregarious approach will encourage you to take others along the way – on fabulous adventures – so ‘changes of scene’ will feature strongly. An improved ability to raise cash is also something to celebrate, especially when you can indulge in a few personal luxuries.

* Leo (22 July – 22 August):

By now, you’ll certainly be more familiar with the wonderful power and responsibility handed to you – on a plate – a good year or so ago. Only, in 2013, you’ll be much better at handling it! However, the old saying - ‘with freedom comes responsibility’ – will also prove itself this year and you certainly will always have to ‘do the most sensible thing’. Whilst your social life blooms, domestic commitments will more than bind you to the reality of existence. However, a genuine romance or love affair will really compensate!

* Virgo (23 August – 22 September):

Relationships will certainly be mysterious during 2013 – one way or another – although this doesn’t have to be disastrous. For starters, it will be quite difficult to convince a partner to see things from your point of view! At other times, you will celebrate their unfolding creativity as well as a developing gentle and more affectionate nature. Life, overall, will prove to be practically challenging as you seem to ‘trouble-shoot’ one problem and then another! When it comes to your social life, it seems that others are mightily impressed by you.

* Libra (23 September – 22 October):

Real concerns as regards your finances encourage – or rather force you – to commit yourself towards some ‘failsafe’ solution and one that will prove itself to be a rather intense direction. However, as you do so, you will achieve a sense of liberation from previous circumstances that were – in themselves – holding you back! So, as you step towards greater freedom and financial stability in 2013, you will congratulate yourself on doing so and the whole year takes on an aura of success. So much so, that you enjoy life anyway, despite ‘issues’.

* Scorpio (23 October – 21 November):

Saturn in your sign throughout 2013 will not necessarily prove to be that much of a problem – not if you learn to play the game by the rules of ‘work hard’ and ‘apply yourself’! Doing so will push you off into a new life direction so that – when you look back on this year – you will see that indeed it is full of opportunity rather than concern. Being as you naturally wield so much power and charisma this year, others will learn to step back and let you do your own thing, bringing some isolation. However, a wealthy partner provides support.

* Sagittarius (22 November – 20 December):

Happy dreams are reflected in a loved ones’ eyes during 2013. This further encourages you to pursue them – and not hold back! As the year goes on, you find further friends – or rather ‘soul mates’ - who keep you company as you make this particular journey. The essence of the game is simply ‘to enjoy yourself’ and to follow the path of least resistance, as far as settling back into a routine and stabilising your situation after an unsettling previous year. With worries on your mind and money ‘not an object’, you need to find a creative hobby.

* Capricorn (21 December – 19 January):

Life presents some emotional challenges this year, although you remain constantly optimistic that you will ‘win through’. Also, your genuine love for someone convinces you to persevere and – just for once – Capricorns will not be putting money and business ‘high on the agenda’. This is because you have been pursuing materiality over the last year or so and it is certainly time for something a little different! But you may find your social life to be challenging and basically ‘hard work’. However, a more creative approach to life is developed in 2013.

* Aquarius (20 January – 17 February):

This is the year when you ‘step into your power’ and start to believe in yourself! So you decide that it’s time to take a risk – or two – even though you are fully aware of worrisome implications should they go wrong. Happily, you are now surrounded by those who love and support you - so your confidence improves. You find yourself solving practical problems relating to life, especially when it comes to security. In fact, you’ll have ‘the edge’ as regards many situations and problems will simply dissolve this year! Financial success is linked to developing talent.

* Pisces (18 February – 19 March):

With Neptune now firmly in your sign, you are presenting as a formidable force in 2013 - although this is certainly not threatening or intimidating as far as others are concerned! For, this is the year when you come into your ‘own’ as regards your personal talents and abilities. You may find yourself retreating a little from the hum-drum affairs of life and concentrating on personal hobbies and interests involving creativity or spirituality. Some travel adventures are also certainly likely. Happily, a serious attitude to work leads to financial increase.

A long standing Grantham official has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Lincolnshire County Referees’ Association.

Footballing stalwart Mick Massingham collected the annually-awarded Richard Taylor Memorial Trophy at the Railway Club. The award is presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to refereeing. Lincs RA committee voted unanimously to put Mick in the frame for this year’s award.

Chairman of Grantham Referees’ Association, Mick received the award from Lincs RA chairman Gary Sutton, the highest ranked match official in the county, with European and Premier League matches under his belt.

Gary summarised 66-year-old Mick’s career highlights and achievements over the period which has seen him referee around 1,700 games in 34 years. He has put approximately 600 candidates through refereeing courses, becoming mentor to many over the years, with currently 25 years as chairman of the Grantham association.

Mick had a long and distinguised career as a player before picking up the whistle aged 32. He started out as a left winger for Lincoln City as a 17-year-old before transferring to Grantham in their Midland League days. He had a spell at Sleaford Town before returning to play with the Gingerbreads.

He ran Gonerby Rovers who played in the Grantham League and the Lincoln League. His playing career was ended by a troublesome knee, but he was still able to run with the whistle.

Mick said: “Age caught up with me, I think. But you don’t get tackled as a referee.”

He made a final playing comeback to represent the Terry Bly XI in the final match at London Road against a John Robertson International XI in 1990.

His officiating career began in the 1978-79 season as a Class Three referee in the Newark Sunday League. He was promoted to Class Two for the 1983-84 season and Class One in 1985-86.

Mick said the biggest games he had officiated at where Lincs County Cup finals, a Central Midland Alliance final, as well as a friendly game between Grantham Town and Rochdale

He qualified as a referee instructor in 1988 at Walsall University and became a licensed instructor at Bishop Grossteste College, Lincoln, two years later.

Mick is now a Level One instructor and has just completed his 25th year as instructor. He passed another course at Lincoln in 2002 to qualify him to mentor newly-qualified referees.

Mick said he could talk all night about player behaviour and the problems with the modern game. He said: “Eighty per cent of problems now are with dissent. It’s what comes out of their mouths. I think I played in the best era. It was a job for a referee to get a name in the book back then. It’s not nowaways.

“It must be awfully difficult to start out refereeing today. Let’s get back to good old-fashioned values.”

Plans to bring “super-fast broadband” internet access to people throughout Lincolnshire have received the backing of South Kesteven District Council.

Around £57 million of 
private and public sector money will be invested including £10 million from the county council and £4 million from district councils such as SKDC.

Drivers throughout Lincolnshire are to benefit from an investment of more than £6 million in the county’s roads.

The money has been made available by the Department for Transport to Lincolnshire County Council to be used over the next two years.

Councillor for Highways and Transportation William Webb said: “We’ll ensure that this money is put to good use and will do all we can to keep the county’s roads in the best possible condition with the cash that’s available.”

The additional £6.45 million in funding will be used for road surfacing, repairing damage caused by severe weather and other improvements.

A generous man has donated two award-winning fish to a poorly little girl just in time for Christmas.

Tony Smith, of Wilsford Lane in Ancaster, was pleased to be able to give the Discus fish, Morris and Dorris, to Caitlin Malone, who has been ill for some time after suffering from a ruptured appendix.

He said: “It was so wonderful to give them to her. Caitlin’s quite a chatty little girl but she and her mum were both crying; they were dumbfounded.”

Morris the fish had just won second prize at a show when the presentation of a new tank, equipment and the fish were made to Caitlin by the United Kingdom Discus Club.

She loved her new pets and spent the rest of the weekend looking after them.

Tony, who had entered the fish into the show for the first time, said: “Caitlin’s a lovely little girl. I know they’ve gone to a good home.

“Morris was a proper show-off so she got to know him. You could go to the front of the tank and say give us a kiss and he came up to the tank and kissed it.”

Tony got into breeding Discus fish after he broke his back in five places and suffered many other injuries when he was involved in a car crash on the High Dyke in 2008. The former electrician could not walk properly and needed something to occupy his time.

He said: “I had to give up work due to ill health. When you’ve been at work your whole life and have never had time off it is hard; I was climbing the walls.”

His wife, Diane, bought him his first tank and the hobby spiralled from there. The couple now has an entire fish room with hundreds of tropical Discus fish and Tony has become somewhat of a local expert helping others with their fish related dilemmas.

* Do you know of an act of generosity that deserves to be acknowledged? Let us know about it: e-mail comment@granthamjournal.co.uk

Reader of the Week is Debbie Rees.

What is your favourite thing about Grantham?

All the youth theatre groups.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

North Wales.

Who would you most like to meet?

I would most like to meet Kate Middleton.

TODAY: April Harsley, of Belton Lane, Grantham, is 8; Letitia Barrowcliff, of Hickling Close, Grantham, is 13.

SUNDAY: John Marshall, of Bridge End Road, Grantham, is 9; Chloe Welbourne, of Grantham Road, Ropsley, is 13; Megan Southam, of Harby Lane, Hose, is 12; Joshua Bond, of Heathfield Road, Grantham, is 13.

MONDAY: Emily Maxwell-Mees, of Nene Court, Grantham, is 8; Jasmine Gutteridge, of Derwent Road, Grantham, is 8.

The Grantham Poppy Appeal 2012 has banked £24,435.09 to date and I would like to thank the folllowing for their time and help this year.

Mr Ingamells and friends in Asda, £2,597.34

Royal Navy Assocation at Sainsbury’s, £1,956.37

Moto W H Smith shop, £165.30 and the stall, £484.13

The stall in St Peter’s Hill, £1,509.97

The stall in the Isaac Newton Centre, £1,919.28

ATC street collection, £374.45 and the ACF, £328.55

CCF evenings in Sainsbury’s £830.69

Downtown, £689.21

Boundary Mill, £239.17

Corby Glen and district, £1,092.03

Buckminster, Colsterworth and surrounding villages, £1,233.20

Croxton Kerrial and surrounding villages, £540.45

Ropsley and surrounding villages, £632.97.

For their donations: Wiltshire Foods £200, Great Gonerby WI £30, Avenue Hotel £435.18, Mrs K Palenski £276.80, to the following churches for their Remembrance Day collections: Foston £25, Corby Glen £208.91, Denton £35, Croxton Kerrial £123.07, RC £46.55, Ropsley £262.67, Barkston £163.18, Knipton £76.

Also thanks to the 29 people who collect house-to-house and deliver and collect Poppy boxes and tins, including: Mr and Mrs Church, Mr and Mrs Dawson, Mr and Mrs Turner, Mr and Mrs Howlett, Mr Sentance, Mr Knightall, Mrs Lane, Mr Ingamell, Col J Riggall MBE, Mr Knightall. Also thanks to the security people in the Isaac Newton Centre, Mr Holland and Mr Watson for the transport to and from church on Remembrance Day and many thanks, of course to the general public for your donations.

Grace Knightall

Poppy Appeal organiser

Grantham

This week’s Facebook friend is Paula Leicester, of Grantham.

A former pupil of St Wulfram’s School, she has worked as a sales assistant at Morrisons since 1998.

On her Facebook page she lists Bon Jovi, Lady Ga Ga and Michael Jackson among her favourite artists and The Bodyguard and Dirty Dancing among her favourite films.

A Bingham man has completed a 1,200 mile cycle ride through Vietnam to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Brian hopes to raise more than £1,000 for the charity as his mother has the disease. This was his first trip to Vietnam and he faced the challenge on his own. The journey took five weeks.

On reaching his destination, Ho Chi Minh City, Brian said: “I cannot believe I’ve done it. What a fantastic experience. A big thankyou to everyone who has donated and supported me. It means a lot. I hope the money goes towards making other people’s lives as happy as this trip has made me.”

If you would like to sponsor Brian you can make a donation by going to www.justgiving.com/brian-cooke-vietnam

Brian has been updating his Facebook page with news of his journey. Go to facebook.com/cooke169

On behalf of members, I would like to thank all the kind groups who have provided the club with teas during the year.

They are the Ascension Parish Ladies, Seventh Day Adventists Ladies, Marston and Hougham WI, Inner Wheel and St John’s Fellowship.

Gillian Harsley

Grantham Good Companions

I would just like to say a big thank you to the staff of the main Post Office in St Peter’s Hill, Grantham.

On Friday morning (Dec 21) I had a funny time in the Post Office and they stayed with me, made sure I was OK and safe and called an ambulance.

It’s nice to know that there are people that care.

Thanks again, happy New Year to you all.

Name and address supplied

Grantham

Pupils at West Grantham Academy St Hugh’s can let their creativity run wild in a new purpose-built part of the school.

Parents were invited to take a tour of the recently completed Elements Centre, which as well as a base for lessons such as beauty, dance and cookery, is where pupils will enter and exit the school.

They were heavily involved in the preparation of the open evening, and also played an integral role during the night. Canapes were made by students who then served them to visitors. Another group put on a Bollywood-style dance display, while others sang Christmas carols.

Demonstrations were given in the new hair and beauty room, and members of the Young Journalist Academy ran a live blog throughout the evening.

Principal Louise Bennett said she was pleased the event was so well-attended and that parents had commented on the impressive facilities.