Sankt Augustin Way remains blocked after a car and a cyclist collided earlier this morning (Friday).

A police spokesman said: “A report of a traffic collision was reported to us at 8.33 this morning. A car and cyclist collided outside the Next store on Sankt Augustin Way. There have been some minor injuries reported. The road is currently blocked at the moment, but should be accessible again very soon.”

Update: A police spokesman has added: “The cyclist has suffered minor injury. They have taken themselves to the local hospital to be checked over. The driver was uninjured and the road is clear.”

Round 11 of the Witham Wheelers 10-mile time trial league again saw heavy rain during the day mostly clear away to leave calm but damp roads for the 23 riders.

Fastest on the evening by almost 90 seconds was John Pilgrim in 22min 52sec, with Stephen Hobday improving to second with 24.13 and Simon Cocker (24.49) third.

First lady was Louise George in 27.45 from Tracey George 29.22 and Julie Clark 30.14, with Josh Kettle best youngster in 31.58

On handicap, Nev Chamberlain led the way with a 33 seconds improvement thanks to the addition of some tri-bars for the first time.

The veterans changed places this week as Michael Smalley abandoned his TT bike due to the damp conditions, allowing Simon Cocker +2.31 to just get the better of Stephen Hobday + 2.23.

After the race, the club held its annual barbecue, the proceeds of which were donated to its nominated charity Cystic Fibrosis.

Results: 1 John Pilgrim 22:52, 2 Stephen Hobday 24:13 PB, 3 Simon Cocker 24:49, 4 Matthew Kingston-Lee 24:57, 5 Tony Hardenberg 26:39, 6 Nev Chamberlain 26:40 PB, 7 Gavin Kettle 27:42, 8 Louise George 27:45, 9 Bill Harrison 28:16 PB, 10 Wayne Searle 28:21, 11 Mick Smith 28:23 PB, 12 Phil Smith 28:37, 13 Kevin Rice 29:09, 14 Guy Haws 29:19, 15 Tracey George 29:22, 16 Michael Smalley 29:51, 17 Julie Clark 30:14, 18 Barry Gell 30:44, 19 John Scott 31:54, 20 Joshua Kettle 31:58 PB, 21 Evangeline Searle 34:56 PB, 22 Brian Firbank 40:09, 23 Dave Herd DNF, 24 Chris Masters DNS.

On Tuesday it is the 18-mile circuit TT. Register to ride at Grantham Cricket Club on Gorse Lane. First rider starts at 6.45pm as usual. All welcome.

l Rapid times in the Saturday afternoon Sherwood CC 10-mile TT at Long Bennington saw Dave Strickson fastest club rider in 22.54 for 52nd overall, which gives some idea of how the standard of the sport has moved on is recent years. Anthony Hardenberg recorded 23:32 and Martin Lister finished in 23:46. Race winner was Matt Sinclair (Lutterworth Cycle Centre) with an astounding 18:58!

l On the road racing scene, Peter Cocker (Giant Rutland Wattbike) had his best result of the year in the 75-mile Flamme Rouge Kermesse held on a short 2.5-mile circuit at Cranfield, near Bedford.

A national B event for Elite/1/2/3 riders, a good quality 70-rider field stayed largely together despite the high pace until, with five laps remaining, Peter crossed the small gap to the two leaders with Ollie Maxwell (Richardsons Trek).

Working hard to extend the lead, they dropped the other two riders and, despite the efforts of several strong teams chasing, at the finish their lead was pushed out to almost 50 seconds, where Ollie was just too quick in the sprint, with Peter taking an excellent second place.

This result gave Peter enough points in the British Cycling ranking system to confirm his first category licence for the 2018 season.

Closer to home, Witham Wheelers had two riders in the 2/3 category 60-mile Bourne Wheelers East Midlands Road Race League event at Witham on the Hill.

In hot conditions on a rolling course with a strong local field, this was always going to be a tough event.

A break of seven riders went clear around half distance and, although the gap didn’t go above 1min 40sec, the bunch never looked like closing it down.

Martin Ludlam was the best club finisher, just getting into the top 20 overall, while junior Adam Egner was distanced from the bunch with a lap to go. Robert McAndrew, now racing for the MI Racing team, also finished in the bunch.

Knipton Duck Race and Country Fayre Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday, starting at 10am.

There will be a parade of hounds, children’s rides, falconry display, face painting, extensive food court, many trade stands, displays and much more.

Ample parking, free entry.

Part of Grantham’s ‘living sign’ – the only one in England – has been lovingly restored.

The restoration of the sign outside The Beehive Inn was a project led by the Grantham Civic Society, and supported by local businesses.

It dates back to at least 1783 when it was drawn by John Claude Nattes. Since that time, it is thought to have housed a continuous active beehive, making it the only ‘living sign’ in England.

It has an adjacent sign, which reads: ‘Stop traveller this wonderous sign explore, And say when thou hast view’d it o’er and o’er, Now Grantham now two rarities are thine, A lofty steeple and a living sign’.

Ruth Crook, of the civic society, said: “Recently the sign had become worn, so has been replaced and refurbished, using the original spellings, by Grantham Civic Society, and reinstated last week.

“Donations were kindly received from the landlord of the inn and Castlegate Financial Management, whose premises are adjacent to the pub on Castlegate. The donations covered the cost of the work.”

The new sign was made by local joiner David Holden, inscribed by Viking Signs and painted by Alwyn Marshall and Roger Blakeman.

Ruth added: “Grantham Civic Society is very grateful for everyone’s contribution, as it is keen to preserve both buildings and items of antiquity.”

Andy Severn, marketing director of Castlegate Financial Management, told the Journal: “We are proud to be supporting and maintaining history in Grantham.”

On Thursday, the ladies’ section of Belton Park Golf Club hosted their biggest fund-raising event for the lady captain’s charities – the local branch of the Samaritans and the South Lincs Blind Society, the Charity.

The event this year was sponsored by Inchcape Lexus cars. They donated prizes for ‘holes in one’ on the par three holes on the Brownlow course, holes (1-18). The prizes included a set of golf clubs, a weekend in Portugal and a two night stay for four people at the Forest of Arden with golf.

However, the star prize for a hole in one on the 17th, the longest par three at 154 yards from the red tee, was a Lexus 300 car.

Belton Park player Janni Pask, almost claimed this prize as her drive rolled past the hole within inches, leaving a six inch tap-in for two. Thanks go to all the members who monitored this hole from 10am in the morning until almost dusk.

The event attracted a large field, 176 ladies in total entered. The ladies were again blest with fine, warm weather. The head greenkeeper made sure the course was in excellent condition, cutting and ironing the greens to perfection before play started at 8.40am. This was reflected in the scoring.

The winning team from Belton Park on a score of 83 points comprised Marjie Thompson, Sue Walker-Sherriff, Paula Marshall and Jools Taylor. Runner was Joy Stepney, Belton Park, with her guests from John O’Gaunt GC, Dawn French, Sylvia Showan and Terry Brown on 81points, on countback from Janet Spencer-Knott, Blankney GC, Cindy Ireland, Woodall Spa GC, Val Aspland and Julie Breton, Boston West GC.

All the players enjoyed a hot buffet either at the start or end of their round, plus the chance to win a prize in the raffles.

On the Tuesday prior to the Charity Am-Am, the ladies played for the Breda Boyle Trophy, The Putting Cup and the Nora Hall Putter. This was a really warm day producing some excellent scores, resulting in handicap reductions for the winners.

The Breda Boyle Trophy, an individual stableford, was won by Gill Mahoney with an excellent score of 44 points. Janet Reilly was second with 41 points and Enid Maltby third on 40. The Putting Cup went to Joy Stepney (34), on countback from Carole Steele, with Judith Potter third on 35. The Nora Hall Putter, for senior ladies over a certain age, went to Carol Steele.

The Handicap League team played a home match against Burghley Park Golf Club, securing a 3½-½ win.

Spalding Golf Club was the venue for a friendly match for the ladies which was drawn.

Gents

One hundred and 20 players took part in the July Salver, the fifth Wallwork qualifier, in glorious conditions.

There were several players under par but the winner, with a fantastic net score of 61, was Trevor Dean. Second, also with an excellent net score of 63, was Trevor Ireland, whilst third with 65 was David Reddish on countback from Nigel Turner. Best gross went to Michael Green with an excellent 70.

The following players recorded twos: Jim Graham, Terry Richardson, Andy Lewis, Paul Skelton, Ben Bayliss, Michael Craven, Tim Stubbs, David Reddish, Jim Wiggins, James Vaughan, Steve Glenn, Trevor Ireland and Tom Cooper.

C Team

Playing away at Spalding is never easy but Belton Park captain Tony Davies said his team played well and 3-3 draw was a good result, in a battle that swung one way and then the other.

Tony thanked Spalding captain Ian Ford for the friendly welcome they had received and asked him to congratulate the greens staff for a very well presented golf course.

After the match, both teams enjoyed a well earned drink and a superb meal. All agreed it had been a most enjoyable and sporting encounter.

Outstanding for Belton were John Taylor and Dick Short who took the honours as top pair in the match.

Results (Belton names first): Tony Davies and Ian Carroll drew with Ian Ford and Greg Wright, Duncan Bagshaw and Keith Smith lost to Simon Grey and John Johnson 6&5, Martin Clarke and Neil Gray beat Nigel Morris and Andy Richardson 1 up, John Taylor and Dick Short beat Stewart Barnett and Andy Elms 2&1, Ben Bayliss and David Nock drew with Mike Murphy and Phil Smith, Martin Kelby and Simon Denton lost to Ben Blom and Roger Davey 1 down.

SUDBROOK MOOR

Following another stellar performance, there was strokeplay joy for six times Sudbrook club champion Martin Corby.

In addition to retaining Sunday’s coveted title, 32-year-old Martin’s score was part of his immensely successful day, breaking by one shot the existing gross course record, which he himself had set in March of this year, and reducing his playing handicap by 0.5 of a shot from 3.2 to 2.7.

Qualification for the Gents’ Gross Championship came from Saturday’s July Monthly Medal and 30 competitors, also bringing forward their Saturday net scores, played their hearts out for the 36-hole Handicap Championship, The Millennium Trophy.

Twenty handicap Mick Lincoln stormed through Saturday with a scorecard of five under CSS, and led the Net Field by four shots.

Playing on Sunday off a reduced handicap of 18, it would appear that without a nerve in his body Mick backed up the Saturday score with another round of four under to complete the 36-hole challenge nine under CSS, to win not only the title at his first attempt but to create a new 36-hole record.

The 18 handicap had not lasted long and, after that round, was reduced to 16.8 initially, and then a further one shot reduction for Exceptional Scoring, under Clause 23-10. A masterpiece of competitive golf from both Martin and Mick.

Incidentally, off three handicap, Martin Corby was also the runner-up to Mick Lincoln on the aggregate 36-hole net score.

The Gross Championship runner-up was 2015 winner Simon Green, with Martin Greene and John McLaren sharing third place. The day’s trophies were presented by golf shop manager Pete Martin and the proceedings officiated by competition secretary Steve Davis.

The two new club champions, Martin and Mick, were invited to represent Sudbrook Moor in the county Champions Day at Grimsby Golf Club in September, playing for The Hotchkin, Taylor and Butlin Trophies.

In the absence of Mick Lincoln, who will be on holiday, Martin Greene will compete for the Handicap Trophy as the next in line of the 36-hole net scores.

BELTON WOODS

The annual Belton Woods club championships took place last weekend.

In absolutely glorious weather, a very large field of more than 70 players, playing from white tees, competed on the Woods course on Saturday and Lakes course on Sunday in a medal format

With the flags positioned in six easy, six moderate and six difficult positions for each round, it was designed to give all handicaps a chance on both days, and this proved to be the case with some great scores being recorded.

Eventual winners were junior captain Ted Morris who recorded a great net 67 and 66 for a 133 total to take the best net prize.

Lee Williams took best gross prize with a 76 and 82 (158 total) to become 2017 club champion. Lee will receive the club championship trophy on presentation night at Belton Woods Hotel in November

Many thanks must go to the greens staff for presenting two immaculate courses, not only for the weekend, but continue to produce arguably the best courses locally. And a big thank you to committee and all who continue to support the competitions and club.

A former McDonald’s worker who strangled his pal’s 16-year-old girlfriend just hours after they met told a court he is ‘disgusted with himself’ for causing her death.

James Morton, who prosecutors say enjoyed choking women during sex, killed Hannah Pearson in a bedroom at the home in Newark.

The naked and unconscious teenager was rushed to hospital when Morton called 999 – but doctors pronounced her dead shortly after arrival.

Morton, 24, admits putting Pizza Express waitress Hannah, who had drunk so much she was struggling to stand, in bed then climbing in next to her and squeezing her throat until she was dead.

However, he denies murder, claiming her death took place accidentally as part of a sex game gone wrong after she kissed him first.

Morton, who had lost his job at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant a week before Hannah died, denied any wrongdoing while giving evidence in his own defence at a Nottingham Crown Court trial.

He said he sat across her and put a hand around Hannah’s neck, telling her that if she didn’t like it she should ask him to stop.

Asked by Sean Smith QC, defending, if he meant to do Hannah any harm, he replied: “No, not at all.”

But under cross-examination from Michael Evans QC, prosecuting, today (Friday), he accepted he ‘had a problem’ when it came to his desire of strangling women, and ‘needed help’.

However, Morton continued to deny he had deliberately killed the schoolgirl. He told the court: “It was an accident as I have said from day one.

“At no point was I ever intending Hannah to die.

“Do you not realise how disgusted I am with myself because of what happened? How much grief and guilt I have had? I didn’t eat for the first two weeks. I still have flashbacks now.

“No amount of grief or guilt can ever make it better because Hannah is still dead. I can’t change that.”

Morton added: “At no point did she try to put her hands on my wrist to push me away. We were both drunk. It was a situation we would not normally be in.

“I got too carried away with what was happening.”

He claimed Hannah had ‘started it’ by kissing him, but admitted he hadn’t asked if it was ok before he started strangling her.

The court has heard that on the day she died Hannah, of Marston, Lincs, met up with her boyfriend, Jed Hope, in a pub in Lincoln to celebrate Mr Hope’s 19th birthday on July 23 last year.

Morton, a ‘close’ friend of Mr Hope’s, was already at the pub when Hannah arrived. It was the first time she had met her alleged killer.

The trio drank in the pub and bought more alcohol at a convenience store before Morton, whose parents were away, invited the couple to his house.

Mr Hope said he could not afford the train fare but wasn’t allowed overnight visitors at his home so Hannah, who had told her mother she would be staying over at someone’s house, went alone - with the intention her boyfriend would join them there early the next morning.

Jurors heard that Morton’s parents were away from the house on holiday when Hannah died.

Prosecutor Mr Evans, opening the case last week, alleged Morton was responsible for Hannah’s death.

Mr Evans told jurors: “This was no accident. He was someone who increasingly enjoyed the sensation of strangling women. He knew it was dangerous, that is what turned him on.

“The defendant admitted to enjoying the sensation of strangling women during sex. He admitted enjoying the feeling of domination.

“We suggest, on the evidence you will hear, that it would have been obvious to him that he was causing really serious harm. We say that on this night, his increasing obsession with strangulation reached a different level.

“On his own account, he was sober, she was not. He was in control, she was not. And by his description, he knew exactly what he was doing.”

The trial continues.

A woman who bit a prison officer after being caught trying to smuggle drugs into Lincoln Jail was today locked up for six months.

Nicola Dowell attracted the attention of staff at the Greetwell Road jail after she was seen acting suspiciously in the visiting area where she had gone to see her partner.

Phil Howes, prosecuting, told Lincoln Crown Court that initially a prison officer who checked out the situation could find nothing untoward.

Mr Howes said: “Ten minutes later there was further concern at her conduct and she was told she would be searched. She became aggressive and distressed. She was trying to put her hands inside her waist band.

“She was taken to a side room. She was aggressive and abusive. She tried to bite one of the officers and during the incident another officer was holding the defendant’s left arm. The officer was bitten on the forearm by the defendant.

“Eventually the defendant was over-powered and hand-cuffed. She then became apologetic and admitted she had something on her. She produced a small parcel from her inner thigh.”

The parcel was found to contain 43.74 grammes of synthetic cannabis.

The court was told that she had 72 previous convictions for 212 offences spread over 24 years.

Dowell, 41, of Castlegate, Grantham, admitted conveying a banned item into prison as a result of the incident on January 10 this year. She also admitted a charge of assault by beating.

Mark Watson, in mitigation, said Dowell had been pressured into taking the drugs into prison to her partner and had received threats and calls to her mobile phone.

“She had absolutely nothing to gain and everything to lose for doing this.

“Had she got away with it the pressure would probably have continued because that’s the way it works.”

He said that Dowell had a long-standing drugs problem herself and her father has prostate cancer which has since spread.

Recorder Mrs Anupuma Thompson, passing sentence, told Dowell: “Bringing drugs into prison is a very serious matter. It is inevitable that an immediate custodial sentence has to be passed.”

The Mayor of Grantham joined college students for the annual student awards at Grantham college last Thursday, in celebration of the college’s 70th birthday. Held every year and hosted by the chief executive Linda Houtby, family and friends were also invited along to celebrate the students hard work.

Marketing manager Jasmine Abeysekera was pleased with the turnout.

She said: “A student from each course won an award and was therefore invited to the evening along with a couple of guests. We had over 300 people turn up with some people having to stand. It was great to see the tremendous amount of support for our students.”

Sponsors including RAF Wittering, IML Technology, SKDC, NCS, Bishop Grosseteste University, Salon Services and Eve Taylor, London, also got to present their awards before guests listened to several speeches from the chair of governors, a learning development student and from an ex-student.

Each course leader was asked to select one student from their course who they thought deserved to win an award before an overall student of the year was chosen. It was no easy feat with some course leaders struggling to narrow it down to just one student.

Jasmine added: “The award winners didnt need to be earning the highest grades but maybe they’ve shown sheer determination or overcome health problems to get this far. We recognise that working hard is more than just achieving top grades.”

But it wasn’t just students who were being praised. Business lecturer Linda Chapman became the first member of staff to be awarded with the colleges first staff award after receiving the most nominations from her students.

Jeremy Burton was chosen as student of the year for his dedication to his art work.

He said: “At the start of the year, I applied for two courses, the HNC and the foundation diploma in arts and design but I was advised to do the foundation. I am glad that I made the decision of choosing the BTEC Foundation Diploma Level 3/4 course as it has made me confident as a person and an artist. My tutor Diana Ali (from the big painting challenge) has supported me with my work and travelled around the country exploring and gaining experiences. I had no idea that I was going to be student of the year so I was surprised and very happy to be awarded with it. My tutor thought that I deserved it due to my hard work and going through a journey of being unnoticed. My next step is to go to London Metropolitan University to study BA (Hons) illustration. I have the art department to thank for my award.”

Jeremy is not the only student to have thrived at the college.

Jasmine added: “We have seen a large increase in the number of higher education applicants as many students are opting to stay in higher education at college rather than going on to university.”

At the end of the ceremony, guests were invited to stay for food and drinks and even had the opportunity to strike their best poses in a photo booth.

Jasmine added: “We wanted to have abit of light hearted fun to the evening as a celebration of everyones work and to say ‘we made it.’

Two police officers, based in Grantham, have won bravery awards after tackling robbers, one armed with a pump-action shotgun.

Sergeants David Wilson and Iain McIvor have been named as Region 4 (Eastern) winners at the 22nd National Police Bravery Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour and recognise police officers who perform outstanding acts of bravery.

The harrowing events of that night of January 6 last year were partly caught on CCTV which shows the officers confronting the robbers as they try to make their getaway.

The two officers were off duty in Newark and celebrating Sgt McIvor’s promotion, but as they left a pub they heard noise coming from a nearby jeweller’s.

They approached the shop and realised there was an armed robbery in progress. They entered the shop and identified themselves as police officers and as they did so one offender, carrying a pump-action shotgun, came out of the premises towards them pointing the firearm directly at them.

He pumped the barrel, yelling “Get back or I’ll shoot”. He was then swiftly followed out of the shop by others armed with lump hammers.

The officers backed away but still persisted in dealing with the incident, and Sgt McIvor wrestled with the gunman as he attempted to get into a getaway car. As he held on he ended up being dragged down the street by the vehicle as it sped off, before he fell to the ground from the car a short distance away.

After ensuring they were both okay, that the store was secured and the staff in the jeweller’s were safe, the two officers called 999 and waited for the Nottinghamshire Police to take over the scene, looking after the traumatised shop staff until they arrived.

Although confronted with armed men, the officers were able to retain enough information to help lead to the arrest of the offenders. Charges included conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent and conspiracy to handle stolen goods.

Eleven offenders pleaded guilty at court, and a 12th was found guilty at trial. After receiving their award from Sara Thornton, the head of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Sgt Wilson said: “I feel so privileged to have won the award and proud of what happened on the night. You feel humbled to listen to the other stories from around the country, so we’re so very proud to win ourselves.”

Sgt McIlvor said: “As harrowing as it is to watch it back, I would do it again – it’s what the police do. It’s been fantastic to be here at the Police Bravery Awards.”

Jon Hassall, Chair of Lincolnshire Police Federation said: “These two officers, who were off-duty, and had zero protective equipment made the heroic decision to act in the face of incredible danger. This is an incredible example of bravery in the finest traditions of the British Police Service. I am so proud of their actions and am thrilled that they have won this award.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: “Every nominee at this year’s awards has shown outstanding courage and thoroughly deserves to be recognised. Your continued bravery helps ensure that millions of people in our country are kept safe, which is perhaps more important than ever given recent events across the world. This is why we proudly continue to support this event.”

A former driving instructor is hoping to set up an electric vehicle (EV) group for fellow EV enthusiasts.

David Pepperdine, 69, of Avenue Road, Grantham, spent 35 years running Phoenix 7 Driver Education, before retiring in 2013, and has since been converted after purchasing his fully-electric Nissan LEAF last year. It is now the UK’s best selling plug-in car in the first six months of 2017,

David travels around the county as an EV champion and hopes to find fellow EV enthusiasts closer to home.

He said: “There is a national Facebook group for LEAFs but nothing local.”

David hopes he can use the group to connect with other EV owners and promote their benefits, adding: “I was first drawn to EVs as a way to cut fuel costs and emissions.”

David is not the only car buyer switching on to the cost-saving and environmental benefits as more than 22,400 plug-in models were registered between January and June of this year, a rise of 14.3 per cent on 2016 and 53.8 per cent up on the same period in 2015.

There are now over 100,000 plug-in cars and vans registered in the UK.

But David understands that it can difficult in the beginning.

He added: “The initial cost can be difficult but the long-term benefits are worth it.

“I’m often asked about charging.

“With a petrol car, you can fill up almost anywhere but with an EV, you just need to plan your journey and look up charging points. A slow charger takes eight to 10 hours to charge but only 30 minutes on a rapid charge.

“My LEAF can go 80 miles before it needs charging but there are cars coming on to the market that have a true range of 150-200 miles on a charge, so it is getting better all the time.”

For more information about the fan club, email
pepsphx7@hotmail.co.uk

Year 11 students from Priory Ruskin Academy went to the Drill Hall in Lincoln to showcase their GCSE Product Design Coursework at the Design Academy Awards.

The students’ design brief had been to design and make sportswear for a variety of different sports and activities including rock-climbing, mountain biking, dance, swimming, basketball, horse-riding and netball. Their effort and determination were rewarded on the night, winning the Best Collection and Best Sketchbook awards.

This is a huge achievement for the students who have work tirelessly over the last 18 months to produce professional products along with packaging and advertising campaigns. They have learnt skills in Graphic Design, Product Design, Packaging Design, Manufacturing, Sewing, Photography, Printing, Advertising and Marketing to produce products that could easily be found in sport shops.

Mrs Greenfield, Product Design teacher at Ruskin said: “I am incredibly proud of all of my students for working so hard over the last two years. It has been wonderful to see them develop and grow into professional and forward thinking young designers. I hope in the future that they will go on to have a successful and rewarding career in the design industry.”

A one wicket defeat for Grantham 2nd saw Skegness rise to the top of the South Lincs and Border League

Premier Division, where they lead Billingborough by just five points.

Division One saw defeat for challengers Welby Cavaliers, whilst Graves Park opened up a clear lead at the top of Division Two.

Martin Parmley hit an unbeaten 106 for Grantham against Skegness, taking his side to 238 for five at the close.

Lachlan King fought back with 94 for the visitors but the Grantham bowlers stuck to their task and nine wickets had fallen before Skegness claimed victory.

This put Skegness equal on games with Billingborough who were without a match and these two have opened up a gap over Sleaford 2nd who beat Bourne 2nd by seven wickets, Ben Hutson taking six wickets and Simon Godby hitting an unbeaten 53.

Matthew Hood’s 115 not out for Boston 2nd and 73 for Mahir Yuseff saw their side to 243 for nine at Stamford where Dan Fox then took six wickets as the home side were all out for 165.

And Matthew Haslam took five wickets for Woodhall Spa 2nd in their nine wicket victory over Market Deeping 2nd, Matthew Sargeant hitting 63 for Woodhall.

Long Sutton now lead Division One by 27 points after beating Claypole by nine wickets, whilst Welby were going down to Moulton Harrox who finished 186 for eight before bowling their hosts out for 106.

This puts Welby and Baston on equal points in second place after Baston won a low scoring game against Belton Park by six wickets, after bowling their visitors out for 87 (see separate report).

Graves Park scored a similar win over Belton Park 2nd in Division Two, bowling their opponents out for 97 and going on to win by eight wickets to open up a 24 point lead over Heckington.

Results: Premier Division – Market Deeping 2nd 144 (Haslam 5-25), Woodhall Spa 2nd 147-1 (Sargeant 63); Grantham 238-5 (Parmley 106no), Skegness 239-9 (King 94); Boston 2nd 243-9 (Hood 115no, Yuseff 73), Stamford Town 165 (Fox 6-53); Bourne 2nd 118 (Hutson 6-42), Sleaford 119-3 (Godby 53no). Division One – Belton Park 87, Baston 90-4; Moulton Harrox 186-8 (Barnett 50), Welby Cavaliers 106; Claypole 112, Long Sutton 115-1. Division Two – Belton Park 2nd 97, Graves Park 101-2.

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Marc Jones is not someone who likes to sit behind a desk.

When he’s not busy out meeting the public or organisations, he’s busy interacting with his followers and sharing his news on Twitter.

He says he attended 270 meetings across the county with community representatives over 12 months.

“It is fascinating getting out and meeting people and seeing the things they do and achieve in the community,” he told us.

But he’s keen to get across that he’s “not a cop”.

“I know some PCCs wear police style jackets with PCC written on them but I am very clear that I’m not a cop.”

The role of the PCC is an elected one by the people. The description of the role is that the PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They are responsible for the “totality of policing”.

Mr Jones, 45, was elected into the role for Lincolnshire in May last year and has hit the ground running from day one.

He is a big fan of Twitter and regularly tweets out what he’s been up to.

He said: “I have tried to be as public as possible. I try to give an honest answer to questions.

“Twitter is brilliant for that and also in making contacts, whether that is on a national or international basis, to help deliver better services.”

Among campaigns that Mr Jones has been heavily involved in has been the pioneering rural crime strategy. This has seen Lincolnshire Police receive its first drone which will not only be used in tackling crimes such as hare-coursing but also in missing person searches and assisting with fire and rescue – for instance if someone is trapped in a building.

The drone was used during an industrial accident involving a HGV at Stainby Quarry, Buckminster, last week, in which a man died.

It is also equipped with thermal imagery which could help identify someone who is stranded.

Mr Jones said: “It was clear in the months before the election that people felt their safety was paramount.

“It wasn’t just about rural crime, it was about rural safety. It is about protecting the vulnerable in their homes. It is much wider than just rural crime.”

The introduction of sobriety tags is another successful initiative. Funded by his office, the aim is to tackle alcohol related crime.

Sobriety tags are an ankle bracelet which detect alcohol levels in the wearer’s sweat and alert the authorities when someone has breached an abstinence order.

His first year has also seen the appointment of a new Chief Constable for Lincolnshire Police, Bill Skelly.

“We found the right man for the job,” Mr Jones said.

Mr Jones is deputy of the Victims Standing Group, a group run by PCCs to support victims of crime. That includes people targeted by cyber criminals.

And he has been very vocal in his campaign for a fairer financial deal for police in Lincolnshire.

“The Government agrees that the public funding does not work out but then a general election was called,” he said.

“The world has changed after the terrorist attacks.

“The Met (Metropolitan Police) gets £300 per head of the population and Lincolnshire gets £88.

“Nottingham gets £119 per head and Humberside gets £132 per head.

“The chances, and morally, of money being taken from the Met at the moment are questionable.

“I will continue to speak to our MPs and Government but it is about whether we get more money or have less services.

“The conversation with Government is not over.

“I was very disappointed recently when we put in for funding for projects for violence against women and girls. There was £17 million available and we asked for £900,000 for the projects. We didn’t get any. I will be writing to Government to make clear my disappointment.”

We asked Mr Jones how he balances his work life with his social life.

He joked: “My wife (Rachel) might say I balance it badly but I try to keep the balance to two-three engagements a week.

“But an example is when I was down in London with the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. I rushed across London by tube then on to the 6.06pm train home to sit down just as the curtains opened on my daughter’s play.

“She is about to turn nine and I will not have her penalised because of my job. I do make sure I have a family life.

“Most of what the police do the public never see, which I am really pleased about, but understand the complexity of what goes on.

“The police have a massive rural challenge every day.”

South Lincs & Border League

Division One

Belton Park 87

Baston 90-4

Belton Park chose to bat first and struggled on what proved to be a difficult track, quickly losing two wickets.

Richard Cocks and Will Helliwell then set about putting a partnership together before Helliwell was well caught for 19. The consistently accurate Adam Hilless (3-16) and Liam Davies ( 3-25) then triggered a middle order collapse, whilst Belton opener Cocks held the innings together with a resolute 22, before being the eighth wicket to fall.

There was additional resistance from Matt Cocks (10), James Martin (10) and Ollie Stanley (10no), before John Lamin (4-11) polished off the innings.

Rohan Perera with a miserly 2-14 off his 12 overs made initial inroads into the Baston reply.

With the total on 30, possibly the turning point of the match then followed as James Tickler survived a strong appeal for a catch behind the wicket, and took full advantage to finish on 40 not out and see his team home, despite Justin Helliwell (2-9) adding some late pressure.

The most important thing that will be happening in Parliament for the next two years is the negotiation of Britain’s departure from the European Union.

If we make a success of it, we have every reason to be confident of our country’s future and can turn our full attention back to some of the problems we face here at home. If we make a hash of it, our prosperity and our status in the world will be permanently downgraded, and we will have much less money to spend on priorities like the NHS. The stakes could not be higher.

I am not an expert in the fine detail of customs arrangements and regulatory equivalence (and would rather chew my own arm off than become one.) But I believe very strongly that there is a right way and a wrong way of handling the Brexit negotiations. The right way involves being very clear about our long-term objective. This is to agree a new partnership with the European Union based on free trade and close cooperation but outside the Single Market and the Customs Union, so we can control our borders and strike our own free trade agreements with other countries around the world. Being clear about our destination, we should be willing to be pragmatic, flexible and patient about the road we take to get there.

Business leaders have recently asked for a long transition in which we stay in the Single Market while we work out the details of a new set of arrangements outside the EU. The open-ended transition that they propose would be a mistake as it would lead people to wonder if we were ever actually going to leave the EU. But I think we should be doing everything we can to provide maximum reassurance to investors, and maximum time for businesses to adjust to life outside the EU. So I favour a three-year transition, starting in March 2019, in which we join the European Free Trade Association and become temporary members of the European Economic Area like Norway. For those three years we would be outside the EU but in the Single Market, paying a contribution to the EU and accepting some version of freedom of movement. These would all be temporary concessions buying us enough time to negotiate the detail of the new free trade agreement and other aspects of our long term partnership. In March 2022, before the next election, we would leave the European Economic Area and start our new life as a fully independent nation, in control of our money, our borders and our laws.

Leaving the EU is an enormous undertaking, the biggest since World War Two. It’s worth taking time to get it right so we can deliver the prosperous future that the British people want to see.

I visited Grantham on a short tour of the East Midlands in late June this year and was pleased to see such a bustling little town.

Compared to my own home town, where shops come and go within a few months, dozens of high street premises lie empty and large prominent buildings have become derelict eyesores at the hands of uncaring private owners living elsewhere, I was surprised to read a recent letter to this publication (Grantham Journal Facebook, July 8, 2017) where the author stated they were ashamed to say they lived in Grantham.

On my visit, almost every shop was occupied by larger, as well as independent, retailers.

Your publicly owned spaces were maintained reasonably well.

Traffic flowed easily and everyone I encountered was extremely friendly. To see the Tollemache Inn almost full to capacity on a Tuesday night was an unusual sight for someone whose local pubs struggle to attract such large numbers of customers.

My own town of Crieff, in Scotland, is a holiday town which has seen a decline since the arrival of cheap package holidays. Independent shops have struggled to compete with internet retail but the more innovative businesses survive.

We do have something in common with Grantham and that is an internationally-known local. Ours is Ewan McGregor. Yours is Margaret Thatcher.

I’m currently trying to encourage my town to promote our Hollywood link to grow more interest for visitors.

I did notice Grantham hasn’t taken this approach, but perhaps am not too surprised!

Craig Finlay

Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland

Year 10 KGGS student Amy Hunt is heading to Ireland this weekend after she qualified to run for England in the Schools International meeting at Dublin.

Representing Lincolnshire in the English Schools Athletics Championships in Birmingham at the weekend, sprinter Amy dominated the under-17 girls 100 metres – winning her heat, her semi-final and then the final.

She was feeling good going into the English Championships, as training had been going well and she had been running consistently for a number of weeks.

This year Amy has moved up a year group to under-17 in the national rankings and Intermediate Girls for schools competitions.

The championships were held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium which was the venue the previous weekend for the British Athletics Team Trials.

Amy was in heat four of the 100m on Friday morning and had a nice relaxed run to finish first in 12.13 seconds which, though only the third fastest heat, saw her conserve energy by not running too fast and easing down considerably 10 metres from the finish line.

In the afternoon’s semi-final, Amy was up against some very quick girls but, again, enjoyed a nice, easy run to finish first in 11.77 seconds, which proved to be the fastest semi-finals performance.

This gave her great confidence going into the final, and a good night’s sleep saw her feeling ready and refreshed for Saturday’s climax.

Amy had two very quick starters either side of her in the final, whilst her main rivals in terms of time were on her right hand side.

After a reasonable start, she was up near the front after 10 metres and never looked back as she scorched home in 11.76 seconds and a good two metres in front of the runner-up place.

Her time was the second quickest in the UK this year – the fastest being her own 11.66 run at

the Loughborough International.

She was over the moon to have triumphed again to make it three wins out of three at these championships.

The first two finishers in each discipline at this competition at intermediate level were chosen to represent English Schools against Ireland, Wales and Scotland in Dublin, to which Amy is ecstatic to be going.

This goes some way in making up for her not being eligible for selection for the English Youth Commonwealth team, as Amy was too young in accordance with the English Athletics selection policy of taking athletes born in 2000 and 2001; Amy was born in 2002.

Amy said: “I am extremely happy to win gold in the 100m at English Schools for a third time and honoured to represent England next week in Dublin.

“I really enjoyed the experience again and loved to run at Alexander Stadium a week after the British Trials.

“I was pleased with my series of runs and it was good to have the three races over two days as a practice for future competitions.”

More than 60 former 
members of the Women’s RAF reunited at the weekend to take a trip down memeory lane at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham.

The women, who all trained at the site, then known as RAF Spitalgate, were guests of the barracks from Friday through to Sunday. They travelled from far and wide, including the Orkney Islands and Holland.

Pauline Cantrell-Stephenson, who organised the reunion, said the women were given the opportunity to be accommodated in one of the old reception blocks to enable WRAFs to “relive their heady, enjoyable and nostalgic youthful days again and to attend buffets and events in the Sergeants’ Mess where various military entertainers will perform”.

This was the third reunion and by far the best attended. Those WRAF veterans who wore their uniforms are members of the Royal Air Force Association Women’s Royal Air Force Branch (RAFA WRAF), but for the purposes of this special RAF Spitalgate reunion, sported the WRAF Depot Blazer Badge on their uniform jackets instead.

One of those attending the reunion was Moira Byers, who arrived at RAF Spitalgate in 1967. She was just 17 and came from the small island of Eday in the Orkneys, home to little more than 100 people.

Moira said: “I find it quite unbelievable that I did this at such a young age. It’s incredible to come back and find I was part of all this.

“I feel very proud to come back and be part of the WRAF.”

Pauline Van Dyke travelled from Holland, where she has lived for 50 years. She was at the base in 1965.

“It’s like going back in time,” she said. “I love it. I think about how it all started and it was here.

“I am English with a Dutch passport, but I am English through and through!”

The women were invited into the officers’ mess to share their memories and get to know each other.

Pat Sparkes said: “This is hallowed ground! We would never have been allowed to go in there.”

Barbara Ann Clough, from West Yorkshire, said: “It’s fun to be back.”

Some of the WRAF veterans continue to be involved in organisations such as the Royal Air Force Association WRAF Branch and the Royal British Legion, taking part in Armed and Allied Forces Parades and Wings Appeal events around the country to raise much needed funds to support service personnel.

This year, WRAF veterans will take part in the Cenotaph Parade, Whitehall, the Rememberance Service at The Royal Albert Hall and the Ceremony of the Keys at The Tower of London.

An ex-WRAF officer, who was stationed at RAF Spitalgate to assist with WRAF training, Flt Lt KT Elliot, attended the reunion and she is currently writing a book on the history of RAF Spitalgate.

Reunion organiser Pauline said: “Post reunion, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly for the 40 or so ladies who were fortunate enough to be accommodated on camp. This enhanced the trip down memory lane, as 12- bed space rooms and shared ablutions were a legend of almost five decades ago, but could have only been last week when we were there!

“With no TV, radio or Wi-Fi, we were transported back to a time of camarardarie, conversation and communication, a welcome respite from bombardment of today’s multimeddia.

“To a (wo)man, we would do it all again and join the WRAF.

“The opportunity to tour the barracks and visit buildings that had not changed since our time there, and to be hosted at dinners within the Sergeants’ Mess, was an opportunity we could not afford to miss.

“All of this was made possible by the Commanding Officer of Prince William of Gloucester Barracks and his men, who looked after us so well, and to whom we shall be eternally grateful.

“The reunion period also afforded us the opportunity to visit RAF Coningsby’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Museum to see their historic aircraft, the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.”

In September 1958, the first Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) trainees entered the gates of RAF Spitalgate, Grantham, to undertake six weeks’ basic training to prepare them for their chosen RAF careers.

On June 30, 1960, RAF Spitalgate was disbanded and reformed as the WRAF Depot on July 1, 1960.

The last passing out parade took place on March 20, 1974, before the camp was handed over to the Army, and became Prince William of Gloucester Barracks.

In that period, thousands of WRAFs completed their training and went on to a varied range of trade training courses throughout the UK, before being posted at home and abroad.

Some WRAFs even returned to the the WRAF Depot at RAF Spitalgate as officers and non-commissioned officers to train future
WRAFs.

South Notts League

Division A

Belvoir 293-7

Kimberley 296-6

A total of 589 runs! They should have charged admission – not just runs but excitement, elegance and brutality in equal measure.

A sublime off-drive to the boundary characterised a class-ridden innings from Belvoir’s Olly Clayfield, cruelly run out four shy of his century.

He and Captain Lewis Dann (120) added 165 for the fourth wicket in 30 overs, with the latter knocking off a century that had everything from a cautious start, through a busy accumulation of quick singles, to outright attack that saw three big sixes in a flurry of boundaries – his last 70 runs coming from 49 balls. In the latter part of the innings, he was ably supported by a pugnacious Sam Penford (28 at a run-a-ball).

In reply, Ben Buckley rushed to 32 before his opening partner had got off the mark. This included a sequence of four, five and six off successive balls.

Both were reined in somewhat by a fired-up Joe Bottomley and the nagging Andy Dann. But it was Jamie Gilbertson who took the first wicket, bowling Buckley behind his legs for 80.

Matt Dean (49) was snaffled by Danny Wilson off the persistent Bottomley who added a second in his next over when he castled Josh Bembridge. By now, Kimberley needed 141 at more than eight per over.

John Terry (73no) and Danny Williams (34), in a flurry of improvisation, pillaged 52 from 38 balls, reducing the requirement to just under eight per over when Williams was brilliantly caught running up the slope at deep mid-off by Fraser Fentem.

Archie Moore (18) added to the entertainment as two four-run overs were balanced by one at 10 and another at 12. He was bowled by Fentem and there was a crazy run out that brought captain Carl Blake to the wicket.

The required rate is now nine. Blake and Terry plundered 21 from the next two overs before being stifled for by an inexhaustible Bottomley (16-0-79-3). But Terry launched a brace of mighty sixes and Blake thumped a four in the next over.

Fittingly, it was a rampant Terry who clinched the win in the 49th over with three more powerful boundaries.

Bitter disappointment for Belvoir – but not a single one should hang their head; this had been cricket at its best.

Work experience is becoming an increasingly desired item to have on a CV. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a young person who is still at school or college or you’re someone who is part way through your career, showing that you have lots of skills both socially and professionally is crucial. Work experience provides many benefits, giving you skills and experience that will allow you stand out to potential employers as well as helping you choose the right sector to work in.

Whilst having good grades and a wealth of knowledge will always be highly respected, more and more businesses & companies now look to your work experience to see what you are capable of. Having already worked in a line of work similar to what you would like to go into in the future shows that you will already know the basics, it shows that you have tried it and you are serious about your application and that you are committed to your work. Not only does it boost your CV, it differentiates you from others, it boosts confidence, improves work ethic and gets you into the routine of working life.

Work experience also equips you with certain soft skills such as team work, communication skills and commercial awareness, all of which are sought after by employers. Work experience doesn’t necessarily have to be in an area that’s related to what you’re studying currently or what you would like to go into in the future but it certainly helps. From an employer’s perspective, seeing that a potential employee has already been in a similar environment, doing the sorts of things that they could potentially be doing when they work with you is always a bonus.

Having done work experience abroad is even more of a bonus to both you and an employer. An employer can see that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, you are willing to try new things and can stand on your own two feet in an unfamiliar place.

For you, you get to experience a new country and its culture, see how businesses differ abroad, make foreign friends and maybe you’ll even learn a new language. Look at programmes like Erasmus which many colleges offer for all expenses paid work experience abroad. There are also other companies which aren’t linked to education providers which will help you find voluntary work abroad.

If you’re now at the start of your summer holidays and have six weeks of free time, search for some work experience to keep you busy and boost your CV. Even if it’s one day a week, you will reap the benefits long term. Don’t waste your summer; think about your future! Good luck!