Residents across the county will be given special training and radar guns in a new initiative designed to improve road safety in Lincolnshire.

Drivers caught speeding by the volunteers will be sent a warning letter and road safety advice under the new enhanced Community Speed Watch Scheme.

The project, instigated by Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, will be officially unveiled at the county’s first ever Road Safety Summit on Friday (November 3) at Belton Woods Hotel, Grantham.

Speed Watch, started in 2014, currently operates in 170 of the 507 parishes across the county and largely involves placing portable speed notification signs in speeding hot spots.

The new improved Watch will see a vastly enhanced project, with local residents given appropriate training and radar guns to check the speed of passing motorists.

The project is just one of the initiatives being showcased at the summit, opened by the Minister of State for Transport John Hayes.

Other experts giving presentations at the event include officials from road safety charity Brake, the public health division of Lincolnshire County Council, officers from South Wales Police showcasing Operation Snap, advisers and analysts from Road Safety Analysis Ltd and Road Safety Support Ltd, and Lincolnshire own Road Safety Partnership.

Nearly 100 delegates from across the region will be in attendance at the event, organised by the PCC’s office in conjunction with Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership

Mr Jones said: “Although much good work has been done over the past decade to reduce the death toll on our roads it is a sad fact that there are still too many families devastated by the tragic loss of life.

“Despite a spike in lives lost last year it is important to remember that deaths have reduced by 50 per cent in the last decade – in no small measure due to the good work done by the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.

“But they cannot solve the problems alone and that is why I have called the summit. I am determined that we all learn from experience elsewhere, exploring innovation and seeing whether we can extend schemes that already have a proven track record.

“There will be no easy solutions but that should not stop us doing everything we can to keep our communities safe.

United Counties League

Division One

Harrowby United 2

S&L Corby 1

Harrowby United entertained the league’s current basement team on a blustery afternoon at Dickens Road, and ran out narrow winners by the odd goal in three.

If the Arrows thought they would have an easy afternoon in front of them, as the Foundrymen are still looking for their first point of the season, it proved to be far from the case.

The young S&L side side started brightly and the lively Rolandas Lukesaitas brought a fine early save from Arrows custodian Sam Andrew who had to get down smartly to his right to palm away the striker’s shot from the edge of the box. Harrowby responded when Sam Grouse had a shot from a narrow angle on the right blocked at the expense of a corner by Donald Shyti.

Just past the hour mark, S&L’s stand-in goalkeeper, manager Ian Benjamin, made a tremendous save as a cross from the left by Grouse was met by Joe Briers whose powerful right foot shot was pushed on to the cross bar and over for a corner.

In the 38th minute, Harrowby again hit the woodwork when a throw-in was flicked on by Luke Peberdy to Grouse who turned smartly to make room for a shot which clipped the bar and went behind for a goal kick.

The game became quite open and four minutes before the break, Andrew made the save of the game when a long punt upfield was picked up by Lukesaitas who cut in from the right to fire in a low shot that looked destined for the bottom corner, until Andrew flung himself to his left to turn the ball around the post at full stretch.

The visitors started the second half well and, in the 48th minute, Lukesaitas was played through on goal but, with just Andrew to beat, scuffed a tame shot wide of the left hand post.

Just past the hour mark, Harowby took the lead. A cross into the box from the right by Tawanda Bilson saw Grouse impeded by Greg Purcell. The contact was minimal but the defender’s arm across the Arrows’ top scorer was considered enough for referee Mr Marsden to award a penalty kick. Grouse picked himself up to slot the ball home off the inside of the left hand upright.

The visitors’ heads didn’t drop and they forced an equaliser in the 71st minute. Harrowby’s defence switched off as a throw came in from the right. The ball was flicked on by Adam Frisch, finding its way past a static back line to substitute Robert Bain who shot home from close range.

In the 76th minute, Grouse advanced down the right before crossing to an unmarked Felix Hogg on the edge of the penalty area, but the Arrows midfielder got under the ball and his shot flew over the bar.

A minute later, Harrowby were awarded their second spot kick of the afternoon, this time far more clear cut. A cross from the left was heading the way of Bilson who was pushed in the back, denying him a header and Mr Marsden, supported by his assistant Mr Giles, awarded the penalty. Grouse again stepped up and emphatically despatched the ball into the net to restore Harrowby’s lead.

Harrowby almost extended their advantage with six minutes left to play when substitute Liam Smith chased down a long ball, passed to Bilson who moved the ball inside to debutant Leighton Simmonds, who shot just wide.

The final minutes passed without incident to give the three points to Harrowby, although the Corby side equipped themselves well.

Harrowby United: Andrew, Currall, Havron, Whyley, Bilson (McCartney 90), Phillip, Briers, Hogg, John (Simmonds 74), Peberdy (Smith 45), Grouse. Subs not used: Wroughton, Parker-Lax.

RFU Senior Vase

Third round

Kesteven 21

St Ives 41

A bright and breezy day welcomed St Ives to Woodnook in the RFU Senior Vase.

Kesteven introduced Damon Subritzky to the side for his debut in the back row, while Ben Betts came in on the wing for the unavailable Harry Cox. Will Cann made his first start of the season in the centre.

Kesteven kicked off and were stung in the first minute as St Ives ran in a try from their own 22. The conversion put them seven points down before most of the spectators had emerged from the clubhouse.

St Ives continued to dominate the early play and Kesteven conceded a number of penalties. When Rob Windsor was judged not to have released the ball under his own posts, he was sent to the sin bin. St Ives kicked the penalty to open up a 10-0 lead.

The home side gathered themselves and got into the game. Pirie left the field with a shoulder injury to be replaced by Will Pert as Ks got into the visitors’ half, with the pack starting to make an impact.

They got their reward five minutes before the break. Tweddle used his strength well to get up to five metres from the line. When he was tackled, he slipped a sublime offload to Pert who came up at pace to storm over for the opening try. Galloway converted and Ks were in the game.

They dominated the remainder of the half and took the lead with a well constructed try. Galloway kicked a penalty to the corner. The pack probed left with a couple of pick-and-goes before swift hands from Draper to Galloway paved the way for Turner to race in at a perfect angle to score. Galloway’s conversion had Kesteven in a 14-10 lead at half time.

The second half started with St Ives getting back in front with their second try before the home side replied.

Again Galloway used the touchline well and when Sheardown won the line-out Galloway was able to throw a long pass out to Betts. The wing got to within five metres and when he was stopped, Windsor followed up to score. Galloway added a magnificent conversion from the touchline to take Kesteven into a 21-17 lead.

Both sides continued to play strongly but it was St Ives who came out on top. Their stand-off had a great boot on him and he kept Kesteven pinned down in their own half.

They regained the lead midway through the half and tackled with great determination to ensure that Kesteven never had another chance. They sealed the game with three more tries in the last 10 minutes.

These late scores flattered the visitors and did not reflect the closeness of the contest. There is no doubt, however, that the visitors deserved the win.

For Kesteven, Sheardown Brown and Purvis played strongly, while Cowley, Pert and Tweddle were forceful. In the backs, Draper and Galloway formed a good half back partnership.

This week, it is back to league action with the visit of Buxton. Kick-off 2.15pm.

Kesteven: Windsor, Fuller, Cann, Turner, Betts, Galloway, Draper, Brown, Sheardown, Purvis, Tweddle, Cowley, Subritzky, Armstrong, Pirie. Reps: Pert, Bartlett, Price.

Last week in Grantham and District Table Tennis League was a great one for former players returning to the sport after long absences.

In Division One, Ancaster A and Newark Wanderers A drew 5-5 in a great match which saw recently returned Simon Pullen play against Jane Ellis, two players that played in the same Lincolnshire junior team when they were at school. In the same match, Shaun Rogerson returned after many years and, after a shaky start, won a superb match against Pullen.

In Division Two, Ancaster D beat Ancaster E 6-4 with newly returned Bill Carson winning two out of his three matches.

Chandlers A are top and unbeaten in Division One, whilst CranmerA are winning again after their opening defeat and look like they are making a bid for the title again.

Cranmer B lead Division Two, undefeated so far, and DVS Crowns are are in second place.

Grantham Tennis Club ladies’ first team started their winter campaign in the Nottingham League with a win against Magdala A team.

The match was played in very windy conditions which made for an interesting afternoon’s tennis, but Grantham took the match 66 games to 42. The team consisted of Sam Parker, Megan Jones, Melanie Bloodworth, Sophie Fletcher, Jo Jones and Libby Duncan.

l If you are interested in playing tennis, Grantham Tennis Club is a thriving, friendly club, with a strong sense of community. The club is located on Gonerby Road in Grantham and has excellent facilities including four indoor courts, a gym, a café and bar, Exhale treatment rooms, and even an art gallery. For more information about Grantham Tennis Club, contact info@granthamtennisclub.co.uk or call 01476 591391.

A successful Christmas Tree Festival will return to St Wulfram’s Church at the end of next month.

The church hosted its first tree festival in 2015 together with the skating rink. Community groups, individuals, schools, local businesses and many more filled the church with decorated trees, and thousands of people enjoyed skating on the synthetic ice rink inside the church.

Rector of St Wulfram’s Fr Stuart Cradduck, said: “The festival was more successful than we ever imagined it would be. Well it’s time to recreate this amazing festival again. From Monday, November 27, to Sunday, December 3, we’ll be transforming St Wulfram’s into an amazing wonderland and the centre of our community. Of course, as part of the festival we’ll be bringing back Grantham’s first ‘ice’ skating rink and we hope everyone will come and have a go.

“So far we have about 80 individuals, schools, local businesses and community groups who are putting in a decorated tree, but there is always room for more.”

If you want to put a tree into the festival email ctf@stwulframs.com for a registration form.

The whole festival starts with a candlelit procession from the Market place to St Wulfram’s at 5pm, with the grand switching on of the lights for the first time at 5.30pm.

Tickets can be bought through the Guildhall Box Office at www.guildhallartscentre.com.

Entry to the Christmas Tree Festival is £3 per person on the door (Children 12 and under free). Come and Skate tickets are £5 per person, £3 (children 12 and under) which includes entry to the festival, and 30 minutes skating and free skate hire.

For more information and tickets visit www.stwulframs.com/www.guildhallartscentre.com (for skate tickets) or call the Parish Office on (01476) 561342.

Festival and skating times:

Monday (27th) - 5pm, Candlelit procession from Market Place. 5.30pm - 8pm, opening of the festival and grand switching on of the lights. Skate times 6pm-8pm.

Tuesday to Thursday (November 28-30) - Festival opening times, 10am-8pm. Skate times 10am-2.15pm and 4pm-8.15pm (disco sessions).

Friday (December 1) - Festival opening times, 10am-9pm. Skate times, 10am-2.15pm and 4pm-8.15pm (disco sessions).

Saturday (December 2) - Festival opening times, 10am-9pm. Skate times, 10am-3.45pm and 4pm-8.15pm (disco sessions).

Sunday (December 3) - 8am Eucharist. 9.30am Family Eucharist on the skating rink (parade service with annual collection of toys for the Foodbank). Festival opening times, 11am-3.30pm (final entry to the festival is 3pm), skate times 11am-2.45pm. 6.30pm - Traditional Advent carol service - From Darkness to Light.

Nick Boles has been “warmly welcomed” back into Parliament to make his first speech since his illness.

The Grantham and Stamford MP earned the recognition from Speaker of the House John Bercow before calling for extra government borrowing to fund more houses.

Mr Boles last spoke in Parliament a year ago, shortly before revealing a cancerous tumour had been found in his head last October. Happily, the 51-year-old announced in April the cancer had been “eradicated”.

The MP has been working back in Westminster since September but this week, he gave his first speech.

On Monday, he told the House: “Thank you very much, Mr Speaker. It is good to be back.”

The former planning minister continued: “The Government have made remarkable progress in cutting the deficit from the 10.5 per cent of GDP that we inherited in 2010 to 2.5 per cent now.

“May I, therefore, urge everyone to back the Secretary of State’s call for special borrowing to put in place the infrastructure that will unlock the hundreds of thousands of extra houses that we need? This is the kind of borrowing that we should all be able to support.”

In the debate on homes construction, housing and planning minister Alok Sharma responded: “Of course all of us in the House support the ambition to build more homes, but my hon. Friend should wait for the Budget announcement in relation to any specifics.”

A 13th century church is to replace the remaining lead on part of its roof in a bid to combat crime and prevent further leaks.

The Holy Cross Church at Dallygate, on the north side of Great Ponton, has repeatedly suffered thieves removing lead from its roof, leading to church officials to submit plans for replacement roofing to South Kesteven District Council.

A report prepared for the council said: “The chancel previously had a covering of leadwork, but most of this was recently stolen. Parish records showed that it had been stolen at least three times previously. A Polythene sheet has been temporarily laid over the roof structure to prevent water ingress.”

“The proposal is to remove the remaining lead covering to the chancel and replace with terne coated stainless steel. Given that the lead has been stolen at least four times, terne coated stainless steel provides a suitable solution that has little scrap value.”

Almost 50 square meters of roof at the Grade 1 Listed Building would be replaced. No cost estimates have been given for the project.

The planning application added: “There are no other changes to the existing building fabric. The chancel roof is very difficult to see from ground level, due to the raised parapet. We therefore believe that in order to preserve the historic significance of the building and prevent further leaking and water damage, the church should install a roof of terne coated stainless steel.”

During the latest theft in June, some 16 rolls of lead were taken from the roof.

Church warden Bryan Bargh said the theft was discovered the day it happened, which meant the church was able to install a temporary cover on the roof that day, which has been in place ever since. Carpet was also rolled up and the altar moved.

Mr Bargh confirmed the remaining lead on the chancel would be removed and then sold, which would help offset the £8,000 estimate for the job.

Due to the planning process, it was unlikely the work would happen before Christmas, and while the work would go ahead there would be no fund-raising for it.

He said: “There’s really nothing we can do. So few people come to the church. When we have a service only four people come to the church. If it’s a special event like a harvest festival, like we just had, 30 people turned up, followed by a supper at the village hall and that raised funds for the church.”

Lincolnshire Police investigated the June theft and quizzed villagers if they had witnessed anything, but a spokeswoman said “unfortunately, all possible lines of enquiry were exhausted and the crime was finalised as undetected”.

Thefts of lead from church roofs used to be “a major issue” but now it is “no longer a common problem.” This was due to changes in the law several years ago forcing scrap yards to take details of customers and make traceable electronic payments to them instead of paying them cash.

The spokeswoman added: “There’s still some dodgy scrap yards taking stuff under the counter but the number of thefts has dropped off.”

For advice on how to help guard against metal theft, visit www.lincs.police.uk/report
ing-advice/home-security/metal-theft

It was a good weekend for Leadenham Hockey Club, with three wins from four matches.

Away from home, the men’s third team picked up a valuable victory which sees them edge into the top half of the 6(NWN) table. Henry Young and Will South grabbed the goals in a 2-1 win over Louth 2nd.

For the ladies, young goalkeeper Millie Armond picked up her third clean sheet for the season in a 3-0 victory over Alford 2nd. Rosie Campbell got the girls off the mark with a smart deflection, followed by goals from Katie Ireland and Katherine Price.

The men’s seconds also came up against an Alford side, beating their second string 6-1 at home.

The match was a scrappy affair, epitomised by Jack Cullen’s second half goal which took no fewer than four attempts to cross the line. Morgan Bevis, Matt Ortyl (2), Ant Chapman and James Ireland rounded off the scoring in a result which doesn’t reflect how evenly matched the game was.

Finally, the men’s firsts fell to a heavy defeat at home to March Town 1st. Charlie Cade and Ian Sanderson combined well to pull a goal back, but it proved no more than a consolation against a dominant March side who sit joint top of Division 3(NW).

The club offers it thanks to all the umpires and their sponsors Mountain Skip Hire

Results: Division 3 NW – LHC M1 1 March Town M1 5; Division 4 NWN – Alford L2 0 LHC L1 3; Division 6 NWN –LHC M2 6 Alford M2 1, Louth M2 1 LHC M3 2.

Visitors will once again be able to see the famous Margaret Thatcher Spitting Image puppet, as it returns to Grantham as part of a major refurbishment at Grantham Museum.

The iconic puppet, which was put into storage in 2012, will take centre stage for a limited time only, as part of the museum’s permanant new Margaret Thatcher exhibit.

Museum volunteers have been working around the clock to get the exbhit, which includes a mock up of Margaret Thatcher’s bedroom, ready for its official opening tomorrow.

Grantham Museum project director David Burling said: “We have enhanced and augmented what is already here with an updated timeline showcasing many of her political and life events.”

Spitting Image is a British satirical puppet show series produced for Central Independent Television over 18 series, which aired on the ITV network and featured puppet caricatures of celebrities prominent during the 1980s and 1990s, including British Prime Ministers and other politicians, but Margaret Thatcher who was the Prime Minister of Britain between 1979 and 1990 is still one of the most memorable characters.

David added: “Everyone has been asking for the puppet back, so we are delighted to be able to display it once more. It has been in storage for over five years so it will be the perfect addition to the Margaret Thatcher exhibition. Regardless of what you thought of Margaret Thatcher, Spitting Image was groundbreaking in its day.”

To find out more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/GrantMuseum/videos/1531833016878563/

Grantham Museum reopened in 2012 after being closed by Lincolnshire County Council due to budget cuts. The museum is now operated by Grantham Community Heritage Association, a volunteer led charity. It has free admission and is open 10am—4pm on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays.

Details of upcoming events and our exhibitions can be found at www.granthammuseum.org.uk

A collision involving two cars on the A1 near Colsterworth on Monday caused tailbacks.

The incident on the northbound carriageway was reported at 5.05pm. Police say there were no injuries and no arrests. There was damage to the vehicles.

The vehicles were moved to a layby within 15 minutes.

Friends Kathleen Shields and Tracie Morton have raised £2,560 for St Barnabas Hospice after taking part in a skydive at Hibaldstow airfield.

They took up the challenge in memory of Kathleen’s dad, Malcolm Hensby, who was looked after by St Barnabas after he was diagnosed with lung cancer. Malcolm, who ran Hunters Bar in Grantham, died in April 2016 aged 63. Kathleen said the skydive “was terrifying but worth it”.

She and Tracie thanked Living Health, The Everest Inn, The Welby Arms and Wright Lilley and Co for their sponsorship as well as family and friends.

In an unusual ceremony, an adult helper with 1st Ingoldsby Rainbows has made her promise.

Bridget Green wanted to make her Girlguiding Promise because she had never been a Girlguide when growing up. Bridget joined some of the girls in making their promise and, as a special surprise, her daughter Anne, who lives in Yorkshire, was invited to the ceremony.

Unit leader Angela Eldred said: “Bridget holds the role of unit helper and is now able to show off her badges, She glowed with pride just like all the girls when making the promise. Bridget stepped though our rainbow which has been used many times, both as girls join and again when they leave,

“Bridget joined us at the unit as her daughter went away to university. She has been with us almost every meeting for the last six years. Bridget made her promise to me and it is an honour to be able to take the promises. I always feel so proud of the girls as they make theirs.”

Sencit League

Bottesford 27

Grantham 87

G Owen R McLellen R Hibbert lost to R Sumner T Sumner Jay Lewis 9-29, R Barnes B Hawes N Osbourn lost to T Asher C Dexter Joe Lewis 10-32, C Williams J Russell M Wakefield lost to P Hainsworth J Kime A Berridge 8-26.

Knipton 30

Barnstone 66

B Wadsworth D Franklin P Sheardown lost to L Payling T Berridge C Jones 10-23, D Abernethy D Mitchell B Hollingworth lost to J Hogg S Sherriff R Smith 12-22, L Steptoe P Stafford K Noble lost to H McCandless R Spencer J McCandless 8-21.

Lincolnshire Men’s League

Grantham 113

Skegness 78

B Smith R Ottley J Hope T Berridge beat J Thorold C Hemming F Keserby L White 21-18, R Sowerby P Robinson J Kime M Eurich lost to M Thorold S Foley P Hopkins R Rout 10-20, M Carter B Allen C Dexter Joe Lewis beat P Hill R Houlgrave A Brooks K Law 29-11, P Hainsworth I Cole M Bailey Jay Lewis beat D Lamb G Hill R Brumatt B Hand 24-13, M LeHair R Payne J Meakins A Berridge beat B Dennis B Cruess J Law M Holland 29-16.

Men’s Over-60s League

Grantham 113

Horncastle 103

T Sumner R Smith B Veasey C Dexter beat L Sutton N Dallas T Scholey R Smith 33-20, D Abernethy P Jaques J Kime J Lewis beat R Diggins J Rapley N Burton T Tasker 23-14, C Richardson R Payne T Asher D Hill beat P Scholes P Benson J Bradley D Ludlow 27-19, C Jones P Robinson M Appleyard I Cole lost to T Percival F Wells J Day J Hoyles 16-22, P Hainsworth G Parrish G Hall R Turnbull lost to K Argent T Berry C Watt D Wells 14-28.

The Egham

Grantham 53

Spalding 107

C Davies S Beardsley J Kime Joe Lewis lost to L Finbow G Haney B Wilson J Philpott 9-35

J Asher Joy Kime M Eurich T Berridge beat R Hill J Wade A Dunham A Caress 22-14

E Meakins S Bailey M Bailey Jay Lewis lost to N Wilkie D wild A Dunham M Spencer 17-18

L Appleyard P Riches J Meakins A Berridge lost to R Simpson C Tomlin R Ekins M Whyers 5-40

A Wear it Pink fund-raising event, marking the end of Breast Cancer Awareness month, was held at Grantham Tennis Centre.

It was organised by local cancer survivor and Breast Cancer Now representative Susan Stannard. More than £500 was raised on the day for breast cancer research.

Susan “I can’t thank club members and other friends enough for their wonderful baking and generous raffle prize donations. It was really hard work on the day but the effort was well worth it, with over £500 being raised for vital breast cancer research.

“I have one friend going through particularly difficult treatment for terminal secondary breast cancer at present, and whilst this isn’t going to help her it will help with the fight to transform the prospects for future generations.”

Pupils and staff from Isaac Newton Primary School are celebrating after winning a football tournament in Lincoln.

The Year 6 football team travelled to Sincil Bank, home of Lincoln City FC, to compete in a countywide six-a-side competition to decide the quarter-finalists.

They played with determination and commitment, winning their league, which resulted in the opportunity to play on the pitch at Lincoln City FC during half time at The Imps’ upcoming fixture against Port Vale on November 25.

The children were competing for the first time in their brand new kit, which they were awarded by the Premier League Primary Stars.

Isaac Newton sports instructor Laura Jones said: “The boys were a real credit to the school throughout the day. The standard of play was exceptionally high and we were so proud of them.

“Their skill and awareness of the game really showed and after a nail-biting last fixture, they were awarded overall winners of their league. They now can’t wait to have the opportunity to play on the pitch at Lincoln City FC.”

Last Sunday was the start of the cross country running season for local athletes, with match one of the Lincolnshire Runner XC League taking place at West Common, Lincoln.

With a dry week leading up to the day, the going was good.

Grantham Athletic Club had a number runners competing and for some it was their first taste of competitive cross country running.

This was certainly the case in the U11 age group in which Thomas Broadley finished 10th, Meriel Sheard 29th, Olivia Marshall 44th and Grace Marshall 50th. These positions were a great achievement in what is always a large, competitive entry list.

The U13 girls team competed over a 3.2km course with great performances coming from Ffion Trundell (10th), Mazel Brown (15th) and Megan Tremain (22nd).

Although dry under foot, the wind picked up to add to the challenge for the U15 boys as they competed over the 4.8km course. Grantham were represented by Harry Denton, and the Rodell brothers Ewan and Rori, finishing fifth, sixth and ninth respectively – a fantastic team result.

In the senior/veteran races, Dean Houlton, Mark Tucker, Dave Eldridge, John Ellerby and Joanna Magrath had strong runs as they took on the 9.2km (men) and 6.4 km (ladies) courses.

The final races of the day saw the U17s compete. Izzy Hobday had a great run, finishing third, whilst for the boys, William Tucker and George Hatton came in second and fifth respectively.

The Grantham AC runners head to Mansfield for the National XC Relays on Saturday and Boston for match two on Sunday.

l If you are interested in taking up cross country running, then why not pop along to training at The Meres stadium on Wednesday evenings.

A Grantham couple are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary today after first meeting at Grantham’s former Granada cinema over 60 years ago.

Jim and Ada Parker met when Jim went with a friend to the cinema and was shown to his seat by Ada, who was working as an usherette.

Unable to get her off his mind, Jim, who was in the fire service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) based at RAF Spitalgate (now Prince William of Gloucester Barracks), returned to the cinema the very next day and asked if he could walk Ada home.

Jim continued to walk Ada home after her cinema shift each evening and they quickly became a couple.

They were married at St Wulfram’s Church in 1957 when Jim was 24 and Ada was 18 years old, and their first son, John, arrived a year later in 1958.

But they were soon made to spend time apart when Jim was posted to the Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, when John was a year old.

Over the next few years, the family were posted to a variety of locations, including Singapore for two-and-a-half years just after their daughter Lynn was born in 1963, and the Shetland Islands in 1968, when their second son, Andrew, was just six weeks old.

On their return, they were posted to RAF Cranwell and Weston-super-Mare before Jim decided to retire from the forces after 23 years’ service and they settled in Grantham.

Jim got a job at Grantham Maltings, where he remained for the next 23 years until his retirement in 1998.

The couple now live in Belton Avenue, Grantham. Ada, 78, was born in Grantham and Jim, 84, is originally from Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland.

After retirement, the couple took up dancing and were regulars at line dancing, ballroom and sequin dancing classes with their friends.

Despite no longer dancing anymore, the couple still enjoy an active social life with their friends, but they are at their most happiest when they are in each others company.

Ada said: “We never go anywhere without each other. If anyone ever sees one without the other, they always ask where the other is. We love being together.”

The couple now enjoy watching their nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren growing up.

When asked what the secret of a long and happy marriage is, they both agreed that love and honesty plays a massive part.

Jim said: “We never go to bed on an argument and always say we love one another and kiss goodnight. We have done that ever since we met.”

The devoted couple are celebrating with a meal at the The Farrier on Saturday with 24 of their family and friends.

Grantham-based debt advice provider PayPlan has launched an interest rate calculator following today’s announcement that the Bank of England will be increasing interest rates.

The official bank rate has been lifted from 0.25% to 0.5%, the first increase since July 2007, sending mortgage bills higher for millions of families.

A rise in interest rates could have a catastrophic impact on homeowners who are already living on a tight budget, according to figures from PayPlan, who have launched an interest rate calculator to help clients work out how a rise may affect their monthly mortgage payments.

A recent national survey that conducted revealed that 72 per cent of homeowners would not be able to cope with a £100 monthly rise in their mortgage repayments, and 65 per cent believe an interest rate rise would have a ‘severe’ impact on their finances.

Despite 90 per cent of people not planning ahead by speaking to their lenders, 94 per cent are actively worried about how interest rates will impact on their budget, and if there was a rise, over half (54 per cent) would be forced to cut down on their most basic of expenses, including food and heating.

PayPlan money advisor Jane Clack, who has been in debt herself, knows how difficult it can be.

She said: “Having the security of a roof over your head is a primary expense for almost everyone. What is concerning is that for those who are experiencing money problems already, that additional rise in interest rates could tip thousands of people over the edge, meaning they’d have to cut down on real essentials.

“Planning ahead is absolutely crucial, so seeking out professional advice is the best way to anticipate how external changes, such as interest rates, would affect your monthly spending.”

To find out how an increase in interests rates may affect your monthly outgoings, visit PayPlan’s Out of Interest calculator: https://www.payplan.com/out_of_interest/

A former Grantham schoolgirl is holding a fund-raising evening with live bands at the King’s Arms pub in Westgate tomorrow (November 3).

Kayleigh Mansfield, who now lives in Manchester, was recently crowned Ms Manchester Galaxy and is raising money for the Christie Hospital in the city.

Entertainment will be provided by Carry The Crown, The Collective Band and Brainwave. The evening starts at 7.30pm and entry is £5 to include a glass of prosecco on arrival and canapes.

Kayleigh said: “Although I grew up in Grantham, Manchester is still a huge part of me. Galaxy is one of the largest pageants withing the UK and I’m so excited to be in the grand final of Ms Galaxy UK. The winner will gain a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly to Orlando and compete for the ultimate title Ms Galaxy.

“This year their nominated charity is the Christie Hospital. This charity is quite close to my heart because they have taken great care of my family. The Christie is a hospital for cancer patients where they get better NHS health care. There is also a research clinic within the hospital.”

Kayleigh has also been raising awareness of lupus, a condition she was diagnosed with when she was 17 and living in Grantham. Earlier this year she won the Miss Publicity title at the Miss GB 4 Counties competition for raising awareness of the debilitating condition.