Here’s a look at what’s been going on and what’s coming up in Grantham.
Hydropool
Arthritis Care
Hydropool members will meet on Monday at noon.
Speaker
Ladies Probus 96
The February meeting held at Belton Park Golf Club, was enjoyed by 51 members, one guest and one guest speaker.
Sue Stephenson entertained everyone with amusing stories of her search for her ideal property, comprising a small house with a one-acre field, a walnut tree and a barn. She was thanked by Gloria Keasley.
Next meeting is on Wednesday, March 20, when Gerry Burrows will entertain members with a talk entitled Open All Hours.
Any ladies wishing to join the club should ring the secretary (Tel: 569175).
Concert
Grantham Music Club
The February concert, which was a tribute to the late JohnLodge, was given by the talented duo, Matthew Trusler (violin) and Guy Johnston (cello).
The next concert will take place on Wednesday, March 20, in the hall of the Priory Ruskin Academy, commencing at 7.30pm. This concert will be given by the piano quintet, The Hough Ensemble, whose members are based in Nottingham.
Tickets are available from the Guildhall box office, or at the door, priced £12 for non-members (£10 concessions), students free. Book online or call 406158 or contact the club secretary (Tel: 01400 250372).
Demonstration
Sugarcrafts
Seventeen members of Grantham Sugarcrafts attended the meeting held on February 14 and enjoyed a demonstration by Nicky Fuller on an Art Deco lady with roses done in bas relief. The finished product was donated as a raffle prize.
The annual meeting will be held in March for members only. Visitors are welcome at the group’s other meetings, admission £5.
quiz night
Hospice
A quiz night in aid of St Barnabus Hospice, will be held on Friday, March 22 at The Kings Hotel, North Parade, Grantham.
Doors open at 7pm and the quiz will start at 7.30pm.
Entry is £3 per person, with teams of up to six people. Tickets are available from Yorkshire Bank, 10 High Street.
Funds raised will go to the hospice and will be matched by Yorkshire Bank.
Walks
Ramblers
Grantham Ramblers have organised a number of walks this month. The first, on Sunday, starts in Caythorpe at 10am and will cover 8.5 miles. Walkers are advised to take a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing and footwear for countryside walking/weather. For more details ring 575304.
On Thursday, a walk of five miles will start in Osbournby at 10am. For more details ring 01529 300104.
Sunday, March 17 will see walkers start in Redmile at 10am for a nine-mile walk. Take a packed lunch and wear suitable clothing and footwear for countryside walking and weather. For more details call 575304.
On Thursday, March 21, walkers will set off from Folkingham at 10am to cover 4.5 miles. Ring 572322 for more details.
Everyone is welcome to join in these walks.
Shoppers
Thursday Club
Bon Marche played host to 15 ladies from St Anne’s Thursday Club who visited the store to browse and shop.
The staff provided refreshments.
Services
World Day of Prayer
Today is Women’s World Day of Prayer and special services to mark the event will be held at Harrowby Lane Methodist Church at 10.30am and St John’s Church, Manthorpe. Everyone is welcome.
Celebration
St Hugh’s Academy
More than 150 students at the West Grantham Academy St Hugh’s have been recognised for their exemplary behaviour at an awards ceremony.
The students attended the evening after their teachers nominated them for going above and beyond in their lessons, free time and extra-curricular activities.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Grantham, Coun Ian Stokes and his wife Sarah, the Rev David Shenton, chair of directors Alison Fox and Grantham College principal Linda Houtby were among those who presented prizes. Kevin Lawry, President Elect of the the Rotary Club of Grantham, presented a special award to five students who raised the highest amount of sponsorship in the recent Swimarathon.
Parents were then given a tour of the academy’s new Element Centre which includes a student support area, dance studio, music room and hair and beauty salon.
Academy Principal Louise Bennett said: “The inaugural P5 Celebration Evening was an inspiring event which served to reward and publicly acknowledge the many and varied achievements of academy students. It is testament to their hard work, enthusiasm and engagement in learning that the hall was bursting with parents, staff and dignitaries and I was exceptionally proud to be part of it.”
Forces fund-raiser
Shrapnel charity
A web-based fundraiser is being run by a charity set up after the death of a Grantham soldier in Afghanistan.
The virtual balloon race fund-raiser has been set up by Shrapnel, a charity established by Sharon Wigley following the death of her son Jonathan, in 2006.
It costs £2 per balloon to take part and participants can choose a colour and name for their balloon. You can have as many balloons as you wish. To take part go to www.balloonrace.com/shrapnel.
Mrs Wigley now lives in Hampshire but still raises funds with friends in Grantham. Shrapnel raises money to buy equipment to help injured soldiers.
Mrs Wigley said: “We will help them with anything they need to do with their disability.”
She added: “Balloons cost £2 each and you can be assured all money raised is going to a fantastic cause. We have a starting prize of a £30 Amazon voucher but we will increase the value of our first prize and add more prizes according to the number of balloons we sell.”
Jonathan was a pupil at Central Technology and Sports College from 1996 to 2001 and attended King’s School before signing up as a Royal Marine at the age of 17.
Newton returns!
Easter bunny float
Newton the Easter Bunny will return to Grantham later this month! The bunny will travel the streets aboard a float to raise money for charity for the second year. More details next week.