Author Archives: James Bedford

Coroner warns holidaymakers about driving through the night on return home

A coroner has highlighted concerns about the dangers of holidaymakers driving through the night on their return home following the death of a Spalding couple.   An inquest at Boston Coroner’s Court heard that Robert and Anne McCloud had returned from a week’s holiday in Cyprus when their car drifted into the path of an oncoming lorry in February of ...

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Holbeach on song for In Bloom judges as Long Sutton target gold

Even the weather seemed to be backing Holbeach when the East Midlands in Bloom judges came to town.   And they were also serenaded by the town’s own Pavanotti who gave a free concert during last Thursday morning.   The operatic performer was outside the Aurora cafe to entertain visitors and residents alike.   It will be at least a ...

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Party time as crowds flock to enjoy Bakkavor bonanza

An action-packed weekend saw crowds flock to the annual Bakkavor Party in the Park at the Springfields Events Centre.   The two-day event was put on for all Bakkavor employees and their families with the general public attending the Saturday night music spectacular and Sunday fun day.   The annual Bakkavor’s Got Talent competition saw April Morgan win the £1,000 ...

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Strictly stars dance the night away at annual Johnson ball

Fundraisers who danced the night away with Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton du Beke and Erin Boag have collected almost £5,000 for the Johnson Community Hospital.   The pair were special guests at the annual Johnson Community Hospital Ball, which was held at Springfields Events and Conference Centre.   More than 600 guests were treated to a glittering performance from ...

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Volunteers needed to support recovery from domestic abuse

A charity that works to support survivors of domestic abuse is looking for volunteers to help.   SoLDAS (South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service), operated by Boston Women’s Aid, works with men and women who have experienced abuse and their families in Boston and South Holland.   Its Moving On Together scheme is designed to recruit volunteers to give one to ...

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Big name brand is a coup for Springfields

Springfields Outlet Shopping is hailing another coup for the area after unveiling its latest big name brand.   Raging Bull – which was founded in 2003 by England rugby international Phil Vickery – opened the doors to its new premises on Friday.   And Ian Sanderson, who runs Springfields, feels that Raging Bull will be a fantastic addition to the ...

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Professionalism is recognised as Andy scoops top award

Spalding site manager Andy Smith has been recognised for his work in making leading housebuilder Kier Living Eastern a pioneer for quality and professionalism.   Andy was awarded the prestigious NHBC Health and Safety Awards Commendation for his role on the Kingfisher Court development in Spalding.   The awards are the UK’s only health and safety awards scheme exclusively for ...

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Businesses rise up the rankings as ratings stay at all-time high

The number of businesses with top-ranked Food Hygiene Ratings in South Holland remains at an all-time high.   Latest figures show that the percentage of businesses in the district with three (satisfactory), four (good) and five (very good) ratings is 98.3 per cent.   Since October 2016, several businesses have seen their ratings increase up to five as a result ...

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Success continues as Simpsons scoop top national award

The success of a Spalding business has continued after being named Britain’s best butchers shop for 2017 by a leading industry trade magazine.   Simpsons Butchers scooped the award chosen by Meat Management magazine at an awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.   This award follows in the footsteps of continual recognition within the industry which includes being ...

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American dream to be reality for Grammar School student Edward

A Spalding Grammar School pupil has beaten off competition from more than 1,200 students in a bid to land a place at one of the top 10 universities in the world.   Edward Tranter has become the first pupil from the Priory Road school to ever be selected for the Sutton Trust US Programme.   The Bentley House captain is ...

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Society’s award honour for leading light in horticulture

A leading South Holland horticulturist has been awarded a prestigious prize.   Brian Taylor was this year’s recipient of a trophy to mark his lifetime achievement.   He was presented with the Carlo Naef Trophy by the Springfields Horticultural Society as a mark of appreciation within the bulb industry with his family firm.   “Working alongside his brothers John and ...

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Mourning family warn others over diabetes dangers

The family of a 33-year-old South Holland man who died as a result of complications from diabetes are warning people to take the condition extremely seriously.   Ashley Grimwood died last month after an eight-week spell in Peterborough hospital and his funeral is due to be held in Moulton today (Friday).   But his mum Susan Lowe, of May Blossom ...

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Third of care homes in South Holland are not up to scratch

Almost a third of residential care, retirement and nursing homes in South Holland are not up to scratch according to inspectors.   Of 30 homes in the postal areas of Spalding and Holbeach, whilst the majority are ranked “good,” nine have been rated “requires improvement” in their most recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.   Richard Barclay, of Age UK ...

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Increased police presence near Holbeach school after ‘suspicious incident’

Police are investigating a suspicious incident that is alleged to have happened in Holbeach around 3.30pm yesterday (Wednesday).   A 10-year-old boy walking home from school was approached by a man in Stukeley Hall Drive.   The man was described as a black male, 6ft tall, of slim build, wearing jeans and said to be holding a knife.   The ...

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Blooming fantastic effort by volunteers to help town blossom

Holbeach will be in the spotlight today (Thursday) when judges from East Midlands In Bloom will be heading to the town.   Town traders have boosted chances this year with a special effort to brighten-up windows and displays.   The newly-formed Action Team has been working with businesses to encourage participation and member Tracey Carter said they were delighted with ...

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Awards salute achievements of Crowland youngsters

Youngsters in Crowland who have achieved something special in the past 12 months have been recognised at a special awards evening.   The Young Achievers Awards were started in 2002 by Crowland Parish Council to mark the Queens Jubilee at the suggestion of a parishioner Russ Prosser.   Nominations are invited for youngsters who live in the parish of Crowland ...

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County council set to lobby for extra cash

Soaring costs and swinging cuts will see Lincolnshire County Council lobby the government for extra cash.   Members of the council met this week and were asked to approve a document outlining the county’s position and putting a case for revised funding.   Lincolnshire is set to see its elderly population rocket by around 45 per cent over a ten year period, ...

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Chernobyl children enjoy fun-packed day at Springfields

Children from Chernobyl enjoyed a gift-laden and fun-packed day out at Springfields Outlet Shopping in Spalding.   The youngsters received gifts and seeds from Springfields and various retailers around the centre.   They got new shoes and trainers from Clarks before having a fun-packed day in the gardens where they learned how to plant seeds, got their faces painted and ...

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COLUMN: Teaching your dog an important command

The recall is one of the most important commands for your dog to learn.   For it to work your dog has got to know two things – 1. its name and 2. the command ‘come’.   Never let your dog off in an open public area if you think that you will not be able to get him to ...

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Focus on business and community connections

Business and community connections will be a focus of the next South Holland Voluntary Sector Forum.   The forum, designed to offer opportunities for networking and tips sharing within the voluntary sector, is at Springfields Events & Conference Centre, Camelgate, Spalding PE12 6ET, Wednesday (July 19) 2pm to 4pm.   Discussions will include:   How to identify the ways in ...

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