Author Archives: James Bedford

Spalding Music Services to close after 44 years in town

Having served Spalding for 44 years and provided lessons to hundreds, Spalding Music Services closes its doors for the last time tomorrow (Friday).   Bob Adams (82) set the business up in 1973 and his son Robert (52) has worked there since leaving Spalding Grammar School, aged 16.   The pair have fought hard to keep it going, but could ...

Read More »

Violet celebrates her 109th birthday to become 33rd oldest person in UK

Spalding resident Violet Davies-Evans turned 109 this week.     The oldest person in Lincolnshire and thought to be 33rd oldest in the country, Violet was born and brought up in the town.   She lived independently until three years ago when she moved into Ashwood Nursing Home, in Spalding Common.   Mini Shaju, senior carer, said: “She’s a really ...

Read More »

Council bungalows set to make way for £3.5m of new homes

Ten South Holland District Council-owned bungalows in Weston are due to be knocked down and replaced with up to 35 new homes in a £3.5million redevelopment scheme.     The council has set aside a total of £1,210,000 for the scheme from last year’s and this year’s budget and plans to find the rest in next year’s.   It is ...

Read More »

Willows nursery rated as ‘outstanding’ in Ofsted report

A nursery where staff work to surpass their already “excellent abilities” and children have “memorable early years,” is celebrating an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted.   Inspectors awarded The Willows Day Nursery, in Old Main Road, Fleet Hargate, the highest possible rating.   A report said: “The manager is inspirational and, over time, has nurtured a team of staff who share her drive, ...

Read More »

Series of events for heritage lovers

Heritage lovers are in for a treat – a series of events to help people discover some of the fascinating venues on their doorstep take place next week.   The South Holland Heritage Forum has organised ‘Discovering Your Hidden Heritage’ which will see events take place across South Holland during the first week of April.   The events kick off ...

Read More »

Well-earned rest for nurse Linda

Long-serving and well-known community nurse Linda Stafford is looking forward to rest and family time, having retired after 44 years in healthcare.   Most recently serving as an advanced nurse practitioner with Beechfield Medical Centre in Spalding, Linda spent more than 20 years as a community nurse firstly in Spalding and then Long Sutton and Holbeach.   She said: “I ...

Read More »

Talks on return of hospital bus service go on

Buses may soon return to Spalding’s Johnson Hospital following talks over increased road safety.   Brylaine Travel has been in talks with local councillors, who agreed to enlarge a sign to warn drivers of slow turning vehicles. Final agreements still need to reached.   A statement from the firm said: “It was suggested that the erection of a large sign ...

Read More »

Louise tackles maiden marathon

A student from Gosberton is gearing up to tackle her first London Marathon.   Louise Austen, who is currently studying for a degree in learning support on the road to teaching, is raising money for Children with Cancer UK.   The 30-year-old, who is on work placement at Gosberton Academy, has been inspired to tackle the 26-mile challenge by her ...

Read More »

Donington Co-op store reopens after extensive refurb

An extensive programme of repair works costing more than £200,000 following a failed raid on the cash machine has been completed at the Co-op in Donington.     The store re-opened again last Friday with children from the Cowley Donington Endowed Primary School and Malcolm Mills, the landlord of the Black Bull public house which hosted a Co-op pop-up shop ...

Read More »

More acts revealed as Spalding beerfest line-up takes shape

spalding-beer-festival-at-castle-sports-complex-names-charlie-rawlings

More acts for the second Spalding Beer and Music Festival have been revealed.     The event at the Castle Sports Complex in Spalding from Friday, May 26 to Sunday, May 28 will be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the town’s Barbeque 67 event.   Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Cream played at the long-gone Tulip Bulb Auction ...

Read More »

Police appeal for information on wanted man

Police are appealing for information on the current whereabouts of Thomas Parr who is wanted in connection with a string of burglaries.   The 19-year-old is wanted on a court warrant for failing to attend a sentencing hearing in relation to a commercial burglary in Spalding on October 15 2016.   He also failed to attend police bail in relation ...

Read More »

Third attack at Cowbit Village Store

Police are investigating a robbery after Cowbit Village Store was hit for the third time in a month last night (Wednesday).   Three men entered the store at around 7.15pm and stole cash, alcohol and cigarettes before leaving the scene in a blue 4×4 with a silver skirt.   Police confirmed that the member of staff at the Barrier Bank shop ...

Read More »

Twinning group’s 60th birthday celebrations

South Holland’s town twinning group is gearing up for major celebrations to mark its 60th anniversary next year.     The Jumelage Group was formed in 1958 to create links with Spalding’s twin town of Sezanne in France.   Members of the twinning group make bi-annual visits and stay with French families in their homes, experiencing the culture and lifestyles ...

Read More »

Leaving your dogs when you go away on holiday

It’s that time of year when we are all thinking about our summer holidays.   However, you must also remember to book your dog’s holiday. Good dog care gets booked up quickly.   There are different options to suit your budget and your dog’s needs. Standard kennels are the cheapest, most common option. Luxury kennels are a bit more expensive. ...

Read More »

Man wanted in connection with commercial burglaries

This man is wanted by police in connection with commercial burglary offences in the Spalding area.   Named as Peter David Davis (40), it is thought he may possibly be in the Lincoln area.   Anyone with information about Davis’s current location, is asked to contact DC Matthew Nottidge at Spalding by calling 101.

Read More »

Outstanding lots at Rotary Club’s charity Two Lips ball

The Rotary Club of Spalding and Welland is holding its fifth annual Two Lips charity ball at Springfields on Saturday, March 18.     The event will feature top tribute band The Driftars together with a disco, three-course meal, auction, raffle and gift tree.   The popular auction this year will have several outstanding lots, including two tickets for the ...

Read More »

Amazing adventure to support a charity close to Chris’ heart

A Spalding man who spent nearly a quarter-of-a-century in the Royal Air Force has just completed an amazing adventure for the Help for Heroes charity.     Chris Heeley, of Leiden Fields, spent ten days in Burma trekking across the South East Asian country to raise funds for the charity.   The 66-year-old is hoping his efforts will break the ...

Read More »

Surprise gift leads to a flurry of interest in Lisa’s design service

A surprise gift to welcome a Royal Marine home has led to a flurry of interest in a new bespoke interior design service provided by a Pinchbeck company.     Classic Interiors, of Cresswell Close, lets service personnel and their families proclaim their pride in their squadron, regiment or unit with soft furnishings bearing their flag or badge.   Cushion ...

Read More »

Holly aims to shine on her Crufts debut

A Spalding youngster is set to make her debut in the pinnacle of the dog enthusiast’s calendar.     Holly Sinclair has capped a meteoric rise through the ranks by securing a place at Crufts which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham next week.   She will be competing in the Agility Dog of the Year category with 12-year-old ...

Read More »

Katie’s hoping her slimming feats will help inspire others

A successful slimmer has decided to continue her passion for dieting by becoming a consultant to help inspire others.     Katie Willows lost more than five stone after joining Slimming World following constant struggles with her weight throughout her adult life.   And now the former Spalding High School pupil has taken over the Sutton Bridge group at the ...

Read More »