Sheffield Star Retro published the sad story of James Stuart Swift on January 23 as ‘War baby that a proud soldier dad never saw’.
I had researched Stuart in detail for my book Great Sacrifice: the Old Boys of Barnsley Holgate Grammar School in the First World War and had just discovered that two boxes containing many love letters between Stuart and Maude, as well as their wedding photographs, photos of their son, Stuart’s medals and other memorabilia, had been donated to Barnsley Archives.
Peter Swift places a wreath, with a photo of the baby that his relative never saw, on Stuart Swifts grave
Readers might be interested to learn what has happened since.
Stuart attended the Holgate for three years before being admitted to Ackworth School in Hemsworth, where his family paid full boarding fees for three years because they were not Quakers.
When he left school in 1907, Stuart worked for the Midland Bank, following in his father’s footsteps.
He enlisted in the Sheffield City Battalion on September 11, 1914, aged 28.
Stuart Swift's son, James Stuart Morton Swift, as a little boy
Stuart married Alice Maude Watkinson of Sheffield in April 1915 and he became a father to James Stuart Morton Swift on March 27, 1916.
The Swift Collection confirmed my fear that he never saw his son before he was killed on the first day of the Somme.
Stuart had not been given leave to return home since going to Egypt in December 1915.
Even becoming a father did not give him any special privileges while the Army were preparing for the Big Push on the Somme.
The wreath for Stuart Swift containing photographs of him and his wife Maude, plus Maude with their baby, James
Stuart wrote: “I so long to see the little chap myself, everyone seems to think he is a fine specimen.
“It is nice to think of our little love being of such a happy disposition; I am glad he has such winning ways. I can see he takes after his little mother in those respects.”
In his last letter to Maude, written on June 27, 1916, he wrote: “ I am eagerly looking forward to getting your next letter as I expect to get the promised photo you are sending of your dear self and our little darling. Of course I have tried to picture him to myself but have no idea what he is like.”
Tragically, the proud new father did not receive it.
Serendipity inspired Peter Swift, whose grandfather was Stuart’s cousin, to buy a copy of The Star that week in January and he was amazed to see my article with photographs of Stuart.
We have been able to share more information since then as he has been researching the Swift family for some time but had not previously known about Stuart’s education or seen any photographs of him.
Peter’s children planned to take him to the Somme for the centenary commemorations for his 70th birthday present.
In a very poignant gesture, Peter took a print of the photograph of Maude with their son to place on Stuart’s grave in Luke Copse British Cemetery, reuniting them after 100 years.
Celia Wolfe, the archivist at Ackworth School, was very helpful to me while researching my book, allowing me to use their information about Stuart and letting me copy photographs of him as a schoolboy.
She also visited the Somme for July 1 as her husband Ray’s grandfather was one of the many men killed in action that day and she was visiting the graves of several old scholars of Ackworth to leave tributes.
I exchanged emails with Celia while she was in France and was able to tell her about the wreath and photos left by Peter, who had seen the wooden cross she had left. Celia paid a return visit to Luke Copse to see them for herself and was very moved.
I organised a Somme centenary commemoration for July 1 at Silverwood Scout Camp in Silkstone (originally Newhall Camp where the Barnsley Pals were billeted and trained).
I am very grateful to Paul Unsworth and his team of scouting volunteers, who allowed me to use the site free and provided practical help.
I paid tribute to Stuart along with many Old Boys of the Holgate and other local men who died in the Somme offensive on my display in the Billingham Centre and by laying photographs of the men on the altar in the beautiful outdoor chapel, where I held a Remembrance Service.
Celia and Ray had responded to my publicity, asking if anyone would like a relation to be remembered, and Christopher Gascoigne, father of eight young children, was one of 12 stories read by students from Horizon Community College and relations of three of the men.
Music played included Reveille and The Last Post on bugles sounded by twin brothers from Horizon and two popular songs from the First World War sung by Class 5 from Silkstone Primary School, to the delight of all attending.
On July 17, I received an email from Claire Marr from Cheshire, who had been shown the Retro article. Claire hoped that I might be able to help her fill in some gaps in her own family history or even have a photograph of her grandfather.
She shared some interesting details from her own family history research and reviewing my own highlighted the sad story of Stuart’s older sister Muriel Morton Swift, his only sibling.
She had married Percy Guest Wadsworth in 1911 but they did not have any children, although according to Stuart’s letters they had wanted them.
After Muriel died in 1921, aged only 40, Percy got married again to Alice Mary Beckett and they had two sons.
Percy died in 1928, aged 52, when Claire’s father was only three years old, so he didn’t remember her grandfather. Alice remarried and she never discussed her background or how she had met Percy – there were no family photos.
I wondered if Muriel and Percy might be on Stuart and Maude’s wedding photos.
I asked Peter if he had a copy of their wedding certificate to find out if Muriel had been a witness because Stuart had been for her.
Unfortunately, she wasn’t and, since the men in the photos are wearing uniform, they must be friends of Stuart’s rather than one being Percy.
I wish I could have found a photograph for her as I know from personal experience how precious it is to know what our ancestors look like.
If anyone reading this article is related to the Swift, Morton, Wadsworth or Beckett families, I would love to hear from you to fit some more pieces of the extended family puzzle together.
We will continue to remember them all.
*Jane’s book is published by Helion and Company. Website: www.helion.co.uk
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Sheffield Star Retro published the sad story of James Stuart Swift on January 23 as ‘War baby that a proud soldier dad never saw’.


Barnsley soldier's moving letters about son he never saw


This rather splendid-looking gentleman is A/Sgt Joseph Hawtin of the 1st Gordon Highlanders, who died during the First World War.
His nephew Victor Hawtin has sent in some details of his life and connections with Sheffield.
A letter that Joseph Hawtin wrote to the Sheffield Telegraph about a 1914 battle he fought in
Joseph, who was born in September 1888, joined the Gordon Highlanders aged just 14 and served in India.
Both he and his younger brother Henry were educated at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School near Dover, Kent as orphans.
Their father, Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant J Hawtin of the Royal Army Pay Corps, died in 1896.
Victor writes: “Sometime during his time of reserve service, he was employed by Sheffield Corporation Tramways.
“Recalled to the colours in 1914, he saw action at Maedelstede Farm on December 14, a well-documented encounter early in the war.
“Joseph married a Sheffield lass in July 1915. She was Emily Pryor of Meersbrook.
“Unhappily, Joe disappeared on the Somme on July 18, 1916. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the great Thiepval memorial.
“My father, Henry, born in 1890 and two years younger than Joe, was also a regular soldier, in the Royal Engineers.
“He must have visited Joe in Sheffield and met his friends as he married Gladys Pynor of Queen’s Road in 1921, a close friend of Emily.
“After he retired in 1947, having served continuously for 42 years, my parents settled in Greenhill Main Road and I finished my schooling at King Edward’s – my 12th school!”
The Commonwealth War Grave Commission records that Joseph died aged 29 and gives his wife’s address as in Croydon, now Greater London.
Joseph wrote a letter to the Sheffield Telegraph about the Maedelstede Farm battle, reproduced here.
Victor wrote this poem about his uncle.
Uncle Joe
Full five feet deep, does Joseph sleep,
His bones with shrapnel mixed?
His trusty rifle at his side
With rusty bayonet fixed.
He’s still out there, lost on the Somme,
Slain by bullet, shell or bomb.
His name’s among thousands, no one denies,
On a mighty monument, arched to the skies –
But who can say where his body lies?
He is but one of ‘Our Glorious Dead’
‘Known unto God’ as Kipling said.
He is also the uncle I never met -
Lest I forget, lest I forget.
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This rather splendid-looking gentleman is A/Sgt Joseph Hawtin of the 1st Gordon Highlanders, who died during the First World War.


Sheffield soldier's ultimate sacrifice at Somme


Nottinghamshire health bosses are so far claiming they won't have to cut hospital services, despite numerous others areas already admitting major cuts to services are required.
Research funded by campaigns organisation 38 Degrees released on Friday revealed that Nottinghamshire needs to find £500 million in saving over the next five years, and despite claims that the service foresees resizing of 'hospital footprints', so far those in charge of transforming the NHS into a sustainable service have not admitting any cuts to acute services at our hospitals.
The report is part of national analysis describing a crippling funding crisis in the NHS which is forcing more than half of healthcare areas to cut acute services - but campaigners are saying health bosses aren't being transparent enough about their plants to save billions over the next five years.
Some 23 out of 44 healthcare 'footprints', including Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has revealed that 'configuration' changes are needed under their Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs).
The plans are being produced across the health service under partnerships between CCGs, trusts and local authorities, to steer local services.
In Nottinghamshire, our health commissioners expect a 'do-nothing' deficit of half a billion - needing a total of £2.3 billion a year to maintain services as they are now.
And according to research of published NHS documents by Incisive Healthcare, draft STP plans state trusts may need "acute service consolidation" and "resizing of the acute hospital footprint".
Analysis by Incisive Healthcare said the plan "doesn't describe what this would mean for patients" but historically "consolidation" and "resizing" mean cuts to hospital services.
A Nottinghshire STP document seen by the Chad claims our health service's key issues concern finance, and states that current services are 'unsustainable'' and 'unaffordable.
The document, from an STP presentation continued: "We don’t currently have fully developed solutions for this... We don’t allocate or use public funds to best effect."
A number of unpublished STPs were uncovered by an FOI request by 38 Degrees, and the draft plans spell out huge cuts across the health service to meet funding shortages, but in many cases individual plans for local areas are still vague.
Laura Townshend, Director at 38 Degrees who used crowdfunding to drive the investigation, said: “This is new evidence that plans are being made to close local NHS services. We all rely on these services, yet we are being kept in the dark.
"These proposed cuts aren’t the fault of local NHS leaders. The health service is struggling to cope with growing black holes in NHS funding. These new revelations will be a test of Theresa May’s commitment to a fully-funded National Health Service.
"The NHS belongs to all of us - so local people in Nottinghamshire should get a say in any changes to their local services. That’s why hundreds of thousands of us have joined the 38 Degrees campaign calling for Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to commit to full public disclosure of plans for each and every one of the 44 areas across England.”
No confirmed plans for downsizing
For the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 'footprint', a gap of £500 million must be closed, and initial comments from our health services have denied plans for consolidation and downsizing, suggesting that research doesn't properly represent the local picture.
But compared to other areas, cuts may be unavoidable to meet the £500m target.
According to Incisive Healthcare's research, Hertfordshire & Essex's STP is looking to scrap pre-existing plans for a new hospital to meet its target savings of £234m - less than half of Nottinghamshire's.
Dorset's plan said to meet £158 million of saving 'hospital beds are at risk', and Leicestershire & Rutland's plans to bring down its five-year 'black hole' of £700m is to end acute services from one of three hospitals.
Other areas are considering selling surplus land and estates, cutting staff and closing or downgrading A&E departments.
Nottinghamshire County Council's deputy chief executive and director of Health and adult social care, David Pearson is one of only four out of 44 STP leaders in the country to be appointed from a local authority, while most of the country's transformation plans are being lead by health chiefs.
He told BBC Radio 4: "The transformation of services is rarely just one big dramatic closure."
"Sometimes, we have particular conditions or particular treatments that are best in a centre of excellence.
"But this is fundamentally about making sure we are doing the best things across Nottinghamshire and that, as far as possible, services are locally delivered to an agreed understanding of what best practice is."
We have tried to contact Mr Pearson for an interview but he is so far unavailable.
An NHS England spokesman said: "This is a unique exercise in collaboration. It is hardly a secret that the NHS is looking to make major inefficiencies and the best way of doing so is for local doctors, hospitals and councils to work together to decide the way forward in consultation with local communities.
"Proposals are at a draft stage but we expect all local leaders to be talking to the public and stakeholders regularly - it is vital that people are able to shape the future of their local services.
"No changes to the services people currently receive will be made without local engagement and, where required, consultation."
To sign the 38 Degree petition to make STP progress public, go to the |38 Degrees website|click here}.
Draft plan outlines areas of concern:
According to a Nottinghamhire STP draft presentation, local funding issues are based on a shortfall, with annual increases in NHS revenue rising in line with inflation (2-4 per cent), but not covering the continuous increase in demand (an additional 2-5.5 per cent).
Nottinghamshire'a main areas for bad performance:
• A&E waiting times,
• Ambulance Red 1 response times
Key issues faced by the area:
• Sustainability and affordability of services
• Workforce – particularly in primary care and some specialties
• Fragmentation / duplication / gaps in services
• Nottingham University Hospitals and Sherwood Forest Hospitals merger
• National outlier for high spending but poor outcomes in mental health, Genitourinary and Musculoskeletal departments.
Areas where funding can be better used:
• Handoffs and delays within / between organisations
• Thresholds for treatment in different settings (primary, residential, acute and community care)
• Mental and physical health parity of esteem (spend doesn’t match overall population need)
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Nottinghamshire health bosses are so far claiming they won


NHS IN CRISIS: How will Notts close £500m 'black hole'?


In the Black Dragon Badges South Division, Selston won 7-1 at Teversal Reserves, Steven Radzynkski (2), Elliot Jones (2), Jamie Renshaw, Tom Widdowson and Shaun Farnsworth with Selston’s goals and Macauley Short replying.
Southwell City beat Mickleover RBL 3-1, Reece Campbell, Malaky Eshelby and an own goal responding to Sacha Markelic’s opener.
Linby Colliery also came from behind as they saw off visitors Sherwood Colliery 2-1, Jamie York for Colliery but Will Horton and Matt Murphy winning it for Linby. Blidworth Welfare opened their account for the season as they drew 2-2 with Eastwood Community. Rory Smith twice put Eastwood in front, but Brendan Williams and Sam Graney rescued a point for Blidworth.
Derbyshire clubs occupy the top two places in the Black Dragon Badges North division, both FC Bolsover and Clay Cross Town enjoying comfortable wins in Saturday’s matches.
FC Bolsover beat Bilsthorpe 6-1 at Shirebrook Academy, Daniel Russell and Josh Scully scoring twice along with Lewis Warwick and Josh Parfitt, Kyle Clarkson for Shirebrook.
Clay Cross went one better with a 7-1 defeat of Tideswell United, Ryan Booker (3), Mark Needham, Ant Lynam (2) and Ryan Watters with Clay Cross’s goals, Cavan Campbell replying.
At the other end of the table, Dinnington Town, who conceded 11 in their last game, scored 11 of their own against Welbeck Lions, who have now conceded double figures in all four of their games so far.
Matt Bradley took Dinnington’s scoring honours with five, Nicky Holland not far behind with a hat-trick. The home side’s other scorers were Aaron Fox, Adam Rotherforth and Ryan Hall, Welbeck’s Tom Wagg scoring from 30 yards with the last kick of the game.
Harworth Colliery returned from Thorne Colliery with a 4-1 win. Micky Davies scored twice and Josh Davies and Callum Hudson once each, Darren Fell getting on the scoresheet for Thorne.
AFC Bentley defeated Newark Town 2-1, Courney Peynado and Rod Pursehouse with their goals and Dom Swingler replying.
Collingham came back from two down to beat Askern 3-2. Josh Taylor struck twice in the first 23 minutes to put Askern in front, but goals from Callum Dye, Matt Milinkovic and Mario Grundy gave the visitors their first points of the season.
It was the late, late show at Stonelow Road where a 91st minute goal from Retford’s Lee Gallagher took the points away from Dronfield Town Reserves.

CML Saturday round-up - Selston score seven while Sherwood are beaten


In the Black Dragon Badges South Division, Selston won 7-1 at Teversal Reserves, Steven Radzynkski (2), Elliot Jones (2), Jamie Renshaw, Tom Widdowson and Shaun Farnsworth with Selston’s goals and Macauley Short replying.


You can catch the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain when their The Gigasecond Tour visits Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, October 15.
The performance starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £20-£23. Call the box office on 0115 989 5555 or see www.trch.co.uk
The workd-renowned all-plucking superstars return with their toe-tapping music, hilarious banter, and superlative entertainment.
Last year, they celebrated 30 years of plucking action and this year they will have been active for one billion seconds.
See for yourself the performers who have earned celebrity fans and standing ovations all around the world.
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You can catch the Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain when their The Gigasecond Tour visits Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on Saturday, October 15.


Plucky performers to show off their ukelele skills again


With only three rounds remaining, the 20th round of Notts Premier League fixtures on Saturday sees matches where there is something at stake for at least one of the teams involved.
With the top three split by 33 points it’s make or break for title hopes, while at the ‘wrong end’, the bottom four are just eight points apart.
Clifton Village v Mansfield Hosiery Mills
Despite being abandoned last weekend, the home side moved up one place in the standings to ninth, but sit a mere eight points above the bottom side.
Visitors MHM have won their last three away matches, but are yet to secure their status as a top half of the table side.
Kimberley Institute v Hucknall
Kimberley’s long run without a win continued last week, their abandonment stretching the run of futility to 12 weeks.
Hucknall secured enough bonus points last week to close the gap up at the bottom of the table such that the bottom three teams are only two points apart.
Plumtree v Nottinghamshire CCC Academy
Plumtree secured a big win over Radcliffe last weekend, which enabled them to close the gap on leaders Cuckney to 11 points, and having won both of their last two home matches will be confident of keeping the pressure on this weekend. The Academy have surged to fourth place in the table over the last few weeks, and will be keen to secure that position for season’s end.
Radcliffe-on-Trent v Cuckney
The home side have just one win in the last 10 games played on their own ground, and with the leaders coming to visit and a margin of only 19 points between them and second from bottom, they will know an upturn in fortune is required.
For Cuckney, it’s 15 weeks since they last lost a match, so despite seeing their lead eaten into last weekend, they know that keeping that run going should be enough to get them over the line.
Welbeck v Ordsall Bridon
This might be the biggest game of the weekend, with these sides sitting in 11th and 10th places respectively, split by just a single point.
Defeat for either could be terminal.
Although both sides have just one win from their last 10, Welbeck’s record at home is good, just one defeat, while Bridon have just one win on their travels.
With the knowledge that the loser is likely to find themselves bottom come the end of the day this will be about who handles that pressure best.
West Indian Cavaliers v Caythorpe
Having their match at MHM cancelled without a ball bowled last week, meant Cavs lost more ground on the top two, so they will know they will have to win all of their remaining matches to stand any chance of over hauling the sides above them.
It has been 13 weeks since their last defeat, and with six wins out of nine games at Birchover Park, they will believe they can get the job done here.
Caythorpe come off a valuable win last week which leaves them needing to find 23 points over the last three matches to secure NPL status.
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With only three rounds remaining, the 20th round of Notts Premier League fixtures on Saturday sees matches where there is something at stake for at least one of the teams involved.


NPL excitement builds with just three weeks to go


A mechanic from Mansfield was caught driving while disqualified and without insurance while returning a friend’s vehicle he’d just repaired, a court has heard.
Daniel Thomas Radford, 28, of Pine Close, Mansfield Woodhouse, admitted the offences at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The court heard he was stopped while driving a red Cherokee jeep on Maple Close, Forest Town, at 1.35pm on June 29.
Sarah Neale, mitigating, said: “It was a friend’s car that he was doing repairs on. The friend pleaded with him to return the car. It was his intention to drive two streets down the road.”
She said Radford works as a self-employed mechanic with a friend who drives him, and hoped to continue his business once he regains his licence.
District Judge Jonathan Taafe imposed an eight-week curfew, from 7pm to 6am, and disqualified him from driving for 12 months. He ordered Radford to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £85.

Disqualified mechanic caught driving repaired car in Mansfield


A mechanic from Mansfield was caught driving while disqualified and without insurance while returning a friend’s vehicle he’d just repaired, a court has heard.


The Ship Of Fools comedy night returns to Number 28 in Belper on Saturday, September 3, featuring headliner John Whale.
There will be support on the night from Patrick Draper with more support to be announced, and your compere will be Alan Seaman.
Bring your own drink. Admission costs £7 and the show starts at 8pm.
Get your tickets via shipoffoolscomedy@yahoo.co.uk or by calling 07804 563371.
Number 28 is based on the Market Place at Belper.
After starting stand up in Edinburgh whilst studying at university, John Whale quickly became a regular on the circuit in Edinburgh and Glasgow, performing regularly at the famous Stand Comedy Club.
In his first year in comedy, he reached the semi-finals of So You Think You’re Funny? and has performed twice for BBC Comedy Presents, the second time being at the Edinburgh Festival.
Now based in Newcastle, John gigs regularly for comedy clubs across the country.
Patrick Draper was English Comedian of the Year Finalist 2015 and his head is full of ridiculous stories. Watch him sift through them like a fox rifling through a bin: misery; planetary alignment; things. Expect gloriously dry stand up from a rising star on the circuit.
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The Ship Of Fools comedy night returns to Number 28 in Belper on Saturday, September 3, featuring headliner John Whale.


There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.
Take a peek behind the scenes at the successful city centre venue.
To celebrate the start of the autumn season at the Playhouse, there will be an afternoon of free activites and eye-opening behind-the-scenes events for all ages.
There will be live music, arts and crafts, performance poetry, drama workshops, special effect, make up and much much more.
Organisers are confident this will be a great family-oriented event for all to enjoy.
Some events require reservation in advance, so make sure you give theteam a call at the Nottingham Playhouse box office on 0115 9419419.
Alternatively, you can check out more details at www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
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There will be plenty of free fantastic fun for the family on Saturday, September 3, when Nottingham Playhouse holds its Open Day, between 12noon-3pm.


Mansfield-born Alexandra Stenson has reached a vital step in her career as an international opera singer by being awarded a place on the Guildhall Artists
Masters Programme.
To raise support for this, she is presenting a concert called The Last Rose of Summer, which is taking place on Friday, September 2, starting at 7.15pm at St. Helen’s Church, Selston.
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear the glorious voice of soprano Alexandra, supported by the talented Sarah Walster (mezzo-soprano) and Maureen Lockwood (accompanist) in a programme of popular music theatre, jazz, opera and song.
Tickets are £6, including refreshments, available from Sue at 0115 8548295 and Janet 01773 810105.
For more about Alexandra, see www.alexandrastenson.com
Selston Music Festival Committee is delighted to announce its sponsorship of The Last Rose of Summer. Alexandra, who has competed in Selston Music Festivals for a number of years, completed her Post Graduate Course in 2014 with a BMus (Hons) in Vocal Studies, trained with the English Opera Company 2014-2015 and has worked with opera companies since then.
She has been awarded a place on the Guildhall Artists Masters programme, a vital step towards her career as an international opera singer, and is currently looking for support. Alexandra is doing all the work, the festival is helping with the venue and publicity.
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Mansfield-born Alexandra Stenson has reached a vital step in her career as an international opera singer by being awarded a place on the Guildhall Artists


Soprano Alexandra to sing in Last Rose of Summer concert


The 2016 Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse promises to be a fabulous four-day spectacular with a glamourous social scene and amazing racing including the Doncaster Cup and St. Leger Stakes.
Starting on Wednesday, September 7th, Ladies Day will take place on Thursday 8th, Gentlemans Day and the iconic Doncaster Cup on Friday 9th and St Leger Day on Saturday 10th.
Gates open at 11am, so there is plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere before the packed race cards commence and horses tackle the legendary St. Leger turf.
There will also be live music on the Hallam FM Champagne Lawn and delicious food can be enjoyed at the Racecourse’s own restaurant – The Old Weighing Room. Booking is essential.
We have teamed up with the Doncaster Racecourse to offer four pairs of County Enclosure tickets.
There will be a pair of tickets for each day of the St. Leger Festival and winners will be chosen at random and in order. For example, the first winner chosen will receive tickets for the first day on Wednesday the 7th, the second winner chosen for the second day, Ladies Day, and so on.
Simply send us an e-mail to sport.nmsy@jpress.co.uk with the subject title of ‘St Leger competition’ and with your name and contact details in the body text.
The closing date for the competition is 5pm on Friday, September 2.
No cash alternative will be available and the prize is nontransferrable.
Entrants must be aged 18 or over. A dress code applies (see www.doncasterracecourse.co.uk) and winners must present proof of ID in order to claim their prize.
Guests at Doncaster Racecourse are advised to note that the Champagne Lawn is a Challenge 21 area and only guests aged 18 and over are allowed onto the Champagne lawns.

WIN tickets to the 2016 Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival


The 2016 Ladbrokes St. Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse promises to be a fabulous four-day spectacular with a glamourous social scene and amazing racing including the Doncaster Cup and St. Leger Stakes.


Yorkshire's Strictly Come Dancing ex-champions Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will quick step back home this weekend - to give free dance lessons to fans.
It coincides with the start of a new season of the hit BBC One show.
Strictly's most successful couple, now parents to one-year-old Valentina Rose, are returning to their family's City Limits Dancentre studio in Penistone Road, Sheffield.
They will take part in free taster sessions on Saturday, September 3, from noon to 2pm. Full details and more at www.city-limits.co.uk
City Limits is run by Sheffield born Darren's parents, former dance champions, Tony and Judith, and his twin brother Dale.
Darren, aged 39, and his Moscow wife Lilia, 37, are the most successful competitor couple of their generation, winning four British amateur championships, three UK championships and representing Great Britain at the World and European Championships.
They turned professional in 2003, winning the British National Professional Championship two years running and made the final of the World and European Championships.
But they became household names when they joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 and won the show in consecutive years.
At his first attempt Darren, dancing with Jill Halfpenny from Eastenders, won the show and then went on to win the Champion of Champions dance off.
In 2005, Lilia waltzed off with the title while partnering Barnsley's own former Yorkshire and England cricketing star Darren Gough, after which they also went on to win the International Christmas special.
They went on to host their own West End show, Latin Fever, which they toured nationally and are today still regarded as one of Britain’s finest Latin American dance couples.
More recently they have worked on the Turkish and Lebanese versions of the Strictly TV show, Darren, born in Deepcar and brought up in Todwick, as a judge and Lilia as a consultant choreographer to the professional dancers.
Darren has also consulted on Danse Avec la Stars, the first series of the French version of Dancing with the Stars.
As well as being successful competitors and performers they have built up an International reputation as coaches, choreographers and first class trainers in both dance and corporate arenas.
They have also trained many of the top junior, youth and amateur couples, including the British Junior champions and No. 1 youth couple in the UK.
Darren's twin Dale said: "Strictly is back and we have Darren and Lilia joining us for an open day, with free taster sessions for children and adults to come along and see what being a student at City Limits is like.
"Fans can take part in one of our Ballroom and Latin classes led by Darren and Lilia.
"It runs from 2pm until 4pm, and we have a timetable of taster sessions throughout the day. Plus visitors can chat to our teachers and find out more about our new beginners' classes starting in September.
OPEN DAY TASTER CLASS SESSIONS
12.15-12.45pm: BALLROOM & LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA ALL AGES
12.30-1.00pm: STREETDANCE FOR ALL AGES 4-ADULT
12.30-1pm: BABY BALLET AND TAP
1.00-1.30pm : SALSA AND LATIN WITH DARREN AND LILIA
1.15-2pm: ZUMBA AND FITSTEPS TASTER
1.15-1.45pm: ADULT TAP
The pole fitness studio will also be open, for demonstrations and free workshops, from 12-2pm.
There will also be three Ballroom and Latin technique workshops for those wishing to develop their skills
2pm: Juvenile (under 12's), 45min, cost £5.
2.45pm: Junior (age 12 to 15), 45min, cost £5.
3.30pm, - Adult (age 16+), 60min, cost £8.
For more information about the open day and new class timetable, call he studio on 0114 234 4866 or visit www.city-limits.co.uk
Also visit Darren and Lilia's official website at www.darrenandlilia.com
* Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed this year's celebrity cast for the show, which returns on BBC One on Saturday, September 3, 6.50pm.
The line-up features EastEnders actor Tameka Empson, Birds of a Feather’s Lesley Joseph, former shadow chancellor Ed Balls, Pop Idol winner Will Young, former Eternal singer Louise Redknapp, actor Danny Mac, newsreader Naga Munchetty, reality TV’s Judge Rinder, US singer Anastacia, model Daisy Lowe, GB long-jumper Greg Rutherford, gymnast Claudia Fragapane, presenters Laura Whitmore and Ore Oduba, DJ and presenter Melvin Odoom.
TV stars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be on hosting duties with the judging panel of Darcey Bussell, Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and – in his final year – Len Goodman. For more visit www.bbc.co.uk

Yorkshire's Strictly ex-champs to give free dance lessons at City Limits


Can you remember the last time Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United in a final?
Or do you recall the time Eric Cantona played for Sheffield Wednesday?
The Guinness Soccer six tournament was an annual competition that the country’s elite took very seriously indeed.
Fellow forest fans will remember this with fondness (those old enough), because we were consecutive finalists, in both 1987 and 1988.
For the record; Cantona featured in the competition whilst on a trial, at Sheffield Wednesday.
Former Forest legend Trevor Francis allowed the Frenchman to move on to Leeds United without signing him up. (Wonder whatever happened to him?)
The G-Mex arena in Manchester played host to the event and the crowds were healthy, having began back in 1981 it had gained some serious momentum by the time Forest lifted the trophy.
The Reds were crowned champions in 1987, after a nervy encounter with Man united, who were technically on home soil.
United had fielded a host of first team regulars as did pretty much everyone else, with the exception of Coventry who played David Speedie in goal!
Forest and Man United couldn’t be separated during normal time in that final, but we took the honours via a penalty shootout.
Tommy Gaynor calmly slotted home the winning kick to elevate himself into pub quiz folklore.
The winning team photo consisted of the following players; Steve Sutton, Nigel Clough, Calvin Plummer, Neil Webb, Colin Foster, Stuart Pearce, Gary Charles, Darren Wassall and of course, Gaynor.
Considering that this all took place in mid season, December in fact, it is all the more remarkable that Forest went on to finish third in the top flight that same season. An accolade that would see you into the
Champions League today!
Could you imagine the likes of Sergio Aguero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Eden Hazard turning out for their respective clubs, to play six-a-side, on a cold night in Manchester? Me neither but it does make a mockery
of the “over play and tiredness” gripes that reverberate from the mouth of the Premier League lion.
Such was the momentum of Soccer six, the following year 1988, every top flight club took part as well as a little club from the second division called Manchester City.
Forest once again passed their way through their opposition and progressed to the final.
When you think how Brian Clough had them playing on muddy fields back then, it was no surprise that the likes of Clough junior and Webb were untouchable on the Astro-turf.
FA cup holders Wimbledon were notable victims of the Forest fire power, the long ball specialists were well out of their comfort zone and were beaten 4-1.
Once again though, the likes of Vinnie Jones, John Scales and Dennis Wise were all in attendance.
Forest then sneaked past Norwich City to set up a second, consecutive final against Charlton Athletic.
Another thing to remember here is the tournament was played over a couple of days too. Not just your average competition at Power League followed by a session in the bar.
Forest’s side had only changed slightly from the previous year; Des Walker, Terry Wilson, Franz Carr and Brian Laws had entered the fray this time out. Such was the consistency of Clough’s philosophy;
whoever came in would play to feet at all times.
When the holders took on Charlton in their second final, you could just feel the determination of the London club and their vhairman, who was on the sidelines, shouting support. Again; could you imagine
Roman Abramovich doing that, down at the G-Mex?
In truth, Charlton outplayed Forest that night and fully deserved their silverware. They took a deserved lead through Peter Shirtliff and it wasn’t until the dying seconds of the half that Franz Carr drew us level.
The second period again belonged to the Addicks and they were rewarded with a fine winner by Paul Mortimer. The celebrations from the Londoners were something to behold, you could see that it really
meant something; the kind of attitude long gone in this country.
Worth noting too, was the £50,000 prize money for the winners; to Charlton this equated to triple the gate receipts of their recant league tie with Forest.
Ironically, Forest went on to lift the League Cup that same season and celebrated with similar elation.
How many clubs even field anything close to a full strength side in that competition these days?
Football and footballers have changed, so too have the fans to an extent.
But, looking back on the crazy days of The Guinness Soccer Six it fills me with great pride; knowing that any time I paid my hard earned cash to watch my heroes, they’d put in a shift, no matter what competition it was.

BLOG: When did Forest last beat Manchester United in a final? In a long forgotten but prestigious six-a-side tournament


Can you remember the last time Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United in a final?


More than four in ten motorists in the East Midlands get someone else to wash their car, according to a new survey.
The research carried out by AA Cars, found that 45 per cent of motorists in the region get someone else to clean their vehicle.
The AA-Populus poll, which canvassed 19,619 AA members on how often they clean their cars, and the methods most frequently used, found that almost a quarter (22%) of British car owners polled now use a pop-up hand car wash.
The survey also revealed that fewer professionals across the country (54%) wash their own cars compared to semi-skilled and manual workers (63%).
The results also highlighted a difference between genders, with two thirds of men (61%) claiming to do a DIY bucket and sponge job, or home pressure washer, compared to 49% of women who prefer to pay to have their cars washed.
But the survey also showed that just one in ten respondents give their car a clean on the outside once a week, with 29 per cent admitting they only gave their vehicle a wash once every few months.
Paul Yates, managing director of AA Cars, said: “The British tradition of washing our cars at the weekend does seem to be dying though. Across the UK, 32% of car owners now outsource the job, with around a third of these opting for an automatic car wash.
“Obvious as it may sound, cleaning your car is a prerequisite if you’re looking to sell. Advertising a dirty vehicle is a sure-fire way to give potential buyers the wrong impression – that you’re willing to cut corners.”
% motorists who clean their cars themselves
London
42%
South East
53%
Eastern
54%
East Midlands
55%
West Midlands
57%
North West
57%
Northern Ireland
58%
Yorkshire & Humberside
59%
South West
62%
North East
63%
Wales
65%
Scotland
68%

Too lazy or too busy? Almost half of motorists don’t wash their own cars


More than four in ten motorists in the East Midlands get someone else to wash their car, according to a new survey.


1:14 Bob Herring talks about how he fell in love with old time music
0:49 Old Time Learning Jam is an open door for musicians
7:12 UNC students react to Berger's claim that Democrats outnumber Republicans 12:1 in faculty positions
0:28 UPS workers, NAACP rally for a better workplace, fair treatment
1:52 Cedar Ridge head coach Scott Loosemore on his team's 60-0 season opening win
2:50 Three and out with Northwood head coach Brian Harrington
2:36 Moser plans to retire as Orange head coach
1:44 3-and-out with East Chapel Hill coach Ryan Johnson
3:04 3-and-out with Cedar Ridge football coach Scott Loosemore


Forty-seven years ago, a mountain Republican from Big Stone Gap, Va., put himself forward as a candidate for governor of Virginia.


3:30 Now at quarterback for Duke, Daniel Jones Pause
1:39 Doeren: 'I still get goosebumps when I get off the bus"
2:17 Cutcliffe talks about the qualities of quarterbacks Jones and Sirk
1:56 Cutcliffe pays tribute to new athletic facilities at Duke
2:23 Duke to start Jones at quarterback in season opener
1:08 NFL players, coaches, and fans react to Colin Kaepernick protest
0:58 5 things to do to prep for a hurricane
1:09 Donald Ross Drive shooting scene a day later
3:54 UNC's Larry Fedora on keeping things simple for Georgia game
1:21 UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky on the urgency of the Georgia game

Charging toward the future on Rogers Road - Vincent Xia and Cuyler McCoy


As teenagers, we understand how important solar energy is to our future. Climate change is an ever-growing threat as excess greenhouse gases from non-renewable energy sources continue to warm the planet and damage ecosystems.


Ex-employee accused of stealing $157,000 from Newman Catholic Student Center at UNC


A 25-year-old former administrator of the Newman Catholic Student Center at UNC has been charged with embezzling $157,192.80, according to court records.


3 Chapel Hillians honored for science with state’s highest award


Gov. Pat McCrory will honor three Chapel Hill residents in September with the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor.


Disparities in Orange County housing a local disgrace - Ellie Kinnaird


An article in the Real Estate section on Aug. 7 provided a dramatic example of our own local income disparity and how it is reflected in our community housing. It featured a super-mansion in the style of a French chateau located on 35 acres in rural Orange County and selling for $2.25 million. Ironically, it was next to a column by Robert Dowling, executive director of the Community Home Trust, about the severe shortage of low-income housing in Orange County.


Lakatriona Brunson is the first woman high school football head coach in Florida. Brunson will become the first woman in state history to serve as a head coach in a high school football game Thursday when the Miami Jackson High Generals take on Coral Reef High in preseason game.


GoTriangle adds Carrboro-Durham bus service


Carrboro residents now have weekday transit service to and from Durham.


Orange County middle-school football player dies


Gravelly Hill Middle School eighth-grader Frederick Seymour died Friday morning, according to a GoFundMe page for his medical expenses.


Chapel Hill-Carrboro NAACP rallies for UPS workers


1:14 Bob Herring talks about how he fell in love with old time music
0:49 Old Time Learning Jam is an open door for musicians
7:12 UNC students react to Berger's claim that Democrats outnumber Republicans 12:1 in faculty positions
0:28 UPS workers, NAACP rally for a better workplace, fair treatment
1:52 Cedar Ridge head coach Scott Loosemore on his team's 60-0 season opening win
2:50 Three and out with Northwood head coach Brian Harrington
2:36 Moser plans to retire as Orange head coach
1:44 3-and-out with East Chapel Hill coach Ryan Johnson
3:04 3-and-out with Cedar Ridge football coach Scott Loosemore

Triangle UPS workers, some with more than 20 years on the job, will rally Monday against discrimination, harassment and unfair, unsafe working conditions. They could filed a class-action lawsuit, an NAACP official says.


Orange County submits 4 early-voting plans to state


The Orange County Board of Elections submitted four possible early voting plans this week for the state Board of Elections to consider.


Growing demand for home hotspots boosts library’s Wi-Fi project


The Orange County Public Library launched its pilot Wi-Fi to Go project in March with 50 wireless hotspot devices that library users could check out and take home. The wireless devices provide unlimited Internet access anywhere cell phone service is available.


Chapel Hill fiddler leads ‘delicate dance’ at Durham’s High Strung music shop


Players of all skill levels join the circle Tuesday nights at Durham’s High Strung Violins and Guitars, when the “Old Time Learning Jam” puts the folks back in folk music.


Celebration Of National Parks At NC State
Durham Academy drops two tough games in field hockey
McCrory gets endorsement from Police Benevolent Association
UNC's Larry Fedora on fired Illinois coach Tim Beckman joining his staff
1:14


Residents pan Legion Road apartments, offices concept plan


Chapel Hill’s Community Design Commission heard nearly two hours of public comment Tuesday before offering a few suggestions for improving a plan for 36 acres at 1714 Legion Road. A developer has contracted with the American Legion for apartments, offices and civic space.


UNC PlayMakers’ publicist killed in Chapel Hill crash


A woman killed in a head-on collision Thursday night on Raleigh Road was Constance “Connie” Mahan, the longtime publicist for UNC’s PlayMakers Repertory Company, officials confirmed.


1:15 South Granville dominates at Chapel Hill Pause
1:22 Student reflects on St. Mary's 175 years
0:44 Clayton's Devin Carter has big night for Comets
1:34 Garner's Djimon Harris talks win over Cleveland
2:48 Remember Ruby Lair, the first girl in a family of six boys? She just turned 1
1:03 Textbook prices soar, college students try to save by renting, buying online
1:34 Wake mom talks about her decision to home-school
2:27 Mayberry's Thelma Lou turns 90
1:58 Manu and Kokila Patel share their story from Aug. 13th at Crabtree Valley Mall
2:31 Duke redshirt freshman quarterback impresses during fall camp


1:21 Ryan Held talks about his Olympic nickname Crying Ryan Pause
1:39 Doeren: 'I still get goosebumps when I get off the bus"
2:17 Cutcliffe talks about the qualities of quarterbacks Jones and Sirk
1:56 Cutcliffe pays tribute to new athletic facilities at Duke
2:23 Duke to start Jones at quarterback in season opener
1:08 NFL players, coaches, and fans react to Colin Kaepernick protest
0:58 5 things to do to prep for a hurricane
1:09 Donald Ross Drive shooting scene a day later
3:54 UNC's Larry Fedora on keeping things simple for Georgia game
1:21 UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky on the urgency of the Georgia game

Do we not hear the bombs, see the blood? - Hans Wuerth


I always hoped that the destructive bombings of cities during World War II would never be repeated. After all, the massive attacks on Rotterdam, Warsaw, London, Hamburg, Hiroshima, Dresden and of other cities and towns (such as of Stuttgart, where I survived several major raids) should have sent a clear and humanitarian message to future generations: use airplanes for transportation only, not for killing people on the ground. However, we know the grim facts. Countless other places have been targeted since 1945. And today we must add to this long list the historic Syrian city of Aleppo.


1:14 Bob Herring talks about how he fell in love with old time music
0:49 Old Time Learning Jam is an open door for musicians
7:12 UNC students react to Berger's claim that Democrats outnumber Republicans 12:1 in faculty positions
0:28 UPS workers, NAACP rally for a better workplace, fair treatment
1:52 Cedar Ridge head coach Scott Loosemore on his team's 60-0 season opening win
2:50 Three and out with Northwood head coach Brian Harrington
2:36 Moser plans to retire as Orange head coach
1:44 3-and-out with East Chapel Hill coach Ryan Johnson
3:04 3-and-out with Cedar Ridge football coach Scott Loosemore

IFC leader leaves after one year to spend more time with family


Michael Reinke, executive director of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services, stepped down Aug. 22 after one year leading the nonprofit hunger and homelessness relief agency.


Court decisions reveal the cold, lingering grip - Kirk Ross


I have a few copies of the Constitution of the United States. The pocket copy I keep handy was given to me by the late UNC law professor and civil rights lawyer Dan Pollitt, whose favorite saying was Illegitimi non carborundum or, loosely translated “Don’t let the bastards get you down.”


Clayton's Devin Carter has big night for Comets
Garner's Djimon Harris talks win over Cleveland
3:21


Freshman Destinee Dorsey recorded 15 killed while junior outside hitter Destiny Cox added 12 kills as Carrboro swept crosstown rival Chapel Hill 3-0 on scores of 25-17, 25-16 and 25- 16 Tuesday night.


The Paralympics redefined my possible - Mia Ives-Rublee


When dreams are dragged down by negative expectations, it’s hard to find a reason to make plans and set goals.


Sports Notebook: board to decide on Mountain-to-Sea Trail


OWASA to vote on Mountain-To-Sea Trail spur suggested to be built along Cane Creek Reservoir


7:12
UNC students react to Berger's claim that Democrats outnumber Republicans 12:1 in faculty positions

At UNC, the private donations are rolling in


The university has its best fundraising year on record, bringing in $495 million in fiscal 2016.


Community leader and retired NCCU professor Ted Parrish talks about his plans for reviving the Pine Knolls Community Center in Chapel Hill. In this clip Parrish, with friend Kenneth Mustafa off camera, says he has the track record to make it happen after years of dormancy.

Bob Herring talks about how he fell in love with old time music


‘Game abandoned’ was the story of the South Lincolnshire & Border League weekend, with only match getting beyond the tea interval.
The day’s big game between leaders Spalding and second placed Sleaford 2nd ended with Spalding having scored 197 for seven, Hafiz Maheed hitting 80 and Dan Milgate 57.
This gave the top team four points to Sleaford’s three and Spalding now have a 39 point advantage - but with two games in hand, Sleaford are still in with a good chance of the title.
Elsewhere, Dan Reynolds made 62 and Matthew Law 69 in Belton Park’s 215 for seven.
Belton declared in the 36th over in the hope of completing the game but after six overs of the second innings, the weather intervened.
Freiston caught up three points on Spalding 2nd at the top of Division One, their game against Baston lasting 39 overs, sufficient time for both Richard Paul and Abdul Moeed to hit 63 as the players came off with Frieston 166 for two.
Mark Elsom and Dan Nuttall made 70 and 59 respectively in Skegness 2nd’s 205 for four before the rain came in the 42nd over, but only 15 overs were played at Spalding where the leaders were taking on Timberland.
Boston 3rd and Graves Park remain locked in battle for second place in Division Two after their match was rained off with Boston on 49 for six.
Pinchbeck had made 107 for four when the game against Long Sutton 2nd was brought to a close.
Premier Division: Belton Park 215-7 dec (Reynolds 62, M Law 69), Long Sutton 6-0; Woodhall Spa 2nd 93-6 v Bourne 2nd; Boston 2nd 124-3 v Billingborough Grantham 2nd 114-8 v Market Deeping 2nd; Spalding 197-7 (Majeed 80, Milgate 57) v Sleaford 2nd.
Division One: Freiston 166-2 (Paul 63, Moeed 63no), v Baston; Skegness 2nd 205-4 (Elsom 70, Nuttall 59) v Grantham 3rd; Timberland 53-0 v Spalding 2nd; Moulton Harrox conceded to Heckington.
Divison Two: Boston 3rd 49-6 v Graves Park; Pinchbeck 107-4 v Long Sutton 2nd.
All abandoned.


‘Game abandoned’ was the story of the South Lincolnshire & Border League weekend, with only match getting beyond the tea interval.


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PIGEON RACING: Parker pigeon first home in Grantham United race


Visit now for more local sports news from in and around Grantham and south Lincolnshire - from the Grantham Journal


UK motorists have been hit by a near-20 per cent rise in insurance costs in the last year, new figures show.
The average driver now pays £715 a year for fully comprehensive cover, up 19 per cent on the same time last year.
The figures were revealed by the Confused.com car insurance price index, which tracks quarterly and annual trends.
After dropping for several years from a high of £843 in 2011, insurance costs have been rising since the start of 2015. The latest figures, for the period from April to June 2016 show that costs have risen by 6 per cent since the start of the year and drivers are paying an average of £115 more for their insurance than they were in the same period last year.
Northern Irish drivers have been worst hit by the latest rises, seeing their premiums climb 25 per cent year-on-year. They now face an average premium of £863.
Also feeling the impact badly are motorists in parts of Scotland - the Highlands and Islands saw rises of 24 per cent and drivers in the Hebrides were hit with a staggering 42 per cent annual increase.
Conversely, Orkney’s capital - Kirkwall - was one of only two places to see a drop in costs, with a quarterly fall of four per cent. Hereford, in the West Midlands, was the only other place to see a fall in quarterly premiums - down two per cent on the first three months of the year.
While younger drivers might face the highest premiums overall, they have actually escaped the worst of the rises. Drivers aged 17 saw an annual rise of just eight per cent - the lowest of any age bracket - but still face average premiums of £2,013. A the opposite end, 61-year-old drivers saw a 24 per cent rise - the highest of any age group - but still only pay £418 a year.
And the gender gap persists, with male drivers facing annual rises of 21 per cent in comparison with the 18 per cent faced by women. This continued difference means the gap between the sexes is growing as men pay an average of £92 a year more - up from £27 in 2013.
Confused’s motoring editor, Amanda Stretton, said: “We’ve not seen price rises of this magnitude for five years - a 19 per cent annual increase is substantial to say the least. And these price rises are being felt across the board, for drivers of all ages and genders, across all UK regions.
“If prices continues to rise at the rate we’ve been seeing, we could be facing the possibility of average comprehensive premiums reaching a high not seen since 2011. This, combined with rising fuel prices and increased motoring costs across the board, could result in a sizeable dent in drivers’ pockets.”

Car insurance costs soar nearly 20 per cent in 12 months


Visit now for the offbeat news - from the Grantham Journal


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Man arrested in Melton on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs


Police arrested a man yesterday evening on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.


Rain sweeping across the county made the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League a programme of one-innings matches, with three teams making it back on to the field but soon returning to the pavilion.
However those innings added two points to Bracebridge Heath’s cushion at the top and took Nettleham to within one point of Grimsby at the bottom.
The day also produced a number of highlights as Obus Pienaar took his runs total to 1452 with 58 at Skegness for whom Tom Cuthbert took five wickets - including bowling Pienaar.
Prasanna Jayawardene hit a century in Woodhall Spa’s 279 for nine against Bourne while Will Wright was unbeaten on 94 when Lindum declared on 225 for two against Grimsby who were 15 without loss when the weather intervened.
Only 36 overs were possible at Grantham who batted first against Market Deeping and were 128 for five, Ben Powell not out on 67.
Boston made 199 for seven off their 50 overs at Nettleham with Liam Sparke hitting 69.
The longest game was at Louth who were restricted to 166 for eight by Bracebridge Heath.
The leaders then lost three wickets and had 48 on the board when rain stopped play in the 14th over.
With two games to go, Bracebridge lead Grantham by 24 runs with Sleaford and Market Deeping not far behind.
At the bottom, Grimsby entertain Skegness on Saturday knowing that a win could push them above their opponents who have a 12 point advantage - but defeat could let in Nettleham if the Lincoln side pick up points at Bourne.
Results: Lindum 225-2 dec (Wright 94no), Grimsby Town 15-0; Grantham 128-5 (Powell 67no) v Market Deeping; Boston 199-7 (Sparke 69). Nettleham 15-0; Woodhall Spa 279-9 (Jayawardene 124) v Bourne; Louth 166-8, Bracebridge Heath 48-3; Sleaford 177 (Pienaar 58, Cuthbert 5-28)) v Skegness.
All abandoned.


Rain sweeping across the county made the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League a programme of one-innings matches, with three teams making it back on to the field but soon returning to the pavilion.


Early indications of GCSE results across Lincolnshire show continued improvements this year.
With 10 schools still to return data, provisional figures released today (Thursday) by Lincolnshire schools, including academies, indicate that the percentage of students attaining good grades in core subjects continues to rise.
The percentage of students attaining 5+ A*-C including English and maths is no longer a headline measure of school performance.
The new headline is the percentage of students attaining an A*-C grade in English and maths, which has increased by five per cent, from 58.3 per cent in 2015 to 63.2 per cent this year. An impressive 23 schools so far have achieved more than 60 per cent.
The percentage of students attaining A*-C in English is currently 73.5 per cent for 2016 and compares to 67.6 per cent last year, an increase of 5.9 per cent. Four of the 45 schools achieved 100 per cent in this measure.
The percentage of A*-C in maths is currently showing as 69.8 per cent for 2016, 1.8 per cent up on last year. Six of the 45 schools achieved 100 per cent in this measure
The government has been keen to emphasise the importance of the English Baccalaureate as this measure supports as many students as possible to achieve A*-C grades in a broad range of academic subjects. The percentage achieving the English Baccalaureate is 29.4 per cent for 2016 compared to 27.2 per cent in 2015 - an increase of 2.2 per cent on last year.
So far 24 schools have shown improvement on last year in this measure, with 12 of those schools improving by over five per cent points on last year.
Coun Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “It’s looking like another impressive set of results this year. In particular, the percentage of students achieving the English Baccalaureate at 29.4 per cent is a significant improvement.
“Students deserve every credit for their commitment to reach their potential. Remember, if you haven’t got the results you need, don’t panic, there is plenty of advice and help out there – go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/teeninfolincs.”
Debbie Barnes, director of children’s services, added: “We have yet to see how the final figures will pan out, but the picture is showing that our students have done incredibly well to maintain improvements and standards. Schools continue to excel in providing the platform for students to perform to their best.
“Teachers, parents and carers deserve praise for their support and encouragement. My congratulations to all students and best wishes for your future plans.”

Continued improvements in GCSE results across Lincolnshire


Early indications of GCSE results across Lincolnshire show continued improvements this year.


All train lines are currently blocked between Peterborough and Grantham this afternoon, Tuesday August 30.
It is believed the issue is an overhead line failure.
Engineers are investigating but no trains are running in either direction.
More here as we have it...

BREAKING: All train lines blocked between Peterborough and Grantham after failure


All train lines are currently blocked between Peterborough and Grantham this afternoon, Tuesday August 30.


UK parents are collectively spending £22 billion to help get their children on the road and three quarters of mums and dads in the South East admit paying for their child’s driving lessons.
A new survey of parents found that they are struggling to keep up with the rising costs involved in helping their children learn to drive and get motoring independently.
On average the process of taking to the open road for the first time now costs £7,000 - factoring in the cost of lessons, a car and insurance - and parents across the country are footing much of this bill.
Almost three quarters of parents in the South East (73.5 per cent) said they had paid for their child’s driving lessons. With them costing £24 on average and the Driver Standards Agency recommending 47 hours of tuition, that adds up to a potential £1,128 just to get them ready to sit their test.
On top of that, more than three quarters of South East parents (80 per cent) also help their children buy their first car, with a third (33 per cent) stumping up at least part of the deposit for a car. And more than half (52.3 per cent) of those surveyed revealed that they continued to pay out for regular maintenance, insurance, cleaning and even buying accessories.
Once their offspring have passed their test and secured some wheels, the biggest cost facing the Bank of Mum and Dad is getting the kids insured. The latest figures reveal that the cost of insurance alone for young drivers has risen by 13 per cent in the last year and for a 17-year-old now stands at £2,013 a year.
In a bid to bring these costs down many families are turning to technology. More than half of parents in the South East (53.6 per cent) have installed an insurance company ‘black box’ or dashboard camera. One in five (20 per cent) have also agreed to a high excess to reduce costs, while 42 per cent have put their names on their child’s insurance policy to lower payments.
Neil Addley, managing director of NFDA Trusted Dealers, said: “The survey findings show that each year the costs associated with learning to drive rises, putting a strain not only on learners, but also on the Bank of Mum and Dad. Increasing prices means there is often a temptation to scrimp on some things, such as the quality of the car, but this can lead to high running costs, leaving you out of pocket in the long term.
“With more and more parents stepping in to help get their children motoring, we have developed a dedicated section on our site which is filled with tips and advice from buying your first car, to the best cars for students.”

Parents fork out £22bn helping kids learn to drive


UK parents are collectively spending £22 billion to help get their children on the road and three quarters of mums and dads in the South East admit paying for their child’s driving lessons.


Dog owners are being reminded they must now microchip their pets.
Legislation came into force in the UK earlier this year that states owners must chip and register their animals on one of the authorised commercial databases.
This can be completed at veterinary practices throughout the district or through national dog charities.
Owners are also obligated to keep their contact details up to date on the databases and where a dog is transferred to a new keeper, the new owner must ensure any changes in the dog’s name or details are recorded.
Permanent identification of dogs through microchipping helps to reunite strays with their owners, tackle puppy farming and encourages responsible ownership. In pedigree dogs it also facilitates the reporting of hereditary health problems.
South Kesteven District Council’s executive member for environment Councillor Nick Craft said: “Most dog owners already have their pets microchipped but for those who haven’t it’s easy to arrange with a quick appointment at a vets.
“Some charities offer discounted chipping so there’s options available to ensure as an owner you’re in line with this year’s law changes.”

Dog owners reminded to microchip their pets


Get the latest breaking news from the Grantham Journal - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily.


With regards to the closure trial currently underway at Grantham Hospital A&E department, I have two points on the way this trial is being portrayed.
Firstly, in your article (August 19) Dr Kapadia quotes the number of patients handled at Grantham A&E as 28 self presenting and six arriving by ambulance between 7pm and 7am. Why does that justify closing the unit between 6.30pm and 9.30am? Why is the statistical criteria not like for like?
Secondly, as this is being ascribed as a trial for a period of three months, what are the success and failure parameters?
Ron Anderson

Grantham Journal letter: The figures just don’t add up


Your letters, opinions and views - from the Grantham Journal


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As a month long Think! Speed police campaign ends today new dash cam footage has been released showing the importance of the “twenty’s plenty” message often given for driving in residential streets.
The shocking video captures the moment a little boy gets hit by a van. The van was travelling at 20mph at the time of the collision. If it had been going just 10mph faster the likelihood of death would have been five times higher.
The shocking moment the boy ran out into the street captured on dash cam
The youngster - believed to be eight - charges out into the road between two parked vehicles and flies off the van’s bumper after being struck before tumbling onto the road and running off.
The van driver is completely unsighted and could do nothing to avoid the collision with the boy, who was badly bruised but otherwise unhurt.
Throughout August the county’s Road Policing Units have been out in force targeting motorists breaking the law.
The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points added to your license however drivers across the county are warned that the speed limit is a limit not a target. In some road conditions or road layouts even driving at the speed limit could be too fast.
Speed limits are not targets
Traffic Sergeant Ian Manley said: “Those who speed put not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of others.
“The faster you drive the less time you have to react. Speed remains one of the biggest factors in fatal collisions.
“The difference of a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death. The faster someone is driving, the less time they have to stop if something unexpected happens.
“There will be times when you need to drive under the speed limit in order to drive correctly for the conditions or layout of the road.
“I would urge anyone who drives to help us protect road users by reducing your speed and driving to the conditions of the roads.
“If you kill someone while speeding, you will have to live with the long-term emotional consequences. Remember that speed limits are there for a reason.”
* Make sure you leave plenty of time for your journey, taking into account traffic
* Watch out for changes in the speed limit
* Drive to suit the conditions and the layout of the road
* Don’t let peer pressure encourage you to break the law
* Don’t assume it’s safe to break the speed limit because there is less traffic.
* Don’t be tempted to put your foot down because the road ahead appears clear.

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Dash cam footage of young boy being hit by van gives stark warning at end of police speed campaign


Visit now for the latest transport and travel news - direct from the Grantham Journal


The King of the Fighters is back in full 3D glory and with the biggest roster of combatants ever.
The classic SNK title is out August 26th and is the first main-series game rendered entirely in 3D using 2D backgrounds - like Street Fighter.
KoF XIV should have a good pedigree considering it is being directed by Yasuyuki Oda who has previously worked on Capcom’s Street Fighter IV as well as other titles by SNK.
Developers have introduced the “Rush” system in order to revitalise the series and attract newcomers.
The Hyper Drive system from the last game is no longer present and has been replaced with a new version of “Max Mode” from earlier games in the series.
In Max mode, the player can perform unlimited EX special moves for a short period of time, and the timer changes depending on what position their character is in.
The roster of fighters is the standout stat ahead of launch, though, with 50 ... yes FIFTY ... characters to choose from.
Each will have three types of Supers: the returning “Super Special Moves” and “Neomax Super Special Moves” (the latter of which are only usable in Max mode), and a new type called “Climax Super Special Moves”.
Climax Super Special Moves are the strongest types in the game and will require a total of three power gauges (two with Max mode on). The game also features the “Just Defend” mechanic from Garou: Mark of the Wolves. The HD thrust system now makes the opponent hit the wall and crumple for follow up attacks.
For beginners, there will be the automatic and simple “Rush Combo” while the online lobby has three modes: team VS, single VS, and party VS with up to 12 people able to enter and also spectate.
The roster of fighters is the standout stat ahead of launch, though, with 50 ... yes FIFTY ... characters to choose from. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
Whether Kof XIV can compete with the likes of the next gen Street Fighter or if it holds enough appeal to UK gamers remains to be seen.
But gameplay footage suggests it is slick, action-packed and should have lots of longevity particularly for those who like to master all fighters.

Console Corner: The King of Fighters lives on


Visit now for gadgets & tech news and features from the Grantham Journal


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.
A poll of more than 8,000 over-50s shows that one in eight grandparents will look after grandchildren once a week over the school summer holidays, with a further one in eight will be on childminding duties twice per week.
However, one in twenty grandparents say they will be hosting their grandchildren three days a week while school is out for the summer, according to the research by Saga Car Insurance.
And it’s not just their time that will be donated - one in five say they will spend well over £200 keeping the children occupied. Days out to the beach (77 per cent) and on shopping trips (35 per cent) are the most popular distractions, although some grandparents are even taking their grandchildren on a holiday either in the UK (14 per cent) or abroad (5 per cent).
Grandparents in the North East are the most likely to babysit grandchildren over the school summer holidays, while those in the East Midlands are least likely to.
The Scots are most likely to spend big on their grandkids, with one in four expecting to spend more than £200 during the school holiday period.
Sue Green, Head of Saga Car Insurance, commented: “It looks as though children are in for an action-packed summer which is full of adventure if nan and granddad are in charge over the next couple of weeks. Grandparents really are generous giving up their time and money to help with childcare over the summer holidays and I’m sure they are really looking forward to spending some quality time with their grandchildren.”

Grandparents to the rescue over school summer holidays


Visit now for the offbeat news - from the Grantham Journal


I have been commenting about degradation of Grantham Hospital over the years and I’m not surprised at the decision to close down the A&E at night.
I have written in the Journal about the A&E several times. I was the first full time Consultant in A&E department and attended several meetings. It was through these meetings that I found out how they treated Grantham Hospital as a neglected step-sister, taking the services away from Grantham. The latest is the shutting down of the A&E at night, taking the doctors from Grantham to Boston and Lincoln for duties, what a tragedy.
LHA is taking away the services from here brick by brick, with no consideration for the locals.
Now the Children’s Ward has gone, followed by the Maternity Ward. The ICU has also gone which means there is no major surgery, including Trauma, and now no emergency surgery in Grantham including children’s illness. What we now have here are some outpatient clinics.
Perhaps the Grantham Hospital should be renamed as a sophisticated Diagnostic Centre and a Satellite Hospital for Boston and Lincoln.
Mr L. N. Chakrabarti
Retired Consultant

Grantham Journal letter: A tragedy but I am not surprised


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UK parents are collectively spending £22 billion to help get their children on the road and three quarters of mums and dads in the South East admit paying for their child’s driving lessons.
A new survey of parents found that they are struggling to keep up with the rising costs involved in helping their children learn to drive and get motoring independently.
On average the process of taking to the open road for the first time now costs £7,000 - factoring in the cost of lessons, a car and insurance - and parents across the country are footing much of this bill.
Almost three quarters of parents in the South East (73.5 per cent) said they had paid for their child’s driving lessons. With them costing £24 on average and the Driver Standards Agency recommending 47 hours of tuition, that adds up to a potential £1,128 just to get them ready to sit their test.
On top of that, more than three quarters of South East parents (80 per cent) also help their children buy their first car, with a third (33 per cent) stumping up at least part of the deposit for a car. And more than half (52.3 per cent) of those surveyed revealed that they continued to pay out for regular maintenance, insurance, cleaning and even buying accessories.
Once their offspring have passed their test and secured some wheels, the biggest cost facing the Bank of Mum and Dad is getting the kids insured. The latest figures reveal that the cost of insurance alone for young drivers has risen by 13 per cent in the last year and for a 17-year-old now stands at £2,013 a year.
In a bid to bring these costs down many families are turning to technology. More than half of parents in the South East (53.6 per cent) have installed an insurance company ‘black box’ or dashboard camera. One in five (20 per cent) have also agreed to a high excess to reduce costs, while 42 per cent have put their names on their child’s insurance policy to lower payments.
Neil Addley, managing director of NFDA Trusted Dealers, said: “The survey findings show that each year the costs associated with learning to drive rises, putting a strain not only on learners, but also on the Bank of Mum and Dad. Increasing prices means there is often a temptation to scrimp on some things, such as the quality of the car, but this can lead to high running costs, leaving you out of pocket in the long term.
“With more and more parents stepping in to help get their children motoring, we have developed a dedicated section on our site which is filled with tips and advice from buying your first car, to the best cars for students.”


Parents fork out £22bn helping kids learn to drive

Get the latest breaking news from the Grantham Journal - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily.


Nodding off in the middle of the day may be down to pollution generated by traffic, suggests new research.
The study shows exposure to traffic pollution is a trigger for daytime sleepiness - and may also trigger SNORING.
More than 12,000 adults were included in the Respiratory Health in Northern Europe (RHINE) study.
The findings show that people exposed to high levels of pollution had a 65 per cent greater chance of suffering from daytime sleepiness, compared to those who had no exposure.
Traffic noise in the bedroom was also a trigger - with people 46 per cent more likely to feel sleepy in the day if exposed.
And the research also suggests that people are also 29 per cent more likely to be a habitual snorer if they are exposed to traffic noise while they sleep.
Daytime sleepiness affected one in five people involved in the study, while one in four reported habitual snoring.
Ane Johannessen, an epidemiologist at Bergen University in Norway, wrote the study together with Professor Thorarinn Gislason and other Northern European researchers.
She said: “Exposure to traffic should be taken into account when planning treatment for patients with sleep disturbances, because reducing noise and pollution exposure in the bedroom may have a beneficial effect.
“Reducing exposure through relocating the bedroom away from pollution sources or making the bedroom more soundproof to protect against traffic noise, as well as mapping alternative and less polluted outdoor everyday routes may help patients with their sleep disorders.”
The study also showed that men, older subjects, smokers and those with lower education were more likely to report habitual snoring.
They were usually less physically active, with a higher BMI, and more likely to have a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
Women, older people, smokers, and those with lower education were more likely to report daytime sleepiness.
The new research is due to be presented at the European Respiratory Society’s International Congress in London next month.
Professor Jorgen Vestbo, President of ERS and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester, said: “The question of who snores may be a running joke in some households but for many snoring is a serious issue, with direct links to physical and mental well being and the same is true for daytime sleepiness.
“We want people to think more about the environment around them and the impact it can have - from the way they sleep to the air they breathe.”
To coincide with Congress, the ERS will be holding some free public lung function testing, starting in Trafalgar Square on September 2 and 3.

Sleepiness linked to traffic noise and pollution


Security researchers claim to have uncovered a vulnerability in the locking systems of Volkswagen cars that could leave up to 100 million vehicles exposed to break-ins.
The computer scientists from the University of Birmingham say that a flaw in the German firm’s remote locking systems allows hackers to wirelessly unlock the doors and could affect practically every VW sold since 1995.
According to Wired Flavio Garcia and his team will, along with engineering firm Kasper & Oswald, reveal two vulnerabilities in remote locking systems to the Usenix security conference. They will show how the VW flaw affects up to 100m vehicles and how a second hack could leave millions of cars from other manufacturers, including Ford, Fiat, Nissan and Vauxhall, also open to attack.
The VW flaw stems from an internal encryption which uses a handful of key values across almost all vehicles. Using a cheap radio transmitter/receiver hackers could intercept the unique code sent by the target vehicle when it is locked and, using a computer, combine this with the common code to allow them to clone the car’s remote key fob.
The weakness affects cars from across the VW Group, which includes Skoda, Seat and Audi. And while they won’t reveal their exact methods the scientists have warned that four shared keys cover nearly 100m vehicles, meaning a hacker who managed to root out even one of the codes could leave millions of vehicles vulnerable.
The team previously exposed a weakness that allowed them to bypass the immobiliser feature of millions of vehicles from various manufacturers, including VW, and start them without a key. Combined, the two flaws would leave vehicles not only exposed to break-ins but to being driven away as well.

Wireless hack ‘can unlock 100m Volkswagens’


Security researchers claim to have uncovered a vulnerability in the locking systems of Volkswagen cars that could leave up to 100 million vehicles exposed to break-ins.


‘Game abandoned’ was the story of the South Lincolnshire & Border League weekend, with only match getting beyond the tea interval.
The day’s big game between leaders Spalding and second placed Sleaford 2nd ended with Spalding having scored 197 for seven, Hafiz Maheed hitting 80 and Dan Milgate 57.
This gave the top team four points to Sleaford’s three and Spalding now have a 39 point advantage - but with two games in hand, Sleaford are still in with a good chance of the title.
Elsewhere, Dan Reynolds made 62 and Matthew Law 69 in Belton Park’s 215 for seven.
Belton declared in the 36th over in the hope of completing the game but after six overs of the second innings, the weather intervened.
Freiston caught up three points on Spalding 2nd at the top of Division One, their game against Baston lasting 39 overs, sufficient time for both Richard Paul and Abdul Moeed to hit 63 as the players came off with Frieston 166 for two.
Mark Elsom and Dan Nuttall made 70 and 59 respectively in Skegness 2nd’s 205 for four before the rain came in the 42nd over, but only 15 overs were played at Spalding where the leaders were taking on Timberland.
Boston 3rd and Graves Park remain locked in battle for second place in Division Two after their match was rained off with Boston on 49 for six.
Pinchbeck had made 107 for four when the game against Long Sutton 2nd was brought to a close.
Premier Division: Belton Park 215-7 dec (Reynolds 62, M Law 69), Long Sutton 6-0; Woodhall Spa 2nd 93-6 v Bourne 2nd; Boston 2nd 124-3 v Billingborough Grantham 2nd 114-8 v Market Deeping 2nd; Spalding 197-7 (Majeed 80, Milgate 57) v Sleaford 2nd.
Division One: Freiston 166-2 (Paul 63, Moeed 63no), v Baston; Skegness 2nd 205-4 (Elsom 70, Nuttall 59) v Grantham 3rd; Timberland 53-0 v Spalding 2nd; Moulton Harrox conceded to Heckington.
Divison Two: Boston 3rd 49-6 v Graves Park; Pinchbeck 107-4 v Long Sutton 2nd.
All abandoned.


Visit now for the latest sports news from in and around Grantham and south Lincolnshire - from the Grantham Journal, updated daily


Video game escapism in its purest form.
No Man’s Sky in undeniably a work of art, but have you got time to look around the whole gallery?
No Man’s Sky launched last week after much hype and billed as quite literally the biggest video game ever made.
The self-perpetuating game, which promises to be potentially endless, was four years in the making by a tiny team in game production terms. And you can tell as it will instantly take your breath away.
Make no mistake there has never been anything like this before. As you fly ever deeper into the universe, new planets and solar systems roll silently into view – some will have been seen before, others discovered for the very first time. And you have 18 quintillion of them to choose from...
Each has its own set of flora, fauna and inhabitants. By exploring, players gain information about the planets that they can submit to The Atlas, a universal database that can be shared with other players of the game and for which they are rewarded in currency each time.
Each planet is a work of art you could spend hours studying, analysing and dissecting. These works of art are housed in an endless gallery and for art connoisseurs it will be Manna from heaven.
However, most people’s playing time will be finite.... unless you’re at university and can afford to miss the odd class here and there to squeeze in just one more exploration of a peculiar alien planet.
And that is where one of the game’s key sticking points comes in. As much as No Man’s Sky takes us to Infinity and leaves us wondering what waits beyond, there is also an almost irresistible itch which you can’t scratch because you can never truly “complete” this game in the traditional sense.
But that is very much a personal take on NMS, many people might enjoy jumping on for a couple of hours here and there, discovering lots of different things and logging it to the Atlas, if anything it could be cathartic but many people like a beginning, a middle and an end to their games.
No Mans Sky is undeniably a work of art
The care, thought, time and brilliance that has gone into this utterly original video game is mindblowing and deserves to be experienced by PlayStation gamers.
It is the purest form of video game escapism we have ever seen and should be celebrated as such.
But it will more likely go down as a cult classic than the blockbuster success it’s craft deserves.


Visit now for gadgets & tech news and features from the Grantham Journal


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Forest fans welcome Leeds United to City Ground


Nottingham Forest Supporters Club (Grantham branch):


A bucket collection at Grantham Town’s match on Saturday raised over £68 for the campaign to save the A&E department at Grantham Hospital.
The collection was made by Coun Ian Selby at the match against Blyth Spartans at South Kesteven Sports Stadium.
Coun Selby said: “Grantham Town football Club are very keen to support the campaign to save our A&E department. The club greatly values the A&E department especially if one of its players should be injured during an evening match. Credit where it is due to Vera Horstead for coming along to our home game on Saturday to help out with the bucket collection. Well done Vera and thank you”.
The collection raised a total of £68.09.
A protest march, organised by campaign group Fighting 4 Grantham Hospital, will take place in Grantham on Saturday, starting in St Peter’s Hill at noon and making its way through town to the hospital.
You can sign also sign a petition in support of the A&E at www.tinyurl.com/savegranthama-e

Collection at Grantham Town game raises money for fight to save A&E


It isn’t just the people of Grantham affected by the temporary closure of overnight A&E services at Grantham Hospital, the nearby town of Sleaford and all villages surrounding the towns are affected by it as well.
I live in Sleaford and I know which hospital I would rather go to – Grantham - which is just a matter of 20 minutes away and on the way into the town. If we have to go Lincoln or Boston it could take one up to an hour just to get there and then on top the longer waiting times to be looked at.
Grantham Hospital is now closed for longer hours than it’s actually open. What sort of NHS are we getting for our money. The NHS has become a postcode lottery, yet we all contribute our taxes whether we live in London, Lincoln, Boston, Grantham, Sleaford or Ancaster.
Is it not time for our MPs to stand up and be counted, after all it is past and present governments that have got us in this mess.
Alan Ward

Grantham Journal letter: NHS has become a postcode lottery


It isn’t just the people of Grantham affected by the temporary closure of overnight A&E services at Grantham Hospital, the nearby town of Sleaford and all villages surrounding the towns are affected by it as well.


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.
A poll of more than 8,000 over-50s shows that one in eight grandparents will look after grandchildren once a week over the school summer holidays, with a further one in eight will be on childminding duties twice per week.
However, one in twenty grandparents say they will be hosting their grandchildren three days a week while school is out for the summer, according to the research by Saga Car Insurance.
And it’s not just their time that will be donated - one in five say they will spend well over £200 keeping the children occupied. Days out to the beach (77 per cent) and on shopping trips (35 per cent) are the most popular distractions, although some grandparents are even taking their grandchildren on a holiday either in the UK (14 per cent) or abroad (5 per cent).
Grandparents in the North East are the most likely to babysit grandchildren over the school summer holidays, while those in the East Midlands are least likely to.
The Scots are most likely to spend big on their grandkids, with one in four expecting to spend more than £200 during the school holiday period.
Sue Green, Head of Saga Car Insurance, commented: “It looks as though children are in for an action-packed summer which is full of adventure if nan and granddad are in charge over the next couple of weeks. Grandparents really are generous giving up their time and money to help with childcare over the summer holidays and I’m sure they are really looking forward to spending some quality time with their grandchildren.”

Grandparents to the rescue over school summer holidays


More than half of the UK’s grandparents are planning to look after their grandchildren over the next few weeks, according to a recent survey.


A South Witham woman says she is disgusted after she called 999 for an ambulance only to be told her husband’s condition was not an emergency.
Jean Hilliam, of Harold Road, South Witham, called for an ambulance a few weeks ago when her husband Christopher, 64, was in agony one morning.
Mrs Hilliam called 999 and told the operator it was an emergency, but the operator said she was sorry but it wasn’t and she should contact her doctor. Mr Hilliam is on medication for water retention and an enlarged prostate. Mrs Hilliams says this can lead to severe kidney problems if an emergency arises which is why she called for an ambulance.
A little later her daughter, Claire, called NHS Direct on 111 to explain the situation and they called an ambulance which arrived 15 minutes later. Mr Hilliam was taken to Peterborough where he was fitted with a catheter and allowed to go home.
Mrs Hilliam said: “I am absolutely disgusted, They have no right to make judgements like that over the phone. It could have been very serious. The hospital took several amounts of blood to make sure it had not damaged my husband’s kidneys.
“He has been in a lot of pain since. He has prostate problems and problems with urinary retention.”
Mrs Hilliam added: “I know they get a lot of crank calls but to be told this was not an emergency I think is just not acceptable.”
Mrs Hilliam said her other daughter, Paula, a qualified nurse, was appalled when she heard what had happened with the operator.
Blanche Lentz, General Manager for Lincolnshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We are sorry that Mrs Hilliam isn’t happy with the response that she received to her call, and we will contact Mrs Hilliam to talk with her about the experience.
“Emergency 999 calls are categorised based on the information given. With a new call received every 43 seconds this allows us to send our ambulances and highly skilled clinicians to life-threatening calls quickest.”

South Witham wife ‘disgusted’ by 999 response


A South Witham woman says she is disgusted after she called 999 for an ambulance only to be told her husband’s condition was not an emergency.