The weeks of after-school rehearsals have paid off as Walton Chamber Choir have achieved first place at Grantham Music Festival.
The students sang two original arrangements of Electricity from the Musical Billy Elliot and All Of Me by John Legend.

The arrangements were composed by Mr Roberts and required the students to sing in three-part harmony.

The adjudicator was very complimentary, describing their singing as a ‘lovely and beautiful tone’, in his comments.

He also wrote how the choir had ‘excellent diction’ and a great balance between the parts.

Walton Girls Assistant Principal, Mrs Leonard Smith, said: “The students were a real credit to the Academy from the moment they walked into the venue at Finkin Street to the moment they returned to school.”

Police were called at 9.23am yesterday (Monday 7 March) to Cox Drive following a report that a woman had been found dead in a property.

Inquiries have been conducted into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A file is being prepared for the Coroner and identification of the deceased will be a matter for the Coroner.

Women currently make up about ten percent of British Army personnel and can be found working shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts; engineers, mechanics and chefs through to lawyers and educators.

One of those women is the Commanding Officer of 167 Catering Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Victoria Reid.

Lieutenant Colonel Victoria Reid. Photo: Sgt Brian Gamble

Based at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, where the Regiment is based, Victoria started her Army career in 1994 when she joined the University of Wales Officer Training Corps.  Subsequently gaining her Territorial Army commission, she then joined as a Regular in 1997.

Victoria took up command of 167 Catering Support Regiment in 2014. It is unique in its make up in that it is made up entirely of Army Chefs and provides the catering support to the British Army anywhere in the world.

Married to Simon with two children under 5, Victoria admits juggling a family and a career is challenging but worth it.

“You have to be organised,” she said. “And everything has to be thought through from packing a school bag to sending soldiers overseas. It’s all about planning your work life balance.”

In her military role Victoria commands over 300 soldiers. “Sometimes I think command is easier than being a mum at times,” she says with a smile.

Victoria’s day can start as early as 5am. Her husband Simon commutes to London from Grantham where he works as a civil servant.

“Once Simon has left for work I start getting the children ready for nursery and school. I also make sure that I am there to meet them at the end of the day whenever possible. It’s all about fitting work around your family life and vice versa.”

It is clear Lt Col Reid takes her work and family responsibilities in equal measure.

“It can be really hard and sometimes I don’t get the balance right, but that’s life. I’m real and not Miss Perfect, but I try my best.

“My kids are too young to understand why mummy hasn’t always got time to play, or needs to leave home at a particular time to attend a parade, even though they want to play dollies.”

“My four-year old, for example, thinks its great fun to stamp on mummy’s shiny shoes, just as I’m heading out, or run her mucky biscuit hands all over my uniform, but that’s kids for you.”

She continued: “I missed my daughter’s first day at school and my youngest’s 2^nd birthday. So it can be heart-breaking when you miss important events. But I chose to join the Army and chose to remain when I had my children.

“It was what I wanted to do and the vast majority of the time it works really well. I don’t think any mum gets its right a hundred per cent of the time and I have learnt you can’t have everything but you can get pretty close.”

Victoria continued: “I hope my officers and soldiers under my command see me as a good example; that you can have a family and also have success in your career.

She added: “I can certainly understand the competing priorities between family and work, so I can easily empathize with those under my command.”

“I believe being a mum and an Officer in the Army has made me a better person. It’s made me emotionally stronger because I have had to work hard to get the balance right and meet the needs of both my family and the Regiment.”

Victoria concluded: “I would advise any young women thinking about making the Army their career to do it. Today’s Army seeks to promote equality throughout all its ranks.

“It is a great career and like any job you have to be prepared to work hard. Women can do just as good a job as men and it makes no difference in the Army whether you are a man or a woman as long as you can do your job, and you care about doing your job well.”

THE former Atrium pub on High Street will be renamed The Sir Isaac Newton when it opens next month.

It is the third Grantham pub to carry the name.

Blackpool-based Amber Taverns is currently spending £750,000 to upgrade the former Atrium and turning it into an adult and sport-themed pub.

It will create up to 25 jobs.

The Atrium was run by former owners Fairways Investment until it went into administration, then by LT Management on behalf of administrators FRP Advisory.

The original Sir Isaac Newton pub was on the corner of Stanton Street and Wharf Road until it closed in 1927 and demolished 55 years later.

The second to bear the name was opened in 1961 and closed 50 years later and a KFC built on the site.

Two people were released from a car following a collision on the A52, near Osbournby roundabout, at tea time yesterday.

Firefighters from Billingborough and Sleaford  used hydraulic rescue equipment.

The road for about an hour to clear the scene.

Injuries were minor.

Residents in the district have been busy joining efforts to help South Kesteven’s streets to be ‘Clean for The Queen’ for her 90^th birthday celebrations.

Councillor Nick Craft, (fourth left) SKDC staff and members of the public at the Grantham Clean for The Queen litter pick

Litter picks and clear ups took place on Friday supported by SKDC as part of the national campaign aimed to inspire a million people to take action in their communities to collect rubbish.

In Grantham volunteers took to the streets of the town centre collecting bags of rubbish with the aid of equipment supplied by the council’s Streetcare Services team.

Network Rail also co-ordinated an effort with Virgin Trains East Coast, to tidy a rail underpass between Station Road and Huntingtower Road in Grantham.

The council encouraged other local town and parish councils, groups and individuals to get on board with the scheme in February and they have responded with litter picks planned through to May.

SKDC’s Executive Member for Environment Cllr Nick Craft said: “We always aim to keep our streets clean and maintaining them for residents and visitors but these efforts were specifically for Her Majesty’s birthday.

“It was heartening to see volunteers give up their own time to help us in our priority to help South Kesteven be clean and green.

“We thank all those volunteers and the residents who will go out in their communities in the coming weeks to complete litter picks.”

Clear ups continue to take place in the district in the lead up to her landmark birthday on April 21 and those wishing to sign up or create their own event, can do so at www.cleanforthequeen.co.uk

SKDC’s Streetcare Services team can assist with litter picking equipment to interested parties. Email pr@southkesteven.gov.uk for more information.

Pedestrian tunnel before the clear up

Pedestrian tunnel after the clear up

Wyndham Park swimming pool 1954

Plans to improve the disused model boating lake in Wyndham Park are to go before council planners.

Old building are to be bulldozed although the former ticket office will remain.

The area now occupy was used as a public bathing place from the 1880s.

The remodelling of the area will support the efforts of volunteer groups concerned with the conservation of the Park itself.

Since it closed as a swimming pool in the 1970s, the area has been used as both a skate park and, more recently, a model boating lake.

It is proposed to restore the historic setting of the Ticket Office with the installation of an area of ‘cottage garden’ and structural shrub planting.

The plant species and planting style has been developed in line with the original design intent and will be reflective of the period of the Ticket Office building. Structural shrubs have been positioned to reinstate the historic views along the banks of the River Witham.

A skate & BMX park in 1984

A proposed Visitor Centre will be constructed on the site of the former plant room. It will provide a central information point within the park and will support the delivery of training, activities and events.

The facilities will include visitor toilet facilities, workshop area and main visitor area and schoolroom.

As part of a park wide strategy, the proposals include the development of clear and accessible interpretation of these two key heritage assets.

Wyndham Park by Mike Gaffney in 2014

South Kesteven will again join thousands of people across the globe to raise a Commonwealth Flag as part of more than 850 ceremonies celebrating Commonwealth Day 2016.

Flags will be raised in locations throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries at 10am on Monday March 14.

South Kesteven’s ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ event will be held outside SKDC’s offices in St Peter’s Hill in Grantham, led by Chairman of South Kesteven District Council, Coun Ray Wootten.

A personal message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation, will be read out at each ceremony before the raising of the flag.

In the capital cities of Commonwealth countries ex-services organisations will raise the flag, including in London led by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.

Meanwhile scouts in The Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Malaysia, Maldives, Republic of Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Samoa, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago will also be raising the Commonwealth Flag at 10am local time.

This unique initiative, now in its third year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth,

As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth young and old citizens around the world.

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR – Originator and Commonwealth Pageantmaster, of ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’, said: “I am amazed how quickly this event has caught the public imagination in so many Commonwealth countries and are delighted to be involving The Royal Commonwealth Society in the project this year.

“We are only in our third year and the involvement of so many people of all ages and from all walks of life shows the enormous potential of this project and of the Commonwealth.”

Chattertons Solicitors is proud to be supporting the Children of Courage Awards once again, being held at the Urban Hotel, Grantham on Wednesday 9^th March.

Chattertons has sponsored the award ceremony since it was established five years ago. The event is organised by The Rotary Club of Grantham Kesteven and is an emotional event where children of courage are recognised for their work as carers, volunteers or as a consequence of their actions in saving lives.

Robert Clark, a Partner at Chattertons Solicitors said “We are proud to align ourselves with such a worthy cause in helping these young people receive the recognition they truly deserve. Many children receiving recognition overcome personal difficulties and show great courage that serves to be an inspiration to us all”.

In addition to the Children of Courage Award, Chattertons are also sponsors of the ‘Kind Pupil Award’ at the King’s School Awards Ceremony on Monday 21^st March.

When Mr and Mrs Weightman visited Belton house last Sunday afternoon, little did they know they would be welcomed as the 400,000^th and 400,001^st visitors of the year.

‘Our financial year was coming to an end’ explains Siobhán Scullion, Experience Manager at Belton House, ‘and we were eagerly waiting to see if we would reach a record breaking 400,000 visitors!’

Mrs Weightman was delighted to have been Belton’s 400,000^th visitor. ‘We really love coming’ she said, ‘and walk in the park and gardens at least once a week. Actually, we were here today to buy a Lifetime Membership to the National Trust as a gift for our son. Little did we think we’d be having our picture taken as well!’

Cared for by the National Trust, Belton House has seen a substantial rise in visitor numbers over recent years.

‘Year round opening and a complete refurbishment of the outdoor adventure playground means that Belton has a really strong appeal to our local community’, says Siobhán Scullion.

‘And we never forget that every visit supports the conservation work we do, meaning that places like Belton will be here for future generations to enjoy.’

Belton House is open every day from 09.30 – 5.30pm. For full opening times and admission prices please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse

PSSSST! Want to buy a Sea King helicopter, a snip at £15,000

Then look no further than a Grantham company.

The former military helicopter is being sale on a 24-hour online auction, although the buyer will have to collect from Colsterworth after the online auction closes next Wednesday.

    A fire engine also for sale

Although the Westland chopper is no longer airworthy, it’s just one of hundreds of surplus MoD vehicles and aircraft at Witham (Specialist Vehicles).

    Plenty of ex-Army trucks too

Managing director Paul Southerington, who formed the company in Honeypot Lane 30 years ago, said: “This is a very rare opportunity to buy a Westland Sea King and it is a must for any RAF collector.

“Its airframe could be converted for a variety of uses – from a unique office, rental property, garden ornament, the list is endless.”

WSV is one of the largest companies in Europe, specialising only in the sale and marketing of purely ex-Ministry of Defence vehicles, plant and equipment.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of a new chair to our Board, Dean Fathers.

Dean is an experienced chair and non-executive director in the NHS and private sector, and will bring a wealth of experience to the role. Dean and his family have lived in Lincolnshire for 8 years, and he is passionate about improving the quality of care at his local hospitals.

He is currently chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and will continue in his role there. He will replace Ron Buchanan, who is retiring at the end of February after two years at the Trust. Dean will start his two year term on 5 March 2016.

The appointment was made by the NHS Trust Development Authority who is responsible for appointing all chairs and non-executives to NHS trusts throughout England.

All appointments are subject to the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, and made following an open competition based on merit, in a way that is open, transparent and fair to all applicants.

Speaking about his new role, Dean Fathers said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of chair at ULHT. With the recent appointment of Jan Sobieraj as CEO it is an exciting time to take on the chair.

“I look forward to working with staff, partners, patients and carers to make a positive difference to the quality of care and the health of the lives of people in Lincolnshire”.

Jan Sobieraj, CEO of ULHT said “I am delighted Dean will be joining the Trust as our chair. He’s an experienced chair in the NHS and in the private sector and will be an asset for the Trust. I look forward to working closely with him in helping to transform the Trust”.

Jan also paid tribute to Ron Buchanan. “Although I haven’t worked with him for long, I would like to thank Ron for his excellent leadership at ULHT, particularly during challenging times when he helped to steer the Trust out of special measures. I wish him well for the future.”

As well as being a successful chair of an NHS trust, Dean is an honorary professor in the practice of healthcare management at Cass Business School, a visiting professor at Leeds Business School’s centre for governance, and a professional fellow with the Institute of Mental Health.

He also holds the posts of chair of the steering group of the National Longitudinal Review of Schwartz Round Centres at Kings College London, is a member of Ed Smith’s Chairs Advisory Group at NHS Improvement and is a member of the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard Advisory group.

Dean will be stepping down from his other current roles as vice chair of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, as senior independent director with both JRI Orthopaedics and Higos Insurance, and as a non-executive director of Finegreen.

Dean has previously been chair of Doncaster Health Authority (1999 to 2002), a non-executive director of the South Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority (2002 to 2006), chair of NHS Bassetlaw (2006 to 2010) and has been the chair of Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust since 2011.

Dean will receive a remuneration of £40,000 per annum and has no declared political activity in the last 5 years.

It has been revealed there are nearly 60 smuggled children seeking asylum being cared for in Lincolnshire.

County Council leader Martin Hill defended an accusation from MP Keith Vaz, chairman of the Home Select Committee, that the county is not doing its share to help house Syrian refugees compared to urban areas.

The authority previously announced it will accommodate 200

But yesterday, Mr Hill told BBC Radio Lincolnshire nearly 60 smuggled children are being looked after in Lincolnshire.

He said the county is housing 58 smuggled children in defence to an accusation that the authority is not doing enough to help the Syrian refugee crisis..

He said: “We are prepared to take our share.

“What we are taking at the moment is unaccompanied children, smuggled in lorries and cars where they are being dropped off in Lincolnshire.

“The county council look after them and see them through to adulthood.

“Because of our geography we take in far more unaccompanied children then other areas – other areas do not take any because they are not appearing there.”