Boston Bulletin - Boston Borough Council

Transcription

Boston Bulletin
ISSUE 26 - MAY 2012
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Return to 500-year-old tradition
“There’s no better market anywhere
and we’re pleased to be back.” That
was the vote of approval given by
larger-than-life trader Eggy James
on the day Boston’s 500-year-old
stall market returned to the Market
Place.
His comments were endorsed by other
traders who said the £2 million revamped
Market Place was superb, it was great to
be back in their spiritual home, trade was
brisk and the lovely sunny weather was a
bonus.
Eggy, who trades in gold and jewellery,
said: “£2 million is a lot of money, but I
think it’s been worth it. You won’t find a
better market than this – I go to markets all
over, and this is the best.”
Jack Manning, who runs a card and gift
wrap stall with his wife Doreen, said: “We
are pleased to be back. It will take a week
or two to settle down and should be OK.”
Jack, who is chairman of the Boston
branch of the National Market Traders
Federation, and also stands on Spilsby
and Spalding markets, added that he
liked the new street market layout, an
attempt to replicate the successful layout
of the market while it was operating in
Wide Bargate during the 11 months of the
Market Place works.
“The two rows of stalls are better
pictures and words by
ANDREW MALKIN
for people to go up and down and see
everything,” he said.
Fruit and veg stall holder Len Evans,
vice-chairman of the Boston branch who
Boston market – back in its original home
also trades on Mablethorpe and Spilsby
markets, was enthusiastic: “It’s brilliant. I
like the street market layout.”
Carla Beavers, manning her underwear
stall, said she had stood on Boston Market
for around 30 years and was also pleased
to return.
 Continued on page 2
2 Boston Bulletin, May, 2012
www.boston.gov.uk
Above left: Eggy James with his jewellery stall and above right: Carla Beavers manning her underwear stall.
Below left: The Tasty Tucker serving some hungry customers and Jack and Doreen Manning (below right) selling
cards and gift wrap, returning to the Market Place for the first time since the renovations have been completed
Market returns to spiritual home
from front page
She said: “The Market Place looks smart
and it’s better for all that we are back here.
It’s an indication of how valued Boston
Market is that some of the traders make
such an early start to be here from as far
away as Belper and Sheffield.”
And Sue Gosling, joint owner with

Richard Kew, of the Tasty Tucker mobile
snack bar, said all traders seemed to be
happy with the Market Place.
Cllr Derek Richmond, Boston Borough
Council’s portfolio holder for the town
centre, said: “I want to thank all the traders
for their co-operation during what I know
has been a difficult time for them.
“It’s now nice for the market to be back
in its rightful place. I have spoken to stall
holders and members of the public and, in
the main, they are happy.
“The new Market Place signals a bright
new future for Boston – this is only the
start and we now all look forward to
prosperity ahead.”
Boston Bulletin, May, 2012 3
www.boston.gov.uk
Town centre shop renovations:
You could cash in on a grant
Property owners in Boston Market
Place, Wormgate and High Street
are drawing up improvement plans
to take advantage of a grants
scheme to repair and enhance their
historic buildings.
Applications for a total of 23 properties
are expected in the next few months
and of these seven will be for properties
identified as a high-priority for grant aid.
Conservation Project Officer Liz Bates
said: "Applicants are in the process of
developing their plans and specifications
and gaining the necessary consents for
the work and once this is complete Boston
Borough Council can assess them and
offer grants to approved schemes. We
hope that when works progress on site
and the grant scheme can be advertised
on the scaffolding hoarding, others will be
encouraged to make an application."
The grant scheme was launched by
English Heritage and the council to
encourage property owners in and around
the Market Place to come forward and
improve the appearance of their own
premises to complement the recent
refurbishment of the Market Place.
Grants are available for repairs, and
priority is given to schemes involving the
reinstatement of traditional shop fronts
that will enhance the historic building and
therefore the quality of the town centre.
Up to £650,000 may be available over
the next five years.
Property owners can get in touch with
Liz to gain advice about work that will
be eligible for a grant and to discuss
opportunities to improve the condition
and quality of their properties. Contact
her on 01205 314339 or email liz.bates@
boston.gov.uk
Initial promotion of the scheme
generated a lot of interest and
approximately 15 per cent of owners of
the 235 eligible properties submitted an
expression of interest in making a grant
application.
Liz added: "Although the council has
been impressed with the level of interest
to date, we remain keen to hear from
eligible property owners to ensure that
Boston and its residents receive the
maximum benefit from the scheme."
The grant system will be kept as
simple as possible and will be on the
basis of a straight 50 per cent of eligible
costs for repairs and 90 per cent for
reinstatements.
Reoccupation of the upper floors, and
reinstatement of some of the betterquality shop fronts and traditional window
forms are all needed to make the place
attractive and vibrant again.
Eligible buildings are in Bridge Street,
Church Close, Church Street, Cornhill
Lane, Customhouse Lane, Dolphin Lane,
Emery Lane, Grants Lane, High Street,
Main Ridge West, Market Place, New
Street, Petticoat Lane, Pump Square, Red
Lion Street, Sibsey Lane, South Street,
Spain Court, Still Lane, Strait Bargate,
West Street and Wormgate.
Search for broadband champions
C
ould you be one of Lincolnshire’s
digital champions and help promote
superfast broadband in the Boston
area?
The search is on for more to come
forward with an interest in the internet to
encourage more to sign up for superfast
broadband in their communities.
Please contact Fiona White fiona.
[email protected] at
Community Lincs.
At the latest count 126 individuals,
nine businesses and four community
groups had registered from the Boston
borough area at www.onlincolnshire.
org for superfast broadband to come to
their areas.
Leading the villages was Fishtoft, with
55 registrations, followed by Wyberton
at 30. At the other end of the table were
Algarkirk, with just one, Wigtoft and
Fosdyke at three and Benington at five.
Boston borough has fallen down
the scale for registrations in the last
30 days, with 22 compared with East
Lindsey and South Kesteven,
both at 135, West Lindsey (72)
and South Holland (97).
Registrations are needed
to indicate which areas in the
county have most demand.
Plans to bring high-speed
connections to all homes and
businesses in Lincolnshire within
the next five years have been
given the green light.
The proposals will see 90
per cent of properties receiving
superfast speeds of at least 24
Mb/second by 2015, with the rest
guaranteed to get at least 2 Mb/second.
By 2017, everyone will be able to enjoy
superfast broadband wherever they are
in the county.
www.boston.gov.uk
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Name and Shame…
watch out, it’s back!
Here are the latest to be caught on camera as part of the name-and-shame anti-littering
campaign launched by the council and being run in conjunction with the Boston Standard.
Litterbugs beware, Name and
Shame is back on the prowl. And
once again you are being asked
to do your bit in the fight against
those who despoil our town.
Here are the latest unknowns whose
images have been captured by Boston
Borough Council’s CCTV cameras.
Enforcement officers want to contact these
people in connection with incidents of
littering in Boston.
If you know any of those featured in
Name and Shame please contact Kath
Mountain at the council’s Fen Road depot,
phone 01205 311112 or email kath.
[email protected]
You can send information anonymously
and your details will never be divulged.
If music be the food of love…
Cllr Paul Mould would like to hear from
anyone who wants to join a trip he is
organising to experience Shakespeare
in the raw – that’s to say Twelfth Night
at the legendary open-air theatre at
Tolethorpe, near Stamford, on Saturday,
July 28. He is booking seats for the
matinee performance which begins at
1.30pm. Contact Cllr Mould for further
details on 01205 317503.
She will need to know the name of those
featured and their current full address.
Offenders face a £75 fixed penalty notice.
Items dropped on these occasions
included fast food containers, paper
packaging, a drinks can and a beer bottle
in Dolphin Lane, High Street, Fenside
Road, Wide Bargate and Strait Bargate
(pedestrian precinct).
Boston Bulletin is written
and edited by Andrew
Malkin and designed by
Lisa Mallett and Emma
Staff, Communications,
Boston Borough Council
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston’s tribute to The Queen
Join in the FREE party, Central Park, Bank Holiday Monday, June 4
Boston’s Jubilee Fountain has
been given a test run ahead of its
official switch-on during the Big
Picnic in the Park on Bank Holiday
Monday, June 4.
Boston Mayor, Cllr Mary Wright, Mayor
Elect, Cllr Colin Brotherton, and Boston
Borough Council’s parks portfolio holder,
Cllr Yvonne Gunter, were in attendance
at the heart of the Jubilee Garden in
Central Park when the switch was
thrown.
The fountain bubbles recirculated
water down through three tiers into a
collecting pool at ground level.
It stands in the centre crossroads of
pathways running through the newlycreated Jubilee Garden and, in time,
visitors will walk through a scented
tunnel of flowering climbers and rambling
plants. The sound of the gentle splash
of water from the fountain generates a
relaxing and pleasing ambience.
Cllr Gunter, who came up with the
idea of the fountain, said: “The Jubilee
Garden and Jubilee Fountain will be
Boston’s lasting tribute to The Queen on
the occasion of her diamond jubilee. I am
very proud that Boston has marked this
historic event in a way which will remind
generations to come of this special
event.”
Cllr Brotherton and Cllr Gunter will
officially switch the fountain on at noon
during the Big Picnic in the Park to
celebrate the jubilee on Bank Holiday
Monday, June 4.
Boston Standards Jubilee Queen,
Zonnits Haw and Princess, Eve Tointon
Boston Mayor, Cllr Mary Wright, Mayor Elect, Cllr Colin Brotherton and parks
portfolio holder, Cllr Yvonne Gunter, admire the Jubilee Fountain in Central Park
A day of family fun will begin with
gates to Central Park opening at
10.30am.
The official opening will be at 11am
by the Jubilee Queen, Zonnita Haw, and
Jubilee Princess Eve Tointon.
Families are encouraged to bring
their own food and drink, tables, chairs
and blankets to enjoy a full day of
entertainment. Organisers, members
of Boston Town Area Committee, hope
there will be a Last Night of the Proms
type of atmosphere.
During the day there will be fun and
games for all the family, with speciallyminted Olympic-style jubilee athlete
medals to be won. There will also be
prizes for children who make the best job
of decorating a special jubilee mug on
the day.
Anyone will be able to join in a jubilee
karaoke, singing the hits of the past 60
years.
Live music will be performed by
Boston-based jazz, soul, funk, disco,
blues, reggae and Motown quintet Blue
in Green.
During the day competitors in a
knockout tournament will compete
to be the first World Bowling Greens
Champion, with a trophy to be won (enter
now using the form on page 6). This will
be a game of bowls with a difference –
played with Lincolnshire-grown cabbages
instead of wooden bowls.
There will also be opportunities for
anyone to have a go at setting a world
record – most coins stacked into a tower
in 30 seconds and most coins balanced
on the face in one minute.
The current records are held by Marica
Rosengård (Finland), at Kulturhuset
in Stockholm, Sweden, on November
20, 2010, when she balanced 27 coins
on her face, and Stephen Kish (UK) in
Hove, East Sussex, on December 20,
2011, when he stacked 44 coins.
Boston Grammar School’s German
dancing Schuhplattlergruppe troupe will
entertain – they have appeared on TV’s
Britain’s Got Talent, Britain’s Got More
Talent, Blue Peter and Look North.
On the hour, every hour Edwards
Emporium traditional sweet shop in
Dolphin Lane, Boston, and the Boston
Target will give away ten diamond jubilee
goody bags full of sweets. Entry forms
will be available to hand in at Edwards
Emporium’s special shop in Central Park
on the day or you can fill in the one on
page 6 in advance. There will be 60
winners.
Boston’s community radio station,
Endeavour Radio, will MC the day, which
will end with the National Anthem at
4.30pm.
www.boston.gov.uk
___________________________
Please return to Communications, Boston Borough Council,
Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 8QR) or
hand in to Endeavour Radio at Central Park, Boston, on the day of the
championships during the Big Picnic in the Park Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee Celebrations, Monday, June 4, no later than 11.30am.
I am happy to be involved in any press coverage and help
promote Lincolnshire produce should I become the World
Bowling Greens Champion. I agree to follow the rules and
understand the referees’ decision is nal:
Signature:
___________________________
Parent or Guardian to sign on behalf of participants under 16 years of age.
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n’s Big Jub
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___________________________
___________________________
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Telephone:
___________________________
ile
Address:
a Big Jubilee Picnic in
the Park goody bag full of
sweets, courtesy of Edwards
Emporium, Boston Borough
Council and the Boston Target
Bo
Name:
WIN, WIN,
WIN, WIN
a
ic i
n the P
Boston Big Picnic in the
Park Diamond Jubilee
goody bag giveaway
Child’s name .................................................
Date of birth ..................................................

World Bowling Greens
Championship
Entry Form
Please fill in this coupon and hand it in at
the special Edwards Emporium sweet stall
in the park for your chance to win a goody
bag at the Big Jubilee Picnic on Monday,
June 4, between 10am and 4pm. Sixty to be
won throughout the day - ten winners to be
announced by Endeavour Radio on the hour,
every hour.
Mayor’s boost for legion and veterans
Boston’s outgoing Mayor, Cllr Mary Wright, handed over a total
of £7,652.50 raised for charities during her year in office.
Boston branch of the Royal British Legion received
£3,826.25 and the Veterans’ Memorial Plaque Committee
received the same when representatives met the Mayor in the
council chamber.
President of the RBL Boston branch, Mr Paul Duddigan, who
accepted the cheque together with Diana Walker, a member
of the War Widows’ Association, said: “We are so pleasantly
surprised. We never expected to be receiving so much.”
Frank Thompson and Les Budding, of the Veterans’
Memorial Plaque Committee, thanked the Mayor and said
she had been “wonderful” and the fundraising events she had
organised had been such fun. These ranged from a boat trip
and a prize draw to a St George’s Day dinner and a diamond
jubilee variety show.
Cllr Wright thanked all who had supported the events and
made donations. “We’ve had a good year and all enjoyed it.”
She praised her committee who she said had all worked
hard together at a time when it had been difficult to raise funds.
Mr Duddigan said the RBL’s cheque would help with the cost
of running the local branch and Mr Thompson said their gift
would pay for more plaques commemorating those who gave
their lives during the Second World War. It would also help pay
for the upkeep of the Memorial Gardens in Wide Bargate.
From left, Mayor’s charity committee member Sarah Bradley, Paul
Duddigan, Diana Walker, Deputy Mayoress Marilyn Cobb and Cllr
Yvonne Gunter, both members of the charity committee, Boston
Mayor Cllr Mary Wright, Frank Thompson and Les Budding
www.boston.gov.uk
Olympic flame comes to Wrangle and Boston
The London Olympics 2012 will
become a reality in Boston borough
exactly a month before the opening
ceremony when the Olympic torch
is carried through the area on its
way to the Olympic stadium in the
Capital.
Torchbearers will run with the Olympic
flame in Wrangle and Boston on
Wednesday, June 27.
It may be the only time that you will be
able to be a part of the Olympics in this
country, and Boston Borough Council is
encouraging everyone who can to get
involved. Below are details about the route
the torchbearers will follow. Take a look at
the Welcome the flame document on www.
boston.gov.uk for ideas of how you can
make a blazing impression on the day.
The first runner will begin carrying the
torch along the A52 in Wrangle starting at
2.05pm at the junction with Sea Lane and
passing Chapel Lane (2.08pm), Broadgate
and Tooley Lane (2.12pm), Mel Marshall
Way (2.15pm), Church End (2.19pm) and
finishing at the junction with Gowt Bank at
2.20pm. Times are approximate.
Next stop for the convoy is Boston where
the runner will set off with the flame along
the A16 Spilsby Road from Boston High
School at around 2.36pm on Wednesday,
June 27, passing Mayfair Gardens
(2.38pm), Freiston Road (2.42pm), onto
Wide Bargate (2.46pm), past Tawney Street
(2.47pm), past Petticoat Lane (2.50pm), into
Market Place (2.51pm), over Town Bridge
(2.52pm), into High Street (2.53pm), into
Bridge Street (2.53pm), into West Street
(2.53pm), into A52 Sleaford Road (2.57pm),
over the railway lines (2.57pm), past
Portland Street (2.57pm), past Frampton
Place (2.58pm), past Woodville Road
(2.59pm), past Old Mill Court (3.03pm),
past South Parade (3.06pm), past Arundel
Crescent (3.08pm), finishing on the A1121
Boardsides (3.10pm).
As well as the torch bearers there will
be an associated convoy of slow-moving
vehicles leaving Wainfleet All Saints on the
A52 at 1.53pm to enter Wrangle on the
A52 at 2.04pm, leaving Wrangle on the A52
at 2.22pm to enter Boston on the A16 at
2.34pm and leaving Boston on the A1121
Boardsides at 3.15pm, then the A17 bound
for Sleaford at 3.24pm.
There may be as many as 14 vehicles
in the convoy (including cars, trucks and
buses) plus up to eight police motorcycles.
The convoy will arrive at the route a few
minutes before the torchbearers set off and
roads on the route will be closed to all traffic
for around an hour beforehand. Roads will
be reopened soon after the convoy and
torchbearers have left the area.
Vehicle owners must not park on any of
the roads on the route on the morning of the
event. There will be no parking permitted all
day on on the Cattle Market car park and
Wide Bargate will be closed all day. The
market will operate as normal so stalls will
occupy Bargate Green car park. The Wide
Bargate taxi rank will move for the day to
Custom House Quay.
Olympic Torch Relay FAQs
Wrangle and Boston
Can I stay open if the torch goes past my
business?
Boston Borough Council encourages
businesses to stay open during the Olympic
Torch Relay and get involved in the
celebrations. Please see below for further
guidance.
Will my staff be able to leave my
premises?
Road closures will be in place before,
during and slightly after the torch passes
through. Road closures will be temporary
and last no longer than one hour. We would
encourage staff to stay and celebrate the
Olympic Torch Relay.
Am I going to have barriers next to my
business?
Crowd control barriers or no-waiting
cones will be used at various points along
the routes, but the council and the police will
endeavour not to restrict reasonable access
to your business premises.
What time will the roads around my
business reopen?
We endeavour to reopen the roads
around your business as soon as possible.
We hope the majority will reopen within one
hour of them closing.
Our staff want to get involved in some
way - what can we do?
We would support your staff to line the
Torch Relay Route.
I want to dress my business for the
Olympic Torch Relay - what type of
decorations can I use?
We appreciate your business welcoming
the Torch with decorations. Please ensure
any dressing does not include Olympic
insignia for brand protection purposes. For
further advice please refer to the official
London 2012 website for further guidance,
www.london2012.com
What sort of street decorations will
already be put up around my business?
Depending on the area, Boston Borough
Council will install bunting and flags to
ensure the area is ready to welcome the
Torch.
Will my deliveries be affected by the
Olympic Torch Relay?
Depending on the location of your
business, deliveries may be affected. We
would recommend scheduling deliveries on
Wednesday, June 27 two hours before and
after the torch relay.
Where are the best places to see the
torch relay on Wednesday, June 27?
The best places to view the Wrangle
Olympic Torch Relay on Wednesday, June
27 are:
A52 through Wrangle village;
The best places to view the Boston
Olympic Torch Relay on Wednesday, June
27 are:
Spilsby Road, Wide Bargate, Market
Place and Sleaford Road
We recommend getting to your vantage
point one hour before the relay starts,
regardless of where you are on the route.
Which roads are closed and when?
Roads on the route will be closed and
on-street parking will not be available on the
morning of the event (see full details above).
We endeavour to reopen the roads as
soon as possible. We hope the majority will
reopen within one hour of them closing.
What time should I get to my spot to see
the Torch?
We recommend getting to your vantage
point at least one hour before the relay
starts, regardless of where you are on the
route. Official London 2012 merchandise
can be purchased from the London 2012
website, www.London2012.com
How long will I get to see the torch go
past?
The Olympic Torch will be carried
for around 300 metres by each of the
Torchbearers, who will jog or walk at a pace
to allow the crowds to see it. The Torch
convoy will take approximately ten minutes
to pass by one spot.
www.boston.gov.uk
Say it in flowers…
Mud, mud, not so glorious mud
did not deter volunteers on an
Olympic-sized mission.
Members of healthy walking groups
organised by Boston Borough Council’s
Fran Taylor braved slippery and sticky
underfoot conditions in Central Park
to plant almost 2,000 white and blue
pansies in the shape of giant-sized
Olympic rings.
In a leap of faith – their success will
not be revealed until the plants come into
flower – they set the pansies in a raised
bed specially constructed by the park’s
grounds staff. The rings will be picked
out in white flowers, set amid a complete
massed background of blue.
Fran, play and physical activity officer,
said: “It’s marvellous to see so many turn
up to help, despite the wet and muddy
conditions.”
The display will add to the town’s
attractiveness and forms part of the
Boston in Bloom effort for this year.
The event had Silver Spirit funding –
from Lincolnshire Sports Partnership for
Olympic-associated events. Fran has
already received Silver Spirit funding
for a marathon Olympic torch relay
completed by her walking groups.
In July she will be organising an
opening ceremony event and Olympic
Games at PRSA (details nearer the time).
Pictured top left: White ones here, blue
ones there… Fran, Max and helpers
hard at work planting the Olympic
rings in Central Park
Opposite: Room for a little one?
That’s the rings finished, now for the background – the team with their handiwork
www.boston.gov.uk
The team, hard at work in the poly tunnel at Thistles – students, helpers and staff
Calum McGowan (19), from Boston
College helps learning support
assistant Naomi Devine prick out
David Bradshaw, from Spalding, attends at Thistles four days a week where he is a
very popular worker
Right: Amy Baxter (14), from John Fielding School, works with teaching assistant
Lauren Lee
Learning, caring, helping
Boston in Bloom is to get a boost
from a centre for people with
learning difficulties. Thistles, at
Sutterton, is a day centre with a
difference – it offers a safe and
caring learning environment
but is close to being a real-life
commercial horticultural nursery.
And now its students are helping to
grow on plants in support of Boston in
Bloom. Tiny plants have been supplied
by the in-bloom committee to be nurtured
by Thistles until they are ready to be
displayed in multi-coloured beauty in
baskets, tubs and planters around Boston.
Thistles Nursery has been run as a
day service on its one-acre plot in Station
Road by Lincolnshire County Council, in
ANDREW MALKIN
partnership with Boston’s John Fielding
Community Special School, Boston
College and the probation service’s
community payback scheme, for the past
11 years.
It takes up to 13 students, five days
a week. Aged 19 to some in their 60s,
they get hands-on experience of raising
seedlings and caring for plants as
well as growing fruit and vegetables.
Numeracy and literacy is also built into the
programme.
The nursery receives support from the
local community and helps cover costs by
selling some of the produce and by making
up hanging baskets for customers. The
students come mainly from Boston’s John
Fielding Community Special School and
Boston College.
Community support worker Liz Judge
explained they gain hands-on experience
and life skills while at the same time
producing something that is useful and in
demand.
Liz said: “And they absolutely love to
be here together. When snow and ice lay
on the ground and they had the option
of staying indoors at a nice, warm centre
elsewhere they still opted to come here
and work.
“They gain in confidence and ability,
enjoy companionship and security and
experience learning and team building.”
www.boston.gov.uk
Supermarket giant backs Boston in Bloom 2012
Boston’s new-look Market Place
is about to look even brighter and
better thanks to a £250 gift from the
town’s Asda store.
The supermarket is backing Boston in
Bloom 2012 and community life champion
Stephen Bromby handed over the cheque
to help pay for flower tower planters for the
Market Place.
Planters, tubs and hanging baskets will
be popping up all around the town over
the next few weeks as part of in-bloom
improvements.
The seating and cycle park area in
Dolphin Lane has had a clean-up and is
to house planters to create a living wall of
foliage.
And businesses have booked hanging
baskets through Boston BID (Business
Improvement District) to decorate their
premises. Wormgate, in particular, is set
to be full of flowers from end to end with
every single building displaying a hanging
basket.
Any town business still requiring a
hanging basket should contact Niall
Armstrong at [email protected]
Householders can get involved by
entering the Boston in Bloom 2012
gardening competition.
The competition, organised by the
Boston in Bloom 2012 steering group,
invites home owners in the town to
decorate their frontages with hanging
baskets, window boxes, tubs and planters
in a red, white and blue planting scheme
to also celebrate The Queen’s diamond
jubilee.
You don’t even have to have a garden
to enter.
To enter your home’s frontage for the
red, white and blue competition, and a
chance to win a first prize of £75 cash and
a runners-up prize of £25 cash, just email
your full name, address, and telephone
number to [email protected].
uk or write to him at Communications,
Boston Borough Council, Municipal
Buildings, West Street, Boston, PE21
8QR.
Entries need to be in by the end of July
and judging by a panel from the Boston in
Bloom steering group will take place early
Stephen Bromby, from Asda, centre, hands over the £250 Boston in Bloom cheque
to the Boston in Bloom 2012 steering group chairman Niall Armstrong and vice
chairman Alison Fairman
in August. Britain in Bloom judges are due
to tour the town in July.
Supporters of Boston in Bloom can
display a window sticker to show their
involvement . Pick one up from the
borough council’s reception in Municipal
Buildings in West Street.
Boston in Bloom is a joint enterprise
involving Boston Borough Council,
Boston BID, Boston Mayflower, Boston
Preservation Trust, Boston Area
Partnership, Boston College, Boston
Placecheck, North Sea Camp, Lincolnshire
CVS, Pescod Square, Age UK Boston
and South Holland, Asda, Lincolnshire
Probation Trust, South Lincolnshire
Horticultural Society and the Environment
Agency.
Organisations which have already
agreed to support the Boston in Bloom
campaign include Thistles Nursery, Friends
of Witham Way Country Park, Boston
Woods Trust and eco-warriors, Boston
West Primary School, the Boston Target
and the Boston Standard.
Business support has come from Asda,
Notice of vacancy for councillor for Parish
of Holland Fen with Brothertoft
A vacancy has arisen for a parish
councillor for Holland Fen with
Brothertoft.
If by June 1, 2012 a request for an
election to fill the vacancy is made in
writing to the Returning Officer at the
address below by TEN electors for the
Parish, an election will be held to fill the
vacancy, otherwise the vacancy will be
filled by co-option.
If an election is called, it will take place
not later than August 8, 2012.
Dated: May 14, 2012
Richard Harbord,
Returning Officer,
Municipal Buildings, West Street,
Boston, Lincolnshire,
PE21 8QR
Boston Seeds, Longhurst and Havelok
Homes, Calders and Grandidge and Bell
Brothers Nurseries.
If you want to help out you could join
a volunteer hit squad aiming to conduct
a mini Big Boston Clean-up on Saturday
and Sunday, June 30 and July 1. Boston
in Bloom organisers want to hear from
anyone prepared to help out that weekend
with litter picking and possibly a little bit of
painting and DIY. Contact Jen Moore on
01205 314583 or email jenny.moore@
boston.gov.uk
Keep up with Boston Borough
Council news on
Search Boston Borough Council
@Bostonboro
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston’s top cops (in waiting)
Youngsters from the Boston
area with ambitions to be police
officers received awards for their
achievements from the county’s
immediate past top cop.
Former Lincolnshire Chief Constable
Richard Crompton congratulated
members of Boston Police Cadets on
their achievements at their annual awards
evening held at Boston Stump.
Proudest person there was Connor
McDermott, who not only received the
Cadet of the Year Award, sponsored by
Lincolnshire Police, but was also voted by
his peers to receive the Cadets’ Cadet of
the Year Award.
Former Chief Constable Crompton said
Connor had been organised at every
opportunity, helping to make the cadet
evenings and outings run as smoothly as
possible
He said he was an extremely smart, well
turned-out and mature young man who
was a shining example for young people
today.
All of the cadets were given the
opportunity to vote for who they thought
deserved their award above all others in
the corps at Boston.
Connor was chosen for his leadership,
organisational skills and all-round
helpfulness when dealing with other cadets
Winner of the Best New Cadet award
was Becky Stevens. To qualify she had
to have been a cadet for less than a year
and she was judged on how well she had
adapted in a short period of time.
She was said to have a seemingly
never-ending supply of enthusiasm,
volunteering for events away from the
normal Wednesday evening meetings.
The community achievement award,
presented by Boston Mayor, Cllr Mary
Wright, went to section leader Tom Elmer,
always one of the first to put his name
down to assist with any fundraising events.
Most improved cadet was Vicki Gray
who involved herself in activities whenever
possible.
Aaron Clarke is always well turned-out
and so received the best presented cadet
award. He was said to have grasped the
concept of the standards of dress taken
from Lincolnshire Police’s own standards
Boston Police Cadets with their awards, from left, Becky Stevens, Hannah
Edwards, Lucy Brocklesby, Aaron Clarke, Vicki Gray, James Marson, Tom Elmer
and Connor McDermott
Above right: Deputy senior cadet Chris Avery presents former Chief Constable
Richard Crompton with his award in recognition of his support over the years for
the cadets
policy
Merit awards were presented for
consistent attendance, presentation,
involvement on cadet nights and
community activities outside the normal
cadet evening.
There were also two recognition awards
given to Mr Crompton and Boston Sector
Specials Inspector Steve Poulton – for
their support and commitment given to the
cadets over the years. Glass plaques were
presented to Mr Crompton and SI Poulton.
And a cheque for £350 was also given
to the cadets’ charity - John Fielding
Community Special School. Boston Police
Cadets have decided to continue raising
money for the school. Now in their third
year they have so far raised more than
£1,000.
Next year is the 25th anniversary of the
creation of Boston Police Cadets, and it
is planned to hold a celebration event in
September, 2013. An appeal has gone
out for as many previous cadets and their
families to celebrate this event.
There are plans for an anniversary
Most improved cadet Vicki Gray
collected her award from Lincolnshire’s
High Sheriff, Mr John Burke
The next Bulletin will be out on Friday, June 29, 2012.
Don’t delay, send material for submission to
[email protected]
www.boston.gov.uk
Inaugural ceremony celebrates tradition and culture
The Cultural Association of
Malayalees (CAM) Boston held their
inaugural ceremony on May 6 at
Hubberts Bridge Community Hall.
The meeting was presided over by Dr
Koshy Jacob, president of the association.
Mr Suresh Pillai, clinical director for
surgical services at Lincoln County
Hospital was the chief guest and the
function was inaugurated by lighting the
traditional lamp.
Mr Bhaskar Purayil, secretary of the
association welcomed the gathering. Mr
Nijil Vasukutty, vice president spoke on
future plans for the association while Mrs
Sophie Boban exhorted women members
to take an active part in the association
activities.
Dr Thomas and Dr M. Ramanna gave
felicitations.
The cultural activities, anchored
by Mr Bino Thomas, saw scintillating
performances led by Miss Juhi and Miss
Arya sree. Sariga UK, a professional
singing troupe led by Dr Raju George,
entertained the gathering with the rendition
of new and old Indian film songs.
The Malayalee association`s activities
are designed to promote the rich and
vibrant culture of Kerala State in India, as
well as involve in charitable activities in the
Boston community.
Malayalees originate from Kerala in India
and are so termed because they speak the
language malayalam.
For further details regarding the activities
of the association please contact Mr
Harish Kurup, events co-ordinator at
[email protected]
Youngsters with ambitions
receive awards
 from page 11
booklet with memories and pictures from cadets. If any former
cadets would like to contribute to the booklet and/or attend next
year’s anniversary event please contact Police Cadet Liaison Officer
Peter Hunn on 01205 314245 or [email protected]
Boston Mayor, Cllr Mary Wright, presents Tom Elmer with his
community achievement award
Right: Former Chief Constable Richard Crompton presents
Connor McDermott with his Cadet of the Year award
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston Mayfair 2012

Pictures by Cllr JAMES KNOWLES
Meet your
local
councillors
Home surgeries – same day service
Councillors Alison and Richard
Austin believe that residents like
issues to be dealt with as soon as they
arise.
If matters can’t be dealt with easily
over the phone, Richard and Alison
are always happy to go to residents’
houses or invite them to their own
home office.
This personal service means that
residents can sometimes be visited on
the day of their phone call.
Residents of South Ward should
contact Alison on 01205 368351;
mobile 07731 690034 or by e-mail at
[email protected]
If you live in Wyberton, Richard
can be contacted on 01205 368351;
mobile 07850 607009 or e-mail
[email protected]
Alison and Richard always include
all contact details in their newsletters.
… for Staniland South residents
Cllrs Yvonne Gunter and Paul Mould
will be holding a surgery for Staniland
South residents every first Saturday
of the month, from 11am to noon at
Mayfields.
If you are from Witham ward
Cllr Carol Taylor holds monthly dropin sessions for Witham ward residents.
The sessions are at Witham Court,
Brady Street, from 6pm to 8pm on the
first Thursday of every month.
Residents are invited to come along
to question, raise issues and make
suggestions. Refreshments will be
provided.
Kirton calling
Cllr Alan Lee, Kirton ward, is
available in the parish office every
Tuesday from 9am to 11am.
Wyberton: Borough and county
Wyberton area residents have
another opportunity to raise local
issues with one of their Boston
Borough Councillors and their
Lincolnshire County Councillor.
Boston Borough Councillor James
Knowles and Lincolnshire County
Councillor Paul Skinner will be holding
a surgery for Wyberton ward residents
on Saturday, June 23, 10am until noon
at Wyberton Village Hall. Cllr Skinner
says residents from Frampton and
Holme are welcome to come along
and raise county issues with him.
No appointments are necessary –
just turn up to meet your councillors
and raise your concerns with them.
www.boston.gov.uk
Who’s that knocking at the door?
Cllr Yvonne Gunter
If you live in the council’s Staniland South
ward you may have had a visitor while you
were out. But you’ll know because they will
have left a friendly calling card (see below).
Cllrs Yvonne Gunter and Paul Mould
Cllr Paul Mould
have embarked on a campaign to visit as
many of the homes in their area as they
can, seeking the views and opinions of
residents, keen to help with action on any
issues which arise.
Sorry you were out when we called to talk to you today about any
issues you may wish to discuss regarding the ward in which you
live – Staniland South.
If you need to contact us, please call us on the numbers below:
Councillor Yvonne Gunter �: 01205 360762
Councillor Paul Mould �: 01205 317503
Or come along to our surgeries at Mayfields, Broadfield Lane on the first
Saturday of every month between 11am and noon
Municipal Buildings, West Street, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 8QR
�: 01205 314200 �: [email protected]
NOTICE OF
ELECTION
NOTICE OF
VACANCY
Boston Borough
Council
Election of a Parish
Councillor for
BICKER
Notice is hereby
given that a casual
vacancy has arisen
in the Office of
Councillor in the
Parish of Wyberton
For more information visit
For more information visit
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
www.boston.gov.uk
IN MY VIEW
Boys have innocent ambitions, as they play with
their toys, to be astronauts, train drivers, racing
car drivers, digger operators and destroyer
captains. Some big boys never lose their
childhood interests… the toys just get bigger.
Wyberton councillor James Knowles is one
who has never lost his fascination for aircraft,
which he now combines with his hobby for
photography.
Here he writes about the objects of his desires.
A need for speed
From about the age of six or seven
I started going to air shows with
my parents, the earliest one being,
(as far as I remember) Waddington
in 1978, where one of my
recollections was of a mass Vulcan
scramble. Certainly impressive
(and very noisy).
This helped fuel my enthusiasm for this
very impressive aircraft.
I also used to go to the RAF Coningsby
air shows every year. Coningsby would
have been one of the bases for the
fantastic (and ill-fated) TSR2, a plane ten
years ahead of its time if it hadn’t been
scrapped by the Government at the time,
in favour of the cheaper F1-11, which the
RAF never got either.
A lot of the avionics were used on the
Tornado a few years later.
As a child I started getting into Airfix
kits, a hobby I still enjoy, and now also do
railway modelling. I was given a significant
number of old un-built model kits by a
friend.
I like to think I have a varied interest
in aircraft, from about the Second World
War onwards, obviously liking the old
favourites - the Spitfire, Hurricane and
Lancaster, along with the lesser popular
ones such as the Halifax, Wellington,
Gloster Gladiator etc...
I have never had military service,
although I did try in 1989 for a mechanical
transport role, but failed the medical on
my eyesight, which was a setback, but, as
they say, life goes on....
My grandad served in the Border
Regiment in the Second World War, being
a Dunkirk vet, then later with the 8th Army
in North Africa, where he served with
Monty.
My mother’s uncles served in the Navy,
one serving on HMS Turquoise in the
Second World War, also with her cousin
serving in the air force in the 1960s and
1970s as an airframe fitter, repairing
Vulcan B2s, Canberras and Hastings
You can imagine what it was like when
we used to get together.
My contact with planes hasn’t just been
seeing them at air shows. I also enjoy
by
COUNCILLOR JAMES KNOWLES
flying - 757s, 777s or Airbuses, but I used
to go gliding at RAF Cranwell Gliding
Club.
My wife, when I first met her, confessed,
she liked aircraft. Obviously my thought
was “RESULT!”, her favourite being the
Harrier. She was not happy when it got
withdrawn.
As far as favourite aircraft are
concerned, I have a soft spot for the
Hawker Hunter, for its beauty; the English
Electric Lightning, for its raw power what other aircraft at that time could go
supersonic, VERTICALLY?; the Lancaster,
just a fantastic plane; the Harrier, for its
achievements in the Falklands War and
since; the Spitfire, say no more; Concorde,
for beauty, raw power and speed, and
surprisingly, the VC10, because I just like
them.
If I was to choose a ride in any aircraft, it
would have been a Thunder City Lightning
T5, simply for that thrill of VTOL (vertical
take-off and landing), but as Thunder City
closed down, I can’t see it happening.
I am one of the youngest councillors on
the borough, I’m 40 at the end of May, and
Possibly the best-looking jet fighter ever built, the Hawker Hunter. Neville Duke
the test pilot told the Hawker management: "Don`t alter a thing". It looked and flew
right
www.boston.gov.uk
Cllr Knowles’ top-rated aircrafts
pictures by
COUNCILLOR KNOWLES
 from page 15
love every minute of it.
I work for Staples Disposables at
Sleaford as a HGV driver, and have driven
for them since January, 2000. I enjoy
getting round the country, with Scotland
and the Lake District being my favourite
areas.
Thankfully Staples are very fair and
understanding about me being able to fit
my council duties around my job.
I normally deliver janitorial products for
the catering, automotive and janitorial
trade and to supermarkets.
I have been married nearly 12 years and
Sarah works as an accounts assistant at
a local motor factors, and is also clerk of
Toynton St Peter.
We have two sons, Harry (9) and
Jack(7), and both share my interest in
aircraft, and all things military.
I also have a keen interest in classic cars
and trains.
The BAe Sea Harrier FRS MK2, this fine
example is at the Midland Air Museum
in Coventry
Avro Shackleton MR3/3 WR977 which is also at Newark
A pair of the best interceptors EVER, the EE Lightning T53 trainer (ex-Saudi) and
F6, ex 11 Sqd, (Binbrook), vertical take-off, supersonically!!!!
The mighty Vulcan… mighty noisy!
The TSR 2 super bomber XR222 which is at Cosford, sadly cancelled in the 1960s
by the Wilson administration, in favour of the cheaper F1-11( which we never got
either), but a lot of the avionics were later used in the Tornado project. The little
boy in the foreground, is my eldest son, Harry
Pictured left: Cllr James Knowles with his lorry – an exceptionally “big toy” in
which he makes his living delivering around the country
www.boston.gov.uk
New Mayor is son of the soil
picture and words by
ANDREW MALKIN
Boston’s new mayor is a true son
of the soil. Colin Brotherton entered
the world of agriculture through the
family farm and worked the land his
whole career.
You can take the man out of farming,
but you can’t take farming out of the man
– despite being retired Cllr Brotherton
(69) still works a small plot of land at
Wyberton, close to where he grew up and
farmed.
Part of the reason for maintaining the
land, apart from the vegetables he grows
for himself and family, is to pursue his real
passion – he owns three tractors which
he has renovated and loves to put them
to work.
He has rebuilt the engines and
renovated his collection of a 1962
Fordson Super Major, a 1964 Fordson
Super Dexta and a 1979 Massey
Ferguson. All have been restored to
manufacturers’ condition and colours,
including tracking down replacement
original parts from as far away as Wales.
As well as using them on his “allotment”
he also takes part in tractor runs and
rallies.
Cllr Brotherton, was born in Wyberton.
After education at the village primary
school and the then Kirton Secondary
Modern School (now Middlecott) he
worked on the family farm at Wyberton
until 1979 with his father and brother.
Work then took him to Kirton, where he
lived, before going back to Wyberton in
1989 and then moving back to Kirton.
In his time he has managed cattle and
grown combine crops as well as staples
such as potatoes, onions and brassicas.
Cllr Colin Brotherton at home… and at home in the seat of his Fordson Super
Dexta which he has renovated
Cllr Brotherton, who lives in Station
Road, Kirton, has served as a borough
councillor for nine years and been a
Kirton Parish Councillor for six years.
He said: “I had already been thinking
about becoming a councillor and one
day there was an advert in the local
newspaper. I called the number and it all
went on from there.
“I like to think that I do it to help people
and to make a little difference – all those
little differences can add up to something
worthwhile. If a member of the community
approaches you about something and you
can help to sort it out you feel as if you’ve
achieved something,” he said.
He is chairman of planning and vice
chairman of the licensing committee.
Widowed for 15 years he has a son and
two daughters and seven grandchildren
aged from 20 months to 17 years.
The Mayors’ charities will be Boston
branch of St Barnabas Hospice and
DOCATEF – Detection of Cancer and
Treatment Equipment Fund (his wife died
from cancer).
Free equipment for Community Games
Groups around the county who are
holding an event to celebrate The
Queen’s diamond jubilee or the
London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic
Games are invited to register their
event as a Community Games.
Community Games can be any event
which celebrates the uniqueness
of your own community – it will
be an event that gives everyone a
chance to participate. Whether it’s
an opening or closing ceremony,
sporting or cultural event, indoors
or outdoors, Community Games can
showcase whatever’s best about your
community.
Registration is free, and will
provide the group with a wide range
of support, publicity and materials to
make the event even more successful.
The support available includes a
free page on the Community Games
website, posters, postcards, access
to training, and free loan of bunting
or a banner, as well as equipment
from the Lincolnshire Sports Library
(sponsored by Running Imp) for the
duration of the event.
For events registered as a
Community Games, groups become
members of the Lincolnshire Sports
Library (a membership fee normally
applies) and can hire equipment free
of charge, subject to availability and
deposits being provided.
Equipment available to loan from the
Lincolnshire Sports Library includes
inflatable marquees, Zorb balls, Sports
Day Variety Bags, Speed Sport Radar
and many more.
A list of the equipment available
for hire can be found at: http://
lincolnshiresports.com/sport/clubsand-coaches/lincolnshire-sportslibrary/
Organisers can register their
event by going to: http://www.
communitygames.org.uk/
For more information about the
Community Games programme in
Lincolnshire or assistance with
registering your event, please call
Clare Gilman-Abel at Lincolnshire
Sports Partnership on 01522 585580.
‘Wise, thoughtful and
modest man’ becomes
Boston’s 478th Mayor
www.boston.gov.uk
ANDREW MALKIN
Colin Brotherton, of Kirton,
became Boston’s 478th Mayor at a
ceremony on Monday night.
Cllr Brotherton (69), was nominated
by Boston Borough Council leader, Cllr
Peter Bedford, and seconded by Cllr Mike
Gilbert, who described Cllr Brotherton as
“a wise and trusted friend” and a “quiet,
thoughtful and modest man”.
Cllr Brotherton, a widower, chose
his sister, Mrs Kate Wainwright, to be
Mayoress, and proposed fellow Kirton
councillor Alan Lee to be Deputy Mayor.
Cllr Lee’s wife, Jill, is Deputy Mayoress.
Cllr Brotherton said he was proud to
be wearing the Mayor’s robes on behalf
of both Boston and Kirton. He is the first
Kirton councillor to become Mayor since
local government reorganisation in 1974.
He is also a fellow Kirton parish councillor
with Cllr Lee, and both work together
on the village’s tidy-up Friday Club. Cllr
Brotherton said it was good to continue the
partnership with Cllr Lee as his deputy.
“I think I’ve drawn a lucky year with The
Queen’s diamond jubilee, the Olympics
and the Paralympics,” he said.
One of his main roles will be to chair
the monthly full council meetings, and he
From left, Deputy Mayor and Mayoress, Alan and Jill Lee, Mayoress Kate
Wainwright and Boston’s 478th Mayor Colin Brotherton
The Mayor and Mayoress with members
of their family
had a warning for members: “Councillors
behave yourselves – or else!”
Cllr Yvonne Gunter gave a vote of
thanks to outgoing Mayor, Cllr Mary
Wright, who she said had supported so
many events and organisations with her
daughter, Sue, the outgoing Mayoress, at
her side – “a special double act”.
Cllr Wright thanked her daughter, who
lives in Suffolk, for the many miles covered
over the year in the course of her duties.
She amused with an anecdote from her
year in office where, at a Boston event,
www.boston.gov.uk
 from page 18
a boy asked if he could shake her hand
because he was sure she was The Queen.
She explained she was not The Queen,
but was the Mayor of Boston. The boy,
unconvinced, told his pal that she was The
Queen because she had hair just like The
Queen’s. He apologised in advance for his
sticky hand, which Cllr Wright duly shook.
Cllr Wright picked out for special praise
her “A-Team” – Mayor’s officers Andy
Lamming and Alec Wilson, civic and
member services officer Alison Hull and
democratic services manager Lorraine
Bush “the people who make the job work”.
Votes of thanks were also given to
outgoing Deputy Mayor Cllr Maureen
Dennis and outgoing Deputy Mayoress
Marilyn Cobb.
The new Mayor’s scout is Holly Morgan
and the new Mayoress’s guide is Sarah
Gosling.
The Mayor and Mayoress with more members of their family group
Mayor-making a family affair
Register if you want to vote
Benefit fraud
for new police commissioner alleged
If you want to vote in the new elections
for a Police and Crime Commissioner for
Lincolnshire you must ensure your details
are on the register of electors.
The election will be held on Thursday,
November 15, 2012, and elections for
Lincolnshire County Council will be held on
Thursday, May 2, 2013. If your name is not
shown on the register you will not be able
to vote.
The annual electoral registration canvass
for 2012 is taking place earlier than usual
due to the elections for Police and Crime
Commissioner.
Registration forms will be delivered to
every household in the Boston borough
area from the last weekend of June. The
forms will have the names of those electors
registered at the property pre-printed on
them. If the information shown is correct
the details can be confirmed by using the
telephone or internet and following the
instructions on the form.
If the details on the form are incorrect
they should be amended and the form sent
back to the electoral services office using
the pre-paid envelope provided with the
form.
Residents are asked to complete and
return the forms as soon as you receive
them to ensure that their details are shown
on the new register. If you do not receive
a form or have any queries regarding
registration please contact the electoral
services section on 01205 314220 or
e-mail [email protected]
The law requires all households to
respond to the electoral registration
annual canvass form, even if nobody in
the household is eligible to be registered.
Failure to do this can mean a fine of up to
£1,000. Being registered for paying council
tax does not mean you are automatically
included on the register of electors.
If you do not complete your registration
form and your name does not appear on
the register, you may experience problems
when applying for a mortgage, credit card,
mobile phone etc. as the credit referencing
agencies rely on the electoral register to
check your details.
Every local authority has to produce two
versions of the register: the full version
and the edited version. The full register
contains the names and addresses of
everyone registered to vote and is updated
every month. This version can only be
used for specific purposes i.e. electoral,
law enforcement and credit referencing.
The edited register is available for
general sale and can be used for any
purpose. You can choose not to be on
it by ticking the appropriate box when
completing the annual canvass form.
If you move after the new register is
published on October 16, 2012, you will
be able to re-register at your new address
as soon as you move (the rolling register),
enabling you to vote at a polling station
close to your new home.
For help and advice on registration,
opting out, moving and the rolling register,
voting by post or proxy and forthcoming
elections contact the helpline on 01205
314220 / 314221 or e-mail: elreg@boston.
gov.uk
The case against Joanna Smith, of 68
Fenside Road, Boston, was adjourned by
Boston magistrates on Monday, May 21,
until June 18 for a trial date to be fixed.
She pleaded not guilty to two charges –
failing to notify a change in circumstances
when receiving income support and
housing and council tax benefit between
June, 2010, and August, 2011.
Check food
outlet ratings
Don’t forget food outlets, such as
restaurants, takeaways and pubs, are
inspected to check that hygiene standards
meet legal requirements. The hygiene
standards found at these inspections are
rated on a scale ranging from zero (which
means urgent improvement necessary) to
a top rating of five (very good). To check
ratings visit http://ratings.food.gov.uk/
www.boston.gov.uk
Kirton
development
in national
best-build final
Following the very successful Boston Borough
Council Building Excellence Awards 2012 in
March, the overall winner, Manor Farm, Kirton,
was, with an endorsement from the council’s
building control section, nominated for the
LABC East Midlands Building Excellence
Awards 2012.
Following a difficult judging process, it was finally shortlisted
in two categories, best individual dwelling and best sustainable
development.
The awards ceremony, presented by BBC TV Personality
Anna Church, was held on Friday, May 18, at the Nottingham
Belfry, and Manor Farm finished runner-up in the best
individual dwelling category, and beat off stiff competition from
developments in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire
to be crowned best sustainable development.
All the winners on the night are entered into the LABC
National Awards which will be held in London on November 13.
Pictured are the owners/developers of Manor Farm, Kirton, Mr
and Mrs G. Tunnard with their certificate and award
www.boston.gov.uk
Volunteers
wanted for
Egyptian
Paralympic
visit to
Boston
Volunteers are wanted to support
the Egyptian Paralympic Team
during their training camp in
Boston this summer.
Lincolnshire Sports Partnership will
recruit a group of volunteers for the team’s
training camp prior to the London 2012
Paralympic Games from Saturday, August
18 to Friday, August 24.
A whole host of individuals are required
for the week - from mini-bus drivers,
translators and physiotherapists to those
just prepared to use their local knowledge
to run errands.
Cllr Doreen Stephenson, Lincolnshire
Champion for the London 2012 Games,
said: “Lincolnshire is very proud to host the
Egyptian Paralympic Team as they train
for the London 2012 Paralympic Games,
and we want to ensure as many people
in Lincolnshire can be involved. We are
looking for volunteers from across the
county to support the team during their
stay this summer.”
The Egyptian Paralympic Team of 54 will
be accommodated in Lincoln, and will train
at three venues across Lincolnshire at the
Princess Royal Sports Arena in Boston,
University of Lincoln and the Meridian
Leisure Centre in Louth. The team will
compete in table tennis, sitting volleyball,
athletics and powerlifting.
Lizzie Couling, Workforce Development
Manager at Lincolnshire Sports
Partnership, said: “This could be your
chance to get involved with the London
2012 Games in Lincolnshire. We are
looking for volunteers with enthusiasm,
commitment and a ‘can-do’ attitude – it
doesn’t matter if you haven’t had much
experience.”
The closing date to apply is 5pm on
Thursday, June 2. Candidates will then be
asked to attend a briefing session at each
of the three training venues to find out
more about the team and roles. Applicants
will be told if they have been successful or
unsuccessful on Monday, July 9.
For more information and an application
form, visit www.lincolnshiresports.com
or call Lizzie Couling on 01522 585 580.
Danger, danger… the tree at risk of plunging into the water course during a road
collapse caused by a burst water main
Council teamwork
helps deal with
road collapse
A burst water main, which washed out part
of a road, saw the council’s community
safety team and grounds maintenance
staff put practice into action to play their
part in helping cope with the incident.
Principal community safety officer Peter
Hunn received a telephone call at 7.33pm
from the duty CCTV operator who had
been contacted by police at the scene
in Horncastle Road. The water supply to
Boston had been interrupted by the burst
mainline pipe.
CCTV were alerted to a tree which had
fallen due to the collapse of the road and
river bank following concern that if it fell
into the river it could cause further issues
downstream.
Peter, acting in accordance with the
emergency plan, alerted senior officers
of the council and attended the scene,
together with Donna Brewer, one of his
New group leader of the
Boston District Independents
team.
Anglian Water had a team on the way
to isolate the breach and mend the pipe,
but required removal of the dangerous
tree. Peter called for assistance with the
removal of the tree.
By 8.20pm the water supply was back
on line for Boston households.
Kevin Field and Darren Baggaley, of
the council’s grounds maintenance team
arrived on site to secure and then remove
the tree, which was complete by 10.30pm.
Peter said: “The grounds maintenance
team which came out did an excellent and
timely job securing and removing the tree
safely.
“What was a difficult situation, and
could have turned out to be even more
difficult, was dealt with efficiently by all
involved, displaying the merit of having an
emergency plan and putting it into action.”
over from Cllr Helen Staples.
New deputy group leader is
on Boston Borough Council
Cllr Alison Austin, who takes
is Cllr David Witts, who takes
over from Cllr Richard Austin.
Benefit cheats, be
afraid... be very afraid
www.boston.gov.uk
Benefit cheats continue to be
pursued through the courts by
Boston Borough Council.
In recent weeks a number who sought to
fiddle the system have been successfully
prosecuted.
HOUSING BENEFIT CHEAT CAUGHT
A Boston resident was prosecuted
following a fraud investigation into her
housing benefit claim.
The investigation commenced when
the council’s fraud department received
information that the claimant had created
tenancy agreements with family members
in order to receive payments of housing
benefit to which she was not entitled.
The claimant attempted to use
pseudonyms for the surnames of
her family members to disguise their
relationships and also provided false
information on claim forms about their
family connection. The offence, known
as a “contrived tenancy” occurs when
somebody sets up a tenancy to take
advantage of the benefit system.
The ruse was discovered by the
fraud department when they examined
the documents held on file relating to
the claimant’s tenancy and used their
intelligence resources to make further
checks with regards to the family links.
They discovered that the claimant had
created two contrived tenancies in order
to obtain housing benefit to which she was
not entitled and on both occasions she had
provided false and misleading information
on claim form documents. As a result of
this the council calculated that the claimant
had been overpaid more than £12,000 in
housing benefit, all of which will have to be
repaid to the council.
In a hearing at Boston’s Magistrates’
Court the claimant pleaded guilty to the
offences and received a five-month curfew
with an electronic tag to ensure that she
does not breach the curfew.
COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT CHEAT
CAUGHT
Another town resident received a
formal caution in February following a
comprehensive fraud investigation into
failure to declare employment. As part of
their data-matching activities, the fraud
department obtained evidence that the
person under investigation had failed to
declare working for two different employers
while in receipt of housing and council tax
benefit.
During a formal interview under caution
the person fully admitted that they had
failed to give prompt notification of their
employment to the council despite being
aware that the work would affect their
entitlement to benefit. The resident
expressed regret for not informing the
council of their work as a result of which
a large overpayment totalling £1,600 had
arisen.
As well as receiving a formal caution,
the resident will now have to repay the full
amount of housing and council tax benefit
that was overpaid.
FAILED TO DECLARE PARTNER’S
EARNINGS
In another case a housing benefit
claimant appeared at Skegness
Magistrates’ Court following his failure to
declare his partner’s employment.
Magistrates were told about the
claimant’s failure to notify the Department
for Work and Pensions and Boston
Borough Council that his partner had been
working as a home support worker for
several months.
The investigation into the offence
involved liaison between the DWP, the
council and East Lindsey District Council,
in another example of successful joint
working between the authorities.
The Boston resident was given a
conditional discharge by magistrates and
ordered to pay £100 costs. He will also
be required to repay the full amount of
benefits overpaid to him as a result of the
fraud.
WORKED, LIED, CLAIMED
Another Boston resident has been
prosecuted in Boston Magistrates’ Court
following an extensive fraud investigation
into their failure to declare that they were
working while claiming housing and council
tax benefits.
The prosecution follows a targeted
crackdown by Boston Borough Council
and the Jobcentre Plus on those who try to
cheat the benefit system.
Using their intelligence resources, the
fraud department obtained evidence
that the person under investigation had
failed to declare working whilst in receipt
of council benefits. At a formal interview
under caution the benefit claimant was
presented with the evidence obtained
following the comprehensive investigation
into the undeclared work.
During the hearing at Boston
Magistrates’ Court the benefit claimant
received a 12-month community
punishment order and a six-week curfew
as well as having to pay legal costs. The
benefit claimant now has a criminal record
and will have to repay the full amount of
the overpayment.
FAILED TO DECLARE SAVINGS
The prosecution followed another
recent case, where a Boston resident
was prosecuted for failing to declare
savings identified through Boston Borough
Council’s data-matching systems.
A fraud department spokesman said:
“Those who try to cheat the benefit system
are often not aware of the fraud detection
resources that we have at our disposal,
which allow us to identify undeclared work,
savings and similar offences.
“These successful prosecutions send
a clear message to those in receipt of
council benefits, that the council and
Boston residents will not tolerate those
who try to cheat the system.
“Benefit claimants are reminded of their
responsibility to give true and correct
information about their claims and to
promptly notify changes in their income
and household circumstances to avoid
prosecution action being taken against
them.”
The penalties for fraudulent benefit
claims are set to increase soon following
the introduction of the Welfare Reform Act,
which allows the DWP and local authorities
to fine benefit cheats up to £2,000, with a
minimum penalty of £350 without having
to take them to court. The increased fines,
known as administrative penalties, are
the first of a range of new powers in the
Welfare Reform Act designed to deter
fraudsters from attempting to cheat the
benefit system.
Market Place visitors
dig medieval fayre
www.boston.gov.uk
Visitors to Boston Market Place
were treated to a range of
entertainment on Sunday, May 20,
as part of Boston Medieval Fayre to
celebrate the achievements of last
year’s community-based Boston
Big Dig project.
Among the attractions were a
programme of traditional folk music and a
performance of Priscilla Biggadyke – the
Musical, by Liz Lenten and the children of
the Stickney Schools.
Fire eaters, jugglers and medieval reenactors also kept the crowds happy while
people enjoyed having a go at candle
dipping and pottery as a keepsake of the
day.
The Guildhall saw a high turnout at a
special Sunday opening, featuring the new
exhibition of archaeological finds.
Hussey Tower also had a busy day with
a medieval event of armour and weaponry
and tours of the newly-repaired tower, run
by Heritage Lincolnshire.
A guided walk from the Market Place
ended at the Hussey Tower event, taking
in a stop at the Guildhall along the way.
Work by volunteers on interpretation
material, including leaflets and boards, will
soon be finalised and available in the town.
The Boston Big Dig was funded by the
Heritage Lottery Fund and Lincolnshire
County Council in partnership with
Boston Borough Council and Heritage
Lincolnshire. The excavations were carried
out under the guidance of professional
archaeologists from Network Archaeology.
Flamin’ ‘eck! Boston’s Medieval Fayre hots up
Changes to diamond jubilee bank holiday refuse collections
Some refuse collections will be affected by The Queen’s diamond jubilee extended bank holiday at the start of next
month. As a two-day bank holiday has been granted this year, for the first time in ages, 80 per cent of residents get their
collections one day later than normal.
‘Normal’ Collection Day
Monday 4th June
Tuesday 5th June
Wednesday 6th June
Thursday 7th June
Friday 8th June
Actual Day
Saturday 2nd June
Wednesday 6th June
Thursday 7th June
Friday 8th June
Saturday 9th June
Refuse collectors will be placing stickers on bins to remind residents of the changed collection dates.
Please DON’T say
it with flowers
As Boston gears up for this
summer’s in-bloom effort, and
the hard work of many volunteers
begins to pay off, helping make the
town a brighter and better place to
live, work and do business in, an
appeal has gone out to people NOT
to pick the flowers.
Feverish planting has been going on
for weeks, with more to come, as part of
Boston in Bloom, and flowers will flourish
in parks, gardens, river banks, verges and
odd parcels of land all over. In addition
there will be displays in hanging baskets,
tubs and planters.
Earlier this year daffodils planted on
Windsor Bank by volunteers were all cut
and stolen.
The law on helping yourself is a tricky
one. Get it wrong and you could end up
in court, so the best course of action is
simply DON’T.
All plants and flowers in public gardens,
such as Central Park, are certainly off
limits. Police have been called in other
parts of the country where people have
been seen picking the flowers.
The same goes for council-maintained
displays on roundabouts or verges,
any gardens planted by a particular
organisation (i.e. community gardens), and
nature reserves or protected land. And if
you persistently snaffle daffodils from your
neighbour's front garden, you could face
prosecution for theft, as well as the sharp
end of their tongue.
The law is not so clear when it comes to
wild flowers (and wild flowers have been
sown). But if the plants are growing wild
www.boston.gov.uk
they may well be rare or endangered and
will be protected under the 1981 Wildlife
and Countryside Act. Pick those and you
could face arrest.
Rachel Lauberts, a member of the
Boston in Bloom 2012 steering group,
said: “As a general rule, if they are not in
your own garden, leave well alone and
head to your local florist. Flowers always
look best left in their natural setting where
everyone can enjoy them.”
Silver Spirit funding awarded to Boston project
An organisation in Boston has received a
grant to fund an Olympic and Paralympicinspired project.
Boston Community Tennis Partnership
has been awarded £250 to support their
Over-50’s tennis sessions. The money will
be used to cover the cost of free taster
sessions in touch tennis between May and
September.
Boston Community Tennis Partnership
welcomes volunteers to help them
organise and run the event. They also
welcome new members to join their ever-
growing community. For more information
call 01205 355502.
The money has been funded through a
project called Silver Spirit at Lincolnshire
Sports Partnership, which awards grants
of up to £300 to community groups and
organisations whose members are mostly
aged over 50, and want to run Olympic
and Paralympic-inspired projects in the
run-up to the 2012 Games.
Sarah Ferneyhough, Physical
Activity Manager at Lincolnshire Sports
Partnership, said: “Silver Spirit provides a
great opportunity for the older generation
to get actively involved with the 2012
Games. We have funded all kinds of
innovative ideas including gardening, craft,
dancing, walking, New Age Kurling and
reminiscence projects.”
£10,000 has been awarded to 70
projects throughout Lincolnshire in four
rounds of Silver Spirit funding leading up
to the Games. With all the money now
allocated, more than 3,000 people aged
50+ will be taking part in Olympic-themed
activities in their area.
Failed to remove caravan: Pay £1,015
A land owner has been ordered to
pay £1,015 by Boston magistrates
for siting a static caravan at Old
Leake without obtaining planning
permission.
Jeffrey Bullock sited the static
home in 2009 and intended to
operate a pig farrowing business
on the land, a field, known as White
Rose Farm, Skipmarsh Lane, Old
Leake with the intention of living in
the static home.
However he did not apply for the
necessary planning permission
to change the use of the land. A
complaint was made to Boston
Borough Council’s planning
department and after an initial
investigation, Mr Bullock submitted
a planning application seeking
retrospective planning permission.
Mr Bullock appealed against the
council’s refusal and a Government
Planning Inspector upheld the
council’s decision to refuse planning
permission.
After negotiations between the
council’s planning enforcement
officer and Mr Bullock failed to
obtain the removal of the static
caravan an enforcement notice was
issued in July, 2011, ordering the
removal of the static caravan within
a month.
Mr Bullock failed to comply with
the requirements of the enforcement
notice and Boston Borough Council
prosecuted him. The case was heard
in Boston Magistrates Court on
Monday, May 21, when Mr Bullock
pleaded guilty. He cited ill health
and financial problems as reasons
why he had not complied with the
enforcement notice. Magistrates
fined him £600 with a £15 victim
surcharge and awarded Boston
Borough Council £400 towards their
costs.
The council has now ordered Mr
Bullock to remove the static caravan
from the land within a period of a
month, and if this new timescale
is not complied with further court
action will be taken.
www.boston.gov.uk
Isabella’s road safety
message gets wheels
to cover the county
A road safety campaign poster
produced by a Bicker schoolgirl
as part of a project with Boston
Borough Council’s community
safety team is set to be seen across
the region.
Nine-year-old Isabella Houldershaw’s
bike safety poster was judged the winner
when all pupils at Bicker Preparatory
School tackled in artwork issues around
safety on the road when out cycling.
She received a framed version of her
poster, and a giant-sized version on a
specially-printed banner from Mayor Cllr
Mary Wright when pupils visited the council
offices last month to see their work on
display.
The council’s principal community safety
officer, Peter Hunn, was so impressed
with Isabella’s work that he sent a copy
off to Lincolnshire County Council and
the Road Safety Partnership asked for
permission to use it on their display vehicle
Road safety officer Kay Taman with
Isabella and the Mayor. Kay launched
the project after visiting the school to
talk to pupils about road safety
at large shows and events, such as the
Lincolnshire Show and Revesby Show.
Peter said: “We are all so pleased that
the hard work of all the children at Bicker,
and especially Isabella, has proved so
worthwhile.”
Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex
A large leisure pool, baby pool and flume to have a great family day out!
During the school holidays we have a fun splash session every day!
For a full host of our activities and timetable visit our website
Family swim saver voucher
Geoff Moulder
Up to five people can swim for only £6*!
Terms: Maximum two adults allowed per voucher. No photocopies accepted. Please check our swim safety admission
policy prior to arriving. Locker tokens are not included in
voucher price, Cost 20p per token.
Voucher expiry 30 June 2012.
Leisure Complex
Gym
Swim
Classes
Relax
Kidzone
www.bostonleisurecentre.co.uk
Lessons
www.boston.gov.uk
Help to gain heritage skills,
and work at Lincoln Cathedral
Are you looking for that special
career opportunity? Are you good
with your hands and do you have
an eye for detail?
Through the Heritage Lottery Fund
“Skills for the Future” grant-funding
scheme Lincolnshire County Council,
working in partnership with Lincoln
Cathedral, is able to offer three heritage
skills bursaries; one in stonemasonry, one
in joinery, and one in lead work. Training
will be on site at Lincoln Cathedral, and
by block release at college. These are fulltime placements lasting 18 months.
Traineeships are aimed at people who
already have a degree of competency
to level 2 in construction, art and
design or engineering gained through
achieving qualifications or through
practical experience. Examples of level 2
equivalence include 5 GCSEs A*-C, a level
2 new diploma in construction and the
built environment, creative and media or
engineering, or an NVQ Level 2. There is
particular interest in attracting applications
from people who are currently underrepresented in this workforce.
People seeking to change career,
including those who have caring
responsibilities, are sought. There will
be a contribution to essential childcare
expenses for those for whom access
to care may be a barrier to training.
Additional support and guidance to
promising candidates who may not meet
the trainee specification can be offered.
Trainees will be expected to develop
an individual learning plan, and to carry
out conservation work with support and
training from experienced crafts people to
the required quality expected by Lincoln
Cathedral.
You must be over the age of 18 and be
able to confirm that you are eligible to
work and study in the UK. You will need
to successfully complete an occupational
health assessment. Candidates should
demonstrate the potential to become
expert craftspeople, who will take
responsibility for their own learning and
personal development and who are
committed to pursuing a career in the
heritage sector in the UK.
Please note that it is an essential
requirement of the job that you work
outside, and at height on scaffolded sites,
as well as in the workshop, therefore you
must be confident of your ability to do this.
To request an application pack, email:
[email protected] or
telephone 01522 550613 or write to:
Amanda Davey
Economy & Culture
Lincolnshire County Offices
13 The Avenue
Lincoln
LN1 1PA
Closing date is Tuesday, June 12.
You must be available for a start early
September 2012.
Stuart smashes his Swimathon
Marie Curie fund-raising target
Raising cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care
spurred Stuart Horton on as he churned up
and down the Geoff Moulder leisure pool
100 times during the recent Swimathon
event.
Stuart, the council's principal housing
strategy officer, set himself the goal of
raising £500 - so far he has raised more
than £850 for the charity.
He said: "My wife was diagnosed
with cancer last year - a real shock as
relatively young and healthy, and she
doesn't drink or smoke. Thankfully she is
now in remission following major surgery
to remove a section of her colon and six
months chemotherapy."
A regular swimmer, Stuart set himself a
Swimathon target of 100 lengths (2.5km or
just over a mile and a half).
So far he has raised £406 online and
recently sent a cheque off for £447 from
his sponsor forms.
He said: "I want to thank all who
supported me and for their donations to
support Marie Curie Nurses and people
with terminal cancer and other terminal
illnesses.
" I somehow managed to complete my
100 lengths in just under my target time
of one hour (59mins and 45 seconds). My
neck and shoulders knew all about it the
next morning."
If you wanted to sponsor him, but didn't
get around to it, there is still time. Go to
his personal fundraising page at http://
my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.as
px?registrationID=367823&langPref=e
n-CA
From this page, you are able to make a
secure online donation using your credit
or debit card. It really is that simple and
every penny counts! Money raised by the
Swimathon distance challenges for Marie
Curie Cancer Care, will help support Marie
Curie Nurses who provide free nursing
care to people with terminal cancer and
other terminal illnesses, in the place of
their choice.
www.boston.gov.uk
Help sow seeds of fiveyear allotments strategy
Have you ever thought about
growing your own vegetables and
fruit on your own allotment, but
then been put off for some reason?
Boston Borough Council wants to
hear from people just like you – budding
allotment gardeners who haven’t yet
taken the plunge.
You, and those who already grow their
own, can help inform the council’s fiveyear allotment strategy.
The council is appealing for residents
to get in touch to tell it what they want
to see happen to meet their growing
ambitions.
At the same time, if you are not already
an allotment tenant, you can apply to
go on to the waiting list for an allotment.
Although all are currently tenanted the
waiting list does grow shorter and you
might not be waiting for as long as you
think. And the sooner you get your name
on the list the sooner you will be at the
head of the queue.
Allotments are at six different sites
around Boston. Current annual rents
range from £23 a year (that’s only 44p
a week) for a modest 300-square-metre
plot – big enough to feed an averagesized family - to £46 (88p a week) for a
600-square-metre plot.
If you are already one of the council’s
allotment tenants please use your
experience to help us plan for the next
five years.
Latest figures reveal that lower
income families in the UK have cut their
consumption of fruit and vegetables by
nearly a third in the wake of the recession
and rising food prices, to just over
half of the five-a-day portions that the
Government recommends for a healthy
diet.
The statistics to the end of 2010 from
the Department of Environment Food and
Rural Affairs (Defra) shows a 30 per cent
decline in purchases of fresh fruit and
vegetables since 2006 by lower income
families.
Families are now spending about
£24.50 per person a week on food,
equating to about £98 for a family of four.
Food spending accounts for 11.5 per cent
of income for the average family, but 15.8
per cent for those on low incomes.
There has seldom been a better time
to grow your own – healthy, fresh food
grown for comparatively little cost.
If you want to help with the five-year
allotment strategy contact Jen Moore, the
council’s environment and sustainability
officer. Call her on 01205 314583 or email
[email protected]
www.boston.gov.uk
Local media in migrant
impact spotlight
Report by
ANDREW MALKIN
Roles were reversed when editorial
staff from the Boston Target and
the Boston Standard answered the
questions posed by councillors
and the public at a meeting called
to probe the social impact of
population change on the town.
The fourth evidence-gathering task and
finish group meeting put the media in the
spotlight, with questions tabled about the
role played by journalists dealing with
immigration news reports.
Mail on Sunday columnist Peter
Hitchens, who had written a comment
piece about his impression during a short
visit to the town of the impact Eastern
Europeans were having, and fervent
New Boston Eye blogger Malcolm Swire,
declined their invitations to attend. Mr
Swire submitted a written response to
some questions.
Managing editor of the Target, Nick
Purkiss, reporter Graeme Holmes, editor
of the Standard, Stephen Stray, and
deputy editor Andrew Brookes answered
questions ranging from censorship to
publication of news in other languages.
They agreed that perhaps more could be
done to help integrate Eastern Europeans
but stressed that both papers had “open
door” policies and anyone from anywhere
could approach them with comment, news
and views.
Answering questions from Mr Dean
Everitt, organiser of a once-planned
protest march, they said there was no
censorship of news by the council or the
police and no editorial interference, but
application of local editorial judgement
and they followed the age-old mantra of
reports being accurate, fair and balanced.
Both editors explained that observance
of the laws of libel meant that not all
letters submitted could be used in full, or
sometimes used at all.
Mr Swire wrote that editing or
withholding of letters often happened due
to lack of confidence as to content, or a
desire not to be associated with criticism of
the authorities.
Mr Stray said the issues raised could
have been discussed with him at any time,
and not left until such a meeting as this.
Mr Purkiss felt the “vibe” regarding
immigration was improving. Mr Stray said
there were still tensions but felt approach
to the issues was now more proactive
and less reactive, as it had been in the
past. Mr Stray refuted the suggestion that
court reports in the papers indicated that
most crimes were committed by foreign
offenders.
Answering questions from Mr Bob
McAuley about whether the Hitchens’
article had been fair and accurate Mr
Purkiss said it was “not a balanced piece
that I would entertain” . He felt it had been
predetermined and people had been found
to comment to justify the view expressed.
He said it had been a narrow look at a
complex issue and was “never going to
be the most comprehensively researched
piece of journalism”.
Mr Stray said it had been a comment
piece and not a factual story and reflected
experiences of a day or two in town by
someone who did not live here, but said
“you cannot write it off”. He said it had
represented the opinions of some.
Mr Swire wrote that Peter Hitchens is
a man of strong opinions, and his article
was not meant to be “balanced” per se – it
was an observation and an opinion piece
written from a totally personal viewpoint.
Mr Holmes said he could not present
an article in the way that Mr Hitchens
had done, but his paper had covered the
issues around immigration as they had
occurred over the 12 years that he had
worked for the Target.
Mr Stray said a foreign language
supplement published in the past had
proved financially unviable. It failed to
attract advertising and people did not
want to read it and there was resistance
from regular long-term readers. However,
he said information was getting out
as evidenced by the number of online
Standard news items which were being run
through translation software.
Mr Mark Rawlings asked about
censorship of news by the authorities. Mr
Brookes replied that journalists persistently
asked the right questions of the
authorities, sometimes using the Freedom
of Information Act. He said there were
sometimes understandable operational
reasons why information could not be
immediately divulged and the papers also
had to abide by contempt and defamation
laws.
Both editors agreed that social media
could drive the news agenda and its
immediacy could be useful. But they
warned that information taken from social
media had to be handled with caution as
the normal rules of publishing appeared
not to apply. Accurate information could
be used once checked and found to be
correct, and accurate presentation of the
facts by the newspapers could provide a
check to inaccurate social media postings.
Mr Swire wrote that the sites reflect a
broader culture and comment spectrum
than appears elsewhere, but the views
are sometimes extreme and need to be
reflected with caution – or in some cases,
not at all.
In answer to a question about the
nationalities of defendants in court being
mentioned in the newspaper reports Mr
Swire replied “…what this question implies
is a change in attitude towards what is
broadly termed ‘racism’. The nationality
of a defendant is part of a broad base
of information made available in the
court and is used to inform the reader.
As information, it is in not in any way an
inducement towards prejudice.”
Cllr Richard Leggott challenged the
papers to make more effort to represent
migrants’ points of view and asked
whether migrants felt they could trust the
local press.
Mr Brookes said migrants living in the
community would be affected by all the
same issues as native Bostonians living
here and so reports in the newspaper
were for all, irrespective of who they were
or where they came from. Mr Stray said
anyone was welcome to use the platform
the paper made available and the door
was not closed to anyone.
So far the task and finish group has
gathered evidence from the Centre for
Good Relations, protesters, the police and
about employment and education. The
next meeting, which is open to the public
will be in Municipal Buildings, West Street,
Boston, at 6.30pm on Wednesday, May
30, when leaders from other councils in
Lincolnshire will gather.
The next will be at 3.30pm on Friday,
June 8, when MP Mark Simmonds will
attend. Further meetings are to follow on
Thursday, June 21 and Wednesday, June
27, details yet to be announced.
The final report is expected to be
complete in the autumn.
www.boston.gov.uk
Not too late
to protect
against
cancer
Girls and women aged 14-22 who
think they may have missed the
HPV vaccine (also known as the
cervical cancer jab) are being
asked to contact their GP to
ensure they receive the injection.
The HPV vaccine protects
against the two types of human
papilloma virus (HPV) which
cause 70 per cent of cervical
cancers.
To get the best protection,
females are given a course of
three injections. NHS Lincolnshire
is calling for girls who think
they may not have had all
three injections to have these
outstanding HPV vaccine doses
now – it’s not too late.
Janine Rayfield, Nurse
Consultant Public Protection
for NHS Lincolnshire said: “It is
important that females between
the ages of 14 to 22 who think
they may not have had all three
HPV injections to contact their
GP surgery. Girls can arrange to
complete their course of three
injections which will give them the
best possible protection against
cervical cancer-causing viruses.
Doses may have been missed for
a variety of reasons but what is
important is that it is not too late.
“We are working closely with
GP surgeries as part of a catch-up
programme to ensure that females
who have not completed the
course can still get vaccinated. If
you’re not entirely sure we would
urge you to get in contact with
your GP practice to discuss.
“Because the vaccine does not
protect against all of the other
types of HPV, women will still
need to have a smear test from 25
years of age. Your GP will invite
you for the cervical screening that
picks up early signs of changes in
the cervix.”
More information about the
catch-up programme can be found
at www.lincolnshire.nhs.uk
Ford Consul Mk1
Austin Princess
Do you remember the futuristiclooking wedge-shaped Austin
Princess of the 1970s? Did any
survive, because you never seen
them on the road these days?
Princess which loaned its name to the later
model.
Also pictured here from the club’s
Sunday morning bacon butties meeting,
reviving memories of 1960s and ‘70s
motoring, is a Vauxhall Victor and a Ford
Consul.
Cllr Knowles is currently renovating a Mk
II Vauxhall Carlton Diplomat.
Remember “the wedge”
The Bulletin’s roving photographer,
Cllr James Knowles, took this picture at
Boston Classic Car Club’s recent meeting
at Langrick Café. It is the original Austin
Vauxhall Victor
Get into golf in Boston
People in Boston are being encouraged
to attend a free golf taster day tomorrow,
Saturday, May 26.
Run by the England Golf Partnership
(EGP) through its network of county golf
partnerships, the national Get Into Golf
campaign will help to achieve the EGP’s
vision of making England the world’s
leading golf nation by 2020.
The taster day aims to inspire people
of all ages and backgrounds to get in the
swing and take up the game.
Qualified PGA coaches and volunteers
from the Boston Golf Club will encourage
newcomers and those who have played
before to have a go at golf. Activities
will include hitting golf balls into a large
inflatable net and taking on a putting
challenge.
Visitors will also be given information
about coaching and membership offers
available at the golf club, along with other
projects organised by the Partnership.
Shona Dickson, the county development
officer, said: “Golf is a game for everyone
and a game for life and I can promise a
very warm welcome for all. We hope lots of
people will have a go and take advantage
of our follow-up opportunities.”
For more information about details of
the taster day and coaching opportunities
across England, visit the Get into Golf
website at www.getintogolf.org or call the
free telephone hotline on 0800 118 2766.
Alternatively full details can be found at
www.lincolnshiregolfpartnership.org
www.boston.gov.uk
Boston one of four chosen for
anti-social behaviour ‘trigger’ trial
Boston is one of just four areas
in the country to be selected by
the Government to take part in a
six-month anti-social behaviour
“trigger” trial.
shown that no action has been taken.
The contact will trigger the creation
of an action plan when three or more
complaints have been made and it can be
shown that no previous action has been
taken to either investigate or resolve the
issue.
The multi-agency Anti-social Behaviour
Risk Assessment Conference will draw
up the plan, possibly requiring action
from the council, police and other
agencies, such as housing associations.
Complainants can register by calling
01427 676676.
Cllr Stephen Woodliffe, Boston
Borough Council’s portfolio holder for
community safety, said: "We are happy
to support this initiative, as it should
help curb anti-social behaviour by
encouraging the public to report such
offences. Hopefully, this new scheme
will reduce the number of instances of
anti-social behaviour and help strengthen
public confidence."
Peter Hunn, the council’s principal
community safety officer, said Boston’s
inclusion in the trial has come about
because of its recent involvement in
a number of other ground-breaking
initiatives.
The council has been involved in
the ASB Challenge, to better help
victims of anti-social behaviour, a pilot
for Families Working Together, an
intensive programme to help challenging
families, and is a member of Sentinel, a
county-wide anti-social behaviour case
management system which aims to
ensure a multi-agency approach to antisocial behavioural difficulties.
Suggested legislation may see the
scrapping of ASBOs in favour of Criminal
Behaviour Orders and Crime Prevention
Injunctions to streamline the number
of different responses to complaints of
anti-social behaviour from 19 to just six,
helping speed up the process of dealing
with complaints.
End to end in ten days: Target £10,000
Keep councillors in line
Home Secretary Theresa May
announced at the Police Federation
Conference that Manchester, Brighton
and Hove, and West Lindsey and Boston
borough would be introducing a new raft
of responses from June 1.
The trial is aimed at ensuring
action is taken by the authorities over
allegations of anti-social behaviour.
The recommendation is for a trigger
of five complaints about inaction to
spark an investigation. But Boston
Borough Council’s anti-social behaviour
team is to enforce a trigger of three –
three complaints from an individual,
or three individual complaints from a
neighbourhood about the same behaviour
within a 12-month period where it can be
S
uper cyclist Liisa Chadburn is a glutton
for punishment – she is to follow up
her mammoth ride of The Rockies with a
pedal-powered journey from Land’s End to
John o’ Groats.
The Geoff Moulder fitness instructor sets
off on July 9 with four friends from Lands
End to ride the length of the country to
raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
They aim to cover around 960 miles
unsupported in ten days.
Liisa said: “Brilliant or stupid? I haven't
decided yet! All I know is, we are all
excited about this amazing adventure.
We hope to raise in excess of £10,000 for
Marie Curie.”
If you would like to show your support
and help them achieve their goal, please
check out their Justgiving webpage www.
justgiving.com/thecycle or text donate
MCCC62 + £amount to 70070. Liisa’s last
cycling adventure was when she rode the
Canadian Rockies.
“It was such an exciting and
overwhelming experience, bringing people
together from all walks of life, but who had
all been through the same heartbreaking
experience of losing someone to cancer.
Some lasting friendships were made in
that week, alongside the breath-taking
amount of more than £100,000 raised,
and five of us have come together again to
raise more awareness and lots of money,”
she said.
Liisa on her last mammoth ride of The Rockies
An “independent person” is being sought to
help keep an eye on wayward councillors.
The appointment will be made under
the Localism Act and the person will act
for Boston Borough Council, East Lindsey
District Council and Lincolnshire County
Council.
County, district and parish councillors
work to an agreed Code of Conduct
and occasionally become the subject of
complaints that they have not met the
standards envisaged by that code. The
“independent person” will be required to
help the council’s monitoring officer assess
any complaints that are received and to
give advice following any investigation.
Each council will adopt one independent
person each and two deputies.
Applicants can be considered for the role
with more than one council but cannot be,
or be related to or a close friend of, current
or former councillors or officers of the
relevant council or any associated town
and parish councils.
Applicants should be able to
demonstrate a commitment to maintaining
high standards in public life and should
show an interest in local government.
Travel expenses will be payable at the
relevant council’s adopted rate.
Information packs and application
forms are available from Eleanor Hoggart,
Assistant Director, Legal Services
Lincolnshire 49-51 Newland, Lincoln, LN1
1YL (tel: 01522 552542) or by email:
[email protected]
Closing date for applications is 5pm on
Friday, June 15.
www.boston.gov.uk
Thinking about applying for
Community Grant Aid from
Lincolnshire County Council?
You are invited to attend a workshop!
At the workshop you will have the opportunity to discuss your ideas
with Lincolnshire County Council’s External Funding &
Community Grants Officer, and learn more about
Economy & Culture Community Grant Aid.
There will also be a chance to meet Development Officers
working in your area
Where?: Bicker Village Hall,
Cemetery Road, Bicker, Boston. (PE20 3BT)
When?: Tuesday 29th May 2012
10.00am for Coffee, 10.30am start, - 12.30pm close
Wendy Moore, External Funding and Community Grants Officer
Economy & Culture, Lincolnshire County Council
Telephone: 01522 552223

Boston Bulletin - Boston Borough Council

Transcription

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