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Team News: Town v Dagenham & Redbridge

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:28:00 GMT

MARINERS boss Neil Woods has made two changes to his starting line-up for today's match with Dagenham & Redbridge at Blundell Park.
Despite a clean-sheet at Macclesfield Town last weekend, Rob Atkinson comes back from a three match suspension to replace Paul Linwood at centre-back. Loan signing Ben Wright also drops to the bench, with Adam Proudlock replacing him up front.
Otherwise it is the same 11 that started at Moss Rose, with Jean Louis Akpa Akpro partnering Proudlock up top and Michael Coulson again starting on the left of a four man midfield. Adrian Forbes is omitted from the squad.

TOWN: Colgan, Sweeney, Proudlock, Bore, Leary, Coulson, Lancashire, McCrory, Atkinson, Akpa Akpro, Featherstone. Subs: Overton, Conlon, Clarke, Linwood, North, Hudson, Wright.

Wright starts for Town

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:38:00 GMT

BEN Wright goes straight into Grimsby Town's strikeforce for this afternoon's match against Macclesfield Town at Moss Rose.

Adam Proudlock returns from injury to make the bench alongside new signing Mark Hudson.

Neil Woods looks like to start Peter Sweeney on the left of midfield in a re-shaped line-up as the Mariners look to end a 10-game winless run.

Striker Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro could start on the right, with Michael Coulson partnering Wright in attack.

Hull loanee Nicky Featherstone and Michael Leary make up the rest of Town's midfield.

Ex-Mariner Keith Alexander makes three changes to his side, who are looking for their first home win in five games.

Colin Daniel, Nat Brown and Ben Wright are the new starters. Ex Town midfielder Paul Bolland is on the bench.

Town: Colgan, Lancashire, McCrory, Wright, Sweeney, Bore, Linwood, Leary, Coulson, Akpa Akpro, Featherstone. Subs: Overton, Forbes, Wood, Clarke, Hudson, Proudlock, Conlon.

Black-ball finish denies Laceby side a clean sweep of frames

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:30:00 GMT

A BLACK-ball single from Alan McIver stopped Laceby RBL A from getting all the frames at Ray Edmonds K in Section B of the The Roy Ling Mutual Grimsby Snooker Singles League.

McIver shared with Matty Clayton but 2-0s from Danny Braithwaite, Dave Powell and Daz Stansfield extended Laceby's lead at the top of the table.

Clee Bowls B slipped up at home against Steve Austwick Garden Services when a 2-0 from Steve Austwick and singles from Pete Mitchell and Rob Welford gave the visitors a share of the spoils.

Nats A could do no better as a 2-0 from Mike Clark and singles from Mark Rimmer and Phil Neild saw Clark Self Drive earn a 4-4 draw.

The derby game at Clee Bowls also ended in stalemate, as a 2-0 from Rick Bass cancelled out an earlier 2-0 from Mark Stainton.

An opening two-frame win from Darren Hare together with singles from Pete Sandiford, Kevan Hare and Mick Silver gave Standard A a 5-3 victory against South Bank.

Stamford Homes B drew 4-4 with Phoenix A when John Baker won both his frames in reply to a 2-0 from Chris Yull.

Ray Edmonds Jubilee came from 3-1 down to beat Stamford Snipers 5-3 when Jim Drury and Dave Hobbins won the last four frames.

Grimsby Police put Cambridge X to the cosh in Section C when Ian and Gary Dannatt both won 2-0 and Billy Flynn and Dennis Dannatt shared with Tom Jackson and John Paul Teanby in a 6-2 victory.

Cromwell Comets also won 6-2 when Jason Lawton and Ian Taylor both won two and Scott Hulse and Paul Smith won singles at Hasbeens.

Millfields A couldn't get away from Road Runners as 2-0's from Mike Caborn and Garry Avison were answered by 2-0's from Trev Webster and Matty Hepton as the teams drew 4-4.

A 2-0 from Steve Neul and singles from Lee Neul, Jack Bradshaw and Mark Neul gave Bargate B a 5-3 victory against Standard Under 40's.

Meanwhile, 2-0 wins from Steve Singleton and Geoff Downing and a single from Ian Singleton steered Cabbies to a 5-3 victory against TR Carpets.

Brian West and Gerry Howes both won two and Dave Bunn scored a single as Birds Eye A beat Ray Edmonds J 5-3.

In a game of two halves, Rich Clubley and Mark George put The Unusual Suspects 4-0 up at home against Grimsby Fireplace Centre but Ian Grice and Tony Miller won the last four frames for the visitors in a 4-4 draw.

Grimsby Police A beat Healing Legion 6-2 when Mark Tartellin, Kev Ferguson and George Walters all won 2-0 in response to a 2-0 from John Horne.

Willow Casa moved within a point of Novartis at the top of Section D after a 5-3 victory at home against Birds Eye B.

The visitors made it tough as Wayne Douglas, Paul Grayson and Simon Douglas all won a frame against Steve Cowdroy and John and Andy Williamson but in the end, it was a 2-0 from Rick Kirk that gave the Willows their win.

Novartis lost 5-3 at home against Ramsdens Home Interiors when a 2-0 from Chris Dunham and singles from Mathew McRae, Stuart Usher and Craig Hatfield proved enough for the visitors.

An opening 2-0 from Graham Walker was cancelled out by a last board 2-0 from Paul Taylor as Cue World T drew 4-4 with Cromwell Car Care.

Taylor knocked in a good 30 clearance to win the last frame.

An interesting game at Cue World saw Jenz lose narrowly to Cuedos when Shane Newbold and Daz Edwards both won 2-0 and Liz Sykes shared with Jenny Cocking.

Edwards had to pot green to black to force a re-spot, which he won while Liz, who lost her first frame against Jenny, did well to win the second. Dan Scott won the other two frames for Jenz.

Sainsbury's arrival 'do or die' for town

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

APPROVAL of a Sainsbury's store in Louth – which would create 200 jobs – is a matter of "life or death for the town", according to a councillor.

Coun Tony Leonard told fellow councillors at a special planning meeting support for the application for the proposed store in Charles Street was "a case of do or die".

He warned the supermarket retailer may consider reapplying to develop the controversial cattle market site instead, which the town is against, as the site is rich in heritage.

Councillors agreed to defer making a recommendation on the application for the new store until they have a chance to meet Sainsbury's chiefs at a meeting later this month.

They hope to persuade Sainsbury's to build a new two-storey car park and improve access to the proposed site.

Coun Leonard said approval would help claw back some of the 80 per cent of total spending by Louth-area people, which is spent in the Grimsby area.

As reported, a public meeting at Louth town hall heard opposition from residents.

Coun Leonard said: "Between 20 and 25 people objecting does not stack up against a population of 16,000, most of whom want a new store."

He added: "This is a case of do or die.

"If we do not, it will allow East Lindsey District Council (the planning authority) to offer the cattle market and that would mean we have shot ourselves in the foot."

Coun Brian Burnett said: "The leakage of shopping to Grimsby is more than 80 per cent.

"This is close to the town centre and is the best possible option."

But he was concerned at the loss of Kiln Lane car park spaces to the developer and the poor access to the site off Charles Street.

As reported, the firm has agreed to carry out flood prevention works along the River Lud as part of its proposal.

In a bid to prevent a repeat of the devastation caused to neighbouring homes and businesses during the floods of summer 2007, a new wall would be built along the banks of the river adjoining the planned car park.

But Hawthorne Avenue resident Jennie Dunbar said the proposed development risked the safety of pedestrians on Charles Street.

She said there was a threat to the livelihoods of existing Louth traders.

The Sainsbury's application will be assessed by East Lindsey district council planners at a later date.

The supermarket development comes as Morrison's nears completion of its refurbishment of the former Somerfield store on Eastgate, which is due to open on Monday.

More Louth news

For more news from the Louth area, visit www.thisislouth.co.uk

'We've reached someone at top of tree over port rates'

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

THE battle over massive bills faced by the region's port businesses has been taken to the highest level.

Grimsby MP Austin Mitchell and Cleethorpes MP Shona McIsaac were among those who raised the problem – which has left ports facing backdated business rate demands worth millions of pounds – with Prime Minister Gordon Brown at a meeting with the region's MPs.

They then met with new communities secretary John Denham, the minister responsible for the charges.

Mr Mitchell said: "At last, we've been able to reach someone at the top of the tree who's capable of taking the decision we need to call off the retrospective payments.

"We put the case very strongly about the damage it's going to do to the ports, the threat to car imports if businesses decide to go elsewhere, the threat that investment will be deterred and the threat of insolvency and job losses at firms that can't meet the retrospective payments.

"And he listened. We didn't get a reaction, but he said he would look at the issue and what can be done to stop the retrospective payments."

Ms McIsaac said: "We've seen junior ministers before, but a decision has always been well above their pay grade.

"John Denham has picked up the fact our area is disproportionately affected compared to the rest of the country.

"He is more aware than any other minister we've seen on the subject and I felt he grasped the severity of the problem."

Lawyers who have been working with the MPs will now meet with officials from Mr Denham's department to look at ways of exempting the ports from the retrospective part of the charges.

And Mr Mitchell also revealed that the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have agreed to a support a new law to resolve the problem, if the Government brings one forward.

Mr Mitchell said the Prime Minister had given assurances the issue would get a "full hearing" from Mr Denham.

He said: "If we aren't satisfied, we've got to go back to Gordon Brown and he will see what he can do to help.

"I think it's looking a bit more reassuring and we won't concede defeat."

The battle over the payments has raged on for more than a year as port firms argued they will make them uncompetitive and could lead to bankruptcies.

Traditionally, port businesses have paid a rent to landlord Associated British Ports (ABP), which then paid a sum to the Treasury to cover business rates.

The argument arose when Government's Valuation Office Agency (VOA) – part of HM Revenue and Customs – changed the system so firms pay an individual rate based on the size of the premises they rent.

But due to errors on its part, the VOA has backdated rate demands to April 1, 2005, leaving firms facing a collective bill of tens of millions of pounds – money they say they have already paid.

In October last year, Humberbusiness.com launched the Fair Deal On The Docks campaign petition calling on the Government to abolish the charges.

STANCE WELCOMED

Undeterred: Mr Dixon.

THE MPs' stance has been welcomed by those they are representing.

Andy Dixon, managing director of Freshney Cargo Services, the Grimsby firm facing huge increases and a massive backdated bill, said: "We are undeterred and fight on. There is a danger this will rattle on until the election.

"It is pleasing to see Austin and Shona doing what they can and that they have managed to talk to someone who hopefully will do something about it."

As reported, Immingham firm DFDS Tor Line is laying the blame for the potential loss of a further 25 jobs – on top of 41 already lost – on the port rate debacle.

Jens Nielsen, managing director of the firm that has ploughed tens of millions of pounds in investment into the area in recent years, has vowed to take the matter to the courts if he has to.

Mr Nielsen said: "We have been encouraged by some elements showing support and we are hoping we will be given the opportunity to present our side of the story and our proposals to the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, John Denham, soon."

Home care charges to rise?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

CHARGES for home carers are set to rise under new proposals due to go before the council.

The charges, affecting the elderly and disabled who receive care in their own homes, have been reviewed in light of a £6.6-million hole in North East Lincolnshire Council's adult social care budget.

The majority of this deficit will be sourced from council tax, with the rest coming from an increase in service charges.

As a result, the council hopes to raise an additional £910,000 over the next three years from home care charges which, it says, have not increased above inflation since 2004 and which are the lowest in the region.

The council says about half of the 2,200 people who currently receive home care will see no changes at all; a quarter will see a rise in their bills of up to £4 a week, but the remainder could be faced with higher charges.

Andrew Milner, executive director for community services, said: "We have an ageing population in North East Lincolnshire and, although that pressure exists nationally, here the population is a disproportionately ageing one.

"We want to make sure that as many people as possible can stay in their own homes, living independently with good quality care.

"But in order to maintain the quality of the care and to meet often complex individual needs, we have to make sure that the contribution we receive is in line with the costs."

North East Lincolnshire currently offers the cheapest home care services in the region, which, at £5.25 per hour, is half that of neighbouring North Lincolnshire.

In addition, it has the highest exempt income "buffer", currently at 30 per cent, and the second lowest maximum charge ceiling of £100.

Under the three proposals being considered, charges would be raised to between £6.75 and £8.25 an hour and the ceiling either stay the same or increase to a maximum of £200 per week.

The buffer would be reduced to 25 per cent, bringing it in line with other authorities.

Mr Milner said once the proposals have been ratified by the council, they will enter a consultation period with the help of a market research firm to assess public feeling.

Meanwhile, adult social care staff will conduct financial reassessments to measure how many would be affected by the changes and how.

He added: "People will not be asked to pay for what they cannot afford.

"These figures have not just been plucked out of the air, they have been part of a considered process.

Von Lanty, of the Grimsby branch of Age Concern, said the proposals seemed well thought-out but it was important older people were fully involved in the consultation process.

"They are not stupid," she said, "and that's what they really need – someone to talk to them and listen to them. A lot of people in the area are getting older and the problem is only going to get worse, so our elderly population need as much help as possible."

Find out more

Detailed information can be found at www.nelincs.gov.uk

Would you be affected by an increase in care charges? Contact Health Reporter Sharon Baker on (01472) 372213.

Snap up great Summer Days Out offers

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

IF THE thought of a long summer with nothing to do is making you shiver, do not fear – the Grimsby Telegraph is here to bring some sunshine into your holidays.

Starting on Monday and running for the next six weeks, you will be spoilt for choice in our Summer Days Out promotion.

From Alton Towers and Blackpool to attractions closer to home – including the Fishing Heritage Centre, Pleasure Island, Playtowers, The Deep and Butlins, you will have scores of offers and discounts to choose from.

Not only will the youngsters be entertained, adults are guaranteed to have fun too.

Jenny Braithwaite, the Telegraph's promotions executive, said: "We all know what it's like when there's nothing to do – or at least, it seems that way.

"The summer holidays stretch out before us and seem endless, and it's not long before ideas run dry.

"This is why Summer Days Out is a saviour. We teamed up with popular local attractions and venues so you can have fun right on your doorstep.

"And that's not all. We are also joining up with others a little further afield.

"There's nothing quite like jumping in the car for a weekend away from it all, so we've got some great places to go to within easy travelling distance for you to choose from.

"There is something for everyone – from museums and animal sanctuaries to theme parks and sea life centres. We are confident you will find something just right for your family." Launching the promotion on Monday is not one but five fabulous offers – for Pleasure Island, Fishing Heritage Centre, Playtowers, The Deep and Hull Ice Arena.

And we are starting as we mean to go on – with more fantastic deals coming up over the next six weeks.

See your Grimsby Telegraph on Monday for more, and keep checking!

Panto Chesney's the One And Only - view on video

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

THE One And Only Chesney Hawkes has been causing a stir in Grimsby as he prepares for this year's panto, Jack And The Beanstalk.

The former teen idol – most famous for his 1991 Number One hit – will take on the role of Jack, armed only with a jar of gold beans and a wobbly cow in his quest to take on the evil giant.

Speaking outside the Grimsby Auditorium, where Chesney paused to sign autographs and take photos with fans, the 1990s pop sensation explained the complexities of his character.

He said: "Everyone knows the story of Jack And The Beanstalk – he's a heroic, giant-killing, beanstalk-climbing crazy man!

"I'm really looking forward to it. I've been doing a lot of musical theatre for the last couple of years so I'm looking forward to playing with the audience a bit.

"With normal theatre you have to stick to the script a bit more, but with panto you get to go a bit nuts and have fun playing against the audience.

"I'm also looking forward to playing with the kids and my own kids are going to come up and see me perform."

The panto will run at the Auditorium from Thursday, December 10 to Sunday, January 3 – leaving Chesney plenty of time to take in the sights of Grimsby.

He said: "I'm going to have a great time here.

"I'm looking forward to spending some time by the seaside more than anything."

He spent five weeks in the top spot of the UK charts back in 1991 with The One And Only – and Chesney has promised not to disappoint his avid fans from the days when he was a pop sensation.

"I would be lynched if I didn't play that song," he said.

"I can't help but love playing it because it always brings the house down."

Grimsby girl Zoe Belding, who played Cinderella in 2007 and starred in last year's production of Aladdin, will return to the Auditorium this year as The Fairy.

Scunthorpe-born Joe Standerline, who helped write the script, is playing Jack's mother, Dame Trott.

He said: "I just like to bring a little glamour to proceedings and Dame Trott is obviously the most glamorous character in the show. And the youngest – and the most troubled.

"I'm also very lonely, so if there's any single men out there they are welcome to buy me flowers.

"Actually, not flowers – I'll accept the cash, and be there with a smile and pickled onion."

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now. Phone the Auditorium box office on 0844 847 2426 or visit www.ofsstudio.org.uk

Matthew plans 140-mile bike ride

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

FOR most people, a 140-mile bike ride would be unimaginable, but one Cleethorpes man will have to do that in just 24 hours.

Matthew Snow, of Wollaston Road, will be cycling the coast to coast route from Whitehaven, Cumbria, to Sunderland tomorrow.

Matthew, who completed the route in May in three days, is this time increasing the challenge.

He will aim to complete it in just one day.

The 22-year-old said: "It will certainly be tough, there's no doubt about that.

"But it's a good challenge and it's certainly doable.

"The sheer distance I'm going to be travelling means it's not going to be easy."

The route is one of the most demanding in the country, crossing the gruelling northern Pennines.

"Physically I'm ready for the challenge but mentally it's a different matter.

"It's going to be a long, hard slog but I've got to keep focussed and I know that I can do it.

"Thinking of the huge benefits that will come out of it will certainly keep me going when it gets tough," he added.

Matthew is planning to travel to India to undertake aid work later this year.

Working at an orphanage in India, for between six months and a year, Matthew will be helping victims of the 2004 Tsunami.

"I know that a lot of people in life are not as well off or lucky as myself, so I want to do whatever I can to try to make a difference.

"Many of these people are living in a terrible state of poverty and are still recovering from the Tsunami five years ago.

"They need all the help that they can get.

"By going out and giving my time and energy, I'll hopefully be able to improve their lives," he said.

But first he needs to raise the funds to get there.

"It's going to cost me a couple of thousand pounds to get out there and to cover my living costs while I'm there," he said.

"The more I can raise the greater difference I can make to the lives of the people out there."

Matthew is appealing for sponsorship.

If you can help, call him on 07917 830588.

Boy heard sex attack

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

A RAPIST has been jailed for six years after attacking a woman while a young child was in the house.

Kirk Andrews tried to pretend the rape happened with the victim's consent, but his story was rejected by a jury at Grimsby Crown Court.

Andrews, 24, of Mallard Mews, Grimsby, denied two offences of rape, but was convicted by a jury of one of the charges. He was cleared of the other matter.

Simon Waley, prosecuting, said that Andrews went to the woman's house on August 11 and spoke to her at the door.

She thought he had left, but Andrews followed her in to the house and pushed her on to a sofa in the living room and raped her. While the attack was going on, a boy heard what was happening and shouted to the woman from the top of the stairs to ask what the matter was.

She had to try to reassure him that everything was all right, the court heard.

Judge Simon Jack told Andrews it was a serious aggravating feature that the rape happened while the boy was present.

The court heard that Andrews claimed the woman had sex with him by consent.

The prosecution claimed it was significant that Andrews afterwards sent the woman a text message saying he should not have committed the offence.

But he claimed he actually meant he should not have done it because he was in a relationship with another woman.

After the hearing, district Crown prosecutor Andrew Horner said: "The victim showed great courage in coming to court and having to relive the events by giving evidence.

"It's a pity Andrews could not have shown the same amount of courage by admitting his guilt.

"Rape is always a very serious offence but, in this case, the fact a child was present in the house when this happened to her makes it an even more unpleasant offence.

"This was reflected by the sentence imposed by the judge."

Andrews was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.

Former Marine jailed after glass attack in bar

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

A FORMER Marine hurled a pint glass at a woman in a packed Cleethorpes bar, causing her permanent facial damage, a court heard.

Dramatic CCTV footage of the attack – which was deemed too graphic to be released – was shown to Grimsby Crown Court.

Drunken Colin Lindley, 21, launched a pint glass at 23-year-old Kirsty Smith in Bar Racuda, after a confrontation with her and her boyfriend, the court was told.

Lindley, of Beverley Close, Holton-le-Clay, admitted assaulting Miss Smith, causing actual bodily harm, on April 19. Prosecuting, Gordon Stables said Miss Smith was in the bar with boyfriend Ashley McKenzie when there was an "exchange of words" with Lindley.

Mr Stables said Mr McKenzie was ejected by door staff and Miss Smith then "unwisely threw the contents of her drink over the defendant".

The court heard Lindley then threw his glass at Miss Smith, which struck her face.

Mr Stables said Miss Smith has a permanent scar, damage to facial nerves and may have to undergo plastic surgery.

Lindley claimed to have drunk 10 pints of lager and 10 double measures of Southern Comfort, the court heard.

Mitigating, Richard Butters said Lindley had drunk an amount which was "quite exceptional".

"He is utterly ashamed about what he did. His actions were completely out of character," said Mr Butters.

He said Lindley had joined the Royal Marines when he left school and had served in Afghanistan, where he saw his best friend killed in action.

Recorder Tahir Khan said the offence was so serious only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.

He jailed Lindley for 12 months, to applause from the public gallery.

No one from Bar Racuda was available for comment.

Vandals wreck beauty spot

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

THIS Grimsby resident claims a town centre beauty spot is being targeted by vandals.

Alec Leonard, 71, of Richmond Road, says Kingston Gardens, which is a haven for wildlife, is being ruined by rubbish and vandalism.

Mr Leonard, who is a member of the RAWK Neighbourhood Watch – which covers Richmond Road, Ashtree Avenue, Waterwork Cottages and Kingston Avenue – claims two dog owners even let their pets kill the park's ducklings.

He said: "It is an area open to the public and is much-used by all members of the community.

"In the last six months, picnic tables have been damaged, hundreds of saplings have been destroyed and wildlife has been killed by morons.

"To cap it all, two people with dogs went to the pond and the animals killed 13 ducklings that were a couple of weeks old. I think the owners encouraged them."

The gardens, which were owned by Anglian Water until responsibility was passed to North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) about 10 years ago, include a pond, eight acres of woodland and two wells.

Mr Leonard added: "It is an area of natural beauty, full of wildlife all living side by side.

"In the last three years, our neighbourhood watch has formed a sub-group known as Friends of Kingston Gardens and with the help of neighbourhood watch Hanwag, ConocoPhillips and the council, we have laid bark pathways, planted shrubs and t housands of bulbs, put in bird boxes and picnic tables for the public, but these keep being damaged."

An NELC spokesman said: "The council is aware that there have been problems of vandalism in Kingston Gardens recently.

"This area is already patrolled by wardens on a daily basis, although there are no particular set times when they will be in the gardens themselves.

"As a result of the vandalism, the council is looking at increasing warden activity in this area."

Mr Leonard believes the only solution to the vandalism is to fit better gates and fences around the area and to have regular visits from neighbourhood wardens.

He said: "We are out twice every day picking up litter. Something needs to be done."

Find out more

If you would like to help clean up and maintain Kingston Gardens, call Mr Leonard on 07990 697616.

Why won't they bend rules?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

THERE is nothing much new about the latest announcement, regarding the compensation for fishermen.

It only confirms what we were told at the meeting at the Heritage Centre in April.

Why a limited review of previous applications ? ALL previous applications should be reviewed.

As for the list of approved ships, most of us had to go on North Sea and middle water ships when work was not available on ships fishing Icelandic waters. This has been classed as a so-called "break in service" – North Sea and middle water ships must be included in the list of ships, whether they are on the list or not, otherwise the whole process is a non starter.

The Labour Government should stop thinking up petty rules to make it as difficult as possible to get real justice, and try thinking of rules that make it easier to claim (even make it a special case if needs be).

The very fact that here we are, 33 years since we lost our jobs, shows what a mess the system is in.

It won't have gone unnoticed that politicians can bend the rules when claiming their expenses, so they should be able to bend the rules to give us justice.

As for Austin Mitchell's comments re: "not wanting the scheme to end in bitterness over niggling disagreements" – it may seem that way to him, but to us they are genuine concerns.

The devil will be in the small print as it was with the last scheme.

Just to top it off, if anybody is lucky enough to get a pay out. I suppose benefits will be affected as they were last time?

Nope, Labour, you still don't seem to have got it right!

Keep comments coming lads, I certainly won't go away. Write to Grimsby Telegraph Viewpoint, this looks like it will be our last chance to get justice – 33 years, don't forget.

Brian Collett, Cleethorpes.

Did you see May Queen crowning?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

OUR thanks to Wendy Kennedy (nee Salsbury), of Keelby, for sending in these photographs to share with Bygones readers.

The above image shows participants in the Stallingborough Primary School May Queen event of 1957-58.

The May Queen is Norma Simpson. Norma's younger sister, Helen, is to her left. Wendy is on the back row, standing behind the throne. Her brother, Peter Salsbury, is standing on the far right, and her sister, Pauline Potter (nee Salsbury) is on the far right of the front row.

The picture below shows children who took part in the Stallingborough Primary School May Queen festivities in 1956-57.

We think Joyce Baggott was the May Queen.

Wendy is at the front in the centre. Either side of her are her brother and sister, Peter Salsbury and Pauline Potter.

If you can put names to any of the faces, please write to Bygones, Grimsby Telegraph, 80 Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN31 3EH or email bygones@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk

Participants in the Stallingborough Primary School May Queen event of 1957/8. The May Queen is Norma Simpson. Norma's younger sister, Helen, is to her left. Wendy is on the back row, standing behind the throne. Her brother, Peter Salsbury, is standing on the far right, and her sister, Pauline Potter (nee Salsbury) is on the far right of the front row.

Children who took part in the Stallingborough Primary School May Queen festivities in 1956/7. We think Joyce Baggott was the May Queen. Wendy is at the front of the procession in the centre. Either side of her are her brother and sister, Peter Salsbury and Pauline Potter.

Warriors to rock the town

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

ROCK kings Warrior Soul are heading to Grimsby.

The band will be playing tracks from new album Destroy The War Machine, which is due out in the Autumn, as well as previous hits at the Yardbirds show.

Guitarist Rille Lundell said: "We just played Sweden's biggest festival with bands like Motley Crue and Monster Magnet, and reviews have been fantastic all the way.

"That's why we're doing this UK tour instead, to keep the band on the road and close to the fans, before heading back to Europe in September, and then possibly end up in America in November.

"There will also be sets from two other bands, The More I See and Begotten Son, at the Yardbirds gig."

Find out more

For information on the band and the tour visit www.myspace.com/warriorsoulinfo

Warrior Soul will be appearing at the Yardbirds Club in Church Street, Grimsby on Sunday.

Tickets are £8 in advance.

'We'll always dance to your tunes'

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

ALTHOUGH I don't find death a total anomaly to life, I was saddened to here of Michael Jackson's passing, especially since I'd met him in the 1990s around the time of the Dangerous album launch.

I was shocked when he came over to me and said "Well hello, gorgeous," in a voice al la Barbra Streisand, and told me that he had my movie, Eat The Rich, on tape.

I'd later discovered Diana Ross had tipped him off about it as she'd seen it, in all places, at the Ritz cinema in Clapham!

Anyhow, pardon the pun, but I was thrilled to have been in his video library and I received a Christmas card from him after plus a couple of telephone calls to wish me luck when I was on Broadway.

He was a tremendous theatrical musical genius talent and a whole constellation of complexes to boot, but alas the victim of a broken and distorted childhood and the polemics of too many people around him to the point of him losing what his abilities were meant to be as a human being, but we will still be dancing to his tunes until the end of time.

Al Pillay.

THE sudden death of Michael Jackson was a very sad piece of news.

Indeed, I bought the tape of Thriller from the Action For Children charity shop, where I work.

Yet, as ever, the national media went OTT in its coverage of the tragedy.

It makes one wonder how they would react to a disaster of war-time proportions.

Tim Mickleburgh, Littlefield Lane, Grimsby.

Support needed to help life-savers

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

YOUR support is needed to help lifeguards continue to carry out their potentially life-saving work.

Cleethorpes' RNLI shop is in urgent need of more volunteers, to maximise fundraising efforts.

The shop, next to the Lifeboat Station on the Promenade, only opens if there are enough volunteers.

Mary Thomas, shop manager and RNLI fundraising chairwoman, says she needs as many as six more and is calling on the public to get involved.

Volunteers would need to be available for about three hours on certain days, with Mary adding that any help at all would be appreciated.

She said: "We open depending on how many volunteers we have.

"Preferably, we want to be open for seven days a week, so five or six more volunteers would be great.

"Most of us in this town are aware of what the RNLI does and most of us in this area have had something to do with the sea.

"The lifeguards are out there, in all sorts of weather, doing some extraordinary things and the money received at the shop is invaluable."

The shop sells a range of items, from miniature boat models, to calendars and buckets and spades.

Ian and Sandra Tinch, of Cleethorpes, work there once or twice a week and have done for the past three years.

Sandra said: "We love working here.

"We have met some lovely people doing it, and people come from all over – we recently had a coach load of schoolchildren from Sheffield having a look around."

Ian said: "It is such a worthwhile cause to support, because so many people get into situations at sea and need the help of the RNLI."

Alison Thomson, of the RNLI, said: "A shop volunteer is more than just a person who takes your money over the counter.

"A volunteer is a special person, who has decided to do something, who wants to make a difference.

"They are, just like our crew, ordinary people doing extraordinary things, giving something back to their community for free."

If you can help out, call Mary on (01472) 695882.

Parents add voices to ice rink campaign

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

THE parents of one of Grimsby's ice rink's youngest users have added their support to the campaign to save the popular facility.

Aged just 22 months, Charlie Leach recently began attending the Polar Cubs with his parents, Graham Leach and Vicky Hammond, and sister Emily.

The group has been running for about 15 years and is targeted at under-fives who take to the ice with adults.

Now some of its members have added their voices to the fight to retain an ice rink facility in North East Lincolnshire.

As reported, North East Lincolnshire Council has announced proposals to revamp the area's leisure facilities at an estimated cost of £18-million.

Included in the plans is a proposal to close Grimsby Leisure Centre on Cromwell Road, which is where the ice rink is held.

There are plans to build a new leisure centre but the council has no plans to relocate the ice rink.

Council leader Andrew De Freitas, however, has stated NELC wants to find a private backer to help fund a new rink and that the current one will not close for at least another five years.

Charlie's mum Vicky said the rink's closure would be "disappointing" and the f amily's fun on the ice would have to stop.

"We haven't been coming for long, but we heard about it and thought that we should try it out," she said.

"It is something different for the children to do and they have loved it so far.

"It would be a shame if it closed and if it did, it would mean we would have to find something else to do."

Her daughter Emily, four, said: "I like the ice and I like playing with the sledges.

"I like it when my dad pushes me around the ice in the little car."

Polar Cubs gets particularly busy during school holidays.

Coach Caroline Gowan said: "It is a good group for youngsters to get used to the ice.

"If you can walk, you can use the ice, and some of them don't come on in skates.

"There are sledges, toys, cars and building blocks for them to play with.

"Some parents even bring them on in their pushchair just so that they can experience the ice.

"In the school holidays it gets busy and we allow the older brothers and sisters of the under-fives to come on as well – providing they don't speed around."

Another user is Jayne Evans, 26, of New Waltham, who goes with her three-year-old son, James.

She said: "I wanted to take James to some groups where he could meet other children.

"I want him to learn and socialise with other children and we heard about this group through a friend.

"We have been coming for about a year-and-a-half and he enjoys himself.

"Grimsby and Cleethorpes has always had things to do but getting rid of the ice rink would be bad."

Sign the petition

Polar Cubs meet every Friday between 10am and 11am. Phone (01472) 323100 or visit www.nelincs.gov.uk for more information.

Sign a petition against the closure of the rink at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/icerinkpetition

BOUNCE BACK: Earning a living and loving it

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:30:00 GMT

FOR Immingham woman Ceinwen Fews, the shock of redundancy proved the catalyst to pursue her dream career.

A keen arts and crafts enthusiast, Ceinwen, 37, had often thought of making a living out of her hobby.

But it is only now, after losing the security of a steady job – a visual merchandising manager at House of Fraser for the past 15 years – she has decided to bounce back.

Her new business, Let's Get Clarty, organises art and craft parties for children.

Ceinwen said: "Art and crafts is always something I've done. A couple of friends have asked me to do things for their children's parties and it seems quite a popular thing."

She attended an E-Factor information day and enrolled on a business course about the various aspects of being self - employed.

She has already launched a website and hopes to be running by the beginning of August.

In addition to parties, she is also hoping to run workshops in schools.

She said: "The unique selling point I have got is that I will be going to people's homes. There are quite a few companies that do art and craft parties, but none that actually delivers it to people's homes.

"Hopefully, I can make it quite a profitable business doing something I love."

A major motivation for setting up her own business was that it would allow her to spend more time with her three-year-old daughter Evelyn.

She said: "After I left full-time employment, Evelyn started school, and after only a week I realised that for two years I had missed out on her growing up.

"Being self-employed means I can drop Evelyn off at school and have more time with her, which will be wonderful.

"Many people have questioned how I came to choose the business name, especially the meaning behind 'Clarty'.

"My roots are half Welsh and half Geordie. I was born in the north- east and we were brought up with the phrase 'clarty' from my grandparents and mum – if we ever got messy, dirty or covered in paint, we were 'clarty'.

"I couldn't have wished for a simpler choice for my business – I hope people enjoy getting clarty."

Find out more

For more information, visit www.letsgetclarty.co.uk or email letsgetclarty@googlemail.com

For the latest Bounce Back campaign news, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/bounceback

Jacko tribute act in town - View on video

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:00:00 GMT

A TOP Michael Jackson dance tribute act is preparing to bring its 'Signature' moves to Grimsby.

Britain's Got Talent 2008 finalist Signature entertained audiences with comic versions of classic Jacko dance routines.

And now the pair are coming to Grimsby Institute to perform for the area's youngsters at the GX Summer Party.

The night, next Friday, July 17, is exclusively for 13 to 17-year-olds.

No alcohol will be served, and there will be music from the i-Bar's resident DJ.

Signature made the 2008 final – and came second to young break dancer George Sampson, who won the opportunity to appear at the Royal Variety Performance.

The duo – trainee lawyer Suleman Mirza and PC World worker Madhu Singh – received standing ovations from the BGT audiences for their blend of energetic pop and Bhangra, which showcases Mirza's impressive Jacko-esque moves. Singh's arrival, as a cleaner seemingly on stage by mistake, soon turns the act into a comic caper.

In just one day, one of their performances received more than five million hits and they were the first act voted through to the final last year.

They recently performed at the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, organised by Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by Grimsby Scunthorpe Media Group at Grimsby Auditorium.

Tickets are priced £2, and are available now from the Grimsby Institute reception, or there will be limited availability on the night itself.