IT WAS a Chatterbox Breakfast Club with a difference on Grimsby's Willows estate as organisers staged an exhibition of First World War memorabilia.

Held at the Bishop King Centre, locals came to their usual morning meeting up for some food and a natter, but on this occasion they were treated to a host of photos and artefacts to commemorate the Great War.

Canon Peter Mullins gave a speech to kick off proceedings.

Joyce Pearson, 81, who lives nearby, had been planning the event for some time with the help of a dedicated team.

She said: "With it being the First World War, we thought we'd bring lots of old pictures and models together and stage our usual breakfast, so locals could feast their eyes on the exhibition.

"I can only remember my dad being in the Second World War, but he was in The Grimsby Chums, too, and we would tell us the odd story now and again.

"Everyone seems to have really enjoyed it, I'm really surprised at just how much we've been able to gather and how much people have kept over the years.

"It's been a real team effort setting this all up and I'm please to everyone who has come, everyone in the kitchen and all the contributions we've had to the exhibition have been great.

"It's just nice for us to remember those who were involved in the war."

Ron and Margaret Driver, of Larmour Road, presented some of their extensive collection of Boy Scout and Girl Guide memorabilia for the time period.

Scouts were often employed as coast watchers during the conflict. Ron, 74, said: "The response today has been really brilliant, there's been that many people come in to have a look and this is only a small amount of what we have.

"In total, last time I checked, we had 15,000 scout badges and about 2,000 books – a lot has been donated."

Margaret, 76, said: "We just never throw anything away, people are often approaching us saying would we like such and such."

Other exhibition helpers included Sandra Booth, Margaret Perry and Noreen Turgoose.

Sandra, 70, of Cromwell Road, runs the bingo at the centre every Monday.

She said: "The event has been absolutely marvellous, we've had so much support and that's what it's all about – bringing people together."

ON THE WEB: For more of our First World War coverage, log on to www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/firstworldwar

A DARING duo have raised more than £1,000 for the air ambulance.

Simon Manders and Chris Padley, of North Thoresby, ran the gruelling Airfield Anarchy at Newark Airfield in Nottinghamshire.

In the 10km military-style run, participants are tasked with getting over, under and through 30 different obstacles, including scaling tyre walls, 6ft fences, wading through ditches and navigating monkey bars.

The duo completed the run in memory of Chris's grandad, Colin West who died suddenly two years ago.

He too had raised money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, when he worked at the New Inn in the village, where both Simon and Chris also work.

Simon said: "Colin was an inspiration to me, and Chris and I wanted to continue raising money in his name for a service that does so much for so many.

"The Air Ambulance relies entirely on donations and without fundraising they wouldn't exist, so it was a pleasure to raise money for them."

The pair visited the helicopter base to present the team with a cheque for £1,100.

"The run was very challenging and hard work. Chris and I finished 155 and 156 out of 1,500 and we felt a great sense of achievement and pride once completing the gruelling course."

The Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance is a dedicated helicopter emergency medical service which first began flying operations in Lincolnshire in April 1994.

Based at RAF Waddington, the paramedics fly approximately 1,000 missions every year.

It is capable of flying at speeds of just under 160mph and can reach any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. For many this often means the difference between life and death.

Simon added: "Once finished we were already planning our next run, which is going to be in September in Nottingham.

"We'll be running a 10 mile mud run called Clash Of The Titan, and again will be running for the Air Ambulance."

A fun family event called Grandad's Fete will be held in memory of Colin at the New Inn on Sunday and Monday, August 24 and 25.

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A RISING athletics star needs your support to help realise his dream of representing his country.

Eighteen-year-old Zac Shaw, who is visually impaired, only started training regularly last November, but is already showing that he could have what it takes to compete in the 2016 Paralympics.

Shaw, who is studying at the Grimsby Institute, is now regularly posting times in the 100 and 200 metres that, based on last year's rankings, would put him just outside the qualification criteria for Team GB.

Currently, Shaw is ranked second in the UK for both the 100m, 200m and long jump.

Speaking to the Telegraph, the Cleethorpes AC member says he is confident that he can reach the standard required, but as a relatively new athlete, he desperately needs the support of a local sponsor to help him reach that goal.

Explaining his impairment, he said: "I have Stargardt Disease, and while my peripheral vision is okay, in the middle, it is quite badly damaged.

"It's a very rare condition because both of your parents have to carry the gene and then you have a 50 per cent chance of getting the condition.

"I've got five older brothers and all of them have 20-20 vision, but it took me until 13 to get diagnosed and it rapidly got worse after that in a very short time.

"As an athlete, I'm in the middle T12 classification for impairment, with T11 being totally blind and T13 being for those athletes with the least impairment."

"I've always known that I had ability when it comes to athletics, but I don't think I had the maturity to take it seriously and train properly and so in November last year, I decided to go for it and start training with Clee AC.

"Two weeks after that, I went into my first competition and did quite well and so I thought 'I've got to go for this'.

"You've got to be in the top eight in the world to picked to be in the Team GB squad for the Paralympics in two years' time.

"Right now, based on my 100-metre time, when compared to last year's rankings, it would put me 12th, which isn't bad and I know I can make up the difference to break into that top eight – I totally believe I make it.

"But being relatively new to it, I'm not funded or sponsored so it is difficult," added Shaw, who is a member of the British Athletics Parallel Success Academy.

"I've already had to pull out of an event in Coventry because I can't afford the travel and accommodation costs, so not having a sponsor makes things really tough.

"I don't want to go around begging for sponsors, but it would help me massively with so many events coming up.

"I've recently been selected to represent the North East at the Sainsburys School Games in September in both the 100m and 200m and I'm feeling really excited and confident about that.

"Next year is the World Championships and if I could represent Great Britain there it really would be a dream come true – that is my next goal.

"If I can get there, who knows where it will take me?"

Can you help?

To sponsor Shaw, call 07825868442 or email the_zacster@hotmail.com.

THE future of Cleethorpes is safe and bright thanks to a new generation of keen young gardeners.

They were applauded for their dedication to the Cleethorpes In Bloom campaign at the annual awards ceremony.

Congratulating eight-year-old Robert O'Hare of Elliston Primary School on becoming Young Gardener Of The Year, In Bloom chairman Bob Callison declared: "At last I have a successor."

The member of the primary school's Gardening Gang is so keen to sow seeds and plant things, he even took home the seeds from the sliced lemon in his drink to plant in his garden.

Robert was presented with an ornamental glass bowl and engraved stainless steel trowel.

In her citation, school teacher Dena Shields said: "Without doubt Robert is the most enthusiastic, inquisitive child when it comes to gardening. He is constantly asking questions and volunteers to water the plants."

She told how he asked to take the stone from a mango taste tested at school, so he could take it home and plant it. After receiving his award, Robert said: "I hope to be a gardener when I am older."

Deanna Taylor, six, who attends Reynolds Children's Centre, was applauded for getting the silver award for her work as a role model for younger children at the centre. At the awards ceremony at the New Sunnyside social club in Grant Street, Mr Callison said he was proud to host the 18th annual awards ceremony for Cleethorpes In Bloom.

He said: "The standard was very high as shown by the results."

He thanked the In Bloom team, Teresa Bassett, Sue Fryer and Darell Speight.

Vice-chairman Jeff Blanchard praised the support from Grimsby Garden Centre, which donated £750 in voucher prizes.

He also hailed the work of North East Lincolnshire Council staff for "making Cleethorpes shine 52 weeks of the year".

He said: "It would not look as it does if it was not for the work they do."

North East Lincolnshire Mayor Councillor Alex Baxter presented the awards.

He declared: "It is blooming marvellous in Cleethorpes – a tremendous endeavour by the young gardeners and those of all ages who have worked so diligently. It makes a neighbourhood look good and encourages pride."

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A UNIQUE display by two historic Lancaster Bombers will be the highlight of North Coates Flying Club's final event of the year.

Two of the world's remaining airworthy Second World War Lancasters will join forces to complete a fly-past at North Coates Flying Club's Autumn Fly-In on September 6 and 7.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is bringing its prized Lancaster to England for a two-month stay, visiting both RAF Coningsby and Humberside Airport.

It is set to join the renowned Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster in appearing at several events across the country.

North Coates Flying Club secretary Brian Stafford said: "When I heard the Canadian Lancaster was coming over, I took the bull by the horns and decided to e-mail the organisers in Canada with a request for a visit.

"To my astonishment they have agreed to send both theirs and the Battle Of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster over for a formation fly-past. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness two Second World War aircraft in action.

"This visit is the icing on the cake of 2014 for us."

As reported, the club hosts four events each year. Last month, it welcomed a Spitfire aircraft to its popular Wings And Wheels event and also played a key role in Cleethorpes Airshow, acting as a base for the acrobatic aircraft.

As well as the Lancaster flyover at 1pm on Saturday, September 6, dozens of other aircraft are expected to visit the airfield over the weekend.

These include microlights, autogyros and classic and modern touring aircraft, which will land and take off from the grass runway.

Visitors to the fly-in will also be able to enjoy tours of the hangar and the club museum.

Admission and parking at the event will be free and refreshments will be available.

For more information, call 01472 388850 or visit www.northcoatesflyingclub.com

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FOR Joseph Tobin it all began when he saw the musical Billy Elliott on TV.

"I saw a boy dancing on TV and I was amazed by it. I copied him and danced around the house," says the 15-year-old from Authorpe near Louth.

Eight years and countless trophies later, and the talented youngster has his heart set on a dancing or acting career.

Formerly with Ultra Beat Dance School he is now a member of Lilacs Theatre Dance in Lincoln, and a regular performer at the Cleethorpes Dance Festival.

Joseph turned heads at this year's festival when as the sole boy in a field of 24 dancers he walked off with the modern jazz trophy.

He also took victory in the ballet solo category, beating off competition from 17 other dancers

He said: "It was quite unexpected really, but it was a good feeling to win.

"Dancing is female dominated, but there seemed to be more boys than usual at the festival this year.

"There was also a designated area for boys for the first time, which comes in handy. In the past I'd have to either change with the girls or nip to the men's toilet, which is not ideal!

"There's also a couple of boys in the dance school I perform with. But yes, it is more common for a girl to win.

"But as time goes on I'd like to think more and more boys will get involved with it."

Joseph's mother, Corene Tobin, says her son will be aiming to secure a scholarship with a performing arts school.

"We might have a little Billy Elliot on our hands! It's what he wants to do, and he's definitely good enough.

"As Joseph says there aren't many other boys involved with dancing, but he stands out because of his ability.

"He has a certain presence when you watch him up there on the stage.

"He definitely has a future. He lives and breathes it, you can't stop him from dancing.

"He loved watching Strictly Come Dancing, he was supporting Kevin, like we all did!"

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PAUL Hurst hopes Craig Disley has the dilemma of whether or not to celebrate tomorrow.

The Town boss is backing his former Bristol Rovers star to handle the emotions of his return to the Memorial Stadium for the Conference's opening fixture.

And he hopes the midfielder will put on the kind of performance that will make the home faithful wish he was still one of their own.

He said: "I'm sure there will be plenty of emotions for Craig going back to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.

"I hope, and realistically I know that he's experienced enough not to get carried away with it all.

"There will be one or two old faces there that he still recognises from his time as a player and it will be nice for him.

"The fans down there certainly respect him and enjoyed what he did for their club as a player.

"Hopefully, tomorrow night they'll be wishing that they still had him because it will mean that he'll have had a good game and, in an ideal world, also scored one of his trademark goals from midfield.

"That would be the perfect scenario for me and I'm sure for Craig.

"Although, if he does score, he's then got the dilemma of whether to celebrate or not out of respect – let's hope he's got that decision to make."

He added: "It's not just Craig who's looking forward to the game tomorrow – I can't wait for it all to start.

"I've been looking forward to the season starting ever since we reported back to be honest.

"There will be a big crowd and of course it's on TV as well so we want to turn up and put on a big performance."

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A MOTORIST and builder has called for "common sense" to prevail after he received a parking ticket in New Waltham.

John Pomfret, who lives in Cleethorpes, was unloading timber at a house project he was working on in Weelsby View when a warden issued his vehicle with a ticket because his truck was partly on a pavement.

Parking regulations in the village restrict motorists from parking over pavements and verges.

But Mr Pomfret said that, had he parked on the road according to the rules, it would have made it difficult for other vehicles to pass on the narrow residential street.

"I think the warden should have used a bit of discretion and a bit of common sense," he said.

"There's only four pairs of semi-detached houses on this road and you rarely see any pedestrians down here.

"I accept I was parked on the verge, but the road is so narrow.

"I've got a £70 fine, but it's more about the stupidity of it. Common sense should prevail."

He continued: "I understand that people who obstruct the paths are in the wrong but if you are in an emergency vehicle you would not get past me if I'm parked on the road. It's just too narrow.

"The path is very wide, there's plenty of room to walk past. Do they want me to park out on the main road and cause an obstruction?

"The parking verge rules are not relevant here. How much does it cost to get a traffic warden to come down this quiet road?

"Why can't they patrol where parking is a major issue?"

Mr Pomfret said the issuing of the ticket was "pettiness" and urged traffic wardens to patrol more dangerous areas.

A spokesperson for North East Lincolnshire Council said: "In New Waltham, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) may be served where a vehicle is found to be parked in contravention of the terms of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

"Specifically, the TRO is aimed at protecting the footways and grass verges. Contravention code 62 may be used, which is for being parked with one or more wheels on any part of an urban road other than a carriageway.

"If a motorist feels that they have been issued a PCN incorrectly, they should informally challenge their notice by e-mailing carparkingissues@nelincs.gov.uk or by writing to PO Box Number 493, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN31 1HU. This information is also provided on the reverse of the PCN where full details of how to challenge the PCN are clearly given.

"When writing to Parking Services, motorists should ensure that they quote their PCN number, their vehicle registration number and contact details."

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a "happy and hard-working" grandfather who has died following a serious assault in Grimsby.

Darren Barton, 46, passed away at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital on Wednesday night after being left fighting for his life following an incident in Rutland Street, on Saturday.

His son John Barton, 23, of Cleethorpes, said: "It still doesn't seem real that he has gone.

"You never expect to be burying your dad when you are my age.

"He was always happy and laughing and never had a bad day.

"He never said a bad word about anybody."

Darren, of Scartho Top, was born and raised in Grimsby and attended Chelmsford School.

After leaving, he trained as a scaffolder and remained in the industry for the rest of his career.

He was working for Centex, at South Ferriby, before he died.

John added: "He was a hard-working man.

"It was very important to him that he worked and scaffolding was all he ever wanted to do.

"He never had a day off in his life, he would always go in even if he was feeling ill.

"He travelled a lot for work and the job was demanding so he was usually tired when he came home, but he loved spending time with the family when he could."

Darren had two sons and two grandchildren.

John added: "He used to like taking our two children out for meals and he would always treat them."

As reported, Nathan Newland, 27, of no fixed address, appeared in court on Wednesday to face charges of causing grievous bodily harm to Darren, as well as charges of production of cannabis and cultivation of cannabis.

John added: "Nobody knows for sure what happened on that night and we are trusting the police to make sure that justice is done.

"The whole family would like to thank everybody for their messages of condolence, it is touching to know that so many people care."

Darren also leaves behind his nephew Stuart Carrington, sister, mum, dad and nanna.

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said a Home Office post mortem examination was due to take place yesterday to establish the cause of death.

She added: "Family liaison officers are supporting the family of the victim."

The Crown Prosecution Service will now decide whether to alter the charge Mr Newland is facing in relation to the assault.

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"I CAME to Grimsby Town to get promoted and if I leave this club without having done that, I'll see it as a failure."

Those are the words of Craig Disley as he prepares to kick-off his fourth season with the Mariners against a former club that still has a very special place in his heart.

Tomorrow's curtain-raiser pits the midfielder against Bristol Rovers, a club where he made over 200 appearances during a five-year career, after being released by childhood club Mansfield in 2004.

Following the end of his time with Rovers – and two years with Shrewsbury – Disley became one of Rob Scott and Paul Hurst's first signings after they were appointed at Town in March 2011.

Over three years later, and he has led Town to an FA Trophy Final at Wembley, but suffered successive play-off heartbreak in the last two seasons.

But he still hasn't completed the challenge that drew him to Blundell Park three summers ago.

And on the eve of his return to the Memorial Stadium, Disley feels it is an opportune time to reflect on his lengthy career and what he still wants to achieve before he eventually hangs up his boots.

"This is my fourth season with Grimsby Town," he told the Telegraph.

"I came here to get promoted and I haven't done that yet and if I leave this club without having done it, I'll see it as a failure.

"I desperately want to get this club back into the league, as do all the other lads and the gaffer."

He continued: "I've got a really optimistic feeling about the season ahead, but I'm sure there will be plenty of other players at clubs around the league feeling exactly the same way.

"The gods seemed to be against us last season with the way it all ended for us. It does leave a bitter taste in the mouth but it gives you that kick to go again.

"It's all well and good having that feeling of positivity about the new season, but you've got to go out there and do something about it."

This will be Disley's 16th season in professional football and at 32 years of age, the Worksop lad appreciates that he needs to make every campaign count.

And that's why he's vowed to 'leave everything out on the pitch' each and every time he pulls on the famous black and white shirt this season.

"The older you get as a player, the more it means to you, because you become more aware of where you are in your career," he continued.

"You appreciate the better days more but in the same sense, the bad days feel worse the older you get.

"To be fair, in my head I still think I'm 21 and mess around in the dressing room with the lads – I don't really think I've let it sink in that I'm as old as I am.

"In saying that, you see some lads playing well into their 30s now, so it's not that unusual.

"Regardless of however many years I've got left, I'm going to enjoy them and give everything I can to get Grimsby Town where it deserves to be.

"At the end of the day, you've got to leave it out on the field every time you go out there because once your career's gone it's gone and there's no getting it back.

"You've got to make the most of it and that's what I intend to do."

PAUL Hurst wants Grimsby Town to be 'party poopers' and ruin Bristol Rovers' big day tomorrow.

The Mariners are preparing to take centre stage as they kick-off the first Conference Premier game of the season, at the Memorial Stadium (12.45pm).

And with Darrell Clarke's side looking to begin a 'bright new era' following their relegation from the Football League, Hurst wants his side to crash the party.

"We're not going down there just to be Bristol Rovers' guests tomorrow – we want to be the unwanted guests," he told the Telegraph.

"There's been a lot of talk about the start of a bright new era at Bristol and getting rid of all the doom and gloom down there. Well, we all know that this football club has had to endure that for a few years now.

"We know first-hand what it's like, so we want go down there and try and upset their big day, and ruin their party."

He continued: "There is a bit of pressure on them, and we'll see whether that works in our favour tomorrow.

"They're many people's favourites for the league title and the expectation on them is massive – similar to how it was when this club came out of the league.

"They'll probably have the biggest attendances throughout the season and that brings its own pressures.

"I read some comments from Darrell Clarke in the run-up to this game and he said how he needs his players to be mentally strong and deal with that pressure.

"So tomorrow, that's something that we need to try and utilise in our favour.

"There is definitely an optimism coming out of their club as they look towards the start of the new season.

"So we need to be the party poopers, make it difficult for them on the pitch and ensure that it isn't nice viewing for their fans in the stands."

A FORMER taxi driver who died after swimming out to one of the forts in the River Humber was a keen windsurfer and loved spending time in the water.

Mark Knights, 44, of Scartho Top, was swimming off Humberston Fitties with five friends at low tide when he ran into difficulties and fell unconscious.

Investigations are now ongoing into what happened, although the RNLI has described it as "an unfortunate accident" and said Mr Knights and his friends were "well prepared" for the swim.

A spokesperson for Humber Coastguard said a 999 call came in at about 9pm on Wednesday.

She added: "Six men swam out to Haile Sands Fort and when they turned to swim back, they noticed one of the group was having difficulties.

"He was unconscious when they got him out of the water and they carried out CPR until emergency services arrived at the scene."

It is believed the swim was training for Mr Knights' hobby of windsurfing, which he had enjoyed all over the world.

The RNLI and coastguard rescue officers were joined on the beach by East Midlands Ambulance Service and the Sea King rescue helicopter from RAF Leconfield.

One of the coastguard rescue officers accompanied Mr Knights by helicopter to Hull Royal Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead.

His friends were escorted from the beach by the RNLI and taken back to the promenade at Cleethorpes.

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: "We were called just before 9pm on Wednesday to an incident on the beach near Humberston Fitties.

"A man in his 40s had been pulled from the water unconscious. He had been swimming with friends when he appeared to get into difficulties.

"He was flown to Hull Royal Infirmary but pronounced dead a short time later.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner."

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