GUEST LEFT MORE THAN TIP AFTER HIS DINNER

Scunthorpe Telegraph Thursday 28th July 2005

Most people are forgetful about keys, umbrellas and other small nicknacks - but one guest forgot something much more valuable after enjoying some haute cuisine.

Annie Schwab, owner of North Lincolnshire's prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant Winteringham Fields, said the top dining spot had often hosted forgetful visitors. "We actually had a guest who forgot his car.

"He left it behind at the end of the night and was going to pick it up in the morning. However, he owned a lot of cars, and a week later we still had it, so we thought we'd better ring and remind him," she said.

The anecdote followed a new survey showing holidaymakers manage to lose £2-billion worth of belongings each year,

The study found more than half the absent-minded tourists questioned had returned home with lighter cases, after leaving items in hotel rooms or on beaches.

But it was not just foreign destinations which caused travellers to suffer memory lapses when it came to packing.

Mrs Schwab said smaller items were commonly left behind by people visiting the restaurant - such as phones or clothes - and frequently had to be returned to their owners.

She said: "We've had absolutely everything you could think of left behind. It's usually easy to pass on items left behind in our rooms, as we have guests' address details, but we do have one coat which has been unclaimed for two years."

Careless packing was also a familiar problem for staff at Broughton's Forest Pines hotel.

"Lots of people leave things like cosmetics and jewellery, and we have a whole collection of stuff people have just never come back for," said receptionist Sonya Kelly.

Staff at the Scunthorpe branch of Travel World confirmed they sometimes received pleas for help from holidaymakers trying to track down belongings they had scattered across the globe.

"We had one customer - a full-grown man - who forgot his teddy, and asked us to get it back. He takes it everywhere with him, and takes photos."

More than 2,000 adults were questioned for the Lloyds TSB survey, revealing almost one in five holidaymakers had misplaced belongings while travelling or sightseeing.

And one in 10 confessed to forgetting what they had actually taken on holiday in the first place

 

APPEAL FOR WITNESSES TO SMASH

Scunthorpe Telegraph Tuesday 26th July 2005

Police officers investigating an accident which left a motorcyclist and pillion passenger with serious injuries are appealing for two more witnesses to contact them.

The accident happened on the A1077, near South Ferriby, close to Barton-upon-Humber, at 10.45pm on Thursday, July 14. A Peugeot 205 car and a Honda CBR 600 motorbike were travelling towards South Ferriby when the collision occurred.

The accident happened as the car turned right into a drive way and the motorcycle was over-taking the car, Humberside Police spokeswoman Kim Prewer said.

It is believed at least two other cars were following the two vehicles and drivers or passengers may have witnessed what took place.

They and other witnesses are urged to contact Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.

The motorcyclist, a 48-year-old South Ferriby man, suffered a serious leg injury in the accident.

His pillion passenger, a 47-year-old South Ferriby woman, also suffered serious leg injuries.

Both are currently being treated at Hull Royal Infirmary and are recovering after having surgery.

The car driver, a 50-year-old Winteringham lady, was uninjured.

PLANT SALE RAISES £232

Scunthorpe Telegraph Tuesday 26th July 2005

A Plant sale has raised hundreds of pounds for kidney research.

Rachel Holmes ran a plant sale outside her Low Burgage home in Winteringham, to raise cash for National Kidney Research, an organisation funding research on the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. She has now sold out of plants, after raising £232.

For more information about the charity log on to www.nkrf.org.uk

RESTAURANT SELLS FOR £1.2-MILLION

Scunthorpe Telegraph Monday 25th July 2005

The region's premier restaurant has been sold for more than £1-million.

Germain and Annie Schwab have sold their award-winning Winteringham Fields restaurant to African-born Colin McGurren and his wife Rebecca. Mr McGurren, who has worked as a chef for the Royal Family of Dubai, will take over in early August. The restaurant is rumoured to have been sold for about £1.2-million.

Mrs Schwab, who ran the business with her husband for about 18 years, said she was confident the new owners would maintain the standards expected by customers.

She said the couple now intended to take on restaurant consultancy roles, continuing their involvement in education.

She said they would not be running another restaurant, although Mr Schwab intended to keep in touch with the new owner in an advisory role.


NEW MANAGEMENT ON MENU FOR TOP EATING SPOT

Scunthorpe Telegraph Monday 25th July 2005

The owners of North Lincolnshire's premier restaurant are to hand over their award-winning business to another couple after more than 17 years.

Annie and Germain Schwab are believed to have sold Winteringham Fields restaurant to Colin and Rebecca McGurren for in excess of £1-million. The restaurant, which has earned North Lincolnshire worldwide attention, has attracted such diners as Robbie Williams and Sir Elton John.

Mrs Schwab told the Telegraph the couple now intended to take on restaurant consultancy roles, continuing their involvement in education.

Mr Schwab will be keeping in touch with the new owners in an advisory role.

"We are going in a couple of months and we're having a break to recuperate, because it's been pretty hard work," she explained.

"Then we are going to go into consultancy, so we will still be involved in education and training but we won't be running a restaurant.

"There won't be any change in the staff. They will have the same head chef - award-winner Robert Thompson - and I think they will go on to bigger and better things."

Mrs Schwab said the new restaurant owners were due to take over on August 15.

"We are very content with the new owners. We have had some fantastic times here, and I would hate to think we were letting the customers down. I think they will do a good job."

She added the culinary couple wanted to thank the Telegraph and its readers for all the support they had given the high-flying restaurant since it opened nearly 18 years ago.

The sale follows on from a major battle with the taxman over business rates.

The couple got into a dispute with the taxman after they were presented with an annual bill for £48,500 - just four months after an appeal tribunal agreed they should be paying around a third of that amount.

Originally the couple saw their bill rise after a valuation officer reclassified their restaurant, which entertains top showbiz stars, as a hotel.


KEEPING SAME HEAD CHEF

Scunthorpe Telegraph Monday 25th July 2005

African-born Colin McGurrey, who has cooked for the Royal Family in Dubai before opening his own business in Dewsbury, said he had his eye on Winteringham Fields for more than a year.

"It's taken me a year to make a jump, but it's something I have always wanted to do," he revealed. "I like the fact Lincolnshire is fantastic for growing materials - that's why we have gone for it."

And Mr McGurren is so impressed with the region's top restaurant, he is not planning to make any changes for at least nine months.

"It's run perfectly well for 18 years, so who am I to come in and change everything?

"It's just a different name above the door."

However, as well as continuing with the high standards left behind by the Schwabs, Mr McGurren is also in pursuit of a third star to add to the restaurant's Michelin accolades.

The restaurant's head chef, 22-year-old Robert Thompson, will continue to manage the kitchen staff.

Robert moved to Winteringham Fields in October 2001.

During this time, he has won a young chef of the year award, and was a finalist in the prestigious Roux Scholarship contest.

 

NEPAL CHILD CASH BOOST

Scunthorpe Telegraph Saturday 23rd July 2005

Schoolchildren raised more than £100 for a Nepalese child by putting on a summer concert.

Winteringham Primary School summer concert began with younger pupils performing a presentation of singing and dancing called Billy No Buzz. This was followed by older pupils acting out a singing version of a production based on the exploits of Sherlock Holmes.

The concert was held on behalf of Nepalese child Anju Kumari. The school is helping sponsor Anju's education.

Pupils managed to raise a total £130 for the fund.

JOHN WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE MAX-IMUM

Scunthorpe Telegraph Friday 22nd July 2005

There may not be any North Lincolnshire interest on the track at this weekend's British MotoGP meeting at Donington Park - but there will be in the pits.

Mechanic John Eyre, from Winteringham near Winterton, will be in the garage of Repsol Honda superstar Max Biaggi. The Italian is one of the favourites for Sunday's race and currently lies third in the MotoGP standings.

Eyre joined the team - largely regarded to have the fastest bike in the paddock - at the start of the season.

Previously he has worked with Makoto Tamada and current British Superbike stars Jeremy McWilliams and Leon Haslam in MotoGP. Before that he was part of Rob McElnea's Yamaha team and worked on the bike of the late Steve Hislop.

Following the razzmatazz of the MotoGP circus, Eyre will then head to the less glamorous, but no less challenging, surroundings of rural Lincolnshire and Cadwell Park.

After watching racing and riding motorcycles on the roads for years, the 25-year-old has finally decided to take the plunge into racing himself.

He recently took part in his first Derby Phoenix Club race, also at Cadwell, on his Honda RS250.

"It's just a bit of fun really," said Eyre, who also helps out Winterton racing brothers Rob and Bud Frear at club meetings in his spare time.

"I ride a bike on the road, but it's more fun and a lot safer on the track.

"I'm not going to take it too seriously because I've got my job to think about."

His job takes him around the world and back again. Already this season Eyre has visited Shanghai in China, Rio in Brazil and most recently the US Grand Prix at the famed Leguna Seca in California.

And remaining on the calendar are trips to Japan, Australia and Malaysia.

Despite the glamorous locations, Eyre insists his long haul trips are far from holidays for him and his colleagues.

"People think it's a bit of a holiday going to all these countries, but it's hard work," added Eyre, who divides his time between his Winteringham home and Honda Europe's headquarters in Belgium.

"You're flat out all weekend. One time when I was working with Tamada, he crashed in qualifying and we were working until 4am repairing the bike."

Despite having the best bike on the grid, Repsol Honda have failed to live up to expectations this term and have just one win to their credit.

Eyre blames the Valentino Rossi factor for the lack of the success.

The four-time premier class world champion has won all but two of the eight rounds so far and looks odds-on to claim his second successive title on the Yamaha M1.

"It has been a bit of a disappointing season for us," admitted Eyre.

"The problem is just that Valentino (Rossi) is so good.

"Max complains that the bike isn't quick enough, but it is. It's the best bike out there.

"If Valentino was on a Honda he would pull 10 seconds every race.

"He makes the Yamaha one and a half seconds quicker than it actually is.

"His team-mate Colin Edwards has had some good results recently, but before he was back in seventh, eighth and ninth. Valentino hasn't been off the podium all year.

"At Laguna he was third and said it was a bad result. I wish we could have a bad result and still get on the podium!"

However, the Repsol Honda team received a major boost at Laguna when Biaggi's team-mate Nicky Hayden powered to his first ever MotoGP win, ahead of Edwards, with Rossi trailing in third.

And although it wasn't Biaggi celebrating, Eyre was still able to enjoy the squad's first maximum of the campaign.

He continued: "The boss came up to us after the race and said: 'Don't forget you work for the Honda team, we know you work for Max, but we're all one team, so enjoy it.'

"There's a bit of rivalry between Max and Nicky because your team-mate is the first guy you should be looking to beat.

"But there is no rivalry between the two sides of the garage. We get the job done, we go out for a drink at night and all get on really well. It's a good environment to work in."

MOTOGP STANDINGS AFTER EIGHT ROUNDS: 1 V Rossi (Yamaha) 186pts; 2 M Melandri (Honda) 107; 3 M Biaggi (Honda) 100; 4 S Gibernau (Honda) 95; 5 C Edwards (Yamaha) 93; 6 N Hayden (Honda) 85; 7 A Barros (Honda) 74; 8 S Nakano (Kawasaki) 55; 9 L Capirossi (Ducati) 55; 10 T Bayliss (Honda) 47.

 

The Schwabs sell up at Winteringham Fields

Caterer and Hotelkeeper Thursday 21st July 2005

Annie and Germain Schwab have sold Winteringham Fields, their two-Michelin-star restaurant with rooms in rural Lincolnshire, for more than £1.2m.
The restaurant, which the couple have run for the past 17 years, will pass into the hands of Colin and Rebecca McGurren, at the beginning of August. All existing staff will remain.
Annie said that they intended to take on consultancy roles in Britain, France and Switzerland and continue their involvement in training and education initiatives. Germain will also keep in touch with Winteringham Fields in an advisory role.
The kitchen brigade will continue to be headed by the 22-year-old Robert Thompson, who has been head chef at Winteringham Fields for the past two years. Annie was confident he would keep the restaurant's two Michelin.
African-born Colin McGurren has worked as a chef for the royal family of Dubai and for Michelin-star French restaurants.
He said he planned no changes for the first six months, but would look at investing more in the business - perhaps converting a barn into a cooking school.
He also plans to chase a third Michelin star.
One headache he will inherit is the restaurant's tussle with the Inland Revenue over business rates.
A rates tribunal in December supported the Schwab's claim that Winteringham Fields is a restaurant with rooms, rather than a hotel and reduced its rateable value from £39,500 to £14,250.
This hasn't deterred the Revenue, which is dragging the restaurant back to the courts on 15 August and demanding an even higher rate of £48,500.
Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper

FREE TEST OFFER ON BLANKETS

Scunthorpe Telegraph Wednesday 20th July 2005

North Lincolnshire Trading Standards is inviting residents to take up a free service safety-testing their electric blankets.

The testing has been taking place for the past seven years, and average figures have shown up to 50 per cent of electric blankets could have lethal faults. The faults, which range from problems with plugs to the insulation around the wiring inside the blankets totally breaking down, could cause severe house fires.

Malcolm Osborne, trading standards manager at the council, said: "We normally have a very good uptake for the testing. We even have regular customers who come back each year."

Many blankets taken in for the team to examine could be more than 20-years-old.

Mr Osborne added: "This year we have a mobile caravan which will allow us to visit a wider variety of venues."

Free blanket testing will be carried out by trading standards' electrical testing team members at the following sites.

Monday, September 5: Ashby Multimedia Centre 9am-11am; Alvingham Road Day Centre, Ashby, 11.30am-1pm; Church Square House, Scunthorpe 2pm-5pm

Tuesday, September 6: Brigg Library 9.30am-12.30pm; Barton Local Link 2.30pm-4.30pm

Wednesday, September 7: Railway Inn car park, Barnetby, 9.30am-10.30am; Brocklesby Ox pub car park, Ulceby, 11.30am-12.30pm; Cross Keys pub car park, South Killingholme, 1.30pm-2.30pm; Brocklesby Hunt pub car park, Goxhill, 3-4pm

Thursday, September 8: Kings Arms pub car park, Haxey, 9.30am-10.30am; New Generation Park, Keadby, 11.30am-12.30pm; medical centre car park, Burton-upon-Stather, 1.30pm-2.30pm; Ferry Boat pub car park, Winteringham, 3pm-4pm.

No appointment is needed, and residents can just turn up on the day.

For more details, call trading standards on (01724) 297664.

BARBECUE AND WALK

Scunthorpe Telegraph Tuesday 19th July 2005

A sponsored walk is set to raise cash for two children's charities this weekend.

Winteringham Methodist Chapel will be holding its annual walk from 10am on Sunday. Proceeds will benefit National Children's Homes and When You Wish Upon a Star.

After the walk there will be a barbecue costing just £1 for adults, with children who have taken part in the walk free.

Sponsor forms are available from Will Maw on (01724) 734631.


SIGN OF IGNORANCE BEHIND THE WHEEL

Scunthorpe Telegraph Tuesday 19th July 2005

Imagine getting behind the wheel of a car and not having a clue about the meaning of some of the most common signs on our roads.

But that's what an incredible 79 per cent of qualified drivers do every time they sit in the driver's seat and turn the key in the ignition, according to the findings of a new survey. All but a fifth of drivers failed to recognise the sign used to represent a T-junction - with many thinking it meant either a staggered junction or no right turn - or the sign for 'no buses'.

And the survey, conducted by Tesco Car Insurance, found younger, more recently qualified drivers, were more likely than older drivers to interpret the signs correctly.

Pc Roy Hindmarsh, from the North Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, said he was 'not surprised' by the survey's findings.

"People not recognising signs is definitely a problem," he said. "The best idea would be a re-test, as once they've passed their test most people never pick up the Highway Code again.

"But there have been three or four changes to signs in just the past five years."

Pc Hindmarsh advised drivers to regularly refresh their knowledge of the Highway Code.

"Drivers should really make sure their knowledge is up to date," he said.

"We have realised road signs are a problem at the Road Safety Partnership and we offer a quiz on them, which has actually been pretty popular for pub quizzes."

Louise Power (22), of Orchard Drive, Winteringham, is a learner driver currently revising for her theory test.

She said: "I'm pretty good on my signs at the moment but I'm always revising them.

"I think people get so used to driving around where they live they don't need signs to guide them, and so what they actually mean stops being important.

"Also, I think drivers take a lot of cues from the other traffic. They rely on that instead of signs."

A spokesman for the AA roadside rescue service felt that although motorists needed to improve their knowledge of road signs, they were not entirely to blame for their ignorance.

He said: "I think some of the problem with people not paying attention to signs is that they are often hidden, or dirty, and people can fail to see them at crucial moments. Ignoring a road sign can lead to a hefty fine, so it literally does pay to take notice of them."

 

BIKER AND PILLION SERIOUSLY INJURED

Scunthorpe Telegraph Friday 15th July 2005

A motorcylist and his passenger suffered serious leg injuries after they were involved in a collision with a car last night.

The 58-year-old man and his passenger, a 47-year-old woman, both from South Ferriby, were taken to Hull Royal Infirmary following the incident on the A1077. They had been travelling on an Orange Honda CBR 600 motorcycle behind a red Peugeot 205 car in the direction of South Ferriby at about 10.45pm last night when the incident occurred.

Police believe the car had slowed down to turn right into a private driveway when the motorcycle collided with it while trying to overtake. The car driver, a 50-year-old Winteringham woman, was uninjured.

It is believed at least two cars where travelling behind the bike at the time of the incident and police have asked for witnesses to come forward and contact Humberside Police on 0845 6060 222 quoting log 875.
 

Day gives taste of TA

Scunthorpe Telegraph Wednesday 13th July 2005

An open day hosted by the Territorial Army (TA) in Scunthorpe proved a recruitment booster.

Captain Peter Graves, the administration officer for the REME 147 Workshop Company, said 18 potential volunteers had come forward. He said: "The TA needs the support of the community and we wanted to show our openness and what experience and skills we have to offer.

"We are part of the regular army and want people to realise the TA is not just a weekend hobby. We can give real and useful training, which is also fun, and we pay regular army rates of pay for attendance."

The Mayor of North Lincolnshire, Coun William Eckhardt, joined members of the Parachute Regiment at the open day at the Scunthorpe Drill Hall in Cottage Beck Road.

The mayor started a 30-metre truck pull in aid of his charity appeal for the Heart Foundation.

Among the volunteers pulling the truck, following coaching by local strongman Ian 'Chalkie' White, was Lt Col Tony Downes, the commanding officer of 102 Battalion REME, who led by example.

In welcoming the guests, the company's commanding officer Major Andrew Balsillie, said he was very happy to open the TA Centre to the public as all his officers and soldiers were part of the same community.

Among the highlights of the day was a paintball close-quarter battle range.

Other stands included displays of army equipment, load carrying vehicles and a small tank, otherwise called a Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked.

Visitors were also able to see training aids used by the TA to train their mechanics, electricians and armourers.

Civilian driver Chris White, who is a fifth dan black belt and runs the Taekwondo club at Epworth, brought along some of his students to give a demonstration.

Winteringham-based craftsman Steve Milton was on parade with his World War Two uniform, rations and kit from the era.

The kit included his personal collection of a water-cooled Lewis machine gun, a Bren gun, a 303 Lee Enfield rifle and a Sten gun. There was also a selection of modern weapon systems to see including machine guns and mortars.

Broughton-based corporal Adi Robinson put on an extensive display of army clothing, new and old, including his personal desert combats issued when he was deployed to Iraq as part of the coalition forces in 1992.

The TA provided free refreshments in the form of burgers, hot dogs and hot and cold drinks and they were all devoured by the on-lookers.

Scunthorpe MP Elliot Morley and his wife Pat joined visitors and chatted to the officers, some of whom have served in operational and peace support areas such as Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia. Two new bikes were offered as prizes in a free raffle and there was a treasure hunt in the form of a Mission: Impossible-style operation.

For more on the TA call (01724) 869159 or log on to www.army.mod.uk/102bnreme .

 

Twin shows fantastic

Scunthorpe Telegraph Monday 11th July 2005

Families across North Lincolnshire stepped out in the glorious sunshine yesterday to support two popular open days.

The Jay Gee Sanctuary for Dogs, Broughton, and the 60th Broughton horse, dog and horticultural show, held their annual events on Sunday. Many visitors took their beloved pets with them to show and compete in various competitions such as dog shows and horse jumping.

Richard Barnett, manager of the Jay Gee Dog Sanctuary said: "It was a fantastic turn out, but the open days usually are.

"There was something for the whole family and their pets to enjoy such as BBQ, vintage car display, dog shows, craft stalls and many charity stands.

"The atmosphere was wonderful and I would like to thank all our supporters and for everyone for enjoying the day with us here."

Dogs of all breeds, many actually from the dog sanctuary, returned for the day to take part in the dog shows.

Fran Kaye, organiser of the open day, said: "I think it has been absolutely brilliant day, especially because people can bring the whole family - including their dogs.

"What is nice about the dog show here is you will see dogs which have been shown at Crufts competing with ordinary pet dogs. Well over 100 dogs entered the shows."

Tracey Booth (31), of Scunthorpe, took her 12-week-old bichon frise dog called Tilley to the open day and her two children Holly (seven) and Hannah (five).

She said: "It is a great experience. My two children were terrified of dogs, but they have been okay. We have even met a dog the same breed as ours but older, so it was nice to see how our dog would look in years to come."

Sally Last (29) took her dog, a West Highland terrier called Willow, which she actually got from the sanctuary.

She said: "I think it is good the sanctuary promotes what they do. I would definitely recommend people come here first before getting a dog.

"It is amazing to see how many people are supporting the event."

The Broughton Show was also well supported. There was a fun fair, BBQ, face painting, a dog show and lots of horse showing and jumping for people of all ages.

Trish O'Nions, a committee member said: "Organising the event took a lot of hard work, but it is definitely worth it on the day.

"It is ideal for local people, local clubs to compete and show off their horses. This year we have had some really good entries."

Amy Peach (15) of North Kelsey Moor, showed off her horse Horndens Indian Ink.

She said: "It has been a really fun day and it is good for the horse because it gives them a run out and they like it."

Jamie Corney (five) and his sister Sophie (nine), of Winteringham, scooped first place in a number of show jumping events. They rode two horses called Fantasia and Little Miss Sunshine. Jamie said: "It is fun I like to ride really fast."

His sister added: "I feel happy because I have won a few awards."

Their mother Joanne taught them both to ride. She said: "I am really proud of them both."

There was also a vintage car display and a number of tractors dating back to the early 1950s.

David Markham (40) of Scunthorpe, took his Austin 10 Cambridge car, which was made in 1937, to the event.

He said: "I thought it would be nice to take it to the show and show it off."

Gary Barton of Barnetby, took his FE 35 Massey Ferguson tractor to the event, which was made in 1957.

He said: "It has been a very good day. We have had a lot of interest in the tractors."

Barry Baker, organiser of the vintage tractor and vehicle event, added: "For many people it is a chance to see tractors like this on display, not many people would have see any of the tractors like this."

Brigg and Goole MP Ian Cawsey attended both events and said it was great so many shows in North Lincolnshire continue to take place when similar shows nationally had stopped.

Schwabs close to selling Michelin-starred restaurant

CatererSearch Wednesday 6th July 2005

by Angela Frewin

Annie and Germain Schwab are believed to be close to selling Winteringham Fields, their two-Michelin-star restaurant with rooms in rural Lincolnshire.

The couple, who met in Switzerland, have run the restaurant since 1988 and won their Michelin stars in 1994 and 1999.

Annie confirmed that the pair were hoping to sign the contract today, but said the deal had hit a snag.