We arrived in Lincolnshire in the beginning of 1985, as new owners of the smallest superstore in the Western hemisphere, The Post Office at Great Limber. It was there that the magic of Lincolnshire flowed over us. we were hooked, and it was there that lunchtime closing and shutters up at 5.30pm became a thing of the past, we believed in giving customers what they want and when they want.

A year later I began writing part time for the Market Rasen Mail, an enjoyable task that combined fun and pennies and re-inforced my enthusiasm and respect for the community spirit that is a feature of this area.

In 1988 I was offered a newly civilianised post in scene examination, my previous career in London, and in 1989 we moved to Caistor and our present address.

I continued with the part time journalism, I was able to help & encourage individuals and organisations with publicity, the core function, or it should be, of all local newspapers in addition to reporting factual news.

In September 1995 the post of Caistor District Councillor fell vacant, believing that I had something to offer, I stood as an independent and was elected to West Lindsey District Council.

In May 1996 I stood again in the annual election for both West Lindsey and Town Council and was elected to both councils.

At West Lindsey I chaired the Tourism and Recreational Services Committee in 1998 and served as Vice Chairman of Council. In May of 1999 I was appointed Chairman of West Lindsey District Council for the 1999/2000 and the 2000/2001 civic years. I was Vice Chairman of Caistor Town Council and Deputy Mayor for the 2001/2 civic year. I was recently elected as Chairman of Caistor Town Council and Mayor of Caistor.

When I first stood for office I promised to do everything in my power to bring economic benefits to this town and to help individuals and business. I have maintained that stance, despite some unpleasantness that has resulted from my avowed intent to keep Caistor a viable entity.

There are in this town a small group of individuals who fight tooth and nail to prevent change, Caistor is the worse for their efforts, they must be sidelined and Caistor given the chance to move forward and exhibit it's historical assetts with pride and enjoy a higher standard of prosperity.

I also believe that we must create the facilities to encourage people to live and stay in Caistor, we should provide leisure and recreation areas for all age groups.

I believe in community spirit, helping my fellow citizens and Caistor.

Alan Caine.