Shields, Simon – Keen angler followed in grandfather’s footsteps

Simon Shields  (1971-2008)

Simon Gregory Shields was born in Grantham and  attended Belton Lane School and St Hugh’s School, where he acheived both bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.

He began work at Arbon and Watts, Westgate,  in the fishing tackle department, then worked at Hedley’s Motors for a short time before moving to the Plumb Center, as a delivery driver, and where he remained for 10 years.

He then became a prison officer at HMP Whatton for 10 years.

He was also a part-time officer for the Environment Agency for 15 years.

Mr Shields, like his grandfather Sid, enjoyed fly and coarse fishing and was secretary to the Grantham Angling Association, succeeding the legendary Bill Hutchins.

He became a police cadet at 16 and a special constable at 18, serving for 15 years, and reaching the rank of divisional officer in charge of the South Kesteven area.

His other main interest was making frequent visits to the World War One battlefields of Northern France and Belgium with Dave Cross and prison officers.

He was in the process of writing three books on this subject, one including Belton Camp during World War One, when he died.