Big Plans, Bright Futures: 27 Bassetlaw News Highlights from the Last Week .....

Well that's the end of another busy week of news from around Bassetlaw and the surrounding area.

Why not grab a coffee, take ten and catch up on shortened highlights from this week's Bassetlaw Today newsletters and of course, your daily puzzle fix.

Covering all things Bassetlaw the full articles can be accessed in our daily newsletters 100% FREE on https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/ .

Todays thought for the day ... ""Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions." — Dalai Lama

You will also see that throughout June we are running a fabulous competition to win tickets to 'Beyond Van Gogh' or 'Beyond Monet' for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. This competition can only be won by one of our amazing newsletter subscribers.

I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great weekend wherever you are.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures from around Bassetlaw, we may feature it on our newsletter.

A Worksop shoplifter who brazenly stole from a number of shops has been put behind bars.

Three shops across Worksop were targeted by Joe Stanfield during his theft spree from 11 April to 28 April.

On three separate occasions, Stanfield stole items including shorts from Cockney Rebel Fashions in Bridge Place, and a pressure washer from Wickes, Babbage Way.

Police officers identified the 39-year-old from CCTV captured at each of the premises he targeted.The prolific shoplifter was then detained by Worksop officers after he was spotted in Bridge Street on 21 May.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday (22 May), Stanfield, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three counts of shop theft.

Stanfield, the subject of a suspended sentence order from previous shoplifting offences, was jailed for a total of 28 weeks.

Retford man breaks Guinness World Record at the London Marathon in April, 2026

George Carley is now officially recorded by the Guinness World Records as:

'The fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (male) is 2 hr 46 min 48 sec and was achieved by George Carley (UK) at the TCS London Marathon in London, UK, on 26 April 2026.'

He crossed the finish line in two hours and 46 minutes. The previous record was 3 hours and 1 minute.

George ran the marathon in aid of the YMCA.

Welbeck Farm Shop crowned Regional 'Champion' in the Countryside Alliance Awards

The Welbeck Farm Shop has been crowned Regional Champion in the Countryside Alliance Awards in the Local Food/Drink category.

As a regional winner (for the Midlands), Welbeck Farm Shop, which sits in the heart of a vibrant food community on the Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire, will now advance to the grand final.

Fellow victors from across the UK will compete to be named the National Champion by a judging panel chaired by Countryside Alliance Chief Executive Tim Bonner. The winner will be announced at a Champions Reception taking place at The House of Lords on Wednesday 8 July 2026.

Thousands on chauffeurs

BY: Eddie Bisknell

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Mayor has spent more than £9,300 on “luxury, executive, premium and high-end” chauffeurs in the past year.

Newly provided data from the East Midlands Combined County Authority shows Claire Ward, the region’s mayor, who has a salary of £93,000 and extra allowances, spent £9,328 on chauffeuring services between March 2025 and February 2026.

Previously, the combined authority had defended the use of chauffeurs as being a better use of the Mayor’s time than driving herself to and from visits across the extensive Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire patch – discussing issues such as public transport.

It also said that as a public politician there are safety and confidentiality considerations to be made about the Mayor’s travel while on her duties, with private chauffeuring firms insisting on DBS checks for drivers.

Extreme Wheels Roadshows' Skatepark Jam 2026 is coming to Worksop

FREE 'Skatepark Jam' event at The Canch skatepark, Worksop on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Running between 12:00pm and 4:00pm attendees can expect a range of fun activities, including Music, Free riding, Prizes and giveaways, Competitions & Pro demo riders.

Important information: Open to ages 9+, participants must be competent in skatepark riding to enter, helmets must be worn at all times by all ages in every wheeled sport, no open-toed shoes or crocs, bring your own helmet, BMX, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades.

Lincolnshire: Council's Update on State of roads

By  Jamie Waller

It could take three years for Lincolnshire’s roads to be considered ‘better than average’ – that’s according to the county council.

The state of the highways – particularly smaller ones – has been one of residents’ big complaints with the authority for several years. 

The Reform-led council says that there will be a noticeable improvement over the next 12 months, with more focus on preventing problems to avoid expensive and disruptive repairs down the line.

Nottinghamshire Police seize stolen motorbike from address in Carlton-in-Lindrick

Officers from the Bassetlaw North Beat Team on May 28, 2026 seized a stolen motorbike from an address on Canterbury Walk, Carlton-in-Lindrick.

The bike was confirmed as stolen from Sheffield in April 2026 and has now been recovered.

In a Neighbourhood Policing update the Beat Team also advised that they are aware of ongoing reports of nuisance motorbikes in the area. They reassured residents that officers will continue to take proactive action, including patrols and targeted operations, to identify, locate, and seize vehicles being used anti-socially or illegally.

Amazing News as Chinook Flypast Announced for Armed Forces Weekend

Worksop Armed Forces Weekend Event 2026 has announced that the Joint Aviation Command will be coordinating a flypast by an RAF Chinook helicopter at this year’s event on Saturday 27th June between approximately 10:30am and 10:45am.

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an iconic, heavy-lift, tandem-rotor military helicopter used by 20 defense forces worldwide. Primarily utilized for troop transport, artillery emplacement, and disaster relief, it operates from both land and sea into diverse environments.

Retford Man charged with interfering with badger setts

Officers investigating the tampering of active badger setts near Newark have charged two suspects.

Reports came in that a sett had been disturbed in woodland in Rolleston on 30 November 2025. On arrival, officers found seven of the eight entrances were blocked.

Steven Reynolds, 37, and 33-year-old Jacob Whalley have now been charged with four counts of interfering with badger setts.

Reynolds, of Snowfield View, Wirksworth, Derbyshire, and Whalley, of Kennel Drive, Retford, appeared in Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 21 May.

They have since been released on bail and are next due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 26 November.

DVLA warning over driving scams rise

The DVLA has issued a warning to drivers in Bassetlaw about the growing number of driving licence and vehicle scams.

Latest figures show that in 2024, almost 20,000 customers called DVLA’s contact centre to report fraudulent activity.

They say criminals are employing more complex methods to deceive motorists, making vigilance and awareness of the signs of such scams more crucial than ever.

The DVLA took to social media to warn motorists of the potential scams.

They stressed that motorists should only access the DVLA's official information and services via the gov.uk website.

Lucky shopper wins £1,500 in Beaumond House raffle

A spontaneous raffle ticket purchase in support of the local hospice charity resulted in a win for one local shopper

A trip to buy a bottle of wine turned into an unexpected cash prize for Mike, who has been named first prize winner of a charity raffle organised by Beaumond House Hospice Care.

Mike purchased the winning ticket during a visit to Ann et Vin, a local independent wine shop and wine merchants based in Newark. As a keen supporter of local causes, Mike agreed to take part and has now won a £1,500 cash prize.

Beaumond House Hospice Care is a registered charity committed to providing free supportive palliative care to patients and their families living in Newark, Sherwood, Mansfield, Ashfield and Bassetlaw.

New exhibition reimagines litter into art

Discarded litter is being reimagined as art in a new photography exhibition taking place at Bassetlaw Museum.

Frank Tomlinson, an established photographer known for his fine art, commercial work and for a documentary body of work capturing the industrial North of England, has turned his lens towards an issue he could no longer ignore.

He has been collecting litter, photographing it, and transforming fragments into images that demand to be seen.

Frank began this latest work following his shock over the growing amount of litter he was seeing and concerns about its environmental impact, so he decided to transform it into a form of documentation.

The Litter Art photography exhibition runs until Saturday 18th July at Bassetlaw Museum, Grove Street, Retford.

The Museum is open four days a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between 10am and 4:45pm (Closed Mondays and Thursdays except during school holidays). Admission is free.

Blue Plaque Commemorates Poppy sellers’ 42 Years Service

A Blue Plaque commemorating the dedication of a Royal Air Force Veteran and Poppy Appeal collector who spent 42 consecutive years raising funds for the Royal British Legion (RBL) was unveiled today (29th May 2026) in Worksop.

Jim Ruggles served in the Royal Air Force during the 1950s before becoming a Poppy Appeal volunteer, collecting for the RBL outside WH Smiths on Bridge Place.

Jim started volunteering after he saw an advert in the Worksop Guardian and stood on the high street every November, no matter the weather.

Jim sadly passed away last year, however, due to his fundraising helping many veterans in Bassetlaw and across the region, and as he became a recognisable and respected figure around Worksop, his remarkable efforts have been commemorated by a Blue Plaque displayed in the spot where he stood for 42 consecutive years.

Mayor signs off another £1.5m to unlock two Nottinghamshire housing developments including Simpson Park in Bassetlaw

By: Joseph Connolly

Two Nottinghamshire housing developments are to be unlocked courtesy of new funding from the East Midlands Mayor.

Claire Ward has signed off on more than £1.5 million to unlock the developments through her Brownfield Housing Fund (BHF).

Harworth Estates Ltd had applied for the cash to help them build Thoresby Vale in Edwinstowe and Simpson Park in Bassetlaw, in the north of the county.

Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet

Bill Elms at Beyond Van Gogh Credit: Andy Teebay

Win a pair of tickets or a family ticket (5 tickets) for Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

To be in the draw all you need to do is sign up to our 100% Free daily digital newsletter. Current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Full details can be found at: https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/competition-2/ .

Mods of Bassetlaw .... Start Your Engines

The Merlins Scooter Club are a Bassetlaw area scooter club who meet on Wednesday evenings in the lighter months riding to Three Counties Scooter Group meets (North Notts , North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire) where each club hosts an event through the season.

The Merlin’s Scooter Club was formed in 2008 by Gary Hall and Tim Lewis from the ashes of The Manton Merlin’s from the early 80s .

The club runs through their Facebook site which is packed with great pictures and information and everyone is welcome to join. Its not just monthly meets that the club attends either, the club also has a few ride outs at weekends to custom, vintage vehicles shows and 1940s events as well as scooter rallies.

Whether you're an old school MOD, a dedicated two stroke head or just someone with a passing interest in the beauty of a scooter there is guaranteed to be a warm welcome if you decide to go along to any meetup.

All the information you could want, including amazing pictures can be found on The Merlins Scooter Club Facebook Page HERE.

All content kindly provided courtesy of Stuart Lilley and The Merlins Scooter Club.

Applications Now Open for Nottinghamshire Fire Cadets

🚒Are you a young person looking to build confidence, learn new skills, make new friends and gain an insight into the emergency services?

👨‍🚒👩‍🚒Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service is recruiting for it's Fire Cadet Programme, launching in September 2026 at Carlton Fire Station.

📅 Weekly sessions every Wednesday evening

⏰ 2-hour sessions between 6pm–9pm

Successful applicants will begin with a 10-week induction programme, developing teamwork, resilience and discipline before progressing onto a 52-week Fire Cadet programme, where they will receive a uniform and work towards a Level 1 qualification.

📌 Application Timeline

Applications close: 17 June 2026

‘Look at Life’ event: 29 July 2026

Interviews: 5–12 August 2026

Acceptance letters: Mid-August 2026

Programme starts: September 2026

📧 For more information, contact: firecadets@notts-fire.gov.uk

New plans for world-first energy plant site where thousands of jobs could be made

By: Lauren Monaghan

New details have emerged for a world-first energy plant where thousands of jobs will be created.

The £2.5 billion Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Fusion project on the former West Burton A power station – near Retford – is a government-backed scheme that has been in the pipeline for several years.

The new energy plant is hoping to be the first of its kind in the world, with STEP Fusion focusing on a new type of energy replicating that of the sun.

It ultimately aims to make the UK capable of building a consistent fusion energy supply, with first operations targeted for 2040.

Bassetlaw District Council is carrying out consultation on proposed new measures

Bassetlaw District Council is carrying out consultation on proposed new measures which will provide greater control of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in parts of Worksop and Retford.

Under the plans discussed by the Council’s Planning Committee on 20^th May 2026, amendments would be made to the existing Worksop Central Area Article 4 Direction in addition to the creation of a new one covering the Retford Station area, which would mean change of use from a dwelling to a small HMO would require planning permission.

Currently, HMOs that house between six and three people do not require planning permission, and there are few restrictions on how many HMOs can be in a single area.

4Uth award nominations deadline approaching fast

Do you know a young person who deserves to be recognised and celebrated, if so now is the time to nominate them!

Have you been inspired by someone playing an active role in their community?

Has a young person overcome personal challenges? Do you know someone who works hard, despite facing many hurdles?

There are lots of reasons to nominate a young person for their achievements. Find out more and how to nominate at https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/youth-services/4uth-award

Nominations close on Friday 19 June

Sutton thief banned from stores county wide

A well-known thief has been banned from entering multiple shops in Sutton-in-Ashfield and across the county.

Lester Moore, aged 47, has been convicted of dozens of theft offences and has served multiple prison sentences.

Most recently, he was convicted of stealing Easter eggs from Tesco Express in Lakeside.

Officers have now secured a Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from Screwfix, Asda, Heron Foods and Boots in Sutton, and the following stores anywhere in Nottinghamshire: Tesco, Home Bargains, The Range, Boyes, Matalan, Pets at Home, Co-op and Poundland

The order, granted at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 28 May, lasts for a period of five years.

A post-mortem is due be carried out in order to investigate the cause of death after human remains were found in woodland near Mansfield.

Members of the public found the remains in a wooded area next to the A617 Rainworth Bypass around 2.45pm on May 23, 2026.

The work of the archaeologists and anthropologists has now concluded at the scene and the human remains have been recovered from the site.

The cordon will remain in place whilst the post-mortem takes place, but Police anticipate it will be lifted over the coming days.

DNA analysis of the remains will then occur, which will allow Police to formally identify the person. The results of this are not expected until next week at the earliest.

Trio of arrests after quick response to Worksop burglary

Three men were quickly arrested by police responding to reports of a Worksop restaurant burglary.

Officers were called to the address in Carlton Road around 1.40am on Thursday (June 4, 2026).

After a front window was smashed to gain entry, three suspects made off with bags full of cleaning products.

With assistance from Bassetlaw District Council’s CCTV operatives, local officers headed to the surrounding area immediately. By 1.53am, a trio of suspects were located and then detained on Portland Street.

Three men – aged 31, 38 and 39 – were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Following a subsequent search, suspected Class A drugs and the Class B drug mamba were found to be in the 39-year-old's possession.

He was further arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and Class B drugs.

Frasers Group Takes Control of East Midlands Designer Outlet in Major Expansion of UK Retail Portfolio

Retail giant Frasers Group has strengthened its growing presence in the UK retail property market after acquiring East Midlands Designer Outlet from McArthurGlen, marking another significant investment in the East Midlands and further cementing the company's position as a dominant force in the UK's outlet shopping sector.

In a brief statement, McArthurGlen said:

“We wanted to share an update with our community.

“As of 1 June 2026, McArthurGlen’s management of the centre will come to an end.

“We’re proud to have managed East Midlands Designer Outlet for nearly three decades and would like to thank our guests, brand partners and local community for being part of that journey.”

Council backs Biosphere Reserve plans

Bassetlaw District Council has formally backed plans to create a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering the Humberhead Levels in the northern part of Bassetlaw.

It would be the first in the north of England and the first non-coastal location in the UK.

The proposed Biosphere would focus on the Humberhead Levels, which support flood management, biodiversity recovery and carbon storage. It is home to some of the most important natural habitats in the country, including peatlands, which need protecting and improving.

High street police station plans move step closer

Plans for a new Police Station on Worksop’s high street could soon be a reality.

It follows long-running discussions between Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Gary Godden, Nottinghamshire Police and Bassetlaw District Council to secure a front counter service in the heart of the community and enhance the town's visible policing presence.

Bassetlaw District Council’s Cabinet agreed in principle this week to transfer ownership of the town centre property at 73 Bridge Street to the PCC, who is responsible for Nottinghamshire Police's estate.

The decision will now be considered by the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of a confidential report on Tuesday 16 June.

Should the decision be endorsed, Nottinghamshire Police will move from their current base in Queen’s Buildings and have full responsibility for the facilities that are provided at the new station.

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service Launch Fire Cadets

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) is calling on young people from across the county to apply for its upcoming Fire Cadet programme, offering a valuable opportunity to gain new skills, build confidence and experience life within the fire and rescue service.

The programme is set to begin in September 2026 and will be based at Carlton Fire Station, with weekly sessions taking place on Wednesday evenings. Each session will last two hours, starting and finishing between 6pm and 9pm.

Those selected will initially take part in a 10-week induction programme designed to introduce cadets to the fundamentals of the fire and rescue service, while developing teamwork, discipline and resilience. Following this induction, cadets who demonstrate commitment and maintain regular attendance will progress onto a 52-week programme, where they will officially become NFRS Fire Cadets. At this stage, participants will be issued a uniform and begin working towards a Level 1 qualification.

Applications for the Fire Cadet programme are now open. Please note that applications close on Wednesday 17 June 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact firecadets@notts-fire.gov.uk

Fire Service Launches Road Safety Campaign Ahead Of World Cup Tournament

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched a new road safety campaign ahead of the 2026 Men’s World Cup tournament, bringing together multiple partners from across the county to help everyone enjoy the tournament safely.

Running throughout June and July, the campaign promotes ways to stay safe, with a particular focus on road safety and the ‘fatal five’ risks.

The campaign was launched on Monday 1 June at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground with an event for fire service staff and involved partners to get together and promote the campaign.

For more information on road safety, visit: www.notts-fire.gov.uk/community/outdoor-safety/road-safety/.

Can you figure out today's puzzle?

First figure out the nine letter solution and then find as many words as you can in today's panagram that contain the letter M.

Our last panagram was TRUNCHEON. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.

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We want to be open with you about these conversations so you’re aware that a fee may need to be introduced in the future. If that happens, we hope you’ll continue to stand with us and support the publication.

Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.