Aspiring Athlete, Ice Cream Van Man Update, Nottinghamshire Day & More

Good morning readers and a happy Thursday to you all. Why not grab a brew and a digetsive, sit back for five minutes peace and enjoy today's newsletter.

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Today's Quote of the Day -"Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back." — Oscar Wilde

Enjoy the read and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.

Justin Doddy, Editor

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SUPPORT A RISING BASSETLAW STAR

West Stockwith’s Stanley Cropper has achieved an incredible milestone after being selected for the England Gymnastics Squad

Stan, who trained at Retford Gymnastics Club from the age of 7 after being inspired by Olympic champion Max Whitlock, recently finished 5th on pommel horse at the British Gymnastics Championships and will now represent England on the international stage.

The 21-year-old, who has also graduated from Newcastle University with a first-class degree in Sport Science, trains for an astonishing 24 hours a week while pursuing his gymnastics career.

With two international competitions coming up this autumn and major events including the English Championships and British Championships ahead in 2027, Stan has an exciting future in the sport.

However, like many talented athletes, Stan is entirely self-funded. Training, equipment, competition fees and international travel all come at a significant cost, with each overseas event expected to cost more than £1,000.

Local businesses and supporters have an opportunity to help this talented young athlete achieve his dreams. Sponsors can receive promotion through Stan’s competition kit and social media platforms while playing a vital role in supporting a home-grown sporting talent.

Get behind one of Bassetlaw's brightest sporting prospects and help him continue his journey from West Stockwith to the international gymnastics stage.

Van Man Ban: Outrage after ice cream trader’s days halved by council after 40 years

By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS

An ice cream man who has parked his van in the same location for 40 years could be forced to cut his trading days in half.

Russ Cairns – known as Russ the Iceman – has been a fixture in Retford town square, in north Nottinghamshire, since the 1980s.

But after routine checks, Bassetlaw District Council realised that he is not permitted to trade in the spot on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays under his current licence – despite him having done so for years.

The vendor will now have to apply for a different licence to carry on as he was, or face being able to trade only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the local market is on.

Many who live in Retford expressed their shock at the ruling, including Bassetlaw District Council’s Labour East Retford West councillor Harriet Digby.

She said:

“This gentleman has been serving ice cream longer than I’ve been alive. It’s being reported that this relates to some really archaic bye-laws, like the King’s Charter, and when market days are.

“I’m really concerned about what’s happened here. To me, it sounds like something has gone wrong.”

While Bassetlaw District Council’s markets team has always managed Retford’s historic market, it was only in January that the council’s licensing team took over the booking and payment process for market stalls.

The council then found that, while trading within the rules at the market on the days it operates, Mr Cairns only has a Mobile Street Trading Consent licence for the rest of the week.

While the most common licence for ice cream van operators, and allowing him to park up and sell anywhere across the Bassetlaw district on any day, it only permits him to stay in the same place for 20 minutes at a time.

When asked, the council did not specify how long Mr Cairns had been trading with an incorrect licence.

But a spokesperson did confirm that the van will continue trading as usual while the matter is “resolved” and said they had presented Mr Cairns with two options.

They are that he either applies for a non-mobile Street Trading Consent – which would allow him to trade from a fixed position seven days per week – or that he trades from an area with a Premises Pitch consent – a licence recently introduced in 2026.

Bassetlaw District Council’s website explains that this licence allows a business trading from a fixed structure — such as a pub or venue — to host different mobile traders, such as ice cream vans, on a designated pitch within the boundaries of their premises.

The ice cream van controversy is not the first time that Bassetlaw District Council’s street trading policy has come under scrutiny in recent months.

In May, the council introduced a £1,000 annual fee for local entrepreneurs after a rise in the popularity of a trend of bakers and enthusiasts selling cakes from sheds and shelves at the front of their properties.

The charge was met with a huge backlash, resulting in the council pausing enforcement against the sheds while it reviewed the policy.

It remains under review.

A spokesperson for Bassetlaw District Council said:

“We understand the strength of feeling Retford residents have on this issue [regarding the ice cream van] and recognise the importance of small businesses locally.

“The council would like to provide reassurance that we are working proactively to support Mr Cairns within the framework of licensing at Bassetlaw District Council, which will allow him to continue to trade from his current location while this matter is being resolved.

“Last week, the council’s licensing team advised Mr Cairns of the conditions attached to both of the licenses he currently holds, which permit him to trade in Retford. As part of this conversation, the council did not instruct Mr Cairns to stop trading from his usual position and has not banned Mr Cairns from trading.”

County gears up for Nottinghamshire Day celebrations

Sherwood Forest is set to host a free weekend of family-friendly activities ahead of the annual Nottinghamshire Day on 25 August.

Nottinghamshire Day commemorates the raising of King Charles I’s standard at Nottingham Castle in 1642, an event that signalled the start of the English Civil War. Now in its sixth year, the day is an opportunity to celebrate the county’s unique identity, rich heritage and proud traditions, while showcasing the people, places and attractions that make Nottinghamshire such a special place to live, work and visit.

To mark the occasion, Sherwood Forest will host a fun-filled weekend of activities on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, offering visitors the chance to come together and celebrate the very best of Nottinghamshire. The event, which is themed 'Rebels, Regents and Rulers' is free to enter, with car parking charges £7 per vehicle, per day.

Alongside an interactive trail through the forest, and specific paid-for activities like archery and axe throwing, visitors can enjoy a range of live historical re-enactments, combat displays and storytelling experiences featuring characters including King Edward I and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The highlight of the weekend will be a tournament-style combat show from 3.30pm each day, that will bring history to life with Robin Hood and historical characters in an action-packed show to suit all ages.

Rob Brackley, from the Sherwood Outlaws, aka Robin Hood said:

“Nottinghamshire Day celebrations will be held across a whole weekend this year as we don’t want anyone to miss out!

"We have a host of activities and performances across both days. Meet historical characters in the amphitheatre and discover how they shaped our great county and played their role in England’s history. And fear not, Robin Hood will be there to keep the Sheriff in line! ”

Councillor Jody Stoll, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health said that Sherwood Forest was the ideal location to host the events. He commented:

“Nottinghamshire Day highlights everything we’re proud of as a county, from our communities and legendary heritage to our popular visitor attractions, including Sherwood Forest of course, plus our sports teams and incredible venues that put our county well and truly on the map.

“It has become a key date in the calendar, and I am delighted that it will give everyone a chance to celebrate everything that makes Nottinghamshire such a fantastic place to call home.”

Hollie Drake, RSBP Sherwood Forest’s Senior Site Manager, added

“Sherwood Forest provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating Nottinghamshire’s rich heritage and culture as Nottinghamshire Day approaches.

“The event offers thousands of local visitors and beyond the opportunity to immerse themselves in the county’s most famous legends, including the enduring tale of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

"Through a programme of storytelling, play and discovery, the activities will showcase the unique history, traditions and characters that make Nottinghamshire such a special place to visit and explore”

Residents are also being encouraged to play their part in helping make #NottsDay trend again on social media ahead of Tuesday 25 August and on the day itself.

More information, assets, images about Nottinghamshire Day, and the celebration weekend event are available on the dedicated webpage. https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/get-involved/nottinghamshire-day/nottinghamshire-day-events

PARTY IN THE PARK FOR WINNIE THE POOH'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

It's 100 years since the first Winnie the Pooh story was published so Misterton Parish Council celebrated with a free family event on 1 August. There was entertainment for children with Martin the Joker, teaching balloon modelling and circus skills.

Library volunteers read Winnie the Pooh stories to children in our own 100 Aker Wood (the community garden at the bottom of the old school field).

Timeless played two sets of (timeless) songs supported by a DJ. There were food and drink stalls and the afternoon ended with the presentation of certificates and prizes to Joy Johnson and Fearne Dover for their efforts on behalf of the community over the last year.

The raffle raised £154, which will be used to continue maintenance of the community garden.

Thanks to all who supported the event - and to the Parish Council's Events Working Group that put the afternoon's entertainment together.

Pictured are Martin the Joker, and Cllr Hazel Brand presented the Village Champions with their certificates and prizes.

Winners were Joy Johnson (left), who has raised £000s for Cancer Research over the years. Fearne Dover (right) was commended for supporting young dancers at the Everett Fox School of Dance.

CONGRATS TO FUND-RAISERS

Congratulations to Chris and Phil Clay and all the team at White House Farm, Misterton, for the donation they have given to Five Villages First Responders (Misterton).

Over £9000 was raised at their recent Party on the Field – the proceeds of the charity event has been split between five good causes. Five Villages First Responders received £1822. So thanks to Chris, Phil, and everyone involved in the event, including the bands and artists who performed, all those who worked so hard to make the event happen, and all those who attended, supported, and donated to the good causes.

Such donations help Five Villages First Responders continue the voluntary work that it does in the local community, including providing equipment to Community First Responders and supporting public access defibrillator sites.

FIVE LOCALS SHORTLISTED FOR BUSINESS AWARDS

Five Misterton businesses have been shortlisted in the North Notts Business Awards: A Bland Butchers has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Independent Retailer – Public Vote Finalist, and Best New Business – Judges' Finalist. To be recognised after just one year in business is something Alex Bland is proud of. Alex is also one of Misterton's hard-working parish councillors.

Others shortlisted are The Chalet Eatery – Best Hospitality category, Viking Trees & Gardens – Best Trades Business, Design by Anna – Best Customer Service, and Kazzia Fox Social Media Marketing - Best New Business Award. They all proudly represent the village and the area, so fingers crossed they are successful on the awards night, 18 September, when winners are announced. The organisers say that this year they have had more entries than ever before so making it to the finals is a significant achievement for them all.

NEW SERVICE HELPS WITH PAPERWORK

Bassetlaw Action Centre (BAC) has launched a new service to support people who need help completing essential forms and applications.

The Paperwork Partners service, providing professional one-to-one support, has been developed in response to a growing demand for practical assistance with paperwork, including benefits applications, housing forms, medical paperwork, Blue Badge applications, and other important documents. Many people find official forms confusing, time-consuming, or overwhelming, which can lead to delays, rejected applications, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.

The Paperwork Partners service aims to remove these barriers by offering dedicated support to help individuals complete and submit paperwork accurately and efficiently, enabling them to access services and support more quickly.

The service began on 1 August, with appointments available by phone and pre-booked sessions. All clients will receive a no-obligation quote before any work is undertaken.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact: Victoria Mangnall, BAC, on 01777 709650. Help with applications and other paperwork is also available at The Misterton Centre during opening hours.

WEST STOCKWITH NEWS

BEAT SURGERY

Notts Police's Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in the area for a Beat Surgery on Tuesday 1 September at The Misterton Centre & Library at 6.00pm. Officers will be present at the event - so get along there and have your say! PC 1868 Sam Wood invites residents to take this opportunity to come and meet officers, to raise any concerns, and to find out what Notts Police is doing to tackle the issues that matter.

Thanks so much for reading our local newsletter and for supporting us. We’re committed to providing Bassetlaw with the quality local news service it deserves, but sustaining this work may come with some challenges. Our team is currently discussing how to make Bassetlaw Today financially viable in the long term, and one option we’re considering is introducing a subscription model to help cover our costs.

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.

Justin Doddy, Editor