Fatality on A631, Puppet Takeover, King George V & More
Good morning readers, its Wednesday already and what a newsletter we have for you today - time to grab a cuppa and dig out the chocolate hobnobs.
Our packed Wednesday newsletter includes a short look back at Worksop Charter Day in 1931 with our new short history section - 'Bassetlaw Yesterday'. If you like it, let us know and we'll introduce a weekly history newsletter.
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 - if you've subscribed you're in the hat.
Todays thought for the day ... “You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness.” - Diane von Furstenberg
Enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.
Justin Doddy, Editor
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send our newsletter to anyone that you think may be interested in 100% FREE local news without an advert to be seen.
Man dies in crash on A631 near Beckingham
Nottinghamshire Police have issued a statement advising that a man has died in a car crash near the village of Beckingham.
Officers were called to the A631, near to the roundabout junction with the A161, at 7pm on Saturday 13 June following reports of a head-on crash involving a Skoda and BMW.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, a 25-year-old man who was driving the Skoda, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Both passengers of the BMW were taken to hospital with minor injuries and road closures that were in place have since lifted.
Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of what happened, and officers are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Charlotte Henson, of Nottinghamshire Police's Serious Collision and Investigation Unit, said:
"Our thoughts are with this man's family and friends as we continue to investigate the circumstances of this crash.
"As part of our inquiries we are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to please come forward.
"We'd like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage or who saw the vehicles involved in the moments before the crash."
Anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 593 of 13 June 2026.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Unveils New High-Tech Command Support Unit
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has officially introduced a brand-new state-of-the-art Command Support Unit (CSU), enhancing its ability to respond to major emergencies and keep communities across Nottinghamshire safe.
Based at Ashfield Fire Station, the specialist vehicle will serve as a central hub for command, communication and coordination during large-scale incidents, including significant fires, flooding, and other major emergencies.
Equipped with the latest technology and resilient communication systems, the CSU will help firefighters and incident commanders operate effectively in even the most challenging situations, improving both emergency response capabilities and firefighter safety.
The new unit is part of NFRS's ongoing investment in modern equipment and specialist vehicles, ensuring crews have access to the very best resources when protecting the public. Before entering service, the CSU underwent extensive testing and training to meet the highest operational standards.
Area Manager Matt Reavill described the launch as a "significant milestone" for the Service, while Assistant Chief Officer Damien West highlighted the investment as part of NFRS's long-term commitment to modernising its fleet and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
A fantastic step forward for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service as they continue to invest in the safety of both their crews and the communities they serve.
Officers investigating a road traffic collision that left a woman in hospital and are appealing for additional witnesses after some new information came to light
The victim, a woman in her thirties, was driving along the Straight Mile near HMP Ranby when she was involved in a collision with another car.
The collision happened shortly before 5.30pm on Monday 8 December 2025 and resulted in a significant head injury to the victim.
A suspect was initially arrested at the scene but was de-arrested a short time later.
After significant new evidence came to light, Police are now issuing a public appeal for any additional witnesses to come forward.
PC Anthony Brice, who has recently taken over the investigation, said:
"This incident happened early in the evening and would likely have been seen by more people than have already spoken to the police.
"We are working to identify the driver of a black Ford Mondeo that was involved in this collision.
"We believe that person left the scene of the crash in the immediate aftermath of the collision and have been working to track them down.
"After some significant new evidence, we are now issuing a public appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who saw this vehicle in the moments before the incident.
"We know that in cases like this, witnesses sometimes assume that others will have come forward already and that the information they have is not relevant.
"In this case it absolutely is relevant and may make all the difference to this investigation."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 26000198797.
Our three interesting facts for today ....
The world's largest asbestos mine is in Asbest, Russia
'Scurryfunge' is to tidy up quickly before visitors arrive
The world's largest paper plane has a 60-foot wingspan
Bassetlaw residents warned over rise in courier fraud
Elderly and vulnerable people across Bassetlaw are being warned to remained vigilant following a rise in courier fraud.
Courier fraud typically begins with an unexpected phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank employee. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information.
A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost. It generally targets the elderly and vulnerable people, but it can happen to anyone.
A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "Keep an eye out and share the advice with any elderly relatives. The police or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account and they will also never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery.
"If you're ever unsure - stop, challenge, protect."
Report courier fraud online to Report Fraud through their website https://orlo.uk/XLnb6 or call them on 0300 123 2040.
Tell the police what has happened on 101.
Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet
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/ .
Bassetlaw Yesterday brings Bassetlaw’s past back to life — one memory, one photo, one forgotten tale at a time
If you love nostalgia, local history, and celebrating the district we call home, this one’s for you.
Worksop was granted Royal Charter by King George V on 26th August 1931. The granting of the Royal Charter transformed Worksop from a small market town into an independent Municipal Borough, giving it increased local governance powers after years of campaigning.
Local MP Malcolm Macdonald famously brought the charter from London and the celebration was a major event for the town.
There were crowds of thousands in the town with an estimated 7,500 local children receiving special commemorative wooden beakers and a "Charter tea".
Worksop held borough status until the local government reorganizations of 1974, which led to the creation of the Worksop Charter Trustees. Today, this civic body, which consists of the 18 Bassetlaw District Councillors representing Worksop, ensures the heritage and traditions of the borough live on, including the protection of the town's original civic regalia.
Further information can be found at:
Worksop Charter Trustees: https://www.worksopchartertrustees.co.uk/
Bassetlaw Museum: https://bassetlawmuseum.org.uk/
📊📈 East Midlands Businesses Facing Growing Economic Pressures, New Survey Reveals
According to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from East Midlands Chamber, delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester, businesses across the region are facing increasing challenges, with confidence in profitability and growth continuing to decline.
The survey found significant falls in both UK and overseas sales and orders during the second quarter of 2026, with overseas orders experiencing the sharpest decline. At the same time, nearly half of businesses now expect to increase prices over the next three months as rising costs continue to bite. 💷📉
Key findings include:
🔹 UK sales and orders both down 7% compared to the previous quarter
🔹 Overseas orders down 19% and overseas sales down 4%
🔹 Nearly half of businesses expect to raise prices
🔹 Three-quarters of firms continue to operate below full capacity
🔹 Investment in machinery and staff training has been scaled back by many businesses
🔹 Six in ten businesses still report difficulties recruiting suitable staff
🔹 Confidence in future profitability and turnover has fallen sharply
The survey also highlights the biggest concerns facing East Midlands businesses, with inflation, corporate taxation and business rates now ranking as the top three issues affecting firms.
Richard Blackmore, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber, said businesses are facing a "perfect storm" of challenges, including rising business rates, higher employment costs, soaring energy prices and ongoing global uncertainty. He warned that many firms are responding by cutting investment and delaying growth plans while confidence remains fragile.
The Chamber is calling on policymakers to take action on key issues including energy costs, business rates reform and skills investment to help support businesses and stimulate growth across the region.
📌 These findings come from East Midlands Chamber's Quarterly Economic Survey, the largest business survey of its kind in the region, which helps inform local, regional and national policy discussions.
Source: East Midlands Chamber Quarterly Economic Survey Q2 2026, delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester.
Nottingham will be getting overrun by puppets (and you’ll want to be there)
BY: David Bratton
This summer, Nottingham’s city centre is set to come alive as the Nottingham Puppet Festival takes over on Saturday, June 27 (10.30am–4.30pm), transforming familiar streets into a buzzing trail of free performances, interactive workshops and larger-than-life characters.
Expect a whistle-stop trail of activity weaving through Albert Street and Listergate, with pop-up shows, interactive workshops and larger-than-life walkabout acts popping up at every turn. It’s all completely free, and cleverly designed so you can dip in and out as you wander.
The festival’s City Centre Day—put together by City Arts and the Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall with backing from It’s in Nottingham—is all about bringing world-class puppetry out of the theatre and onto the streets. Think big characters, bold visuals and storytelling that works for toddlers, teens and grown-ups alike.
And the lineup? Proper show-stopping stuff. Keep your eyes peeled for a giant Mountain Hare bounding down Listergate, while Old Market Square becomes home to towering Worker and Queen Bees (yes, four metres tall) alongside the brilliantly bonkers Wild Beasts of Silly. Look up and you might even spot Kantaben the Roller Bird gliding above the crowds.
Over at the Library Plaza, things get a little more magical. Here you’ll meet Daniel—an eight-foot figure crafted from willow and recycled plastic bottles—as part of the poetic Walk of the Dandelion. Families can roll up their sleeves at a free drop-in workshop, making woolly dandelions and sharing feel-good messages to add to the installation.
There’s plenty for younger audiences too, from the gentle storytelling of Penny and the Far Thing—performed on an actual penny-farthing bike—to HandMade Theatre’s Puppet Petting Farm, packed with charming creatures built from recycled materials.
If you’re keen to go deeper, Nottingham Central Library hosts a puppetry exhibition, while Nottingham Playhouse joins in with its own open weekend display. There are also ticketed shows for those wanting the full theatre experience, including Summer in Bloom (Playhouse) and Robin Hood and His Animal Friends at the Theatre Royal.
In short: it’s a full day of colour, creativity and slightly surreal street theatre that transforms familiar city spots into something a bit more magical. Download the It’s in Nottingham app if you want to plot pit stops between shows—or just follow the crowds (and the giant puppets).
Head to nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk for the full lineup and timings.
Content courtesy of our partners at https://stuckinthemiddle.co.uk/
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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.
Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
