Friday Edition - Trouble at TG Jones, Great News for the Voluntary Sector, Massive Grow Uncovered & More
Today's edition covering all things Bassetlaw including over £100k for the Voluntary Sector, and of course - your daily puzzle fix.
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 and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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Up to 150 former WH Smith high street stores risk closure as owners race to rescue struggling business
High street chain TG Jones could shut up to 100 shops as its owner races to rescue the struggling business.
Modella Capital, which bought WHSmith’s high street arm last year and rebranded it as TG Jones, is reportedly drawing up a major restructuring plan in a bid to avoid the chain collapsing.
Around 100 of the 480 stores are understood to be at risk, with the remaining 400 branches likely to stay open if landlords agree to rent cuts.
The move comes after a 12‑month ban on closures — agreed when Modella acquired the business from WHSmith in 2025 — expired earlier this year. WHSmith kept its profitable travel division, which runs shops in airports and train stations.
Modella is said to be working with Teneo and law firm Slaughter and May, and is considering using a “cram‑down” mechanism that would allow the restructuring to go ahead with High Court approval even if some creditors object.
Secure Trust Bank, which reportedly lent £50 million to fund the takeover, is expected to be central to negotiations.
The potential closures mark a sharp U‑turn from Modella’s original ambition to grow the chain to more than 500 stores and turn TG Jones into a “hub of the high street”.
Stores believed to be under threat include branches in Swindon, Chippenham, Oxford, Ipswich, Hampshire and North Wales. The Stirling shop is already set to close in July after a failed lease renewal. No information is available at present regarding the future of the Retford's branch.
The retailer has struggled since the rebrand, with some sites that temporarily kept the WHSmith name said to be performing better than those trading as TG Jones.
The chain generated more than £400m in annual sales and £41.2m EBITDA in WHSmith’s 2024 financial year, but rising costs, weaker consumer spending and shifting shopping habits have hit mid‑market retailers hard.
Modella has also been trimming other parts of its retail portfolio, blaming tough trading conditions and higher operating costs for recent closures.
Council supports Voluntary and Community Sector to the tune of £109,000
Grant funding of over £109k to support the Voluntary and Community Sector for the next two years has been approved by cabinet members at Bassetlaw District Council.
At a meeting on 29th April 2026, councillors agreed to the proposed funding giving partners certainty on the amount they will receive, with a proposed budget allocation for 2028/29.
It means the council’s Voluntary and Community Sector partners will be able to continue supporting residents, volunteers and voluntary organisations providing opportunities, advice, assistance and crisis support.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “These organisations have provided a lifeline for many people in Bassetlaw over the years, including during the cost‑of‑living crisis, and they remain at the heart of strong, resilient communities.
“As well as providing greater certainty for our partners, this funding will enable them to continue supporting residents across the district with vital services such as debt and money advice, volunteering opportunities, befriending, food parcels and community transport.”
The community groups and charities to receive funding include:
- BCVS (Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service) £20k.
- Bassetlaw Action Centre £15k
- Citizens Advice North Notts (Formerly Bassetlaw CAB) £40k
- Bassetlaw Foodbank £27,500
While the council is committed to this two-year funding, with Local Government Re-organisation underway and a proposed vesting day of 1st April 2028 for the new Unitary Authorities, any new authority will have the power to vary allocated budgets.
The cabinet's decision will be subject to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee for full endorsement.
The Amazing Team at Bassetlaw Hospice invite you to Lunch
Bassetlaw Hospice's next event is their Ladies Lunch on Thursday 21st May.
The lunch is being held at Ye Olde Bell at Barnby Moor.
Tickets are £30 and include a 2-course lunch (a choice of menu is available) , and the after-lunch speaker is Carolyn Radford who is CEO of Mansfield Town Football Club.
The event starts @ 11.30 with lunch @ 1.pm. For more information and tickets please email debbie@bassetlawhospice.org
Fostering banners appear across the county
Fostering banners are appearing across the county as we head into Foster Care Fortnight, celebrating the amazing difference foster carers make — and encouraging others to consider opening their homes to local children.
For some carers, a simple banner was the moment that changed everything. Paula, now fostering for over 12 years, said seeing the words “Could you foster?” on her drive home was the sign she needed to take the first step.
Nottinghamshire County Council, working with Foster for East Midlands Councils, is calling for more people to come forward so children can stay close to their schools, friends and communities.
Cllr Rory Green said:“Foster carers play a massive role in the lives of vulnerable children. If you’ve seen our banners or adverts, please act on that curiosity. If you have space in your heart and your home, get in touch.”
Interested in fostering?It takes just one minute to register your interest.
Call 03033 132950 or contact Foster for East Midlands Councils.
Every child deserves a safe, loving home — could you be the one to offer it?
Our three interesting facts for today ....
When Brian May goes on tour his guitar has it's own bodyguard
During the second World War, fish and chip shop managers were exempt from military service
Breathing the air in New Delhi is equivalent to smoking 45 cigarettes a day
Memorial Garden in Worksop is home to a special new bench
The Memorial Gardens in Worksop is home to a new bench that is helping to combat mental health issues and prevent suicides.
The ‘Legend on the Bench’ campaign produce seats that feature a QR code that links directly to crisis support services and features an integrated light that acts as a ‘beacon of hope’ in the darkest hours.
It’s been installed by local charity, Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) and one of its campaigners, Vicky Waring, spoke about how important the bench is for people in Bassetlaw. She said: “Having the first Legend on the Bench installed here in the Memorial Gardens is something I’m incredibly proud of.
“This bench isn’t just somewhere to sit, it’s a reminder that help, hope and support are always close by. With the QR code linking directly to contact information and local support groups, anyone who may be struggling can reach out in just a few seconds. If this bench starts just one conversation or helps one person feel less alone, then it has done exactly what we hoped it would."
Across the UK and Ireland, over 100 Legend on the Bench’s have been installed in local parks, creating a safe environment where people can get vital contact information for themselves or someone they care about.
Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, Cllr Julie Leigh said: "The installation of the first Legend on the Bench in Bassetlaw is a powerful reminder that our community stands together when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention. This bench offers a place to pause, reflect and reach out.
“Small steps like this can make a big difference, and we are committed to creating spaces that encourage conversation, compassion and connection. I am proud that Bassetlaw is taking a proactive approach to supporting the wellbeing of our residents."
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods added: “This bench is a simple but meaningful addition to the park, offering a visible reminder that support is available and that no one has to face difficult moments alone. It’s an example of how thoughtful use of our public spaces can help promote wellbeing, compassion and connection within the community.”
Plans are already in place to have a bench installed in Kings’ Park, Retford and Vicky has set up a JustGiving page to raise funds. Anyone wishing to contribute can find out more at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/vicky-waring-4.
To find out more about local mental health support, including Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS), visit: https://uksobs.com
To find out more about Legend-on-the-Bench visit: https://www.legend-on-the-bench.co.uk
Police appeal for Information – Stolen Ford Transit Recovered
Neighbourhood officers have recovered a stolen Ford Transit in Carlton in Lindrick after it was taken earlier the same day from the Dinnington area.
The police are asking anyone who saw the vehicle in Carlton in Lindrick on 6 May, or who has CCTV, doorbell, or dash‑cam footage, to get in touch.
Call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Vehicle crime remains a priority for us as we continue working to keep Bassetlaw communities safe.
Thousands of Evri drivers to be balloted over pay
GMB Union have issued a statement recommending that thousands of Evri drivers reject the deal in a ballot over pay.
More than 6,000 couriers will vote on the offer– which dates back to 2025 – which could represent a pay cut for many workers.
GMB Union, which has had a recognition deal with Evri since 2019, is recommending drivers reject the deal for the first time.
The ballot opened on May 6 and closes on June 9.
If the offer is rejected, GMB will meet with couriers to discuss next steps.
Nicola Savage, GMB National Officer said:
“Evri couriers do an unbelievable job, delivering millions of packages across the UK with incredible speed - often facing abuse and even attacks while doing it
“It’s only right they get a pay rise that values the work they do.
“Not only is this pay offer a year late, but in our view it falls short of what couriers deserve.
“That’s why GMB has recommended reject – but ultimately the couriers themselves will decide in this ballot.”
Suspects charged after police uncover multi-million pound cannabis grow
Six men have been charged after police uncovered and dismantled a massive multi-million pound cannabis-growing operation.
Just over 4,800 plants, all at varying stages of maturity, were found inside a disused industrial unit in Botany Avenue, Mansfield.
Neighbourhood, response, and tactical support group officers attended the address on Sunday (3 May 2026).
A dog officer and police drone were also used as part of the operation, including checking for any movement or entry points.
A thorough search was carried out after officers gained entry to the unit, leading to the arrests of six suspects.
They have all since been charged with possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, being concerned in the production of a Class B drug, and acquire/use/possess criminal property.
Those charged are: Lanti Avapi, aged 45, Eldis Beneri, aged 34, Robert Ruko, aged 47, Artu Ruqu, aged 44, and Elton Salihasi, aged 41, all of no fixed address, and Ardit Gjonaj, aged 37, of Crocketts Lane, Smethwick, Sandwell, West Midlands.
They appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (5 May 2026) and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Nottingham Crown Court on 2 June.
Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We had reason to believe this site was being used for illegal purposes and our suspicions were soon confirmed when we gained entry and discovered an extremely large industrial-sized cannabis farm.
“Targeting drug-related criminality and taking harmful substances off our streets is one of our key policing priorities so I’m pleased we were able to recover such a large amount of illegal drugs, preventing them from hitting the streets, and bring these six suspects before the court.”
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 F.
Our last panagram was CABRIOLET. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.
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Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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