Dear readers, the weekend is in sight! Today's edition covering all things Bassetlaw and of course - your daily puzzle fix.

Todays thought for the day ... “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffett

Enjoy the read 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 us your pictures and stories from around Bassetlaw, we may feature them in our newsletter.

Recognise an inspirational young person in Nottinghamshire ?

Nominations are now open for Nottinghamshire County Council’s annual 4Uth Award.

Now in their fifteenth year, the 4Uth Award recognises the exceptional achievements of young people from across Nottinghamshire, from all seven districts.

Nottinghamshire County Council is encouraging nominations from anyone, including friends, family, schools, youth groups and voluntary organisations, who may know a young person aged 11 to 19 (or up to 25 for young people with a disability) who deserves the award.

Previous winners have overcome major challenges in their lives, including trauma, bereavement, illness, and more. Some have raised money for charity, been a pillar in their local community, cared for siblings or other family members, and gone above and beyond for those around them.

Councillor Rory Green, the council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said:

“This award is a phenomenal way to celebrate the achievements of young people across Nottinghamshire. It offers a platform for young people to rightfully feel seen and be proud of their personal achievements.

“The young people in this county prove to be resilient, inspiring, caring, and so much more. Many of them have overcome barriers that we as adults can’t even imagine. We want to celebrate them and give them the recognition they deserve. I recall fondly from last year the difficulty of deciding the winner! They were all worthy winners, and I am sure there are many more this time around.

“If you know someone that has done something extraordinary, please do nominate them. Complete the form and submit your nomination so that they can be in the chance of winning.”

Nominations close on Friday 19 June. A panel of judges will assess all nominations and select district winners, ahead of the overall winner being announced at a prestigious ceremony later in the year.

Full details of eligibility and how to nominate can be found on the council's website.

Harworth Brass Welcomes the Next Generation

Great news for local music lovers — Harworth Brass is expanding after receiving a £500 Councillor Community Grant to relaunch its junior section.

The funding will help the band buy new music stands, beginner‑friendly sheet music and learning materials, all aimed at encouraging young players to get involved and discover the joy of brass music.

Colley, the band’s Treasurer, thanked Cllr Lynne Schuller and Cllr Joe Horrocks for their support, saying the grant will make a real difference as the group grows and brings new members into the community.

Harworth Brass currently has 28 senior members and performs around 8–10 times a year, with players travelling from Harworth & Bircotes, Retford and Blyth.

Cllrs Schuller and Horrocks said they’re delighted to support a group that brings people together and keeps Harworth’s brass music tradition thriving.

Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7.15pm–9.15pm

Harworth & Bircotes Town HallPictured: Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cllr Joe Horrocks, Ward Members for Harworth and Bircotes, with members of Harworth Brass.

University of Nottingham proposes restructure affecting nearly 2,700 staff

The University of Nottingham has confirmed plans for a major cost‑cutting restructure that could affect nearly 2,700 staff, with proposals to reduce the workforce by around 609 full‑time equivalent roles over the next three years.

The university says the changes are necessary due to significant financial pressures across the higher‑education sector, adding that it will offer enhanced voluntary redundancy first to try to avoid compulsory job losses.

Unions, including the UCU, have strongly criticised the plans, warning of risks to teaching quality, research, and student support.

Strike action is expected later this month.

The university says it will support staff through the process but insists that “doing nothing is not an option” if it is to remain sustainable for the future.

Service Issues Safety Guidance For Places Of Worship

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has published updated safety and security guidance to support places of worship in keeping their communities safe and well prepared.

The refreshed guidance brings together practical advice on emergency planning, working with emergency services, and strengthening day‑to‑day safety arrangements, while maintaining the open and welcoming environments that are central to worship.

Faith settings play a vital role in communities across Nottinghamshire, often welcoming large numbers of people and hosting a variety of activities. The service is encouraging those responsible for these buildings to review their existing plans and ensure they are clear, up to date and understood by staff and volunteers.

The publication of this guidance follows the recent change in the UK national terrorism threat level to SEVERE, which indicates that an attack is considered highly likely. However, this change is precautionary in nature, and there is no intelligence to suggest an incident is imminent.

The service is emphasising that places of worship should continue to operate as normal, while taking proportionate steps to ensure they are prepared for a range of potential incidents.

The guidance highlights the importance of having clear and accessible emergency plans covering fire safety, medical incidents and wider risks. It also encourages regular training for staff and volunteers, helping to ensure that those responsible for responding to an incident feel confident in their roles.

The service is also encouraging stronger engagement with local emergency services. Early collaboration with police, fire and ambulance services can help ensure that emergency plans are suitable, understood and effective, should they ever need to be used.

While the national threat level provides important context for security planning, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding communities that there is no need for alarm. Remaining aware, having clear procedures in place, and knowing how to report concerns are key aspects of keeping people safe.

The service will continue to support places of worship across Nottinghamshire by offering advice, guidance and engagement opportunities to help them strengthen their safety arrangements.

Further information and detailed guidance from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service can be accessed HERE

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Churchill's last words were "I'm bored with it all"

Prisoners in Brazil can have their sentences reduced by knitting

At the time of the French Revolution, only half the population of France spoke French and only one in eight could speak it well

Discover the Fusion Energy Trail in Retford!

The Fusion Energy Trail is back in Bassetlaw from 16–31 May, bringing a fun, free family activity to Retford town centre — with the chance to win some brilliant prizes!

Explore local shops to find 10 unique fusion‑themed characters, created by Tuxford artist Robert Bealby. Each character has its own “fusion superpower”, and once you’ve collected them all, you can enter a free prize draw to win goodies like a Stunt Scooter, a build‑your‑own robot dog, or even a six‑month BPL fitness membership.

The trail was a huge hit in Worksop last year, with favourites like Tokamak the Powerful and Electrica Electric Power — and now it’s Retford’s turn.The event launches at Retford’s Big Market Day on Saturday 16 May.

Pick up your trail sheet from the Discover Retford stall at the market, or from the Hummingbird Collective near the Market Square throughout the event.Delivered by Discover Retford, Bassetlaw District Council, STEP Fusion, and the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board, the trail aims to boost footfall, support local businesses and spark curiosity about the future of fusion energy.

Find out more at discoverretford.co.uk or follow Discover Retford on Facebook and

THE BAWTRY RECORD FAIR – BANK HOLIDAY VINYL HUNT!

Vinyl lovers, collectors, and crate‑diggers are expected to attend in numbers as AA Record Fairs return to the beautiful historic town of Bawtry for their second record fair in partnership with Visit Bawtry.Vinyl lovers can expect::

Quality vinyl sellers

A bright, welcoming venue

A cosy café serving food & drinks while you browse

A great community vibe in the heart of town

AA Record Fairs said "We’re building something special here with regular fairs throughout the year — so come along this Bank Holiday Monday and help make the Bawtry Record Fair a growing success."

So bring your friends, grab a coffee, and discover your next favourite record on 25/5/2026 from 11.00am to 3.00pm at Bawtry Town Hall.

Council appoints new Chair for 2026-27

Cllr Sybil Fielding has been sworn in as the new Chair of Bassetlaw District Council during the Council’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13^th May.

Cllr Fielding succeeds Cllr Tony Eaton in the role and will be assisted this year by Cllr David Naylor as Vice Chair.

Cllr Sybil Fielding, Chair of Bassetlaw District Council said: “It is a tremendous privilege to become chair of Bassetlaw District Council, the Civic role affords real opportunities to promote the excellent work of so many voluntary groups and organisations and to help showcase the outstanding commitment of our young people. They represent our future. 
“The work of our council is always challenging and is particularly so in this era of change. I commend the work of all elected members and our professional staff. I will exercise my duties as Chair with fairness, impartiality in the knowledge we are all working for the benefit of our community.

“I also would like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Tony Eaton for his diligent work as Chair and congratulate him for his civic leadership during the past 12 months.”

Cllr Fielding became a ward councillor for Worksop North West in 2012 and has previously been the Council’s Chair in 2013/14 and currently is the council’s Armed Forces Champion. She has also previously been County Council Chair in 2015/16.

The membership of the Council’s committees and appointments to outside bodies was also confirmed at the AGM.

Mike Ashley tops the East Midlands list, according to this year’s edition of The Sunday Times Rich List

Mike Ashley tops the East Midlands list, according to this year’s edition of The Sunday Times Rich List, published today online at https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list and in a 76-page special edition of The Sunday Times Magazine with the newspaper on Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

The Sports Direct tycoon has purchased two shopping centres and set his sights on Hugo Boss and Sheffield Wednesday FC. Shares in his Frasers Group have risen by more than 10 per cent.  

This year’s list of 350 individuals and families together holds combined wealth of £783.5 billion — a sum larger than the annual GDP of Belgium ($776 billion), Sweden ($760 billion) and Israel ($719 billion). It represents about a quarter of the United Kingdom's total annual GDP. 

Sir Elton John, Lord Lloyd-Webber, Sir Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, JK Rowling, Charlotte Tilbury and Sir Lewis Hamilton all appear in the annual survey. 

The minimum entry level dips to £340 million — another indicator of a subdued year.  

Robert Watts, compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List, said: “This year’s Rich List is a tale of two exoduses. One in six of the individuals and families who appeared on the list two years ago don’t feature this time.   

 “Many foreign billionaires who have been living in the UK have also dropped out because they have moved away. We have also seen a sharp rise in the number of British nationals now resident in Dubai, Switzerland and Monaco. As UK nationals these people remain on our Rich List — wherever they now live.  

“These two exoduses pose challenges for the UK economy and its public finances. Will more of the wealthy now set up or grow their ventures overseas and in doing so create fewer jobs here? How much tax — if any — will Rachel Reeves’s Treasury be able to extract from those affluent Brits who have now left the country? 

“For nearly 40 years the Sunday Times Rich List has analysed the fortunes of Britain’s most affluent people. We believe understanding where wealth lies and where it is being accumulated is a vital part of a functioning democracy.  

“Over the years our research has told us a lot about our country, charting the way a generation of largely self-made entrepreneurs overtook the old money of the landed gentry.  

“This year’s edition shines a light on fortunes made from artificial intelligence, driverless cars and crypto-currencies as well as baby milk, make-up, hoodies and other everyday items. We know many of our readers find those rags-to-riches stories of entrepreneurs who started out with little more than a laptop and an idea particularly inspiring.” 

THE SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST 2026 – THE 10 WEALTHIEST IN THE EAST MIDLANDS 

Rise in wealth ▲ Fall in wealth ▼ No change ■  New entry ★ Re-entry ◆  

THE WEALTHIEST UNDER 40 IN THE EAST MIDLANDS 

For the full 350 richest people in the UK go online at www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list 

Free Family Fun Day in Kings' Park, Retford

On Friday, 29th May 2026 Bassetlaw District Council are hosting a FREE family fun day in celebration of #MoveMoreInMay

Activities will include a climbing wall, axe throwing, face painting, archery, soft play, led walks, challenges, and much, much more!

There is also an exciting entertainment schedule from local dance schools, cheerleaders and fitness instructors.

Why not join the fun at Kings’ Park in Retford between 12:00pm and 3:00pm for a day of free, family-friendly fun.

And don’t forget – the activities you take part in during the day count towards your Move More in May total. You can find out more and submit your moves online at: https://www.letsgetgoing.com/movemoreinmay

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 A.

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

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

Bassetlaw Today

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