'The Weekly Roundup' - All the news from around Bassetlaw over the last week and not an advert to be seen.

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 ... “You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read.” - Cesar Chavez

I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great weekend 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 from around Bassetlaw, we may feature it on our newsletter.

Farmer sentenced for stealing hundreds of sheep during seven-year period

A farmer from Lincolnshire has been sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court [8 May 2026] after being found guilty of committing a long-running series of livestock thefts and animal welfare offences.

Peter Parker, aged 60, of The Clays, Brant Broughton, was found guilty of stealing hundreds of sheep from livestock markets across England. He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison following a joint prosecution between Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards, West Mercia Police and Cumbria Police.

It only takes a small spark to cause a big incident.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have advised that with the warmer, drier weather starting to appear, the risk of fires in rural areas increases — and it only takes a small spark to cause a big incident.

They further advise that whether you’re working the land, out walking, or just enjoying the countryside, a few simple steps can make all the difference:

Cut back dry grass and vegetation near buildings

Check machinery and avoid parking on dry grass

Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles

Know your water supply and how to use it

Act early — fires spread quickly in rural areas

Let’s help keep our countryside and communities free of fire.

Young people celebrate opening of new space

A new dedicated space for young people to get together after school has officially opened in Retford after securing government funding.

The ‘Overflow Lounge’ behind The Well Baptist Church on Hospital Road has been created by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board in partnership with The Well, The Elizabethan Academy and Retford Oaks Academy.

Have a Coffee with the Heroes at the Hospice

Every Thursday morning Bassetlaw Hospice holds a community coffee morning in the Support & Wellbeing Centre at the Hospice and you are invited.

For a small charge there’s always a lovely selection of cakes and tea & coffee available and a very friendly atmosphere.

The coffee morning runs from 10am till 12 noon and is open to everyone.

The Great British Bake‑Off… Taxed?!

Robert Jenrick, MP has weighed in on the Bassetlaw Cake Shed dispute between Bassetlaw District Council and home bakers around Bassetlaw as the dispute hits the national media.

Mr Jenrick expresses his disbelief at Bassetlaw District Council now slapping a £1,007 charge on anyone selling homemade cakes, fresh eggs or other bits from an honesty box at the end of their drive. Yes — over a grand just to offer a few cupcakes or a box of eggs to neighbours.

New All‑Terrain Vehicle to Tackle Rural Crime

A brand‑new all‑terrain vehicle (ATV) will soon be hitting the tracks across Nottinghamshire to help police tackle rural crime and anti‑social behaviour. It’s the first of its kind in the region, built to handle tough landscapes and reach remote areas across Bassetlaw, Rushcliffe, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood.

Funded through the PCC’s Safer4All grants, the ATV will support officers alongside the existing fleet of 4x4s, quad bikes and off‑road bikes.

MKM Buck the Trend

Building and construction suppliers, MKM have delivered another strong set of results for the year ending 30 September 2025, with revenue up 12% to £1.1bn – significantly outperforming the wider market.

One of the MKM's 139 branches is in Retford and have despite continued challenging trading conditions across the construction sector, MKM have grown their market share to 14.8%, well ahead of modest market growth of around 1.2%.

Shoezone is having a tough time right now

The retailer has seen sales drop 12% to £62.9m, with both store and online revenue falling. Losses have more than doubled to £5.3m as weak consumer confidence, rising costs and global instability continue to bite.

Shoezone, with a store at Ryton Street, Worksop has closed more stores than it opened this period and has now downgraded its full‑year outlook, expecting a loss instead of the profit it previously hoped for.

Good news as Bassetlaw District Council issue update on Cake Sheds & Cupboards in Bassetlaw

Bassetlaw District Council has reconsidered its current approach to the licensing of ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ following feedback from residents across the district.

The Council has now paused enforcement of its Street Trader Policy where it specifically relates to ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ while the Licensing Committee can consider the wider implications of the policy on potential traders and members of the public.

Innovative technology to protect rural communities

Nottinghamshire has become the first county in the UK to enable volunteers to deploy drones as part of efforts to tackle rural crime and protect local communities.

As part of Rural Watch, an initiative which aims to prevent and reduce the fear of crime and promote effective communication, the volunteers are now equipped with the state-of-the-art technology to support their work on the ground.

Pokemon (Thieves) You Gotta Catch Em All

Newark officers caught a Pokémon card thief and put him before the courts this week. Benjamin Young admitted to multiple offences on Thursday (7 May) – a day after being arrested.

These included a break-in where Young helped himself to stacks of gaming cards from a restaurant. He smashed a glass cabinet during the Newark burglary, before taking the Pokémon and Dragon Ball cards inside.

UK Terror Threat Level Raised to SEVERE

This means an attack is considered highly likely and Nottinghamshire Police have updated everyone on we all know what to do — just in case.

While there is no specific threat to Nottinghamshire, staying aware (not alarmed) helps keep everyone safe.

In an emergency involving firearms or weapons, remember RUN • HIDE • TELL:

RUN – If it’s safe to do so, get away fast

HIDE – If you can’t run, find cover and stay quiet

TELL – Call 999 when it’s safe

Call out for volunteers – ambassadors, fundraising events, café support with Bassetlaw Foodbank

Bassetlaw Foodbank are looking for a team of volunteers to be ambassadors and fundraisers for the Foodbank.

Volunteers will spread the word on what the foodbank does, how it helps locals and how, in turn, people can help the foodbank.

If you’re someone that enjoys engaging with people, sharing impactful stories, connecting people to a cause and having fun then you could be the perfect candidate to fit this role.

Did you know fire safety rules for high‑rise buildings have changed?

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have advised that new national regulations are now in place to better protect vulnerable residents living in high‑rise buildings.

They further advise that a key part of these changes is the introduction of Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). These plans help ensure people who may find it difficult to evacuate during an emergency have the right support in place

Operation Star – Police seize vehicles

Police Officers had a busy Sunday, May 10 as Operation Star continued across the district.

Vehicle Seized – Osprey Estate, Langold. During proactive patrols, officers stopped a vehicle and found the driver was not licensed to drive. The vehicle was seized.

Motorbike seized – Sycamore Road, Carlton in Lindrick. A rider was spotted 'riding far too enthusiastically' when the motorbike stalled. The rider escaped by foot leaving his motorbike to be seized by police.

Hot off the Press - Ashleigh Rainbird to attend Retford Book Festival

Entertainment journalist, ghostwriter and writer of celebrity biographies Ashleigh Rainbird will be attending this year's Retford Book Festival.

Following on from the enormous success of her book about Cliff Richard: “Cliff At 85” her new book is about Freddie Mercury "Freddie Mercury The Legend Remembered" and is now available to pre-order.

Ashleigh will be at Retford book festival on Saturday, June 13 at 4.00pm.

Starting the conversation this Mental Health Awareness Week

Not knowing where to start is a common barrier for people who want to broach a conversation about mental health with a friend, colleague or loved one, but Dr Maddi Popoola and Dr Órlaith Green want to change that by sharing practical tips for opening up a meaningful conversation.

That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, NottAlone is releasing a bonus episode of The NottAlone Podcast, where hosts Dr Maddi and Dr Órlaith discuss how to start those conversations, why talking about mental health matters, and what to do if you’re worried about someone.

Coffee Morning for the Yasmine McClory Foundation

Everyone is invited to a lovely morning of coffee, cake, games and community spirit — all in support of the Yasmine McClory Foundation and the amazing work they do.

The foundation supports projects such as:
🌱 Growing food for local food banks
🏳️‍🌈 Funding counselling for LGBTQIA+ young people
🩺 Improving healthcare for children and teens

📍 The Lord Nelson, 35 Main St, Sutton on Trent, Newark NG23 6PF
🕙 10:00am
👨‍👩‍👧 All ages welcome — colouring activities and a playground available for little ones.

Great News for Bassetlaw Foodies

You can tuck into your favourite meals throughout Bassetlaw with confidence — 97.5% of all inspected food businesses in Bassetlaw are rated 5‑Star Very Good!

A recent review of Food Standards Agency records for by Bassetlaw Today revealed that:

970 businesses rated 5 Star – Very Good

13 rated 4 Star – Good

11 rated 3 Star – Generally Satisfactory

1 rated 0 Star – Urgent Improvement Needed

With 995 inspected businesses and such outstanding results, it’s clear that local cafés, restaurants and takeaways take hygiene seriously. 96 further businesses are either exempt or recorded as awaiting inspection.

Call out to Bassetlaw's Armed Forces Community - are you free on May 20, 2026?

Veteran Kenneth Lacey Grenadier Guards has passed away and a request has been published on Facebook asking, where possible for Armed Forces Community members to attend his funeral and form a guard of honour.

Kenneth enlisted as a Boy Soldier aged 15 where he joined the Grenadier Guards. He did some of his early training with the Infantry Junior Leaders Battalion.

His funeral is being held at Babworth Crematorium on Wednesday May 20th 2026 at 1330 hrs.

Illegal Puppy Sale Operation Shut Down

Animal Welfare Investigations Project worked alongside Nottinghamshire Police and Bassetlaw District Council as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal puppy sales across Nottinghamshire on Friday, May 8.

Following the execution of a search warrant in Worksop, 53 dogs were removed from the address due to concerns regarding their welfare.

Further enquiries remaining ongoing.

Class A and knife seized during Ollerton car stop

While on patrol in Edwinstowe on Thursday, May 7 Police pulled a car over with two male occupants.

Extensive searches were then conducted of the car they were in with Officers finding a bag containing quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine, as well as a knife and a set of weighing scales.

Large amounts of cash and a burner-style phone were also retrieved from the vehicle.

UPDATE: Worksop Puppy Farm

Following the seizure of 53 dogs in an ongoing puppy breeding probe it has been reported that so far, five of the rescued puppies have had to be euthanised after testing positive for canine parvovirus, AWIP said.

AWIP have told the BBC that several buyers reported puppies had shown symptoms shortly after they were brought home, with some facing significant veterinary costs and emotional distress.

A man, 33, from Worksop attended a police station voluntarily on Saturday and was interviewed under caution in connection with the investigation, Nottinghamshire Police has said.

Retford Lifesavers heading to World Championships

Athletes from Retford and District Lifesavers are set to compete against the world’s best in the Inter‑Club Lifesaving World Championships later this year, thanks to a grant from Bassetlaw District Councillors.

The championships will take place in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from 25 November to 13 December 2026, bringing together around 4,000 to 5,000 athletes from across the globe. The event combines competitive lifesaving sport with simulated emergency response challenges across nine categories.

The MOB is baking with Worksop Musical Theatre Society

Worksop Musical Theatre Society have the bake off tent up and ready for the launch of The Great British Bake Off Musical. The production delivered with the support of the amazing MOB is definitely one not to be missed.

The musical runs from May 13 to May 16, 2026 at The Acorn Theatre, a superb 200-seat town centre venue in the heart of Worksop.

Public asked to help decide where offenders clean up communities

Residents across Nottinghamshire are being given a bigger say in tackling antisocial behaviour after the launch of a revamped website linked to the county’s successful Immediate Justice programme.

The upgraded platform, launched by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, allows local people to directly pinpoint areas blighted by issues such as litter, graffiti, fly-tipping and environmental neglect - helping decide where offenders carry out visible community reparation work.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 LACQUERED. 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.