Good News, Local Voices & Community Stories : Bassetlaw News Highlights from the Last Week
Well that's the end of another busy week of news from around Bassetlaw and the surrounding area - as usual we've taken over THIRTY of our published stories and shortened them where possible for your weekly roundup. And YES, I did say - THIRTY stories!
Why not grab a brew, get the custard creams out and take ten to catch up on our shortened highlights from this week's Bassetlaw Today newsletters.
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 ... “It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James
I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great weekend wherever you are.
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.
Two jailed for manslaughter over death of fellow burglar
Two men have been jailed after an intruder died during an aggravated burglary at a mobile home.
Taylor Green, 22, died following an incident at a chalet on Lodge Lane Industrial Estate, Tuxford, on 25 February last year.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that Green, David McCandless, Mason Meanwell and a fourth man entered the mobile home shortly after 10.30pm.
During a confrontation with the occupant, Green sustained two stab wounds.
No charges were brought against the occupant after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
At a sentencing hearing today (3 July), both men were jailed for 12 years for the manslaughter and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary offences.
McCandless was sentenced to an additional six months for an unrelated GBH offence, while Meanwell was also given an additional six months having committed the Tuxford offences while on a suspended sentence.
Return of the Alpacas
Meet the alpacas from Oriontree Alpacas at Bassetlaw Museum.
Admission: Free for the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum, or £3 per adult, £6 per family.
Thursday 16th July, 6pm – 9pm
Bassetlaw Museum are welcoming back the hugely popular Oriontree Alpacas to their Museum Gardens.
As in previous years you are welcome to bring a picnic, there will also be cakes and drinks for sale, games to play and a raffle.
The government has refused to commit to keeping production of the next generation of Red Arrows jets in Britain. By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
The ageing Hawk T1 aircraft which the RAF Waddington-based display team currently uses will need replacing in the next few years.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) which the government published this week has promised to secure the next generation between 2030 and 2035.
However, it’s too early to say who the jets will be made by, the armed forces minister has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
She also avoided answering whether the new jets would be ready by the time the current fleet have to be retired.
The British company aiming to make a replacement collapsed earlier this year, blaming a delay in the defence plan.
Mayor of the East Midlands in call for united action over roads investment
The Mayor of the East Midlands issued a call to action to council leaders and MPs to secure investment in the region's roads.
Mayor Claire Ward has written to leading figures in the region with a call to action "to secure our region's infrastructure investment for the A46 and A38 road schemes".
It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced this week that some roads and energy capital projects will "no longer go ahead as planned", to fund the Defence Investment Plan. The planned improvements to the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass were both highlighted for "potential cancellation" in the Defence Investment Plan funding explainer.
The Mayor has now written to MPs and council leaders about the schemes, under the heading: Uniting the East Midlands: A Cross-Party Call to Secure Our Region's Infrastructure Investment
Can you help Preserve Mattersey's Historic War Memorial Clock?
One of Mattersey's most recognisable landmarks is in need of your support. Many residents will know the church clock at St Helen's Church, but what some may not realise is that it is far more than a timepiece.
It also serves as a war memorial, dedicated to the brave men and women from our community who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Sadly, time has taken its toll, and the clock now requires essential repairs, with the total cost estimated at £10,000.There is, however, some encouraging news...
The War Memorials Trust has confirmed it will provide a grant of £5,000 – covering 50% of the restoration costs – if the remaining £5,000 can be raised locally.
Demonstrating his commitment to preserving Mattersey's heritage, local ward Councillor Andrew McCallum has made a personal pledge of £1000 to help get the appeal underway.
Marmite launches ‘WeMite’ jars as England World Cup run gathers pace
Marmite has temporarily rebranded as “WeMite” for a limited-edition campaign targeting England fans following the Three Lions’ latest World Cup win.
The limited-edition jars are available in different sizes based on supporters’ level of optimism.
The smallest jar is labelled “WeMite reach the quarters”, while a medium-sized version reads “WeMite reach the semis”.
The largest jar, aimed at fans convinced England can go all the way, is branded “WeMite go and win it”.
Panto in the Park Returns to King’s Park
The open-air stage in Kings’ Park will come alive this August as Panto in the Park returns, bringing laughter, fun and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of Retford.
This year’s line-up features The Wizard of Oz on Monday 10 August, Rapunzel on Tuesday 18 August and Sleeping Beauty on Wednesday 26 August, with each performance starting at 2pm and lasting around 50 minutes.
The future of a building that was last used as a café back in 2022 has been confirmed. By: Joe Locker, LDRS
A former café in Newark’s Market Place, which is next to Toni and Guy, will now become a new art school after plans were approved.
It had more recently been used by Lily’s Café and Tea Rooms, while a vacant apartment sits on the floors above.Newark and Sherwood District Council, which is in the process of regenerating the Market Place, tabled plans to bring it back to life as an art school. Plans were unanimously given the go-ahead at a meeting on Thursday (July 2).
Could You Have £2,200 Waiting for You? Check Your Child Trust Fund Today
Good news for many young people and families across Bassetlaw
The UK Government has launched a new Child Trust Fund Taskforce to help reunite more than 750,000 young people with unclaimed savings worth over £1.6 billion nationwide.
On average, each unclaimed account contains around £2,200.Child Trust Funds were set up for children born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, but many young adults either don't realise they have one or aren't sure where it's held.
Nottinghamshire councillors are calling for the removal of the 9.30am weekday restriction for bus travel. By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
The Conservative opposition group at Nottinghamshire County Council has proposed a debate next week around the time restrictions for eligible people those who currently hold this type of pass.
In a motion proposed by Councillor Andy Brown (Con) to be discussed at a full council meeting next Thursday (July 9), the Conservatives are asking the Reform-led authority to write to the East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, requesting for the removal of the 9.30am weekday restriction for bus travel.
Currently, those with a concessionary bus pass have free off-peak travel on local buses between 9.30am to 11pm and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
For elderly and disabled pass holders under the County Council, their pass also allows them free weekday travel after 9.30am on NET trams and all day on weekends.
Fostering has become ‘our life’ says couple supporting children in Nottinghamshire
Twelve years ago, Paula and her husband Andy opened their home and hearts to become foster carers.
The Nottinghamshire couple first discovered fostering and say it has become such a rewarding part of their lives that they now encourage others to take their first step into fostering. What began as a curiosity after seeing a lamppost banner calling on people to foster a child, has since become a way of life.
Family waited nearly three years for vital medical records. By:Lauren Monaghan LDRS
Families involved in the largest maternity review in NHS history say they have had to endure a “long battle” to access all of their medical records.
For Carly Wesson and Carl Everton, accessing initial data and records about their and their daughter, baby Ladybird’s, care under Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH) took two years and eight months.
Baby Ladybird and her parents are one of the 2,430 families involved in Donna Ockenden’s independent maternity review into harrowing maternity care failings at NUH, which examined 2,505 cases of death and serious harm and involved 838 current or former staff giving evidence.
Crackdown on costs for parents in the East Midlands ahead of new school year.
Families across the East Midlands will see the cost of going to school slashed even further from September, as guidance confirming caps on branded uniforms is issued to schools and more free breakfast clubs are confirmed.
Parents at 102 more schools in the region will save up to £450 through free breakfast clubs from September, when more than 2,700 will be up and running across the country. It means the government has smashed its target of adding 2,000 schools to the programme this year. Over 680,000 children will attend them after the summer holidays - up from 300,000 today.
Immediate Justice passes 2,000 referrals
Nottinghamshire’s Immediate Justice programme has reached a major milestone after more than 2,000 people have now been referred into the scheme, helping offenders repair the harm they’ve caused while making communities cleaner, safer and stronger.
As Antisocial Behaviour Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the impact antisocial behaviour has on victims and neighbourhoods across the country, the milestone marks another significant step forward for a programme that is not only delivering swift justice but helping restore public confidence in the criminal justice system.
Launched as part of the previous Government’s response to antisocial behaviour, Immediate Justice ensures people who commit lower-level offences face visible consequences for their actions, carrying out reparative work in the communities affected alongside educational interventions designed to tackle the causes of offending and reduce the likelihood of future crime.
Heartfelt Tributes Paid to Loving Father Following Sad Discovery on A617
The family of Michael Dennington have paid touching tributes after his remains were found in a wooded area near the A617 Rainworth Bypass in Mansfield.
Michael was reported missing by his family in May 2020 after last being seen at King's Mill Hospital.
Despite an extensive police search at the time, he was never found. His remains were discovered by members of the public on 23 May, and Nottinghamshire Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death while awaiting the final post-mortem findings.
Bassetlaw Heritage: Clumber Park – The Lost Mansion That Once Rivalled Britain's Greatest Homes
Today, thousands of people enjoy walking, cycling and picnicking in the beautiful surroundings of Clumber Park, but few realise that one of England's grandest country houses once stood at its heart.
Built in the 1760s for the 2nd Duke of Newcastle, Clumber House became one of the largest stately homes in the country. Set within more than 3,800 acres of landscaped parkland, the mansion welcomed royalty, politicians and some of the most influential figures of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
The estate featured magnificent lakes, ornamental gardens, ancient woodland and miles of carriage drives. At its height, hundreds of servants worked behind the scenes to keep the estate running smoothly.One of Clumber's most recognisable landmarks today is the magnificent Chapel of St Mary the Virgin, completed in 1889. Its stunning Gothic architecture and colourful stained-glass windows continue to attract visitors from across the country.
Sadly, the grand mansion itself no longer exists.Following years of financial pressures after the First World War, together with the enormous cost of maintaining such a vast property, Clumber House was demolished in 1938. What remains today are the impressive foundations, terraces and landscaped gardens that hint at its former splendour.
During the Second World War, parts of the estate were used by the military before eventually being transferred to the National Trust in 1946, ensuring that future generations could continue to enjoy one of Nottinghamshire's finest green spaces.
Today, Clumber Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Whether enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk, cycling through the woodland, visiting the chapel or simply relaxing in the park, visitors are walking through centuries of Bassetlaw history.Although the great house has disappeared, its remarkable story continues to live on in the landscape that surrounds it.
Did You Know?
Clumber House was once one of the largest country houses in England.
The estate covers around 3,800 acres.
The Chapel of St Mary the Virgin is one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in Nottinghamshire.
Today, Clumber Park is one of the National Trust's most visited countryside estates.
"Every corner of Bassetlaw has a story... and Clumber Park is one of its greatest."
Driver, for Worksop bus operator, prepares for two-day cycling challenge in support of #MaxtontheBrave
·A high-profile member of the team at Worksop bus operator, Stagecoach East Midlands, is preparing to take on a gruelling challenge to cycle 180 miles in two days, to provide essential equipment to support a young boy known as #MaxtontheBrave.
Chris Kelk, Operations Manager at Stagecoach East Midlands, who, last year, was named as a Finalist at the UK Bus Awards, will cycle the 180 miles from Skegness to Shildon in North-East England, in August, with the aim of raising £2,000. Pledges have already been received from his colleagues at the bus operator.
The money will go to support Maxton, who was born not breathing, but fought all the odds and came home. He now has autism, sensory disorder, global developmental delays, ARFID (a food disorder) and is non-verbal. Shortly after his second birthday, Maxton was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia.
Paedophile jailed for non-recent offences against children
Detectives have praised the bravery and resilience shown by four victims of a sexual predator after he was jailed for 21 years.
John Huskinson's offending spans more than four decades and includes a series of non-recent sexual offences dating back to the 1980s.
The four victims reported being sexually assaulted by Huskinson in the 1980s and 1990s.
All are now adult women but were abused by Huskinson when they were young children.
New Figures Highlight Deprivation in Parts of Gainsborough. Credit: Oliver Castle, Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS)
New Government research has revealed that parts of Gainsborough are among the most deprived areas in both Lincolnshire and England, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by many local families.
The figures identify an area including Primrose Lane, north-west of Benjamin Adlard Community School, as the most deprived neighbourhood in Lincolnshire and among the 25 most deprived areas in the whole of England.
West Lindsey District Council says it recognises the challenges and is continuing to invest in support for local communities.
Bassetlaw's Non-League Friendlies did not let us down - Here are the Results:
Tuesday July 7, 2026:
Dronfield Town 1 - 1 Retford United FC
Retford FC 0 - 3 Worksop Town FC
SJR Worksop 2 - 2 Parkgate
Harworth Colliery Football Club 2 - 3 AFC Mansfield
Please check club socials for details and match reports
Operation Pernicious Underway – Police Seize First Nuisance Bikes in Worksop
The Bassetlaw South Neighbourhood Policing Team has successfully seized its first off-road bikes as part of Operation Pernicious, a dedicated initiative targeting the illegal use of nuisance bikes and the anti-social behaviour they cause across Bassetlaw.
The bikes were recovered from the Sandy Lane area of Worksop following proactive police activity, with officers working alongside colleagues from Operational Support to take robust enforcement action.
Police say this is just the beginning, with further proactive patrols and targeted operations planned to tackle illegal off-road bikes and improve safety for local communities.
Adapted homes plan could transform support for residents
Bassetlaw District Council is exploring ambitious plans which could transform support for residents with life limiting conditions by providing ready-to-move, fully adapted homes when they are needed most.
Under the proposed scheme, several properties would be set aside or acquired, and adapted to a high standard, helping to improve quality of life, support independence and enable smoother transitions from their home to a more suitable provision.
It’s time to really take back control. By: Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw
For too long, places like Bassetlaw have been held back because too much power sits too far away.
Decisions about local transport, skills, housing, high streets, jobs and public services are still too often made in London by those who do not understand our area. That has not worked.
I feel and understand the frustration and disappointment of many people in Bassetlaw that the pace of change since the Labour government took office has been too slow. It is time to take the gloves off and crack on with the job.
This week, Andy Burnham set out a different way forward and a clear vision of hope for the future, but hope must come with real change. This means real change in who holds power and where decisions are made.
I strongly support that agenda.
One of Andy’s key proposals is to create a “No 10 North” in Manchester. I know some will dismiss that as a gimmick, but it represents a culture shift in the heart of government. It must be the place where government is forced to think differently about the whole country.
Andy has spoken about power flowing out to the Midlands, the North, the South West, the East of England and every part of Britain. That is important because devolution should not only be about big cities. It must also work for towns and villages like ours.
I believe Andy Burnham understands that. He now represents an area very much like Bassetlaw in Parliament. His ‘Makerfield test’ is also the ‘Bassetlaw test’.
He talked about giving local areas more say over skills, industry and growth. That means training people for the jobs that actually exist here, and the jobs we want to bring here. It means backing our young people into good work, not accepting that they have to move away to get on.
He talked about reindustrialisation. That matters in a place like Bassetlaw, where people remember the pride of secure work and strong local industry. We need a serious plan for new jobs, new technology and manufacturing.
He talked about regenerating places. That means high streets that are not left to decline. It means looking again at business rates so local shops, pubs and small businesses get a fairer deal. It means using public money to support British businesses, so contracts help local workers and communities.
He talked about housing too, including a major council housebuilding programme. That is vital. A decent home is the foundation of a decent life.
It can no longer be about telling people to be patient while decisions are made somewhere else. It is about trusting local areas with power, responsibility and investment.
We have strong communities, brilliant local businesses and young people full of potential. But we need to be able to make decisions about our own future, not have things done to us.
That is why I support Andy Burnham’s agenda. It is about shifting power closer to the people. It is about giving places like Bassetlaw a fair chance. It is about proving that growth, good jobs and investment can reach every postcode, not just those closest to Westminster.
A town housing development has been tipped for approval after being sent back to the drawing board over a number of concerns.
Developer Keepmoat Homes has been planning to build 80 homes off Grove Road in Retford, as part of its Fairygrove development.
The site, which is part of a conservation area and is made up of agricultural land and a former horticultural nursery, is around 1.8 km from the town centre.
It sits between the East Coast Mainline and London Road.
Bassetlaw District Council had allocated the site for 61 homes, and the increase in planned houses prompted fears from dozens of nearby residents.
Amber Heat-Health Alert Issued for Bassetlaw and the Midlands
Nottinghamshire County Council is reminding residents across Bassetlaw to take extra care after the UK Health Security Agency issued an Amber Heat-Health Alert covering the Midlands until Sunday 12 July.
With temperatures expected to remain high, everyone is encouraged to stay safe and check in on neighbours, friends and family members who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
Half Marathon runner takes on challenge to support hospice care
Mel Scott-Avis will run in memory of her loved one to raise vital funds for Beaumond House Hospice Care
A London woman is running the Newark Half Marathon on Sunday 16 August to raise awareness and funds for a Newark hospice charity close to her heart.
Supporting Beaumond House Hospice Care, Mel Scott-Avis is running in memory of her husband’s grandmother, Pat, who was cared for by the charity during the final stages of her life.
After seeing first-hand the positive impact Beaumond House has on patients and their families at one of the most difficult times in their lives, Mel was inspired to give back and set herself a challenge to raise £500 for the hospice.
Overtook the Wrong Car... Talk About Bad Timing!
A speeding driver got far more than he bargained for after overtaking an unmarked police car on Blyth Road near Worksop.
His evening quickly went downhill when officers pulled him over and detected the smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.
Following a search, police recovered a quantity of cannabis, smoking materials and deal bags.
To make matters worse, officers also discovered the driver was a wanted suspect.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving, possession of a Class B drug and stalking. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.
Appeal after arson attacks on neighbouring homes
Damage was caused to two properties which back onto one another
Detectives are appealing for information after suspected arson attacks damaged two properties in Worksop.
Police were called at 9.34am on Monday (6 July) following reports of fires in a conservatory of a home in Dukeries Crescent and in a garage in Manton Crescent.
The two properties back onto one another but investigations have shown one fire could not have spread to the other.
A joint Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation has found both fires to have been lit deliberately.
'Sofa ... So Good' : A New Name for a Historic Home – Welcome to the KC Sofas Stadium
Worksop Town FC has announced an exciting new chapter, with its home ground officially renamed the KC Sofas Stadium following a new three-year naming rights partnership with the local furniture retailer.
The family-run company, which already sponsors the back of the Tigers' shirts and one of the stadium stands, has strengthened its commitment to the club as Worksop Town continues its remarkable rise through the non-league pyramid.
A New Vision for Independent Living in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw District Council is exploring ambitious plans that could make a real difference to residents living with life-limiting, progressive and terminal conditions by creating ready-to-move, fully adapted homes when they are needed most.
The proposed scheme would see specially adapted properties made available to help improve quality of life, promote independence and provide a smoother transition into accommodation designed to meet changing needs.
Leader's Column. By: Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council 10/07/26
This summer, we're delighted to once again welcome families back to Kings Park in Retford for the return of Panto in the Park.
This free, family-friendly event is always a highlight of the summer, with the Tailgate Theatre Company bringing The Wizard of Oz, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty to life on 10th, 18th and 26th August, with performances starting at 2pm.
Whether you're bringing your children, grandchildren or simply enjoying an afternoon outdoors, it's a fantastic opportunity to experience live theatre in the park, share plenty of laughs and create some wonderful summer memories together.
Looking ahead to next week, Cabinet will meet on Tuesday 14th July to consider a number of important reports, including the outcome of our consultation on the proposed revised Housing Repairs Policy.
We were really pleased to receive almost 600 responses from tenants, leaseholders and other key stakeholders. The feedback was largely positive, with more than 73% (73.43%) of respondents saying they had no concerns about the proposed responsibilities or revised repair timescales.
The proposed changes are designed to help us deliver repairs right first time, plan work more efficiently and provide clearer information about who is responsible for different repair and maintenance issues. Subject to Cabinet approval, the revised policy will then be considered by Full Council in September.
Cabinet will also receive an update on the East Midlands Investment Zone (EMIZ), including the progress made so far, the next key milestones and the opportunities it could bring for investment, business growth and jobs across our district.
If you'd like to find out more, all of the reports due to be considered are available in the Council and Democracy section of the council's website.
We're also making an important investment in how residents can engage with local democracy. A new dedicated Council Chamber is being created for future council and committee meetings, complete with modern sound and video technology.
This means meetings will be able to be livestreamed, recorded so they can be watched back later, and, where appropriate, joined remotely. We know that not everyone can attend meetings in person, so these improvements will make it much easier for residents to keep up with the decisions that affect their communities.
Making council business more open, accessible and transparent is an important part of building trust and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to stay informed about the work we do on their behalf.
Get Ready for a Colourful Family Day Out in Worksop
Creativity is set to take over Worksop town centre next month as the FREE Family Art Funday returns with a fantastic line-up of fun activities for children of all ages!
Taking place on Bridge Street on Saturday 8th August from 10am to 2pm, families can enjoy a live graffiti workshop, arts and crafts with the Harley Foundation, free face painting, and a Toy Story-inspired performance from Worksop's own Zebra Dance Studios.
There's even the chance to meet Jessie and Woody between 10am and 1pm, making it a magical day out for little ones.
Bassetlaw District Council says it has repaired and brought back into use hundreds of homes as part of efforts to cut its housing waiting list. By: Joe Locker, LDRS
Bassetlaw District Council’s housing waiting list has hit 5,700 live applications, new figures show, and there are only 6,546 homes available across the area.
The council says demand for housing is “extremely high”, and efforts are being made to cut the waiting list down.
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
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
