Good News, Local Voices & Community Stories : Bassetlaw News Highlights from the Last Week

Local News that Matters from Bassetlaw's Favourite Newsletter. No Ads, No Paywall .... Just News

Well that's the end of another busy week of news from around Bassetlaw and the surrounding area - as usual we've taken a selection of our published content and shortened them, where possiblee into one catch-up newsletter.

Why not grab a Sunday morning brew, get a slice of toast 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 ... “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

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.

Increased Police Patrols Reassure Kings Park Community

Residents in Retford can expect to see an increased police presence in and around Kings Park as Nottinghamshire Police respond to concerns about anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood officers have been carrying out high-visibility reassurance patrols, engaging with local residents, speaking with young people using the park, and listening to community concerns. Officers have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Kings Park a safe and welcoming place for everyone and will continue to monitor the area with further patrols where needed.

Help Keep Custody Standards High in Nottinghamshire

Did you know that Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) play a vital role in ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of people held in police custody?

As part of a nationally recognised scheme, trained volunteers make unannounced visits to custody suites, checking facilities, speaking with detainees, monitoring cleanliness, and helping ensure appropriate supplies and standards are maintained. Their independent scrutiny provides valuable oversight for both detainees and custody staff alike.

Nottinghamshire is now recruiting new Independent Custody Visitors. If you're passionate about accountability, community service, and supporting public confidence in policing, this could be a rewarding opportunity to make a difference.

Changes made to Newark market place plans after fears they would ‘spoil’ its history

By: Joe Locker, LDRS

Changes have been made to the multi-million-pound regeneration of a Nottinghamshire town’s market place following a raft of concerns.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has been planning to invest just over £3.6 million regenerating Newark Market Place, and the original proposals included planting trees, installing more seating areas, and making the area more accessible.

However, the plans had proven contentious, particularly from some members of Newark Town Council and the district’s MP, Robert Jenrick (Reform).

The loss of the historic cobbles, 12 metre-high trees “spoiling historic buildings”, and other design concerns had been raised by Conservative town councillor Mathew Skinner.

He said consultation on the scheme had been poor and that no planning permission was being sought.

Mayor of the East Midlands to get income tax to make lives better in every postcode

Mayor Claire Ward has welcomed the biggest transfer of power from Westminster in a generation.

The Prime Minister has announced that the new roles of mayors will give communities greater control over the decisions that shape jobs, transport, housing and public services in their area.

As part of the largest package of financial powers ever offered to English mayors, mayors will receive a share of income tax revenues for the first time.

This means when places create jobs and grow their economies, they will now keep more of the rewards – giving local leaders like Mayor Claire new powers to invest in what matters most locally.

Bassetlaw Museum brings Film Noir fashion and local cinema history to life

Bassetlaw Museum is inviting visitors to explore the 1940s and 1950s fashions through its atmospheric Film Noir exhibition, 'Dressed to Kill'.

Using pieces from the museum’s fashion and textiles collection, the exhibition brings the era to life with sharp tailoring, elegant eveningwear and striking accessories that reflect the drama and glamour of classic noir cinema.

Visitors can explore outfits and accessories worn by local people such as Mrs Catherine Darley of Ranby Hall, including hats, gloves, shoes, handbags and eye-catching snakeskin-style leather heels. The display also features an outfit by Montague Burton, 'The Tailor of Taste', who was the first to establish a chain of tailor shops across the country.

A second exhibition, The Art of Cine, celebrates the history of amateur and local cinema from the 1920s to the 1970s. Highlights include the original ticket machine from the former Regal Cinema in Worksop, the iconic hand-operated Baby Pathé camera from the 1920s, and plans of former cinemas in Worksop, Retford, Langold and Harworth.

EMR Issues Travel Warning Ahead of August Rail Strikes

Passengers travelling between Nottingham and London St Pancras are being urged to plan ahead as strike action by members of the RMT union is set to impact East Midlands Railway (EMR) services on 15 August.

On strike days, EMR will operate a significantly reduced timetable, with services running between 07:00 and before 19:00 on its Intercity and Connect routes.

For passengers using the key Nottingham to London St Pancras Intercity route, services will be reduced to one train per hour in each direction. A similar hourly service will operate between Sheffield and London St Pancras.

To maximise capacity during the disruption, First Class will be temporarily declassified on all Intercity services, allowing all passengers access to the full seating capacity of each train. Customers holding First Class tickets or Season Tickets for the affected dates can contact EMR Customer Services regarding refunds.

EMR has also warned that Action Short of Strike (ASOS) will take place between strike dates and from 16 August onwards, meaning some services could be subject to short-notice alterations or cancellations.

Regional EMR services are currently expected to operate as normal.

First Deployment of Live Facial Recognition Technology Announced

Nottinghamshire Police has announced that its first deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology will take place on Friday 21 August in Old Market Square, Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

The technology will be integrated into a marked police van equipped with a 360-degree dual camera system, enabling officers to monitor a large area effectively.

Ahead of the deployment, officers will create a watchlist of individuals suspected of serious crimes.

Nottinghamshire Police has emphasised that the technology is targeted solely at identifying those on the watchlist.

The system will alert officers if it identifies an individual on the watchlist, allowing them to engage with that person and determine whether any further action is required.

Secondary school applications are now open

If your child lives in Nottinghamshire and requires a secondary school place for September 2027, you need to apply before 31 October 2026.

Applying online is quick and easy. Parents sometimes think that selecting just one school will ensure that a place is offered but that is not the case.

It is important that you make use of all four preferences and apply on time for a better chance of being offered a preferred school. Please check carefully the admissions criteria of each school you are considering because they are not all the same.

If there are no places available at your preferred school, an alternative offer may be made but this is not automatically the catchment or nearest school.

Places will be offered at the next closest school with places available after all on-time applications have been processed.

This may mean your child could be allocated to a school some distance from where you live.

Visit the Nottinghamshire County Council website for full details and to apply :

East Midlands Combined County Authority granted Established Status by government

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is welcoming additional powers after being named by the government as an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority (EMSA).

As an Established Authority, EMCCA now has the right to request new powers and responsibilities. It also unlocks the ability for EMCCA to apply for a more flexible, integrated funding settlement – in practical terms, this means greater local control over funding and decisions, rather than managing multiple separate funding streams.

This status reflects government confidence that EMCCA is well run, delivering effectively, and ready to take on further responsibilities. Under the leadership of Mayor Claire Ward, EMCCA has shown it can manage major projects and funding effectively. This includes taking on Adult Skills, becoming the region’s Local Transport Authority and managing our long-term investment fund: helping to deliver real benefits for the people of the East Midlands.

Exciting Apprenticeship Opportunity in Digital Marketing

We're delighted to share this fantastic opportunity from Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS) to kickstart a career in marketing while making a positive impact in our local community.

Through Worksop Together's Pride in Place programme, successful applicants will:

✅ Earn while they learn
✅ Gain a BA (Hons) Digital Marketing Degree with Nottingham Trent University
✅ Develop valuable professional skills and experience
✅ Help create positive change across the Worksop community

Salary: £21,020 per year (30 hours per week)
Equivalent to the Real Living Wage: £26,275 FTE (pro rata for 0.8 FTE / 30 hours per week)

Closing date: 19 August 2026

‘Clean and Green’ Rangers spring into action

Two new teams, created by Bassetlaw District Council, are springing into action to help improve the look and feel of the district, making it cleaner, safer, and a more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

Clean and Green Rangers will work alongside Housing Estate Officers, helping to boost the look and feel of our public green spaces and housing estates.

They will strengthen the existing service being delivered by the council and will carry out a range of environmental maintenance tasks including; tidying and maintaining communal drying areas, edging and restoring footpath lines, spraying and managing overgrown vegetation and reporting incidents of fly‑tipping, graffiti, and other environmental issues

Update given on new Lidl supermarket in Worksop

By: Joe Locker, LDRS

At the beginning of March, Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee approved plans for the new budget supermarket and 89 homes.

Plans for a Lidl on the site off Carlton Road in Worksop have been in the pipeline since at least 2017.

A similar proposal put forward by the supermarket chain was refused in December 2020, while a follow-up planning application for 71 homes and the supermarket was again refused in January 2023, prompting a re-think.

The approved plans mean that a previously proposed coffee shop and drive-through have been shelved, with the space now being used to develop more homes and improve landscaping.

The development is expected to create 40 new full and part-time jobs, and a new traffic light junction and pedestrian crossing will be installed on Blyth Road.

Two buildings on Blyth Road, purchased by Lidl, will be demolished to create appropriate access to the site.

Exciting Improvements Planned for Bassetlaw's Parks & Play Areas

Bassetlaw District Council are investing in the future of our local play spaces and giving residents the opportunity to help shape these exciting plans.

The Council is seeking community feedback on proposals to refurbish play areas at The Canch, Sandy Lane, and Valley Road.

The proposed improvements include:

✅ Creating high-quality, accessible play opportunities for all children at The Canch, ensuring every child can play, learn, and develop together.

✅ Relocating the Sandy Lane play area to a larger, more visible location, providing a safer and more engaging environment for children aged 4-12.

✅ Modernising outdated equipment at Valley Road to create an exciting, inclusive, and welcoming play space for local families.

This is a fantastic opportunity to have your say and help shape the future of these important community spaces.

👉 Share your views and learn more here: http://bit.ly/4yXsCyq

How detectives brought down a criminal gang who hid their drugs and guns in Mansfield storage containers

An organised criminal gang who used storage containers at a Mansfield industrial estate to store guns and deal drugs are set to be sentenced.

The investigation found that members of the gang were given access to different storage containers depending on their position in the group.

They were then peddling Class A and B drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, MDMA and cannabis to street dealers, predominantly in the Mansfield area but also as wide ranging as Hertfordshire and Wales.

Detectives worked tirelessly to dismantle the gang's activity following a lengthy investigation which began in August 2025.

Members of the gang were making multiple trips to the storage containers, where they were observed delivering and collecting packages, boxes and cash.

One of the key players, Leah Hopkinson, was seen attending the site, sometimes up to four times a day during a three month period handing items to both Anthony Lumley and Brennan Hayes and latterly Lee Shipman after the arrest of both Hayes and Lumley.

5,298 false alarms responded to by NFRS last year

NFRS published their Annual Statement of Assurance for 2025/26 this week, and the headline numbers are worth a look:

In 2025/26, NFRS attended 12,259 incidents, compared to 10,910 in 2024/25.

In 2025/26, NFRS On-call appliance availability reached 83.3%, placing them among the best in the country.

In 2025/26, NFRS carried out 16,048 Safe and Well Visits, providing vital safety advice and support to people across our communities.

In 2025/26, crews attended 666 incidents / road traffic collisions, up from 628 in 2024/25.

In 2025/26, NFRS responded to 5,298 false alarms, up 2.4% on 2024/25.

SUPPORT A RISING BASSETLAW STAR

West Stockwith’s Stanley Cropper has achieved an incredible milestone after being selected for the England Gymnastics Squad

Stan, who trained at Retford Gymnastics Club from the age of 7 after being inspired by Olympic champion Max Whitlock, recently finished 5th on pommel horse at the British Gymnastics Championships and will now represent England on the international stage.

The 21-year-old, who has also graduated from Newcastle University with a first-class degree in Sport Science, trains for an astonishing 24 hours a week while pursuing his gymnastics career.

With two international competitions coming up this autumn and major events including the English Championships and British Championships ahead in 2027, Stan has an exciting future in the sport.

However, like many talented athletes, Stan is entirely self-funded. Training, equipment, competition fees and international travel all come at a significant cost, with each overseas event expected to cost more than £1,000.

Local businesses and supporters have an opportunity to help this talented young athlete achieve his dreams. Sponsors can receive promotion through Stan’s competition kit and social media platforms while playing a vital role in supporting a home-grown sporting talent.

Get behind one of Bassetlaw's brightest sporting prospects and help him continue his journey from West Stockwith to the international gymnastics stage.

Van Man Ban: Outrage after ice cream trader’s days halved by council after 40 years

By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS

An ice cream man who has parked his van in the same location for 40 years could be forced to cut his trading days in half.

Russ Cairns – known as Russ the Iceman – has been a fixture in Retford town square, in north Nottinghamshire, since the 1980s.

But after routine checks, Bassetlaw District Council realised that he is not permitted to trade in the spot on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays under his current licence – despite him having done so for years.

The vendor will now have to apply for a different licence to carry on as he was, or face being able to trade only on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays when the local market is on.

A spokesperson for Bassetlaw District Council said:

“We understand the strength of feeling Retford residents have on this issue [regarding the ice cream van] and recognise the importance of small businesses locally.

“The council would like to provide reassurance that we are working proactively to support Mr Cairns within the framework of licensing at Bassetlaw District Council, which will allow him to continue to trade from his current location while this matter is being resolved.

“Last week, the council’s licensing team advised Mr Cairns of the conditions attached to both of the licenses he currently holds, which permit him to trade in Retford. As part of this conversation, the council did not instruct Mr Cairns to stop trading from his usual position and has not banned Mr Cairns from trading.”

County gears up for Nottinghamshire Day celebrations

Sherwood Forest is set to host a free weekend of family-friendly activities ahead of the annual Nottinghamshire Day on 25 August.

Nottinghamshire Day commemorates the raising of King Charles I’s standard at Nottingham Castle in 1642, an event that signalled the start of the English Civil War. Now in its sixth year, the day is an opportunity to celebrate the county’s unique identity, rich heritage and proud traditions, while showcasing the people, places and attractions that make Nottinghamshire such a special place to live, work and visit.

To mark the occasion, Sherwood Forest will host a fun-filled weekend of activities on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, offering visitors the chance to come together and celebrate the very best of Nottinghamshire. The event, which is themed 'Rebels, Regents and Rulers' is free to enter, with car parking charges £7 per vehicle, per day.

Alongside an interactive trail through the forest, and specific paid-for activities like archery and axe throwing, visitors can enjoy a range of live historical re-enactments, combat displays and storytelling experiences featuring characters including King Edward I and the Sheriff of Nottingham. The highlight of the weekend will be a tournament-style combat show from 3.30pm each day, that will bring history to life with Robin Hood and historical characters in an action-packed show to suit all ages.

Local Newsletters from Misterton and West Stockwith

MISTERTON NEWS

PARTY IN THE PARK FOR WINNIE THE POOH'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

It's 100 years since the first Winnie the Pooh story was published so Misterton Parish Council celebrated with a free family event on 1 August. There was entertainment for children with Martin the Joker, teaching balloon modelling and circus skills.

Library volunteers read Winnie the Pooh stories to children in our own 100 Aker Wood (the community garden at the bottom of the old school field).

Timeless played two sets of (timeless) songs supported by a DJ. There were food and drink stalls and the afternoon ended with the presentation of certificates and prizes to Joy Johnson and Fearne Dover for their efforts on behalf of the community over the last year.

The raffle raised £154, which will be used to continue maintenance of the community garden.

Thanks to all who supported the event - and to the Parish Council's Events Working Group that put the afternoon's entertainment together.

Winners were Joy Johnson, who has raised £000s for Cancer Research over the years. Fearne Dover was commended for supporting young dancers at the Everett Fox School of Dance.

CONGRATS TO FUND-RAISERS

Congratulations to Chris and Phil Clay and all the team at White House Farm, Misterton, for the donation they have given to Five Villages First Responders (Misterton).

Over £9000 was raised at their recent Party on the Field – the proceeds of the charity event has been split between five good causes. Five Villages First Responders received £1822. So thanks to Chris, Phil, and everyone involved in the event, including the bands and artists who performed, all those who worked so hard to make the event happen, and all those who attended, supported, and donated to the good causes.

Such donations help Five Villages First Responders continue the voluntary work that it does in the local community, including providing equipment to Community First Responders and supporting public access defibrillator sites.

FIVE LOCALS SHORTLISTED FOR BUSINESS AWARDS

Five Misterton businesses have been shortlisted in the North Notts Business Awards: A Bland Butchers has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Independent Retailer – Public Vote Finalist, and Best New Business – Judges' Finalist. To be recognised after just one year in business is something Alex Bland is proud of. Alex is also one of Misterton's hard-working parish councillors.

Others shortlisted are The Chalet Eatery – Best Hospitality category, Viking Trees & Gardens – Best Trades Business, Design by Anna – Best Customer Service, and Kazzia Fox Social Media Marketing - Best New Business Award. They all proudly represent the village and the area, so fingers crossed they are successful on the awards night, 18 September, when winners are announced. The organisers say that this year they have had more entries than ever before so making it to the finals is a significant achievement for them all.

NEW SERVICE HELPS WITH PAPERWORK

Bassetlaw Action Centre (BAC) has launched a new service to support people who need help completing essential forms and applications.

The Paperwork Partners service, providing professional one-to-one support, has been developed in response to a growing demand for practical assistance with paperwork, including benefits applications, housing forms, medical paperwork, Blue Badge applications, and other important documents. Many people find official forms confusing, time-consuming, or overwhelming, which can lead to delays, rejected applications, missed opportunities, and unnecessary stress.

The Paperwork Partners service aims to remove these barriers by offering dedicated support to help individuals complete and submit paperwork accurately and efficiently, enabling them to access services and support more quickly.

The service began on 1 August, with appointments available by phone and pre-booked sessions. All clients will receive a no-obligation quote before any work is undertaken.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact: Victoria Mangnall, BAC, on 01777 709650. Help with applications and other paperwork is also available at The Misterton Centre during opening hours.

WEST STOCKWITH NEWS

BEAT SURGERY

Notts Police's Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in the area for a Beat Surgery on Tuesday 1 September at The Misterton Centre & Library at 6.00pm. Officers will be present at the event - so get along there and have your say! PC 1868 Sam Wood invites residents to take this opportunity to come and meet officers, to raise any concerns, and to find out what Notts Police is doing to tackle the issues that matter.

The countdown is on for Nottinghamshire Police's next FREE Cycle Marking Session in Worksop

Want to help protect your bike against theft?

Come along and get your bike marked and registered FREE of charge on the BikeRegister database.

✅ Quick and simple process
✅ Completely FREE
✅ National database used by all UK police forces
✅ Increases the chances of your bike being returned if it is lost or stolen

BikeRegister links bikes to their owners, helping police identify and reunite recovered bikes with the right people.

📍 Family Hub, Raymoth Lane, Worksop
📅 Sunday 9th August
⏰ 10:00am - 2:00pm

Members of the Nottinghamshire Police team will be on hand throughout the event to mark bikes and help with registration.

Don't miss this great opportunity to give your bike an extra layer of protection.

Breaking News: Britain’s Chips Could Be Getting a Little… Shorter!

If your next portion of chips looks a bit more "petite" than usual, don't blame the chef. Britain's potato farmers are warning that this year's scorching summer could leave us with smaller spuds, shorter chips, and fewer giant baking potatoes on supermarket shelves.

According to Grocery Gazette, the UK's potato crop is feeling the squeeze after prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions disrupted growing conditions across the country. While growers have been doing their best to keep crops hydrated, many say the extreme temperatures have simply been too much.

As one grower put it: "We've been chucking water on them, but in this heat they're not growing."

Too Hot for Potatoes

Potatoes are surprisingly thirsty plants, requiring significant amounts of water throughout their growing season. Under extreme heat, their growth slows dramatically, meaning many potatoes may not reach the size shoppers are used to seeing.

The result - Shorter chips, Smaller baking potatoes, Greater variation in potato sizes in stores.

Farmers are encouraging supermarkets to be a little more flexible with size requirements this year, as Mother Nature clearly didn't get the memo.

Prices Are Already Climbing

The weather isn't just affecting potato sizes. Wholesale potato prices have reportedly jumped by more than 40%, while tomatoes and iceberg lettuce have seen even steeper increases.

That doesn't automatically mean a huge jump at the checkout, as retailers may absorb some of the costs, but supply chains are certainly feeling the pressure.

Drought Conditions Add More Challenges

Half of England was officially declared in drought at the end of July, with exceptionally low rainfall placing extra strain on rivers, reservoirs and agricultural irrigation systems.

Growers are calling for improved water storage infrastructure, including additional reservoirs that would allow more rainwater to be captured during wetter months and used when dry conditions hit.

Can Imports Save the Day?

Normally, imports from Europe help bridge supply gaps, but this year that may be trickier. Several major potato-producing countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Poland have also experienced extreme heat during key growing periods.

In other words, Europe's potato patch is facing many of the same challenges as Britain's.

The Good News

Before anyone starts panic-buying frozen chips, there is currently no suggestion that potatoes will disappear from shelves. The main impact is expected to be on size, availability and potentially pricing as the autumn harvest arrives.

So if your chips seem a little shorter this winter, remember they're doing their best under some seriously tough growing conditions. After all, good things come in small packages... even when they're covered in salt and vinegar.

Source: Grocery Gazette, "UK potato crop faces heatwave squeeze as wholesale prices surge 40%".

Century-old Newark Theatre to get more improvements – including ‘superb’ art mural

By: Joe Locker, LDRS

A century-old theatre in a Nottinghamshire town will be getting more safety improvements and a new art mural that could showcase local authors.

The Palace Theatre in Appleton Gate, Newark, first opened as a picture house in 1920.

It was built by local entrepreneur Emily Blagg, during which time the suffragettes were fighting for women’s independence and rights.

Today, the Grade II listed theatre is owned by Newark and Sherwood District Council, from which a number of music, comedy and drama shows are hosted.

At a council planning committee meeting on Thursday (August 6), an application for a new art mural, and another for safety improvements, were both approved.

The new art mural will be painted onto a wall between the National Civil War Centre and the theatre, in an area where visitors can sit and enjoy a coffee.

Council officer Oliver Scott said the theme of the mural would be books, celebrating the Newark Book Festival.

Free Workshop From Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy & Bassetlaw District Council

Looking for a fun and supportive way to help children gain confidence on two wheels?

Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy helps children learn to ride a bike and develop essential cycling skills in a safe, engaging, and encouraging environment.

Founded and led by Ed Clancy OBE and Graham Briggs, the academy is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of cyclists and fostering a lifelong love of cycling.

Learn to Ride & Cycling Skills Workshop - Retford
Tuesday, 11th August

Whether children are just starting out or looking to improve their confidence and cycling ability, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to get them riding with confidence.

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL: I went as far from Nottingham as I could on a free bus pass – but it went wrong

Andy Brown was at the information desk at Sheffield bus station.

“Which stand is it for the bus to Leeds?” he asked.

“‘Leeds?” said the staff member. “That bus hasn’t run for 10 months.”

It was a big lesson for Andy.

He’d done all his planning using AI.

“Never trust AI,” says the 71-year-old, who was attempting to get all the way to Kendal in the Lake District, from Nottingham, using only his free, council-issued concessionary bus pass.

But now his plans were up in the air.

“I had to make a decision. Could I still get to Leeds to catch my connection? I’d have to leave soon.

“I went to Barnsley, then Barnsley to Wakefield where I was hoping to get the bus to Leeds. Unbeknownst to me, these buses don’t go in a straight line.

“They go through every housing estate you can think of on the way there. By the time I got to Wakefield, I wouldn’t have got to Leeds in time for my connection.”

It was 11.30AM. Andy was accepting he was going to have to reroute.

It wasn’t quite becoming the BBC’s Race Across The World – but there were similarities.

“They don’t know where they’re going either, do they?” says Andy, who represents the Conservative party for Gotham on Rushcliffe Borough Council as well as Leake and Ruddington for Nottinghamshire County Council.

He’d already booked a train from Kendal back to Nottingham via Manchester Piccadilly at the end of the day.

It was going to be impossible to get.

Money down the drain. A threat to the challenge. A test of his mettle.

“I decided that I needed a get-out clause here,” he says. “Where am I going to go? I went across from Wakefield to Huddersfield. I thought maybe I could get to Liverpool, because I can get to Nottingham from there.”

Huddersfield, in West Yorkshire, was where Andy had his longest wait yet – 40 minutes.

The councillor had only one meal with him – a packed lunch – and no entertainment.

Sandwiches, fruit and biscuits kept him going.

Finally the bus came.

“I ended up in Bury, via Oldham and Middleton,” says Andy. “I was working my way north of Manchester.”

But, while that leg of the journey, over the “picturesque” Saddleworth Moor and through some “really beautiful villages”, ended up being his favourite, it was also the longest.

It was while gazing out over the plains that the councillor realised Liverpool would be a stretch too far.

“It wasn’t until about 6.30pm that I realised I’m not going to get there,” he said. “So I got a bus straight into Manchester city centre, where I had to walk the last bit to Manchester Piccadilly.”

It had started at 6.15am, at the bus stop in East Leake.

It had ended nearly 14 hours later, some 75 miles away from his intended destination.

But Councillor Andy Brown says his challenge was a success.

“It was tiring,” he says. “[But] it wasn’t stressful. It was fun in a weird sort of way. A couple of the buses were these new electric double-deckers which were very comfortable.

“I think when your forward plan goes out the window and you’ve got to think on your feet, it’s a bit of apprehension, really. It was good fun, though. I enjoyed it. I got talking to a few people en-route when I was waiting in bus stations. They all thought I was crackers.”

But the sceptics soon changed their tune when they realised that the mammoth journey, on Saturday, August 4, was to raise money for Guide Dogs – Rushcliffe Mayor Richard Butler’s chosen charity.

“Richard helped me a lot when I was Mayor (in 2024-2025) with my charity SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity – so I reciprocated the help,” says Andy.

Nearly £3,000 has been raised so far – including one anonymous donation of £1,000 – and donations can still able to be made.

Cllr Brown also saw the weekend trek as a way to raise awareness of another cause he is championing at the moment.

It would not have been possible for him to complete such a feat on a weekday – because pensioners can only use their free bus pass after 9.30am in the morning.

He proposed to Nottinghamshire County Council in July that their representatives talk to East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, who recently became responsible for transport in the region, about scrapping the restriction.

“I was standing in the bus stop on a very cold morning waiting for a bus,” Andy explained to the LDRS about why he feels so strongly about the cause. “A bus came two minutes before half nine and none of us could get on it. We had to wait another 25 minutes for another one. It just seems ridiculous.

“It’s not just elderly people (who are affected). It’s people who are disabled. Some elderly people still work, people need to get appointments – maybe from East Leake to Queens Medical.”

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the proposal – which spawned the idea for Andy’s challenge.

“I just had a thought,” he said. “I wonder how far I can get with this…”

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.