Hello from Bassetlaw Today
Today's edition covers Retford blaze update, JCB pothole machines hitting the roads, The Tigers try to make it three in a row, a new family contact centre and more ........ and of course - your daily puzzle fix.
Todays thought for the day ... “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” - Abraham Maslow
Enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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Latest update on Hospital Road, Retford fire from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service
Following yesterday's incident at Hospital Road, Retford Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have advised this morning (06:10am) that Hospital Road, Retford, remains closed this morning whilst crews continue to damp down.
Hallcroft roundabout is now open, but there is likely to be disruption to local bus services.
Two crews and an aerial ladder platform are on scene and are expected to be there for several more hours. Seven fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, a water carrier, and a command support vehicle attended the scene last night .
Crews from Retford Fire Station, Mansfield Fire Station, Worksop Fire Station, Tuxford Fire Station, Edwinstowe Fire Station, Carlton Fire Station, Harworth Fire Station and Misterton Fire Station are in attendance.
Residents have been asked to keep their windows and doors shut and people have been told to avoid the area while the fire is dealt with.
New family contact centre in Worksop continues to takes shape
Improved facilities for some of the county’s most vulnerable young people are one step closer to reality, with a new roof now in place at the new, fit-for-purpose family contact centre in Worksop.
Named Harmony House, the centre will help deliver safeguarding services. This includes offering a safe, welcoming space for looked-after children and young people to have supervised family time with their birth families.
Work started on the new county council building in 2025 and is due to be completed by late summer this year.
The new building on Newgate Street will eventually replace the old residential bungalows used as the current contact centre nearby. These buildings do not best meet the needs of looked-after children and will eventually be demolished.
Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Councillor Mick Barton and Councillor Rory Green, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, visited the site along with partners.
Commenting on building’s progress and what the new building will mean for vulnerable children and young people who need the support the most, Councillor Barton said:
“Supporting looked-after children, young people and their families in our communities is a key priority so we need to have the right facilities in place to help us do this. I’m delighted with the progress so far and look forward to when young people and families can start benefitting from these new facilities.”
Councillor Rory Green added:
“We are proud of this investment to create this fantastic, spacious building as it will soon be a place which will help support looked-after children and young people.
“We are also grateful for all the hard work which has gone into this building so far.”
Jenny Williams is the Children’s Service manager who oversees the council’s contact centres. She describes why this new build is a significant step forward for children and families, particularly those in the north of Nottinghamshire. She said:
“Harmony House will provide a safe, welcoming and dignified space where children who cannot live with their birth families can still spend meaningful and enjoyable time with them. For many children, contact time with their families is one of the most important and emotionally sensitive moments in their lives.
“This new centre will offer a calm, modern and child‑friendly environment that supports positive family connections while keeping children safe. It will mark a real improvement on the outdated facilities on the same site we currently have and will make a genuine difference."
The new building will also have two conference rooms, kitchens and contributes to the county council’s wider plans to move into more cost-efficient, fit for purpose buildings.
The new energy-efficient office, which will save on bills, is being designed, project and cost-managed by Arc Partnership and delivered through its construction partner G F Tomlinson.
Dan Maher, Managing Director at Arc Partnership, commented how family contact centres play a crucial role in providing safe, supportive environments for vulnerable children and young people. He said:
“We are proud to be delivering this vital new facility on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, providing design, project and cost management services. Our approach has focused on designing a warm, welcoming environment, while ensuring value for money."
Man Jailed for breaching ban in Worksop Town Centre
A man who persistently breached a ban on entering parts of Worksop Town Centre has been jailed for three months at Mansfield County Court.
The District Judge heard how Martin Heath, 46, of no fixed address, had previously breached the ASB Injunction Order in September 2025 with the court imposing a suspended committal sentence to give him an opportunity to avoid custody.
Despite this, between 11th April and 15th April 2026, Heath committed three further breaches of the injunction and was arrested in the exclusion zone on the 15th of April, while CCTV also confirmed his presence on the 11th of April.
At Mansfield County Court on 16th April 2026, Heath admitted all three breaches, accepting they were intentional. He also said that he’d been released from prison three weeks earlier, returning to the town where he had support from friends and family and that no serious harm had resulted from the breaches.
The District Judge ordered his previously suspended committal sentence to be activated and to run concurrently, while for the new breaches they imposed a sentence of three months immediate custody.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “This sentence sends a strong message that action will be taken against those breaching anti-social behaviour injunction orders placed upon them.
“We want to make our town centres welcoming places where people enjoy visiting and where they feel safe.”
Both Worksop and Retford Town Centres are covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order, allowing the council to set an area where things such as drinking alcohol on the street, or causing nuisance, harassment, alarm and distress can be banned.
A full list of the prohibitions, orders and maps of the designated areas for the PSPO’s in Worksop and Retford can be found online at https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/retford-pspo and https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/worksop-pspo
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
Worksop Town take on Worsbrough Bridge Athletic in Men's Senior Cup Final
Worsbrough Bridge Athletic of the NCEL Division One face National League North side Worksop Town in the Men’s Senior Cup Final on Tuesday 28th April (19:30 KO) at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Separated by four tiers, Worsbrough Bridge Athletic will be eyeing a famous upset under the lights. The Briggers return to the final for the first time since 1973, when they were beaten 4-1 by Worksop Town at Millmoor.
Worsbrough booked their place in the final in dramatic fashion, overcoming a strong Barnsley U21 side in the semi-final, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in 90 minutes.
Worksop Town reached a third successive Men’s Senior Cup final with an emphatic 5-1 semi-final victory over Rossington Main at the Windsor Foodservice Stadium.
The Tigers are the competition’s most successful side with 15 titles and are chasing a third consecutive triumph, having beaten Penistone Church 5-0 in 2024 and Hallam FC 2-1 in 2025.
Luke Watson will take charge of proceedings, assisted by Aaron Hallam and Gavin Scott, with Anthony Tankard as fourth official.
Now in its 149th edition, the final of one of the oldest surviving cup competitions in world football comes to a head on Tuesday evening.
Ticket details
- £10 Adults
- £5 Concessions (U18/65+)
Tickets can be purchased on the gate, with both card and cash payments accepted.
The full release from Sheffield and Hallamshire County F.A. can be accessed here.
Our three interesting facts for today ....
The Babylonians were doing trigonometry 3,700 years ago
The surgeon at the Battle of Sierra Negra (1794) averaged one amputation every four minutes
There are an estimated 14,485 nuclear weapons in the world today (2024)
Why not send us your favourite picture of Bassetlaw and we may feature it as our newsletter main image: news@bassetlawtoday.co.uk
Move More in May Returns to Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw is gearing up to be more active once again as Move More in May returns, encouraging people across the district to add more movement into their everyday lives as part of the Let’s Get Going Bassetlaw Campaign.
Throughout May, individuals, schools and local businesses across Bassetlaw are being invited to take part in activities that help them move more, feel better and enjoy being active at their own pace. This year’s Move More in May goal for 2026 is to reach 45 million moves together, the equivalent of walking around Clumber Park 7,358 times. Schools and workplaces are encouraged to get involved by logging everyday movement, from classroom activity breaks and active travel to workplace step challenges and team walks, while individuals can take part by simply tracking their own daily movement.
Individuals, schools and businesses can take part by tracking and submitting their moves, which can be as simple as going for a walk, cycling with friends and family, joining in fitness classes at a local gym or through BPL, or fitting movement into the school or working day. All participants who log their moves will be entered into a free prize draw, with prizes including an air fryer, wireless earphones and National Trust passes.
The month-long programme will culminate in a free community celebration event at Kings Park, Retford, on Friday 29 May, between 12noon and 3pm, bringing together families, friends, schools, workplaces and neighbours to celebrate a shared commitment to movement and wellbeing.
Hosted by Bassetlaw District Council in partnership with BPL, the event will feature a wide variety of free activities, including a climbing frame, outdoor family games and a walking trail. Participants who successfully collect letters along the trail to spell out a word will have the chance to win prizes.
There will also be giant darts, football activities, face painting, traditional sports day games, craft sessions and special appearances from much-loved mascots including Derek the Dolphin and a Dinosaur. Local dance schools and fitness instructors from across Retford will perform throughout the afternoon on the bandstand, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Residents will also be able to access free health checks and speak with local health providers and support services available across Bassetlaw, offering advice and guidance to support healthier lifestyles.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Move More in May is a fantastic celebration of the everyday efforts Bassetlaw residents are making to stay active and look after their wellbeing. Bringing people together in Kings’ Park highlights that movement doesn’t have to be complicated, whether it’s walking, cycling, dancing or simply enjoying the outdoors, every bit of movement counts.
“The event supports the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy and our Vision 2040 ambitions for a Healthy District. By encouraging people to be active in our parks, green spaces, schools and workplaces, we’re helping residents of all ages to make healthy choices, strengthen communities and enjoy being active close to home.”
Rachel Rinkcavage, Senior Leader at BPL, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bassetlaw District Council again to co-host the Move More in May celebration event at Kings’ Park. Throughout the month, individuals, schools and businesses across Bassetlaw can take part in a wide range of activities, showing that being active can be fun, inclusive and accessible for everyone.
“At BPL, we focus on supporting people to live longer, healthier and happier lives, especially those who may need extra encouragement to make positive lifestyle changes. Events like this go beyond physical activity; they bring communities together, support wellbeing and help people build healthy habits that last, all while having fun along the way.”
For more information and to start logging moves, visit:
https://www.letsgetgoing.com/events/category/move-more-in-may/
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
Beaumond House named as APSS charity partner for 2026
Beaumond House Hospice Care has been named as the 2026 charity partner for APSS, a commercial interior design and fit out company based in Lincolnshire.
The APSS team is set to host a range of fundraising events in support of the hospice, including its annual Golf Day, which will raise vital funds for care services in the local community.
The partnership will help Beaumond House to provide supportive palliative care to patients and families across North Nottinghamshire, ranging from in-patient care and day therapy to Hospice at Home services and bereavement support.
Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising at Beaumond House, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to APSS for choosing Beaumond House as their charity partner for 2026. Partnerships with local businesses play a vital role in helping us continue providing specialist care and support for people and families when they need it most.
“Hospice care isn’t fully funded by the NHS and, this year, Beaumond House will need to raise £2.2 million through donations, charity shops and support from local businesses to continue our vital work - so the fundraising by the APSS team will make a huge difference.
“We are really looking forward to working with the team and supporting their fundraising throughout the year.”
The APSS team added:
“We are proud to be supporting Beaumond House as our charity partner in 2026. The work the team does to provide compassionate care for patients and families at one of the most difficult times in their lives is truly inspiring.
“As a local business, it’s important to us that we give back to the community we work in. Over the next 12 months, our team will be organising and taking part in fundraising activities to benefit Beaumond House and we hope that our efforts will make a meaningful difference to the people who rely on their care.”
APSS supports a chosen charity partner each year through fundraising initiatives organised by its team. In 2025, the company worked with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, raising enough money to cover the cost of a life-saving surgery performed at the scene of an incident.
The business hopes to continue this positive impact through a close partnership with Beaumond House, raising funds and awareness for the important work of the hospice.
To find out more about Beaumond House Hospice Care, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk or call 01636 610556 to speak to a member of the team
New JCB pothole machines to be on Notts roads ‘within two weeks’
By: Lauren Monaghan
Reform’s new JCB pothole machines will be working on the county’s roads within the next two weeks, says the council leader.
Back in February, the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council announced it would be purchasing at least two JCB Pothole Pro machines to help with tackling the declining state of the county’s roads.
The machines have been trialled by neighbouring Reform-run authorities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire and typically cost between £150,000 and £200,000.
The council has recently embarked on critical highway projects, announcing £2 million to go towards emergency repairs across dozens of sites in February and its £122.5 million pot for phase one of fixing roads, which launched in early April.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Thursday (April 23), council leader, Mick Barton, said the new machines will be used for around 16 square metres of patching repairs, which then prepares roads for surface dressing.
He said: “Once we’ve patched them all and got them all into a satisfactory condition, then we’ll do the surface dressing.
“They [the machines] will definitely be on the roads within the next two weeks. Maybe the end of next week – but we’ll quantify that in the next few days.”
The leader said once the machines are out on the roads, they will be used every day.
He said: “They’ll be able to do 200-to-250 metres a day and we’re going to judge that every day how much they do, on a weekly basis and monthly basis to make sure we’re getting value for money.”
Road conditions are known to worsen during winter months, where cold and wet weather can chip away at roads or more easily undo any temporary works or patching.
Cllr Barton says the next winter period will be different, where highway teams will be working through all seasons, even laying hot tarmac during winter.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet also approved the authority’s ‘phase two’ works in a meeting on Thursday, adding millions more pounds to its £122.5 million highways pot for 2026/27 in phase one.
An extra £58.75 million will be pumped into the county’s highway network for 2026/27, bringing the total spend on roads to £181.25 million – when factoring in the £2 million emergency works earlier this year, that figure settles at more than £183 million.
Speaking in Thursday’s meeting on the further cash boost, Cllr Barton said: “But it’s not over now, we’re going to parliament in the summer and will try and get some more money because we’ve got to now prepare for next year.
“We’ve got over 130 people working on the roads at the minute. We’ve got the eight crews out at the moment doing the first-time fixes and two more starting in a few weeks’ time.
“The game changer for me is the 12 months of the year they’re going to be doing that and that will make a big impact next winter. We’re working on the next winter’s programme already.”
Cllr Rory Green, cabinet member for children’s and families, said: “This year we’ve seen record-breaking responses to pothole reports, higher reports.
“This is for the people and areas like Ashfield, that some of us represent, that have been abandoned for years.”
Both phases of spending should lead to the authority’s highways works backlog being reduced by nearly £100 million, from its peak of £414 million to an estimated £317 million, the council says.
The boost of cash comes after a September 2025 survey found about 38 per cent of the county’s roads in ‘poor condition’, along with more than half of all road marking being in ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ condition.
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 E.
Our last panagram was BACKFIRES. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.
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Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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