Hello from Bassetlaw Today
Today's edition covers Potholes, Remembrance Project Part 2, The Priory Centre, Retford Market and more , and of course - your daily puzzle fix.
Todays thought for the day ... “Permit yourself to change your mind when something is no longer working for you.” - Nedra Glover Tawwab
Enjoy the read and have a great Charter day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.
Justin Doddy, Editor
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures from around Bassetlaw, we may feature it on our newsletter.
Treswell Care Home Rated as Outstanding By CQC
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has upgraded the rating of The Old Red Lion in Treswell, Nottinghamshire, from good to outstanding following an inspection in March.
The Old Red Lion, run by Creative Care (East Midlands) Limited which is owned by Consensus, is a residential care home providing support to younger adults. It supports autistic people and people with a learning disability and was supporting seven people at the time of the inspection. CQC carried out this inspection as part of its routine monitoring of services.
CQC assessed the service using its right support, right care, right culture guidance. This guidance assesses whether a service guarantees autistic people and people with a learning disability the respect, equality, dignity, choice, independence and access to local communities that most people take for granted.
CQC has upgraded the ratings for how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led the home is from good to outstanding.
Greg Rielly, CQC deputy director of adult social care in the east midlands, said:
“We found leaders and staff at The Old Red Lion went above and beyond to make sure people felt safe, supported and comfortable in their home. We were incredibly impressed by how much staff and leaders considered people’s individual needs and were committed to helping people live happy and fulfilling lives.
“We were encouraged by the warm and patient interactions we saw between staff and the people they supported, and it was positive to hear about the strong relationships they had built.
“People were relaxed around staff and could go to them for reassurance, and staff had worked hard to learn each person’s communication style to communicate with them in ways they could understand. Staff genuinely cared about the people they cared for, which was helping them achieve their goals and ambitions.
“Also, relatives were very happy with the care their loved ones received and shared examples of positive changes since moving into the home, which included improvements in confidence, emotional stability, independence and quality of life. The home kept relatives updated, which was really valued, and they felt included in their loved one’s care.
“We also found the home gave people the opportunity to take part in education and upskilling to learn practical and life skills, helping develop their independence, communication and confidence. Staff tailored learning to ensure people had achievable steps to succeed at their own pace.
“The Old Red Lion’s leaders and staff should be proud of the many positive findings in our report, which other care organisations should read as an example of outstanding practice.”
Inspectors found:
- Staff understood people’s individual needs and preferences, including making adaptations to rooms to ensure people were comfortable and maintained good emotional wellbeing.
- Leaders had embedded a culture at the home to constantly go above and beyond expectations and enhance people’s lives.
- The home made people’s wellbeing a priority. Staff provided thoughtful, compassionate support during times when people felt anxious or stressed and used calming strategies, predictable routines, sensory tools and safe spaces to help people understand and work through their feelings.
- The Old Red Lion worked closely with partners to provide safe, consistent care, and helped people move between services smoothly. When people needed to attend hospital, the home had communication passports so hospital teams knew how best to support and communicate with people. This helped people have better experiences of care by reducing distress and improving decision making.
- Staff assessed people’s needs well and kept these under close review, as they knew these could change quickly. This meant the care they provided was responsive, which was made possible by staff knowing people exceptionally well.
- The home was committed to reducing restrictions, while leaders and staff applied learnings from previous incidents to make positive changes that improved people’s independence and autonomy.
The report will be published on CQC’s website in the coming days.
County council takes delivery of specialist pothole fixing machines
Two specialist pothole machines will begin working on Nottinghamshire’s roads next week, the latest boost in the drive to fix the county’s highways.
Nottinghamshire County Council has taken delivery of the JCB Pothole Pro machines from commercial asset supplier Dawsongroup, just a week after a record-breaking £181.25 million investment in the county’s roads was given the green light.
They will be delivering first-time permanent repairs in Nottinghamshire through the county council’s highways partner, Via East Midlands, and add to the eight repair teams who hit the county’s roads at the start of the month.
The unique three-in-one machines, which have been leased for 12 months, will help to improve the speed, quality and cost-effectiveness of repairs across the county.
Their benefits include:
- Fixing a typical pothole rapidly, helping to clear backlogs more quickly and ensure that roads are closed for shorter periods of time.
- Reducing repair costs, with permanent, longer‑lasting fixes meaning fewer repeat visits.
- Cutting, cropping, and cleaning in a single visit.
The Pothole Pro machines have been leased from Dawsongroup via a procurement and tendering process carried out by Via.
Council Leader, Councillor Mick Barton, said the arrival of the Pothole Pro machines will provide value for money for Nottinghamshire residents.
He said: “After months of hard work, Cllr Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, and I decided to take on two JCB Pothole Pro machines as part of our ongoing work to repair the roads.
“These machines will have a positive impact in what we are trying to achieve and mark a significant step forward in our first time permanent repair programme.
"Residents rightly expect us to deal with potholes quickly and effectively, and this technology allows us to do exactly that in addition to the more traditional methods we already use.
“What sets the Pothole Pro apart is its ability to complete multiple repair stages using a single piece of equipment.
“By combining cutting, cropping, and cleaning into one machine, we can reduce the time crews spend on each repair while also minimising disruption to road users.
“Ultimately, this is about delivering a better service for our communities.
“Smoother, safer roads benefit everyone, from daily commuters to local businesses, and the Pothole Pro is helping us meet those expectations in a smarter, modern way.
“We know we have a challenge ahead of us, that we are rising to, and I am confident residents will see a vast improvement in the condition of our roads by the end of the summer.”
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said the machines should help the council’s teams carry out repairs to a consistently high quality.
He said: “The introduction of the JCB Porthole Pro machines will ensure that first time permanent repairs minimise the likelihood of repeat issues in the same locations.
“Another key benefit is the reduced impact on local communities as repairs can be completed faster and more efficiently, meaning there is less need for prolonged road closures or traffic management and helping to keep Nottinghamshire moving.
“This is about building a resilient and well-maintained road network for the future.
“By adding modern solutions like the Pothole Pro to our toolbox of highway repairs we are addressing current challenges and seeking to set a higher standard for road maintenance in the years ahead.
"People have understandably been frustrated with the condition of Nottinghamshire’s roads, and we believe our record-breaking investment in highways is just the start of an exciting journey as we deliver the network that people rightly expect.
“We will be evaluating the performance and value for money of the Pothole Pro, alongside our other machinery and traditional methods, to guide future investment decisions in our highways.”
Haley Thomas, Strategic Account Manager at Dawson Group, said: “We’re proud to support Via East Midlands with the installation of the JCB Pothole Pro, which represents a significant step forward in how permanent road repairs are delivered.
“Having worked closely with the team since early 2024, we understand the pressures facing local authorities to do more with less while improving safety and long-term outcomes.
“The Pothole Pro offers a fully mechanised, permanent repair solution that aligns perfectly with Via’s commitment to efficiency, quality, and reducing repeat interventions across the network.”
New stalls smarten up Retford Market
Retford’s Market has been given a makeover with the arrival of new and refurbished stalls that bring a bright and welcoming feel to one of the town’s main attractions.
New white and green coverings are now adorning traders’ stalls, helping to give them a new lease of life and improving the market’s appearance.
It’s part of a series of improvements using funding from the UK Government that has improved the market’s infrastructure including the refurbishment of stalls, and canopy extensions to make it a better trading environment for traders and customers.
Stall holder Tim Fieldhouse, from Tim and Gill Fabrics, said: “The new market stalls are a great improvement for traders and customers. The added shelter is a massive benefit, especially during extreme weather, making the market a much more comfortable place to shop and providing protection for traders and their stock.
“They also look much cleaner and brighter, and we hope these improvements will encourage more customers to visit more regularly, which will encourage traders to join the market, helping Retford Market continue and thrive.”
The new stalls will be phased into the existing market over the coming weeks and have been funded through the UK Government’s Town Centre Streetscaping Fund and allocated by the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board.
Rick Brand, Chair of the Retford Town Centre Partnership Board said: "The Retford Town Centre Partnership Board was delighted to allocate the funding to support the improvements to the market stalls.
“The Retford markets are a major attraction for visitors and residents alike and add real value to the town centre along with the recent improvements to the public spaces and security."
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: “We welcome the arrival of these new canopies, which have been introduced following consultation with local traders.
“They have made a positive difference in the market’s overall appearance, helping to breathe new life into them and benefitting traders and shoppers alike.”
As part of the upgrade, a consultation took place with market traders and other stakeholders on a proposed new layout to look at ways of making improvements such as increasing the visibility of traders, trading conditions and customer flow, accessibility, and ensuring safer vehicle access.
That process is currently in progress with further engagement with traders due to take place.
Alongside this work, the Town Centre Partnership Board has also invested government funding into several other projects over the past year to enhance the area’s appearance with new benches, bins, planters, planting, signage and repairing street furniture where needed.
Our three interesting facts for today ....
The oldest object in the British Crown Jewels is a spoon
The Latin for 'proud' is SUPERBUM
The redder a ruby .... the more it costs
Retford jobs safeguarded as autocentre chain snaps up 35 sites
Over 130 roles have been safeguarded following the acquisition of 35 sites by Formula One Autocentres from ATS Euromaster.
The deal sees employees transfer into the expanding network, with the business growing its footprint to 170 locations across the UK.
The sites are being integrated over the Bank Holiday period, with IT and e-commerce systems transferring first, followed by a programme of refurbishment and rebranding over the next three months.
Jon Butcher, managing director at Formula One Autocentres said: “This is a milestone moment in our history and will help the business to scale rapidly.
“130 ATS employees will be joining us as part of the deal and we look forward to welcoming them into the Formula One family. They know their existing customers and they are buying into the way we do things to ensure it is business as usual with all the added benefits we bring. There will also be a lot of career progression opportunities for them to explore.”
The expansion forms part of a longer-term growth strategy, with the company targeting a network of 250 sites. The enlarged business now employs around 1,100 staff and provides services including tyres, diagnostics, servicing and MOTs.
Butcher added: “The 35 sites will take us to the 170 mark and significantly increase our coverage in regions such as South Wales and the North East. These will all form part of a long-term plan to get us towards a 250-strong portfolio.
“At the heart of our growth will always be our customers and ensuring we maintain the family-owned business philosophy that keeps hundreds of thousands of motorists on the road every year.”
The newly acquired sites are spread across multiple regions, including Hinckley and Retford in the East Midlands; Sandown on the Isle of Wight; Newcastle, South Shields and Wallsend in the North East; and Blackpool, Bredbury, Bury, Morecambe, Preston and Runcorn in the North West.
Further locations include Aldershot, Bourne End, Chichester, Godalming, Marlborough, Newmarket and Portslade in the South; Barnstaple, Tiverton and Yeovil in the South West; and a number of sites across Wales, including Abergavenny, Bangor, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Cwmbran, Newport, Port Talbot and Wrexham. In the West Midlands, the acquisition includes Evesham, Stafford, Uttoxeter and Tamworth, alongside Morley in Yorkshire.
Priory centre confirms return of Sports Direct as redevelopment progresses
Bassetlaw District Council is bringing a hugely popular store back to the Priory Centre as it moves forward with its plans to regenerate a key town centre site.
Sports Direct - leading international retailer of sports and fitness footwear, clothing and equipment - will return to its previous unit and rejoin the centre’s line-up in the next few weeks.
Creating over 10 new job opportunities for the community, the new store signals renewed investment and fresh momentum for the centre.
Spanning 6,000 sq. ft, the elevated store will bring a diverse offering of the world’s best sports and lifestyle brands including Nike, adidas, PUMA, and Skechers.
This announcement swiftly follows the positive news about the progress of preparations on site to revitalise the centre and move forward with ambitions to attract further retail and leisure offers.
Demolition is currently taking place on site, ahead of a further phase of development that will create an exciting mix of leisure, entertainment, and dining facilities including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area, a bowling alley and more.
Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place, said: “With preparations for the redevelopment of the Priory Centre now well underway, we are pleased to welcome Sports Direct back to the centre as part of its revitalisation.
“This is a big boost for the centre and we are confident that this move will help to attract the attention of more national, regional and independent businesses to this exciting project.”
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Amazing Photo Remembrance Project Continues as Primary Students Visit Ordsall Churchyard
On Thursday (30/5/26) students from Ordsall Primary School visited All Hallows Churchyard, Ordsall to install 22 photographs of military veterans onto poppies marking the scattered graves and family memorials located here.
Also attending and supporting these students in this act of remembrance were members of Retford & District Royal British Legion, Councillor Harriet Digby, and parishioners from All Hallows Church.
Following an ongoing appeal to the local community for photographs of the veterans while creating three remembrance maps, the project has been extremely successful in the All Hallows Churchyard, Ordsall location.
Since an initial appeal in September last year, which is still ongoing, the project has had five veterans photographic images very kindly donated to the project. The latest two included Private Jesse Taylor who served in the General Service Corps, and was only 18 years old when he died. The photograph was kindly donated by a relative.
In the last week an elderly gentleman called Tony Robson, who is 86 years old made a special journey to visit All Hallows Church on the day of their coffee morning and left a photograph of his father. Tony told Michael Szarelis that his father Lance Corporal Robert Albert Robson had served in the Pioneer Corps and died on the 8th August 1945. Tony was only 5 years old at the time and never saw his father again.
The project continues to appeal for veteran's photographs for the project in Worksop and Retford. Please contact us and we will pass your details onto Michael Szarelis.
The final location to be visited to install the remaining 40 photographs of military veterans by the 8th May VE Day is Retford Cemetery where images be placed on the scattered graves and memorials of veterans.
One of the project's new volunteers, Rachel has been working helping clear and tidy All Hallows old churchyard. On the 30/3/2026 she uncovered a memorial plaque of Warrant Electrician William Widdowson, Royal Navy. The plaque was discovered face down on his family grave after the undergrowth was cleared off the family grave. Amazingly, the discovery was made on the eve of the 85th anniversary of the sinking of his ship.
Content courtesy of Michael Szarelis.
The cemetery visit on the 30/4/2026 is part of a remembrance project involving students from local primary schools from Worksop and Retford, in which they will be installing a total of 128 photographs of Military Veterans in cemetery locations, on the veterans’ graves and family memorials.
Details covering the project's first cemetery visit at Retford Cemetery can be read on our newsletter of the 30/4/2026 https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/hello-from-bassetlaw-today-5/
Can you figure out today's puzzle?
First figure out the nine letter solution and then find as many words as you can in today's panagram that contain the letter A.
Our last panagram was HILLCLIMB. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.
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Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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