Baggy Trousers, Car Crime, Faith School Transport & More

Happy Tuesday everyone and a massive welcome to all our new subscribers. I really hope you enjoy the daily read as subscribers now receive 7 - YES SEVEN FREE newsletters every week.

We have also created some special interest groups as requested and the first one 'Bassetlaw Yesterday', for the history and nostalgia readers, has arrived 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1912785046097884

More Groups to be announced soon!

Its time to grab a brew, open the Oreos, put the phone on silent and kick back for 10.

We are also running a fabulous competition to win tickets to 'Beyond Van Gogh' or 'Beyond Monet' for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. This competition can only be won by one of our amazing newsletter subscribers - current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Todays thought for the day ... “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” ― Marcus Tullius Cicero

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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Police issue warning to drivers as vehicle crime spikes

Motorists in Bassetlaw are being urged to tighten up their security after police reported a rise in vehicle crime across parts of Nottinghamshire.

Officers say many of the incidents could have been avoided with a few simple precautions — and they’re calling on drivers to take extra care, whether they’re parking up for the night or just popping into a shop for a minute.

Police say too many thieves are still finding cars left unlocked.

A spokesman said: “Even vehicles parked on driveways or left unattended while filling up at petrol stations are being targeted. Drivers are being told to double‑check doors, windows and sunroofs.

“Criminal gangs are also on the lookout for cars with fold‑in wing mirrors. If the mirrors are still out, it’s a clear sign the vehicle hasn’t been locked.”

Modern cars are harder to steal — unless thieves get hold of the key or fob.

Officers warn that criminals are using “fishing” techniques, hooking keys through letterboxes using sticks and wire. Drivers are being urged to keep keys out of sight and away from doors and windows.

Anyone selling a car is also being told never to let a potential buyer walk off with the keys, even briefly, as they could be cloned.

Police say keyless entry systems remain a major target.

Thieves only need to get within a few metres of a key to capture its signal and trick the car into unlocking and starting. Officers recommend storing keys — and spares — in a Faraday pouch and checking regularly that the pouch still blocks signals.

Drivers are also being advised to switch off wireless functions on fobs when not in use and to reprogramme keys when buying second‑hand cars.

Officers say motorists should avoid dark, quiet streets and instead choose well‑lit, busy areas — even if it means a slightly longer walk.

Car parks with the Park Mark safety award are also recommended.

Police say thieves can break into a car in under 30 seconds — and they’ll do it for loose change, sunglasses or a phone cable.

Drivers are being urged to:

• Remove valuables or hide them out of sight
• Take wallets, handbags and bank cards with them
• Wipe away sat‑nav suction marks
• Remove mounts, cables and other clues that gadgets may be inside

Items left on roof racks, tailgate racks or in external tool boxes are easy pickings. Officers say drivers should remove them or secure them properly.

Number plates should be fitted with tamper‑resistant screws, and alloy wheels protected with locking wheel nuts, as both are frequently stolen.

Vans remain a prime target

Tools stored in vans overnight continue to attract thieves.

Police recommend marking tools with a name or company details, storing them in a lockable cabinet inside the van, and fitting small internal cameras.

Registration and insurance documents should never be left in a vehicle. “Thieves can use them to pose as the owner and sell the car on,” A spokesman said..

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Funding available for Nottinghamshire community projects that reduce waste and promote recycling

Nottinghamshire community groups, schools, and charities are invited to apply for a share of funding for initiatives that focus on waste reduction, reuse or recycling.

Veolia and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund is back for its 16th year to provide grants of up to £1,000 to community groups, schools, and charities across Nottinghamshire's seven boroughs and districts: Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and Rushcliffe. The Fund has previously supported a diverse range of projects and activities, including swap shop events, repair workshops, community gardens utilising reused, reclaimed or recycled materials, food waste reduction initiatives and composting schemes.

Applications for the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund can be made online at nottinghamshire.veolia.co.uk/reduce-reuse-recycling-fund or application forms can be requested by calling 0203 567 4391. For any questions relating to applications, please email nottsenquiries@veolia.co.uk. The closing date for applications is 14 September 2026.

Veolia, which delivers essential waste treatment services on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, is looking for applications that detail innovative and creative ways to promote reducing, reusing and recycling waste, to inspire the community and generate change across Nottinghamshire.

Examples of previously successful applicants include:

● Broxtowe Women’s Project, a charity that provides support and advice for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse, received a £750 grant in 2025. The funding it received enabled the group to purchase resources for a new Gather and Grow project, which focused on teaching families about growing and cooking food, centering on sustainability and recycling in a practical way.

● Majestic Theatre in Retford also received £882 of funding in 2025. The theatre, which is run entirely by volunteers, used the grant to invest in a robust recycling system which has allowed them to take real, practical action to reduce their environmental impact.

● St Mary Magdalene in Newark-on-Trent used its funding of £761 to launch its Repair Cafe. As an Eco Church, the funding enabled the group to provide a free repair service for the local community, which encourages residents in Newark and the surrounding area to reduce, reuse and recycle.

● Sam’s Workplace based in Rainworth received £667 to fund its beekeeping equipment. Sam's Workplace offers work placements to adults with learning disabilities, which provide them with skills to help their independence, ability to travel, and opportunities to work.

Dean Ford, Director of Treatment East, said:

“We’re excited to be supporting even more local projects in Nottinghamshire through the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund, which is now in its sixteenth year. I’m looking forward to reviewing all the fantastic applications and seeing how people across Nottinghamshire get engaged with driving change and making a positive impact on their local environments, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the area.”

Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“It’s clear that Nottinghamshire residents are passionate about making a positive impact in their local communities while also protecting the environment. We are delighted to be running the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund again this year as it is a great way to support local groups with their efforts. If you are a school, community group, or charity with an innovative idea to challenge how we think about waste then I encourage you to apply. Projects that can help increase everyone’s desire to cut waste will be a benefit to us all.”

Brady Mould, Artistic Director of Majestic Theatre, stated,

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have received support from the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund. As a busy community theatre, we generate a surprising amount of waste – so being able to invest in a proper recycling system is a huge step forward. This funding has allowed us to take real, practical action to reduce our environmental impact. It’s not just about bins – it’s about setting an example for our performers, volunteers and audiences, and showing that even small changes can lead to big improvements. We’re really proud to be making the Majestic a greener place to be.”

A Night to Remember for Young Madness Fan Henry

Six-year-old Henry from #gainsborough had the experience of a lifetime on Friday night when he became the unexpected star of TK Maxx Presents Live at Lincoln Castle

After a member of the Madness team spotted Henry's fantastic ska-inspired outfit in the crowd, he and his grandad were invited backstage to meet the legendary band.

When Henry told frontman Suggs that "Baggy Trousers" was his favourite Madness song, Suggs laughed and replied:

"Yes! I wrote that!"

But the surprises didn't stop there...

Later in the evening, Henry was invited back on stage to dance alongside the Nutty Boys during "Night Boat to Cairo". In a moment he'll never forget, Suggs handed him the microphone for the final word of the night, earning a huge cheer from the Lincoln Castle crowd!

The heartwarming moment came as Madness returned to the historic venue following their sold-out 2024 performance. Celebrating their 50th anniversary year, the band delivered a high-energy set packed with classics including One Step Beyond, Embarrassment, The Prince, It Must Be Love and Our House.

Under beautiful blue skies , Suggs summed up the atmosphere perfectly, telling fans:

"We're definitely feeling the love tonight, Lincoln."

What an unforgettable evening for Henry, his family, and thousands of Madness fans alike!

Content courtesy of Rhodes Media
Images courtesy of CUFFE & TAYLOR

Our three interesting facts for today ....

France has a larger economy than the whole of Africa

Asparagus tips are called 'quibs'

All strawberries today derive from five plants brought to France from Chile in 1712

Award-Winning Crime Prevention Scheme Recognised Nationally

A pioneering Nottinghamshire crime prevention project that helps tackle the root causes of offending has won a prestigious national award.

The Open 2 Recovery (O2R) programme works with individuals responsible for significant retail crime, providing tailored support to address issues such as substance misuse, mental health challenges, and other complex needs.

Through a trauma-informed approach, police and partner agencies work together to help participants break the cycle of offending and build brighter futures.

The results speak for themselves:

✅ Reduced reoffending
✅ Safer communities and businesses
✅ Individuals turning their lives around
✅ Former offenders now supporting retailers with crime prevention advice
✅ Peer mentors helping others on their recovery journey

The success of the project was recognised on Thursday 18 June when O2R won the Rehabilitation Award at the prestigious Heroes of Retail Risk Awards in London.

Since its launch, the scheme has supported 37 individuals, many of whom have successfully rebuilt their lives and made positive contributions to their communities.

PC Jo Baxter, who works on the project, said the award is a proud moment for everyone involved and reflects the dedication, compassion and determination of the entire team.

"Wherever they are in their recovery journey, we won't give up on them. That's what has helped a lot of people take those important steps forward into recovery."

Congratulations to everyone involved in this inspiring initiative, which is helping to reduce crime, support recovery, and make Nottinghamshire's communities and businesses safer for all.

Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police

Please Stay Safe: Fire Service Issues Hot Weather Safety Warning

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents to stay safe as the Met Office's hot weather warning remains in place throughout the week.

Head of Community Safety and Engagement, Rich Leighton, said:

"Warm weather is something many of us look forward to, but it also brings increased risk. We’re asking everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their communities."

BBQ & Fire Safety: Avoid using BBQs where possible and dispose of cigarettes and glass bottles responsibly.• Never leave a BBQ unattended and ensure it is fully cooled before disposal.• Disposable BBQs are banned in Nottingham City public spaces.• Consider taking a picnic instead and always take your litter home.

Report Deliberate Fires: If you witness deliberate fire-setting, misuse of BBQs, or campfires in open spaces, report it immediately.

Stay Safe Around Water: Only swim where lifeguards are present.• Be aware that water can remain dangerously cold, even in hot weather.• If someone gets into difficulty, do not enter the water—call 999 and ask for the Fire Service and Ambulance. Remember: Float to Live.

Be Prepared: Download the what3words app to help emergency services locate you quickly in an emergency.

With temperatures soaring, please take care, look out for vulnerable friends, family and neighbours, and help keep Nottinghamshire safe.

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Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet

Win a pair of tickets or a family ticket (5 tickets) for Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

To be in the draw all you need to do is sign up to our 100% Free daily digital newsletter. Current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Full details can be found at:   https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/competition-2/ .

NEWARK AND SHERWOOD: More than 100 homes proposed on the edge of rural Notts village

By: Lauren Monaghan

A rural Nottinghamshire village could expand by more than 100 homes after plans for a new development were put forward.

Proposals have been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council for the construction of 119 homes on farmland off Old Rufford Road and Mickledale Lane, Bilsthorpe.

While the land comes under the Rufford Parish area, the development, lodged by C A Strawson Farming Limited, would see the expansion of the north-western edge of Bilsthorpe, which, according to the 2021 Census, has about 3,500 residents.

Early drawings suggest the properties could be built on the western side of the field, offering a “green buffer” between the development and the existing homes and farmhouse in the east.

Documents say 30 per cent of the homes would come under affordable housing, in line with the council’s requirements, and also note how the authority cannot currently provide a five-year housing land supply.

Property consultancy Harris Lamb has called the homes “much needed” in documents, saying the proposals are in a “sustainable location” and plans for residential developments are needed to “rectify [the] significant shortfall” in the land supply.

Biodiversity enhancements, along with play and public open space, are also factored into the plans.

The Rainworth watercourse runs between the proposed development site and the existing homes in Mickledale Close, meaning the eastern part of the site lies within flood zones two and three.

The development being built on the western side of the field would mean the new homes would “avoid” the higher flood risk areas.

A flood risk assessment submitted with the plans says a new development on the site would not increase the flood risk on or off the site and the developer will assess improving the existing flooding issues experienced towards the east.

The large development plans will be decided by the council at a later stage, with the authority setting a September 16, 2026, deadline.

Concerns Raised Over Proposed Changes to Faith School Transport in Nottinghamshire County Council

Children attending faith schools across Nottinghamshire could be affected by potential changes to the county's discretionary school transport scheme, currently under review by Nottinghamshire County Council.

The council says it is facing "significant financial pressure" and is considering a number of options, including maintaining the current service, increasing parental contributions, or phasing out the scheme in future years. Around 520 pupils currently use the service to travel to Catholic and Church of England schools.

Concerns have been raised about the impact any cuts could have on young people.James McGeachie, Chief Executive of Our Lady of Lourdes Multi-Academy Trust, said:

“These proposals would have a negative impact on hundreds of children across Nottinghamshire.

“Their safety and well-being would be put at risk due to longer journey times and the need to change buses, often in large towns or rural areas and in many cases having to walk between stops in the dark for much of the year.

“The savings the council would make through these proposals do not justify the increased risk to vulnerable children, especially when they are about to receive a 31 percent increase in their funding from central government.”

Councillor Sam Smith, Leader of the Opposition at Nottinghamshire County Council, also criticised the proposals, saying:

“In Reform’s massive plans, they have increased adult social care fees on the most vulnerable by £1.4 million – something the Conservatives never did – and now they’re [potentially] cutting transport to the minority group of faith school attendees.

“Whilst at the same time spending £75,000 on putting flags up and spending about £40,000 more on the council’s magazine – their priorities are all wrong.”

Responding on behalf of the council, Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our long standing partnership with the faith community and highly value the education they provide to families across Nottinghamshire.

“While it’s never easy to review valued services such as our discretionary faith transport scheme, our aim is to ensure we safeguard what matters most for everyone.

“Nottinghamshire County Council is one of the only councils locally to still offer a discretionary faith transport scheme.

“We’d like to reassure parents that this review does not impact on their statutory entitlements, including extended rights for low-income families, which remain unchanged.”

The council says the discretionary scheme cost around £1.25 million last year, with families contributing around 20% of the cost.

A final decision is expected by August 2026.

Based on content provided by Lauren Monaghan, LDRS

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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk