Manslaughter Sentencing, Marmite now 'WeMite', Panto in the Park & More
Happy Monday to you all and I hope you had a great weekend. Another hot week ahead according to the Met Office with temperatures forecast to hit 30 degress by the end of the week.
It's Monday morning, it's time to grab a brew, open the digestives, put the phone on silent and kick back for 10 - enjoy a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Todays thought for the day ... "“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice."― Steve Jobs "
Have a great Monday wherever you are reading this.
Justin Doddy, Editor
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you haven't already and please forward the newsletter to a friend that you think may like it, especially those that may not be on social media.
Two jailed for manslaughter over death of fellow burglar
Two men have been jailed after an intruder died during an aggravated burglary at a mobile home.
Taylor Green, 22, died following an incident at a chalet on Lodge Lane Industrial Estate, Tuxford, on 25 February last year.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that Green, David McCandless, Mason Meanwell and a fourth man entered the mobile home shortly after 10.30pm.
During a confrontation with the occupant, Green sustained two stab wounds.
No charges were brought against the occupant after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.
McCandless and Meanwell were subsequently charged with manslaughter. During a three-week trial, the court heard evidence surrounding the events of that evening.
McCandless, 44, of Wright Street, Newark, and Meanwell, 25, of Byron Close, Newark, denied manslaughter but were found guilty by a jury.
Meanwell had previously admitted conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary. McCandless denied the same offence but was found guilty following a trial.
At a sentencing hearing today (3 July), both men were jailed for 12 years for the manslaughter and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary offences.
McCandless was sentenced to an additional six months for an unrelated GBH offence, while Meanwell was also given an additional six months having committed the Tuxford offences while on a suspended sentence.
It means they were both handed overall jail terms of 12 years and six months, of which they will serve two-thirds in prison.
In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Michael Soole said the defendants were "in this together" and "must share equal responsibility" for the events of that night. He said:
"Neither of you intended that anyone should die as a result of your armed burglary.
"However as the jury has found by its verdict, there was an obvious risk that someone would be harmed as a result of your armed incursion, whether directly by your assault or in consequence of an occupant resisting you in lawful self-defence."
CCTV evidence presented during the trial showed four men approaching the chalet before forcing entry through the front door (below). The occupant and his partner were inside the mobile home when the men entered.
The group were carrying weapons, including an axe. Shouting could be heard as the men entered the property and demanded money from the occupants.
During the ensuing confrontation, Green was stabbed twice. He died at the scene having sustained a stab wound to the heart.
Following the sentencing hearing, Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of Nottinghamshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said:
"This case concerned a violent incident in which a man lost his life following an aggravated burglary.
"The circumstances surrounding Taylor Green's death were subject to detailed investigation and careful examination before the courts.
"McCandless and Meanwell have now been sentenced for their involvement in the events of that evening following their convictions for manslaughter and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary.
"Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this incident and its consequences."
Return of the Alpacas
Meet the alpacas from Oriontree Alpacas at Bassetlaw Museum.
Admission: Free for the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum, or £3 per adult, £6 per family.
Thursday 16th July, 6pm – 9pm
Bassetlaw Museum are welcoming back the hugely popular Oriontree Alpacas to their Museum Gardens.
As in previous years you are welcome to bring a picnic, there will also be cakes and drinks for sale, games to play and a raffle.
Families are welcome but children must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
Not a Friend of the Museum? Come and join on the night! Membership costs only £8 per year.
This event is organised by the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum, with the committee grateful to the family of the late Veda Brocklesby, who are bringing their alpacas for everyone to meet.
The government has refused to commit to keeping production of the next generation of Red Arrows jets in Britain.
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
The ageing Hawk T1 aircraft which the RAF Waddington-based display team currently uses will need replacing in the next few years.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) which the government published this week has promised to secure the next generation between 2030 and 2035.
However, it’s too early to say who the jets will be made by, the armed forces minister has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
She also avoided answering whether the new jets would be ready by the time the current fleet have to be retired.
The British company aiming to make a replacement collapsed earlier this year, blaming a delay in the defence plan.
“We all love the Red Arrows, it really lifts spirits to see them up in the air doing their amazing displays,” MP Louise Sandher-Jones said on a visit to RAF Coningsby.
“We have committed to replacing the Hawk jet which is fantastic.
“We’re at the very start of the process. We haven’t made some of the big decisions.
“What’s been important for this government is investing in British. 94 per cent of the contracts the Ministry of Defence has let has been to British businesses.”
Lincolnshire County Council’s Reform leader Sean Matthews has said the iconic team should be made by a British company even if it means they’re temporarily out of action.
“We need to demonstrate how brilliant they are in British-built planes. If it delays service, so be it. I’d much rather keep it local,” he said previously.
The DIP will also ensure that the Typhoons, which are based at RAF Coningsby, will continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s security.
“The [defence plan] recommits to Typhoons, we’re going to extend it into the 2040s. There will be £1.1bn to guarantee it – local people around Coningsby will be really happy to hear that,” Ms Sandher-Jones continued.
“The key thing for me is the transformation of our British forces – adapting AI, uncrewed platforms and building hybrid-warfare concepts.
“We need a mixture of crewed and uncrewed [technology], and it’s about having the different platforms working together.”
Mayor of the East Midlands in call for united action over roads investment
The Mayor of the East Midlands has today issued a call to action to council leaders and MPs to secure investment in the region's roads.
Mayor Claire Ward has written to leading figures in the region with a call to action "to secure our region's infrastructure investment for the A46 and A38 road schemes".
It comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced this week that some roads and energy capital projects will "no longer go ahead as planned", to fund the Defence Investment Plan. The planned improvements to the A38 Derby Junctions and A46 Newark Bypass were both highlighted for "potential cancellation" in the Defence Investment Plan funding explainer.
Following the announcement, Mayor Claire released the following statement, saying:
“The proposal to remove investment from two road schemes in the East Midlands – into the A46 and A38 – is completely unacceptable to me.
“I was informed of this decision as the Prime Minister was delivering his speech on the Defence Investment Plan. If Mayors and their regions are to be seen as respected partners of government, we need to be treated like grown-ups and involved in trade-offs which affect our regions.
“The trade-offs here are ones I understand. I understand that increasing investment into defence means removing it from other things. I understand that everywhere will need to contribute so that we can be safe in a less certain world. What I cannot understand is why the only region being asked to lose £900 million of investment into its roads is the East Midlands – that is not equitable and fails to recognise the decades of underinvestment that have preceded today’s decision.
“The East Midlands will play its part in delivering a safer world – we have strengths in defence and will be investing into those alongside the government. But people working in defence need good roads so that their staff can get to work, access their supply chains, and trade. We will not serve our defence sector well if we underinvest into its enabling infrastructure.
“The Government must seek contributions from regions other than ours and from spending areas other than roads. This is what I am asking Ministers for today.”
The Mayor has now written to MPs and council leaders about the schemes, under the heading: Uniting the East Midlands: A Cross-Party Call to Secure Our Region's Infrastructure Investment
LETTER STARTS:
When I was elected as Mayor of the East Midlands just over two years ago, I made it my mission to make the East Midlands the best place to live, work and learn. Since then, we have achieved a great deal by working together across political boundaries and geography. We secured devolution for our region, built a stronger voice for the East Midlands nationally, and demonstrated what can happen when our towns, cities, counties and communities come together around shared priorities.
Today, I am asking us to come together again.
The Government's decision to withdraw investment from the A46 Newark Bypass and A38 Derby Junctions schemes represents a significant setback for our region. While I fully recognise the importance of increased investment in our national defence and understand that difficult spending choices must sometimes be made, I cannot accept a situation in which the East Midlands appears to be carrying a disproportionate share of that burden.
For decades, our region has experienced lower levels of infrastructure investment than many other parts of the country. At a time when we are making the case for growth, productivity and opportunity in every part of the UK, removing almost £900 million of planned road investment from the East Midlands sends entirely the wrong signal. I am particularly concerned that the East Midlands appears to be the only region being asked to lose investment on this scale. That is neither equitable nor reflective of the historic underinvestment our region has already endured.
This matters because transport infrastructure is not an abstract policy issue. It is the foundation upon which economic growth is built. These schemes are critical to improving connectivity, supporting new homes and jobs, reducing congestion, strengthening supply chains and unlocking investment across our region. They are also vital to the success of our growing defence sector and advanced manufacturing base, both of which depend upon reliable transport networks to move people, goods and services efficiently.
The East Midlands will play its full part in strengthening Britain's defence capability, but defence industries cannot thrive without the roads that connect workers to jobs, manufacturers to supply chains and businesses to markets.
If devolution is to succeed, local and regional leaders must be treated as genuine
partners in the decisions that shape our future. We have all argued for greater local control, stronger regional leadership and a new relationship between national and local government. That relationship must include meaningful engagement when decisions of this scale affect the prospects of an entire region.
This challenge is bigger than any individual scheme, organisation or political party. It is about ensuring that the East Midlands receives the fair treatment, investment and recognition it deserves.
That is why I am inviting you to join a cross-party coalition of East Midlands political leaders, bringing together MPs, council leaders, elected mayors, councillors and regional representatives to make a united case to Government.
Our message should be simple and clear: the East Midlands supports the national
mission for growth and security, and we stand ready to play our full part in delivering both.
But if Government truly believes growth should be felt in every postcode, and if it is serious about devolving power and opportunity out of Westminster and into our towns, cities and counties, then it cannot simultaneously withdraw the infrastructure investment needed to deliver that growth. Roads like the A46 and A38 are not optional extras; they are the foundations upon which jobs, housing, productivity and investment are built. The East Midlands cannot be expected to drive national growth while being asked to accept the loss of the very infrastructure that makes that growth possible.
The East Midlands has always achieved more when we speak with one voice. We have shown that before, and we must show it again now.
I want this coalition to champion not only the reinstatement of investment in the A46 and A38 schemes, but also a broader vision for the future of our region – one based on better connectivity, stronger local decision-making, increased productivity, thriving businesses and greater opportunities for our residents.
Once this group has been established, I intend to invite business leaders, Chambers of Commerce, universities, trade unions and other key stakeholders to join our efforts so that we present the strongest possible regional case. Together, we can demonstrate the breadth of support that exists across the East Midlands for the infrastructure investment our communities and economy need.
The Government have indicated that there will be a consultation process, our first action as a collective is to coordinate a joint response to this. It is imperative that this we speak as one region on this important issue. Following this, we can look at further initiatives, such as a joint lobbying visit to Westminster, bringing together political, business, academic and civic leaders from across the East Midlands to press our case directly with Ministers and decision-makers.
This is a moment for regional solidarity and collective leadership. Place first before party politics.
The East Midlands is home to world-class businesses, internationally recognised
universities, a growing defence sector and ambitious communities. We are central to the success of the UK economy. We should not be making the case for why our region matters; we should be making the case for the investment needed to unlock its full potential.
I hope you will join me in this effort.
Together, let us send a clear message that the East Midlands stands united, stands up for its people and places, and will continue to fight for the investment our region needs to succeed.
LETTER ENDS
Our three interesting facts for today ....
There's a tanning salon in St Andrews called 'Sun Tan Drews'
There's a tanning salon in Lytham St Anns called 'Lytham St Tanz'
The World Bollard Association looks after half a billion bollards
Can you help Preserve Mattersey's Historic War Memorial Clock?
One of Mattersey's most recognisable landmarks is in need of your support. Many residents will know the church clock at St Helen's Church, but what some may not realise is that it is far more than a timepiece.
It also serves as a war memorial, dedicated to the brave men and women from our community who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Sadly, time has taken its toll, and the clock now requires essential repairs, with the total cost estimated at £10,000.There is, however, some encouraging news...
The War Memorials Trust has confirmed it will provide a grant of £5,000 – covering 50% of the restoration costs – if the remaining £5,000 can be raised locally.
Demonstrating his commitment to preserving Mattersey's heritage, local ward Councillor Andrew McCallum has made a personal pledge to help get the appeal underway. He said:
"As your local councillor, I am delighted to personally donate £1,000 towards this important restoration project."
That generous donation means just £4,000 now remains to be raised.
By coming together, this important piece of Mattersey's history will continue to stand proudly at the heart of the village for generations to come.
Why this restoration matters :
Restores one of Mattersey's most treasured historic landmarks.
Preserves a lasting memorial to local servicemen and women who gave so much.
Protects an important part of our village's heritage for future generations.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings the project one step closer to becoming a reality.If you would like to support the appeal or help with fundraising, please contact: andrew.mccallum@cllr.bassetlaw.gov.uk 07880 641424
Content & Image courtesy of FB & Cllr. McCallum
Marmite launches ‘WeMite’ jars as England World Cup run gathers pace
Marmite has temporarily rebranded as “WeMite” for a limited-edition campaign targeting England fans following the Three Lions’ latest World Cup win.
The Unilever-owned spread brand has launched special jars designed to give travelling supporters a taste of home as England’s tournament run continues.
The campaign comes after England moved into the next stage of the competition, with thousands of fans expected to continue following the team overseas.
The limited-edition jars are available in different sizes based on supporters’ level of optimism.
The smallest jar is labelled “WeMite reach the quarters”, while a medium-sized version reads “WeMite reach the semis”.
The largest jar, aimed at fans convinced England can go all the way, is branded “WeMite go and win it”.
Marmite said the idea was inspired by the familiar habit of British travellers taking home comforts abroad, from tea bags and biscuits to favourite spreads.
The brand said it wanted to ensure England fans did not have to go without one of the UK’s most recognisable grocery staples during a summer of long-haul travel, late kick-offs and nervous tournament viewing.
The campaign was created by adam&eve\TBWA, with PR handled by W Communications.
Marmite has also partnered with Heathrow Express to make the jars available to fans travelling to the airport.
Morgan McAuley, senior brand manager at Marmite, said:
“Whether fans were packing for the group stages or preparing for England to go all the way, we wanted to make sure they could take a proper taste of home with them.
“Marmite has always divided opinion, but when you’re thousands of miles from home, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of the things you love.”
Adam&eve\TBWA creative directors Darren Beresford and Richard Gayton added:
“It’s a grim thought, all of those travelling fans having to suffer through American breakfasts this summer.
“‘WeMite’ lets them choose the amount of Marmite they’re going to need out there based on how they expect England to do.
“Whether you love or hate Marmite, no true fan can turn up in the States without the big ‘WeMite go and win it’ jar in their suitcase.”
The launch is the latest example of grocery brands moving quickly to tap into World Cup momentum, as food and drink companies look to connect with fans around matchday rituals, travel and national pride.
For Marmite, the campaign leans into both its divisive brand identity and its status as a British cupboard staple, turning a familiar travel habit into a timely football activation.
Content courtesy of Grocery Gazette
Panto in the Park Returns to King’s Park
The open-air stage in Kings’ Park will come alive this August as Panto in the Park returns, bringing laughter, fun and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of Retford.
This year’s line-up features The Wizard of Oz on Monday 10 August, Rapunzel on Tuesday 18 August and Sleeping Beauty on Wednesday 26 August, with each performance starting at 2pm and lasting around 50 minutes.
Hundreds of families are expected to gather on the grassy hillside to enjoy award-winning performances from Tailgate Theatre Company. Known for their colourful productions and high-energy performances, the much-loved troupe will once again bring their unique brand of panto magic to the award-winning Kings’ Park.
Bassetlaw District Council’s Panto in the Park is free to attend, offering a perfect summer day out for people of all ages.
James Worthington, Director of TaleGate Theatre, said:
“Bringing Panto in the Park back to Kings’ Park in Retford is something we always look forward to. Over the years it’s grown into a truly special event, with fantastic audiences who bring so much energy and fun to every performance. There’s nothing quite like outdoor theatre in the summer, and we love seeing families come together to laugh, join in and be part of the show.
“We’re incredibly proud of the success it’s had year after year, and we can’t wait to return, rock the park once again and wow the crowds with another trio of brilliant productions.”
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, added:
“Panto in the Park is always a highlight of the summer, and it’s wonderful to see it returning to Kings’ Park once again.
“It’s a chance for families to spend quality time together, enjoy live entertainment and make lasting memories in one of our most beautiful outdoor spaces. The atmosphere each year is fantastic, and we’re looking forward to welcoming residents back for another series of fun-filled performances.
“I’d also like to thank Tailgate Theatre Company for their continued dedication and support. They’ve played a huge part in the success of this event over the years, and we’re delighted to be working with them again.”
Tickets are not required for any of the performances, so pack a picnic, bring a camping chair and get ready for an afternoon of songs, silliness and summer fun.
Thanks so much for reading our local newsletter and for supporting us. We’re committed to providing Bassetlaw with the quality local news service it deserves, but sustaining this work may come with some challenges. Our team is currently discussing how to make Bassetlaw Today financially viable in the long term, and one option we’re considering is introducing a subscription model to help cover our costs.
We want to be open with you about these conversations so you’re aware that a fee may need to be introduced in the future. If that happens, we hope you’ll continue to stand with us and support the publication.
Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.
Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
