Remembrance Day Services, Eric and Ern, Charity Box Theft & More
Happy Friday readers, the weekend is in sight !
I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a brew and a chocolate digestive and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Today's Quote of the Day - "It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company." - George Washington
Enjoy the read and have a great weekend wherever you are reading this.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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Retford to come together for Remembrance Sunday service
Retford’s Remembrance Day Service, organised by the Retford Branch of the Royal British Legon in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council will take place on Sunday 8th November.
It’s an opportunity to remember and honour members of our Armed Forces who have served their country or lost their lives in conflicts around the world.
The service, which begins at 10:45 at Retford’s Market Square will be led by the Rev Bryony Wood and the Rev Reuben Crossley, with members of the Retford Oaks Academy Choir leading the singing. Residents are advised that this year a road closure will be in place from Bridgegate (River Lane) to Grove Street (Beardsall's Row) from 10am to 12noon.
Stan Davis, Chairman of the Retford and District Branch of the Royal British Legion said:
"It is an honour for the Royal British Legion to parade in remembrance of all those brave men and women who gave their lives to protect our great country. We are proud and thankful to be supported by Bassetlaw District Council, the Church, the Schools and members of the public."
In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, the RBL is running its annual poppy appeal, with poppies available at many local businesses. St Swithun's Church, Retford is hosting the Field of Remembrance, which offers a place to pause, reflect and remember those who gave their lives in service, as well as to honour all who have served and those who continue to serve.
The RBL will also be hosting an Act of Remembrance in the Market Square in Retford on Armistice day, Wednesday 11th November at 10:45am.
Comedy Legend’s Son Makes Appearance at Retford’s Majestic Theatre
Writer Gary Morecambe, son of comedy legend Eric Morecambe, joined the audience at Retford’s Majestic Theatre for an evening celebrating his father’s much-loved partnership with Ernie Wise.
Held on Saturday 24 October, the “Eric & Ern” production starred Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, the Olivier Award-nominated duo behind the West End hit “Eric & Little Ern”.
Gary’s attendance brought a personal connection to the evening, as the show recreated the humour and chemistry that made Morecambe and Wise household names in the 1970s. Gary has written or been involved in writing over 20 books ranging from biography to fiction and children's fiction.
With Stephens playing Eric and Ashpitel taking on the role of Ernie, the show brought together familiar sketches, songs and routines in a tribute to one of Britain’s best-loved double acts.
For audiences who grew up watching their television appearances, the performance offered an opportunity to revisit the comedy that brought families together, while introducing younger audiences to their enduring appeal.
Brady Mould, Artistic Director at The Majestic Theatre, said:
“Morecambe and Wise hold a special place in so many people’s memories, and welcoming Gary to The Majestic made this performance particularly special. The performances captured so much of what audiences love about the duo. Having Eric’s son join us, as well as meeting some members of our team, added a personal connection to an evening celebrating his father’s extraordinary comedy legacy.
“As we approach our own centenary, it was a pleasure to bring a show celebrating such an enduring part of British entertainment to Retford.”
The performance came as The Majestic prepares to celebrate its own milestone, marking its centenary in 2027. In its special year, the team has an ambitious programme of special performances, community events and heritage projects planned, which will be announced soon.
In addition, a forthcoming exhibition, “100 Years at the Majestic”, will celebrate the people, performances and memories that have shaped its history. Residents, past and present staff, volunteers and performers are invited to contribute photographs, programmes, posters, tickets and personal recollections. Anyone with memorabilia or memories to share for “100 Years at the Majestic” is invited to email 100years@majesticretford.org in the first instance.
Centenary preparations also include plans to restore the historic exterior and improve facilities through a proposed expansion into neighbouring premises, helping secure the theatre’s future.
For forthcoming performances, tickets and information about the Majestic Theatre, visit https://www.majesticretford.org/
A number of ministerial decisions on national LGR programme have been ‘withdrawn’ as part of a wider review.
In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the government has confirmed that Local Government Reorganisation will continue, with a new decision to be made by early 2027, based on the proposals already submitted and assessed against the original criteria.
Throughout the government's review period, the nine councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have continued to work collaboratively and will maintain that approach while awaiting a revised decision.
A spokesperson on behalf of the nine councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said:
"While it is disappointing that a final decision has been delayed, we welcome the further clarity provided by government on the next stage of the Local Government Reorganisation process.
"The government has confirmed that the previous decision has been withdrawn and will now be reconsidered as part of a wider review. It has also made clear that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire remain part of the national LGR programme and that a new decision will be made based on the proposals already submitted.
"Our priority remains unchanged. We will continue to deliver vital services for residents, businesses and communities while ensuring we are appropriately prepared for whatever decision government ultimately reaches.
"We remain committed to working collaboratively and constructively across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and with government, to ensure our area is in the strongest possible position for the future. We will continue preparing for implementation of any future arrangements and will share further updates as they become available."
The government also confirmed that local elections will take place in May 2027 on existing council boundaries. Councillors elected in those elections will continue to serve their existing authorities until vesting day in April 2029.
Elections for shadow unitary authorities are expected to take place in May 2028, ahead of the new councils formally coming into effect in April 2029.
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
Worksop’s Remembrance Sunday parade to remember and reflect
Bassetlaw District Council is proud to once again host the annual Remembrance Day parade in Worksop as we will remember and honour members of our Armed Forces who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world.
We welcome current and former members of the armed forces, their families and local residents to join us on Sunday 8th November to remember their service and sacrifice.
Len Rubie, Chairman of the Worksop and District branch of the Royal British Legion said:
“Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. It is also an opportunity to think of the families and loved ones of those who have served. It’s a source of great pride that our local community always turns out to support Remembrance Sunday and we are very grateful that so many people participate in both the parade and service.”
The parade will ‘form-up’ in front of the Town Hall on the Old Market Square, at around 10:20am under the direction of the Parade Marshall, M L Simcox. The Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Richard Bond and the Chair of the District Council will then inspect the Parade accompanied by music played by the Worksop Miners’ Welfare Band.
At around 10:40am, the parade will ‘march off’ from the Market Square down to the War Memorial via Potter Street and Watson Road.
The public can observe a short wreath laying Service and Act of Remembrance conducted by Father Spicer, which will take place at the War Memorial at approximately 10:50am. The Worksop Salvation Army Band will play ‘The Last Post’ before a two minutes silence at 11:00am followed by the playing of the ‘Reveille’.
Following the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, the parade will return to the Old Market Square at Worksop Town Hall for ‘Parade dismissal'.
Temporary road closures affecting Bridge Street, Potter Street, Watson Road, Priorswell Road and Memorial Avenue will be in place from 10:15am to midday to facilitate the parade.
Further details are available on the Via East Midlands website.
Suspect in Newark charity box burglary charged and remanded
A suspect in a charity box burglary has been charged and remanded into custody.
Newark officers were notified after staff realised the town's Starbucks had been broken into overnight.
While opening the store, they noticed a window had been smashed and that two charity boxes were empty.
Around £70 worth of donations were taken from the countertop at the store, based in Newark's Market Place.
A single intruder was responsible for the burglary, which happened around 2.30am on Wednesday (28 October).
Having received word of the incident just before 6.30am that day, police reviewed the CCTV and identified a suspect.
Fast forward to around 11.30am and neighbourhood officers had located the man they were looking for in the town centre.
Suspect Marcus Lowe was then arrested and charged with burglary, before appearing in court the following morning (29 October).
Lowe, 48, of no fixed address, was at that point remanded into custody and will next attend Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 5 November.
PC Ryan Flaherty, Newark town centre beat manager, said:
"Around £70 worth of charity donations were taken during this break-in, while a shop window was smashed too.
"With the store placed so centrally, within the town's Market Place, this damage would've been there for all to see throughout yesterday.
"It was pleasing therefore to see a suspect identified, arrested, charged and remanded, all within 24 hours of this offence.
"Tackling serious acquisitive crime has been a regular priority for our policing team, so we hope the speed of this action provides some reassurance to the public."
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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.
Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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