Skeletal Remains Identified, Apprenticeship News, Fantastic Community Groups & More
Happy Monday to you all and I hope you had a great weekend.
Here is today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
You will also see that throughout June we are 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. Please spread the word.
Todays thought for the day ... “If you don’t make the time to work on creating the life you want, you’re eventually going to be forced to spend a lot of time dealing with a life you don’t want.” - Kevin Ngo
Enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and 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.
UPDATE: A617 Skeletal Remains Identified - DNA testing confirms the identity of human remains found near Mansfield.
Nottinghamshire Police have confirmed that DNA testing has confirmed the identity of human remains found in a wooded area in Mansfield.
Detectives investigating the incident have confirmed that the human remains are those of Michael Dennington, who was born in June 1961.
His family who are being supported by specially trained officers have been informed.
Members of the public found the remains in a wooded area next to the A617 Rainworth Bypass around 2.45pm on 23 May.
Specialist archaeologists, anthropologists, detectives, and police search teams were at the site for some time when the discovery was made.
Michael was reported missing in May 2020 by his family. He was last seen at Kings Mill Hospital before being discharged.
An extensive police investigation was carried out to locate Michael at the time, however, he was never found.
A team of detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and are waiting for the final post-mortem findings. A file has been prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, who is leading the investigation, said:
"Our thoughts continue to be with the family of Mr Dennington during what is likely to be a very difficult time.
"These types of investigations are complex, and we needed to ensure the results of DNA testing were conclusive before releasing information about the deceased."We are now in a position to release these details. An investigation is still underway surrounding the circumstances of this death, and we are currently waiting for the final post-mortem reports.
"We are working closely with the family who are being updated on any developments and offered support. As I am sure you can understand, the family have asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time."
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Careers event showcasing apprenticeship opportunities
Bassetlaw District Council is hosting a regional careers event showcasing apprenticeship opportunities next month, bringing together local employers, training providers and aspiring learners.
The ‘Bridge into Apprenticeships’ event, delivered by the Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop has been commissioned by the East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA) and marks the first Apprenticeship and Technical Education (ATE) event of its kind to be delivered in the north of the district. It aims to highlight the wide range of pathways available to those looking to start or progress their careers through apprenticeships.
The event will take place at The Bridge Skills Hub, Worksop, on Wednesday 8th July 2026 from 6pm to 8pm, offering attendees the opportunity to hear directly from apprenticeship experts, speak with apprentices and engage with local employers and training providers.
Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills said:
“This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking about doing an apprenticeship and taking their first step into a new career.
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in supporting both individuals and businesses, for learners they offer the chance to earn while you learn, gain real-world experience and avoid the significant costs often associated with university study.
“For employers, apprenticeships provide a practical route to develop talent, address skills gap, and grow the next generation workforce from within.”
Tina Patel, Careers Programme Lead at EMCCA said:
“We are proud to commission this Apprenticeship and Technical Education event in Bassetlaw, helping to expand access to high-quality careers support across the region.
“Events like this are essential in raising awareness of the opportunities apprenticeships offer, enabling people to gain valuable skills, earn while they learn, and progress into rewarding careers, while also supporting employers to build the skilled workforce they need for the future.”
Employers and apprenticeship teams are being encouraged to get involved and share their experiences to help inspire the next generation and support regional workforce growth.
Our three interesting facts for today ....
Joan Crawford was named by the readers of a movie magazine
The summit of Mount Everest was once part of the ocean floor
The oldest known boomerang is from Poland
🎄✨ CHRISTMAS AT THE MAJESTIC IS ON SALE NOW! ✨🎄
The festive season may seem a long way off, but trust us... Santa's diary is already filling up! 🎅🎟️
THREE spectacular Christmas shows are heading to The Majestic Theatre, Retford in 2026, bringing festive magic, music, laughter and unforgettable entertainment to the stage.
Which one will you choose... or will you treat yourself to all three? 😍
🎩 A Christmas Carol📅 Monday 9th & Tuesday 10th November 2026
A Dickens classic with a twist! When the cast are stranded on a train, Charles Dickens and his tour manager must perform over 30 characters between them. Heartwarming, hilarious and perfect for theatre lovers, families and GCSE students alike.
✨📖☘️ Rhythm of the Dance Christmas Special📅 Friday 6th November 2026
Experience the magic of Christmas through breathtaking Irish music, song and dance. Featuring world-class musicians, star vocalists and champion dancers, this festive spectacular will have you clapping along from start to finish! 💚🎶
💃🎄 That'll Be Christmas📅 Thursday 3rd December 2026
The UK's longest-running touring theatre Christmas show returns with a brand-new production packed full of festive favourites, singalong classics, laugh-out-loud comedy and plenty of Christmas cheer! 🎤❄️
❤️🎟️ Book your tickets today:
📖 A Christmas Carol – https://shorturl.at/epK6N
☘️ Rhythm of the Dance – https://shorturl.at/Tb5Lf
🎄 That'll Be Christmas – https://shorturl.at/x70pY
☎️ Box Office: 01777 706866
✨ Three incredible shows. One magical festive season.
Don't be the Scrooge who leaves booking until the last minute! 🎅🎁🎭
#MajesticTheatreRetford #ChristmasAtTheMajestic #ThatllBeChristmas #AChristmasCarol #RhythmOfTheDance #LiveTheatre #RetfordEvents #FestiveFun #Christmas2026 #bassetlawtoday #bassetlawnewsletter
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/ .
Bassetlaw District Council celebrate Community Groups and Individuals across Bassetlaw
This week Bassetlaw District Council highlighted some of the fantastic community groups and individuals benefiting from Councillor Community Grants across Bassetlaw.
The Annual Gerald Story Fun Run returned to the local sporting calendar, with around 500 runners and walkers taking part to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Starting at Worksop College and finishing in Clumber Park, the event honours the legacy of Gerald Story, a founding member of Worksop Harriers. A £400 grant from Cllr Julie Leigh helped fund bespoke medals for participants.
Men in Sheds have also received a £350 grant towards new workshop equipment. The group, which meets four days a week, supports a growing membership of 35 people and provides a welcoming space to learn, share skills and socialise.
Misterton Gardening Club has been awarded £200 to expand its programme of trips and guest speakers. With regular monthly meetings at Misterton Church, the funding will help bring even more opportunities to its 20–30 members.
Congratulations to all the groups supported through the scheme.
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated funding each year to back local projects, from sport and culture to environmental and community initiatives, helping make a real difference in our neighbourhoods.
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
A historic Lincolnshire water tower which boasts the potential for “truly rare” development potential is up for sale.
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
The 129-year old Cox’s Tower in Gainsborough could be turned into a six-storey home in a “Grand Designs style project”.
The Grade II-listed structure sits on the top of Cox’s Lane in Gainsborough, giving any occupants panoramic views over the town. A new owner would also be able to build three new five-bedroom homes surrounding the tower under planning permission from West Lindsey District Council.
The development has a guide price of £225,000 and an undisclosed reserved price, and is marketed by William H Brown.
The red-brick tower was built in 1897 and remains unchanged inside and out according to the description.
The online brochure describes it as “a truly rare and unique development opportunity” with the potential to be “an architectural dream home”.It also suggests that it could make a “unique Airbnb”, joining the trend of holiday homes in weird and wonderful locations.
The homes would be hidden from view on Heapham Road by a wall, with two new access points created.
Anyone interested in the offering should contact William H Brown.West Lindsey planning officers granted permission for the change of use in 2024, with the council raising no objections to the change of use.
Planning documents submitted by Shy Harris say the project would “restore the historic appearance of the site from public view, protecting the setting of the listed asset.”
Gainsborough Town Council had raised concerns about how the six-storey home would overlook nearby properties and infringe on their privacy.
A similar scheme was approved in 2013, but expired without the work ever being undertaken.
The Cox’s Hill reservoir was first built in the 1860s to supply the growing town of Gainsborough, and extended in the 1890s which required a new water tower.
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
