'The Weekly Roundup' - All the news from around Bassetlaw over the last week and not an advert to be seen.

Well that's the end of another busy week of news from around Bassetlaw and the surrounding area.

On this Bank Holiday weekend, why not grab a coffee, take ten and catch up on shortened highlights from this week's Bassetlaw Today newsletters and of course, your daily puzzle fix.

Covering all things Bassetlaw the full articles can be accessed in our daily newsletters 100% FREE on https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/ .

Todays thought for the day ... "You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." — C.S. Lewis

I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great Bank Holiday weekend wherever you are.

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.

A serial shoplifter who also defrauded a woman out of hundreds of pounds has been jailed.

Robert Anderson repeatedly targeted shops in Retford and helped himself to items from the shelves. The 40-year-old also managed to gain access to the bank account of an elderly woman he knew before sending himself more than £700.

Anderson pleaded guilty to six counts of shop theft, while admitting to the separate charge of fraud by false representation too. Appearing before Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (13 May), Anderson was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

New County Council Chairman takes up role

Councillor Christopher Adegoke was officially appointed the new Nottinghamshire County Council Chairman and takes over from Councillor Jan Goold.

Councillor Adegoke is the county council’s first black chairman, a fact he and his family are extremely proud of. He brings more than 25 years of experience across international education, public administration and community leadership.

Big Changes Coming for Adult Learners in 2026

Adults who’ve felt “locked out” of education will soon have a brand‑new way to access university and college. From September 2026, student finance will be available for shorter, flexible courses — not just full‑time degrees — thanks to major once‑in‑a‑generation reforms.

The new system — part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement — means learners can build qualifications over time, using funding worth up to £39,160, and even access maintenance support. Subjects will focus on key skills areas like computing, engineering, health, social care and more.

Retford FC to play Retford United FC in 2026/27 NCEL Premier Division

The Football Association have announced the allocations for the 2026/27 season and the proposed constitutions released have both Retford clubs moving back over to the Northern Counties East League (NCEL).

Posting on Social Media Chris Woodhead (Retford F.C. First Team Manager / Chairman) said, “To be honest, we were preparing for life in the UCL next season. There had been rumours of being moved but this happens most seasons so you have to wait until the official announcement.”

Full confirmation will be made at the League AGM in June 2026.

Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army

British soldiers will be equipped with modern guns capable of firing eight rounds per minute at targets up to 70km away – delivering the long-term close support artillery solution for the British Army, a landmark moment in UK defence modernisation.

Procurement of 72 Remote Controlled Howitzers (RCH 155) for the British Army will deliver a step change in artillery capability delivering on the UK’s £1 billion investment on the UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement, and supports at least 500 British jobs, including at Rheinmetall’s Telford facility and KNDS Stockport.

Rheinmetall set to use British steel through Sheffield Forgemasters, strengthening the UK’s defence industrial base and supporting the UK Steel Strategy.

Planning a day trip by train to Skegness during the holidays?

East Midlands Railway (EMR), which is operated by Transport UK, is encouraging customers to plan ahead and book to guarantee their space for trips to Skegness this summer, as the operator prepares for another busy seaside season.

Customers are advised to book in advance to guarantee their space to the seaside as customers who do not book may not be able to board their preferred service.

There will be queuing systems in place at Skegness, however customers with pre-booked tickets will be able to join the fast track queue.

Young people shine at Nottinghamshire’s fostering’s got talent show

A group of talented young people took centre stage recently to showcase their performing arts skills at a special fostering talent show in Nottinghamshire.

Fostering’s Got Talent is Nottinghamshire County Council’s cornerstone event celebrating young people from our fostering community. This year’s show featured an impressive range of performances including singing, dancing, a band and a go-karting themed question session. The winner was a 12-year-old performing a spectacular guitar performance of Fade to Black by Metallica.

15-year jail sentence for sex offender caught by undercover police officer

A sex offender was exposed by an undercover police officer after sending explicit messages to a young girl. Neil Wilson sent the officer sexually explicit messages after they met on an online chatroom. Despite being told that she was 13, he went on to request explicit photos of her too.

Wilson, formally of Osmaston Walk, Mansfield, went on to plead guilty to inciting a female child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and possession of extreme pornographic images. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent photos of a child.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday May 8, he was jailed for a total of 15 years – an eight-year jail sentence with an added seven-year extended license.

Four men have been arrested after police recovered stolen copper wire from a crashed car following a break-in at a solar farm near Tuxford.

Officers were called to the site in Weston Road, Egmanton, during the early hours of Thursday (14 May) after a security alarm was activated.

A vehicle seen leaving the area at speed was later found crashed and abandoned, with a significant quantity of copper wiring discovered inside.

Following searches in the area, four men aged 28, 45, 47 and 65 were arrested on suspicion of burglary. Police also recovered suspected counterfeit bank notes and cocaine during the investigation.

Morrisons announces Pay Deal Award

Morrisons, with stores in Retford and Worksop has announced that the proposed pay deal for Supermarket and Manufacturing colleagues covered by the national agreement with USDAW received a 91.87% vote in favour in the recent ballot.

The pay deal having secured the necessary support from colleagues will now be implemented in three phases:

From Monday 30th March 2026 - the established rate of pay for a Customer Assistant will increase to £12.81, and all other established hourly rates for roles covered by this agreement will increase by 10p.

From Monday 20th July 2026 - the established rate of pay for a Customer Assistant will increase from £12.81 to £13.00, and all other established hourly rates for roles covered by this agreement will increase by 19p

From Monday 26th October 2026 - the established rate of pay for a Customer Assistant will increase from £13.00 to £13.11, and all other established hourly rates for roles covered by this agreement will increase by 11p

In addition, all eligible hourly paid colleagues will receive a one off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their Contractual Hours.

Amazing News as RAF Flypast Confirmed

Worksop Armed Forces Weekend have received confirmation from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Royal Air Force, for a flypast over the Worksop Armed Forces Weekend event at Worksop Rugby Club on Sunday, June 28.

The Worksop Armed Forces Weekend team will announce flypast times and aircraft details closer to the date, possibly even on the morning itself, as final approval is given on the day and the Air Events Team confirms the route.

Second World War veterans to travel to overseas commemorations paid for by the Government

The Ministry of Defence will pay for Second World War veterans to attend commemorations in Europe this summer in partnership with the Royal British Legion. This commitment ensures that those who served can attend remembrance ceremonies in Europe, returning to sites of profound historical and personal importance.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will provide the funding to the Royal British Legion, which offers lifelong support and expert advice to the Armed Forces community including serving personnel, veterans, their families and the bereaved.

Van stopped after pre-emptive sting

Road policing officers spotted, followed, and brought a van to a stop by ‘stinging’ its tyres. The vehicle, believed to be travelling on false plates, was seen heading towards Retford shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, May 12.

To avoid a potentially dangerous pursuit, the police to set up a pre-emptive stinger in Arlington Way – successfully deflating two of its tyres. The van continued for a short distance before being boxed by Roads Policing officers as it came to a stop.

Paul Starr, aged 44, has been charged with fraudulently using a registration mark, failing to stop, driving without due care and attention, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Starr, of Askern, Doncaster, is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 October

Call out to Bassetlaw's Armed Forces Community - are you free on May 29, 2026?

Veteran Mike Holtom of the Royal Air Force has passed away and a request has been published on Facebook asking, where possible for Armed Forces Community members to attend his funeral and form a guard of honour.

Mike enlisted in the Royal Air Force as a boy entrant in November 1962 and served until April 1976. Mike spent a considerable amount of time in Cyprus, Bahrain and other countries.

The funeral is being held at Babworth Crematorium on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 11.30 am.'Per Ardua ad Astra'

Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council Column 15/05/26.

Sports Direct is set to return to Worksop’s Priory Centre in the coming weeks, bringing more than 10 new jobs and boosting confidence in the town centre’s regeneration. The popular retailer will reopen in its former unit as redevelopment work at the Priory Centre continues, with plans for new leisure, retail and dining facilities moving forward.

Bassetlaw District Council is also progressing its largest-ever decarbonisation project, with major energy efficiency upgrades planned for Worksop and Retford Leisure Centres later this summer.

Residents are being encouraged to take part in the council’s Housing Repairs Policy consultation before it closes on 31 May, helping shape future housing services across the district.

Council leaders also wished good luck to students across Bassetlaw currently sitting their exams.

Bassetlaw District Council have reported that a man banned from Worksop Town Centre has been jailed for two months at Mansfield County Court.

Peter Downes, of no fixed address, was arrested within the exclusion area in May 2026 after repeatedly breaching his anti-social behaviour injunction. He subsequently admitted a third breach of the injunction resulting in District Judge Heppell imposing immediate imprisonment for two months.

Mr Downes previously breached it in September 2025 and January 2026. The injunction remains in force until August 2027.

Have you been recycling more since ‘Simpler Recycling’ came to Bassetlaw ?

From April 1, 2026 people living in Bassetlaw have been able to recycle even more materials in their Blue Bins thanks to the launch of ‘Simpler Recycling’. Bassetlaw residents can now put even more items in their Blue Bin for recycling.

These new items include: Plastic trays and tubes (e.g. toothpaste)Clean foil and metal food trays Cartons and Tetra Pak. As well as existing materials: Plastic bottles, pots and tubs, Paper and cardboard, Tins, cans and aerosols.

Daily summer bus service launches connecting Worksop with Clumber Park

A new daily bus service connecting Worksop and Clumber Park will launch this summer, helping more people enjoy nature, heritage and free family activities throughout the school holidays.

Running from Saturday 25 July to Sunday 6 September, the service is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and operated by Stagecoach East Midlands, in partnership with the National Trust.

The route will run three times a day, every day, linking Worksop Train Station, Worksop Bus Station, Manton Depots and Clumber Park before returning along the same route.

Return tickets cost just £3 per person, including admission into Clumber Park. Travel and entry are free for National Trust members, children under five and visitors arriving at Worksop by train with a valid rail ticket.

Help save lives by handing in knives during 'Sceptre' amnesty

People in Nottinghamshire are being urged to help make their communities safer by handing in knives during a national week of action.

Amnesty bins, to dispose of knives and blades as well as other weapons, are in place across the county as part of the force’s activity for Sceptre, which began on May 18. During the previous campaign, in November 2025, a total of 103 knives, machetes, swords and other blades were handed in.

Retford Rotary Club’s Young Artist Exhibition is nearly here

The Rotary Club of Retford have announced that this year 12 local schools and Retford Arts Hub children’s class are taking part in the art competition, with a theme of “The Joy of Friendship”.

Entries will be judged by a panel of local artists. All the entries will be on display at The Grove Methodist Church and Centre on Saturday, May 23, between 10:00am and 4:00pm. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Drug dealer jailed following discovery of a stash of cocaine and £7,000 in cash.

Police made the discovery during a search of Jack Davies’ address in Cutler Drive, Retford, and Marshall Willmott’s address in Tenby Grove, Manton, on 23 April 2024.

Wraps of cocaine were found hidden across Willmott’s property. Meanwhile, Davies’ was discovered with a majority of the cash alongside expensive jewellery and bags of cannabis.

26-year-old Davies and Willmott, 20, both pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine in previous appearances at Nottingham Crown Court. Davies also pleaded guilty to possession of the Class B drug cannabis.

Appearing in Nottingham Crown Court on 14 May 2026, Davies, of HMP Fosse Way, Wigston, was jailed for three years and four months while Willmott, of Tenby Grove, Worksop, was handed a 24-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Knife Carriers Locked Up

Nottinghamshire Police have issued a strong warning to knife carriers after several offenders including a Retford man were jailed for carrying and using weapons across the county.

The cases included robberies, violent assaults and possession of knives in public places, with offenders receiving prison sentences ranging from several months to 14 years.

Persistent knife carrier Teejay Bullivant robbed a 13-year-old boy at a tram stop but was arrested moments later. Bullivant approached a group of young people at Bulwell tram stop around 8.45pm on 2 April 2025. At Nottingham Crown Court on 29 April he was jailed for a total of three-and-a-half years.Violent offender

James Pedley was found hiding in a loft as police hunted him for a knife attack. The victim suffered serious injuries after being stabbed repeatedly by Pedley when the pair agreed to meet in Morvern Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield. At Nottingham Crown Court on 27 March he was jailed for a total of 14 years.

Kirsty Kemp stabbed a teenage girl in the back as she hugged her in Clifton, Nottingham, on the evening of 4 October 2025 while in an intoxicated state. At Nottingham Crown Court on 12 March she was jailed for three years and six months and handed a restraining order.

A man who turned up at a police station with a knife concealed in his underpants has been jailed. Shaun Kennelly, aged 28, was arrested at Worksop Police Station on 29 April after attending on an unrelated matter. Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 30 April, he pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place and was jailed for 146 days.

Worksop, Retford & Harworth High Street welcomes new businesses

Four new high street businesses in Worksop, Retford and Harworth have got off to a flying start after securing funding from Bassetlaw District Council

Woodaroma and Tall Trees childcare, both in Retford, received a share of just over £20k, to spend on improvements including shelving and equipment.

Other recent beneficiaries include Café 81 in Harworth who have received £20k to provide kitchen equipment and the Chick n Slice in Worksop who have also received £20k for their fit out.

Police 'hook' Illegal Fishing Perpetrators

Two illegal fishermen have been prosecuted after being caught breaching court orders at Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford.

Police officers responded to reports of illegal fishing on Wednesday May 13 and found Luke Douglas and Layton Janes fishing on the protected Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The pair were already subject to five-year Criminal Behaviour Orders banning them from entering Idle Valley Nature Reserve or fishing anywhere in Bassetlaw.

Having been apprehended, Douglas and Janes were charged with breaching their CBOs and were remanded into custody overnight. They both pleaded guilty to the offence when they then appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court the following day May 14, 2026.Douglas, of Welfare Avenue, Barwick in Elmet, Leeds, and Janes, of Canal Lane, Lofthouse Gate, Wakefield, were ordered to pay charges of £85.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Mayor has spent more than £9,300 on “luxury, executive, premium and high-end” chauffeurs in the past year.

By: Eddie Bisknell

Newly provided data from the East Midlands Combined County Authority shows Claire Ward, the region’s mayor, who has a salary of £93,000 and extra allowances, spent £9,328 on chauffeuring services between March 2025 and February 2026.

The payments were all made legally using a Government-issued corporate credit card, with new data disclosed following lobbying from the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The new data shows that between September last year and this February, the Mayor spent (£7,820.39) on chauffeurs, in addition to the £1,508 previously disclosed. Of the £7,800, most (£7,300) was spent on the provider Pinnacle, based in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, which describes itself as a luxury, executive, premium and high-end provider, with the rest via Blacklane in the USA.

South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire Rapist jailed for non-recent offences against boy.

A man who raped and sexually abused a child on multiple occasions has been jailed – more than 20 years after his campaign of abuse started. Richard Tung, now aged 42, was reported to police in 2022 when his victim came forward to report what had happened to him as a young child.

Tung, who committed the offences as an adult, targeted the boy at addresses in South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. When he was first interviewed in June 2023, he denied the allegations against him and even claimed to been subjected to inappropriate sexualised behaviour from his victim.

Tung continued to plead his innocence throughout a trial at Nottingham Crown Court in January of this year, after which he was found guilty of two counts of rape, indecent assault, two counts of causing or inciting a boy under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a boy. Appearing at the same venue on April 17, Tung, of Penisa’rwaun, Caernarfon, was jailed for 12 years.

County and City councils launch ‘Let’s Break the Silence on Suicide’ campaign

Nottinghamshire County Council, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, has launched a new suicide prevention campaign.

The ‘Let’s Break the Silence on Suicide’ campaign aims to make it easier for everyone in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to ask for help. One in five adults will have suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives. The Break the Silence on Suicide campaign encourages anyone to take a simple step when they feel overwhelmed and life is challenging.

If you, or someone you know needs help, go to NottAlone.

Anyone wanting to learn how to talk to someone who might be having thoughts of suicide can complete the free online suicide awareness training from the Zero Suicide Alliance.”

‘Let’s Break the Silence’ posters and leaflets are being distributed to services and groups across the county and city to raise awareness in local communities.

100 New jobs, Standalone M & S, Starbucks, EV Charging Facilities, New Padel Court Centre & More planned for for new Worksop Leisure and Retail Development.

Exciting plans for a new retail and leisure development at Shireoaks Common in Worksop have moved a step closer following the submission of a planning application to Bassetlaw District Council.

If approved, the proposed development, known as Dukeries Park, would create around 100 new jobs and be home to a new, standalone M&S Foodhall; a purpose-built padel court centre - responding to growing demand for the sport locally - a Starbucks coffee shop and drive-thru; a further restaurant and drive-thru; and a petrol station with convenience store and rapid EV charging facilities, which would be operated by EG on the Move.

A new 18,700 sq ft M&S fresh market-style foodhall would anchor the development, offering the full M&S food range, including fresh produce from M&S’ Select Farm partners – over 80 of which are based in Nottinghamshire - and M&S’ Remarksable Value and Bigger Pack Better Value ranges.

Snake Pass to Close for over Two Weeks

The A57 Snake Pass will be fully closed 24 hours a day from Monday 15 June until Friday 3 July while major investigation and repair works take place at the Doctor’s Gate landslip site. The closure will affect the route between Glossop and Bamford Reservoir.

The works are essential to help find a long-term solution after ongoing ground movement and cracking along the road. While the closure is in place, teams will also be carrying out pothole repairs, litter picking, drain clearing, cutting back overgrown trees and hedges, pavement repairs ,cleaning and replacing damaged signs.

A signed diversion route will be in place, and access for residents, businesses, farmers and organisations along the route will be maintained.

New Apartments, Lodges and a 180m High Zipline Await Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Visitors

Center Parcs Sherwood Forest has been given the green light by planners for a series of new developments and improvements as the popular holiday destination continues to invest in its original UK village.

Planning permission has recently been approved for a number of upgrades at the Nottinghamshire resort, including the redevelopment of existing accommodation and the construction of a new three-storey apartment building on the site of a former head office. The plans also include improvements to lodges and wider guest facilities aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

Major Redevelopments & Construction (2026–2027)

New 3-Storey Apartment Block: Approved plans reveal that the old head office buildings will be demolished to build a three-storey block containing 48 modern, self-catering apartments. Ground-floor units will feature private hot tubs.
Waterside Lodges: Construction begins on three luxury, detached three-bedroom Waterside Lodges directly on the lake edge. Each will include a private wooden deck, hot tub, and balconies with panoramic views. Construction will run from June 2026 to spring 2027.
Lodge Refurbishments: Phase 1 is officially complete with over 100 lodges completely transformed into new modern layouts featuring sustainable materials, larger patios, and heated pergolas.
Treetop Glider: A newly approved, rollercoaster-style "zipzag" zipline. Suspended from a 180m metal track high in the forest canopy, users in harnesses will navigate sharp twists, turns, and drops above the lake.

Crime-fighting Labradors ready for duty

Officers hunting for vital forensic evidence have two formidable new tools at their disposal – a pair of newly qualified Labradors. Luna and Phoenix were recruited as puppies last summer and have now completed their training as forensic evidence detection dogs.

The sprightly fox red Labradors, paired with experienced handlers, have been trained to assist investigators by detecting bodily fluids at crime scenes. On Thursday, May 14, the energetic sisters were put through their paces in a series of tests overseen by an external examiner.

Both successfully detected samples of various ages in dense woodland, inside buildings, and in and around a parked car.

The dogs, who both passed with flying colours, will live and work alongside their handlers’ general-purpose dogs and will be deployed when needed to search for potentially vital evidence.

Stolen Telehandler found by police drone pilot

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A stolen piece of plant machinery has been recovered and returned to its owner after being located by a police drone operator. The large telehandler was reported missing on the morning of Friday,May 15 from Hawton, near Newark.

Using data on its last known movements, a police drone pilot was deployed to an area close to the A46 to begin a targeted search where the pilot located the bright yellow machine concealed beneath trees.

Police nick Worksop Man with Wheelie Bin containing Missing Items

Nathan Surridge was detained and a wheelie bin full of goods recovered after officers responded to a restaurant burglary.

A member of the public reported a burglary was in progress at 7.11am on Monday May, 18..Various items were taken from a business at Bridge Place, Worksop.

Nathan Surridge, 24, has now been charged with burglary. Surridge, of Gateford Road, Worksop, has been released on bail and is due to appear at Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on June 9.

Council unveil funding plans to support communities.

A new-look Local Communities Fund and the Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund are both due to be launched soon.

Community groups will soon to be able to apply for £1.2 million worth of grants to help support their work in communities via the new-look Local Communities Fund.
The new Government-funded Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) will support residents in financial crisis, boost access to local services for those most in need and improve financial resilience.

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 P.

Our last panagram was FINAGLING. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.

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