Vacant Bingo Hall, King William IV Lifeline, EM Tourism Awards & More.

Happy Monday to you all and I hope you had a great weekend.

Monday morning has come around fast again, it's time to grab a brew, open the hob nobs, 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 Quote for the day - “If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.” ― Mark Twain

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.

‘Vacant’ former bingo hall set for revamp

By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS

An empty former bingo hall in Worksop is being revamped for potential new business.

Palais Bingo Club used to sit on the ground floor of the historic Palais de Danse building, dating from the 1920s, in Newcastle Avenue, close to the town’s main high street.

This early 20th century structure would have functioned as a popular dance hall for the town for many years.

The site functioned as a bingo hall for years, with Top Ten Bingo previously occupying the site until November 2013 before it was then turned into The Palais.

It is understood that the bingo hall closed earlier in 2026, with a company Statement of Affairs document, dated April 1, showing it owed creditors around £93,000. A liquidator was appointed that month.

Now, Bridford Property Investments Ltd is set to re-purpose the ‘vacant’ space. It comes after a planning application to Bassetlaw District Council to change the use of the former bingo club for commercial, business and service purposes was approved this month.

Plans outline the developer would make some alterations inside to ensure the ground floor and first floor of the building can be used as a single unit, with some small changes to the external fabric of the building.

Documents add that the current lease for the bingo hall was due to end later in 2026 and, since it will not be renewed, a new use for the site is needed.

The developer says formally changing the use of the space in planning terms creates a “flexible” use for the spot, which would “maximise the commercial potential of the building”.

A more accessible entrance to the building is also included in the plans, where a new ramp will be installed.

It is not known at this stage what the building could be used for, or what business could move into it.

Staying Put foster care, supporting past 18 into adulthood

Turning 18 is a major milestone for any young person. It can be an exciting time, but it can also bring new challenges as they begin to make decisions about their future, manage new responsibilities and prepare for adult life.

There can sometimes be a misconception that when a young person in foster care reaches 18, they automatically must leave their foster home. However, this is not always the case.

Staying Put is an arrangement that allows a young person to remain living with their foster carer after they turn 18. When a young person reaches adulthood, they are no longer legally considered to be in foster care, but Staying Put enables the supportive relationship they have built with their foster carer to continue.

This provides young people with stability, reassurance and the time they need to develop confidence, life skills and independence at their own pace. It recognises that becoming an adult is a journey, and having a trusted adult and familiar home environment can make a significant difference.

For young people who have grown up in foster care, continued support from someone they know and trust can be invaluable.

A valued role for foster carers

Foster carers play an important role in helping young people feel safe, supported and prepared for the future. For some foster carers, this support continues beyond a young person’s 18th birthday through a Staying Put arrangement.

Staying Put carers continue to offer guidance and encouragement as young people move into adult life. This may include helping them develop skills such as managing money, cooking, maintaining a home, accessing education or employment, and making decisions about their future.

The role is about providing a stable base and being a trusted adult who can offer support, advice and reassurance when it is needed.

Why Staying Put makes a difference

Many young adults continue to receive support from their families as they become independent. Staying Put recognises that young people who have experienced foster care can also benefit from having extra time, stability and encouragement during this important stage of life.

Build confidence and independence at their own pace
Develop practical skills for adult life
Continue education, training or employment goals
Maintain an important, trusted relationship
Feel supported as they plan their future

Are Staying Put carers supported financially?

A common question is whether foster carers receive support when a young person remains with them through Staying Put.

Although Staying Put is different from fostering, carers are provided with financial support to contribute towards accommodation and household costs.

The arrangements and payments can vary depending on the local authority and the young person’s circumstances. Young people may also contribute where appropriate, for example through employment, apprenticeships, student finance or benefits.

If you would like to find out more about Staying Put or the different types of fostering available with Foster for East Midlands Councils, visit our website and complete an online enquiry form or call 03033 132950.

Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council

Good news for fans of the King William IV in Worksop

There could be a positive future ahead for the King William IV Brewers Fayre at Oldcotes, Worksop after it was named on a list of 53 sites that could be saved from closure.

Recent reports from The Sun and Yahoo News explain that Whitbread, the owner of Brewers Fayre and Beefeater, is pressing ahead with plans to close hundreds of branded restaurant sites as part of a major restructuring programme.

However, 53 locations have been earmarked for a potential rescue after being sold to Queensway Inns, which intends to continue operating them as hospitality venues and rebrand them into a new chain of value-focused pubs.Among those sites listed as being saved is:

King William IV – Brewers Fayre (Oldcotes, Worksop)The reports state that around 900 staff members could transfer to the new business, helping to protect jobs and keep popular venues trading.

Queensway Inns plans to relaunch the saved sites as affordable pubs, although details of the new brand and reopening plans have yet to be announced.While the deal still needs to be completed, this is an encouraging development for customers, staff and local communities who were concerned about the future of the venue.

Sources: The Sun and Yahoo News.

Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards

The deadline to enter the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards in Nottinghamshire has now been extended, giving tourism and hospitality businesses extra time to submit their entries.

From outstanding accommodation and attractions to unforgettable experiences and venues, these awards celebrate the very best of the East Midlands.

With 14 categories to choose from, now's the perfect time to showcase your business and gain the recognition you deserve.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire businesses have until the 21 August: https://orlo.uk/pWhYs

WEEKEND SPORT ROUNDUP

Worksop CC 1st 11 158/1 (24.4) - Whitwell CC 1st 11 157 All Out (40.2)

Worksop CC 1st 11 Won by 9 Wickets

FT: Sherwood Wolf Hunt 12 - 36 Telford Raiders

The Wolf Hunt finish their season with a loss in the Midlands Men’s League Final - Premier Division.

FT: Staveley Miners Welfare Reserves 0 - 2 SJR Worksop

SJR Worksop in sixth following an away win at Staveley Miners Welfare Reserves in the Camper UK Premier Division North.

FT: Retford FC 2 - 2 Euxton Villa - Retford FC win 6-5 on penalties

The Choughs make it through the first qualifying round of the Isuzu FA Vase on penalties.

FT: Retford United 0-1 Bottesford Town.

The Badgers now in eight with 2 wins from 5 games.

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