Violent Thief Banned, Family Fun, Rail Strikes & More

Happy Friday readers, the weekend is in sight !

I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a cold drink and a choc ice, cool down and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.

Today's Quote of the Day -"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." Henry David Thoreau

Enjoy the read and have a great weekend wherever you are reading this.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. If someone forwarded you this newsletter, click here to sign up to get quality local journalism in your inbox.

🚨 Town Centre Ban for Violent Shop Thief 🚨

A violent and antisocial shop thief has been banned from Worksop town centre after assaulting and spitting at shop staff. 👮‍♂️

Gregory Simmonite, aged 46, was jailed in February this year for assaulting an emergency worker and causing criminal damage at Bassetlaw Hospital.

Soon after his release, he began committing further offences and flouted an existing ban on entering the offices of Bassetlaw District Council.

On Friday 29 May, he assaulted, threatened and spat at shop security staff after stealing chocolate bars from Iceland in Bridge Place.

Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 28 July, Simmonite, of no fixed address, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and made the subject of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order banning him from:

🚫 Entering Worksop town centre
🚫 Consuming alcohol in public anywhere in the Bassetlaw district
🚫 Being under the influence of any illegal substance
🚫 Acting in, or inciting others to engage in, antisocial behaviour

⚠️ Any breach of the order is an offence and will result in further criminal sanctions.

PC Eoin Wilson, of the town centre policing team, said:

🗣️ "Simmonite has been causing trouble in the town centre for a long time now and has shown no willingness to change his behaviour.

"He does not like to be challenged and resorts to violence and aggression to intimidate people when he doesn't get his own way.

"His behaviour is harmful not only to his individual victims, but also to the wider town as a whole. That's why I am so pleased that we have been able to secure this order."

Inspector Rob Harrison said:

🗣️ "Simmonite is one of a relatively small number of individuals blighting our town with drink and drug-fuelled criminality and antisocial behaviour.

"I am aware that he and others are living with some very complex problems, but there can be absolutely no excuse for this kind of behaviour.

"Where possible, we will support people to access the help they need to change their lives, but we will not hesitate to take robust action when it is appropriate."

📢 Credit: Nottinghamshire Police.

Worksop comes together for a day of family fun

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a day of free family fun in Worksop town centre on Saturday 8 August, as local organisations and businesses came together to put on a day of activities and entertainment for the community.

Visitors of all ages got creative with clay modelling, face painting, an interactive graffiti workshop and pavement chalk art, with more than 200 people adding their own chalk creations to the town centre.

The graffiti workshop also proved popular, with visitors working together to create a finished piece which is now on display in the window of the former Peacocks unit in the Priory Centre.

There was plenty to see as well as do. Zebra Dance Studio performed a Toy Story-themed dance, while Woody and Jessie headed to the Savoy Cinema, where young visitors had the chance to meet the characters and pose for photos ahead of a screening of Toy Story 5.

A spectacular stilt walker also entertained visitors around the town centre throughout the day.

The event brought people into Worksop from across the area, with visitors travelling from Anston, Carlton, Langold, Retford, Clowne and Chesterfield, as well as plenty of support from the local Worksop community.

Andria Birch, Chair of Worksop Together Board said:

“It was fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying the day and taking part in everything that was happening across the town centre.

“One of the things that made the day such a success was the number of local organisations and businesses that came together to make it happen. We’re very grateful to everyone who contributed funding, time and support.

“We’d also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along. It was great to welcome visitors from across the area and to see so many people out enjoying Worksop.”

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place at Bassetlaw District Council, said:

“It was great to see another free art event bring people into Worksop Town Centre and build on the success of last year’s Art Works-op event.

“Events like this are a lovely way to bring people together, support our local businesses and encourage more families to visit, shop and spend time in the town centre.”

The event was made possible thanks to funding from Worksop Together and Worksop’s Charter Trustees, with support from Discover Worksop partners East Midlands Chamber and Bassetlaw District Council, as well as The Harley Foundation and Zebra Dance Studio.

Thanks also go to DB Signs, who provided signage free of charge, and Turner Hire, who provided equipment free of charge for the event.

Energy-saving charity offers translation to support more communities

East Midlands-based charity Groundwork Five Counties is supporting more communities than ever by offering language translations during Green Doctor home visits, a free energy and money-saving advice service that saves households £180 a year on average.

The Green Doctor offers fully funded in-person home visits across the East Midlands to help households to become more energy efficient and save money by reviewing energy bills and finding better tariffs, applying for supplier discounts, benefits and government grants, and encouraging easy behavioural changes to save gas, electricity and water at home.

They also provide and install free energy-saving items such as LED bulbs, radiator foil, and draught proofing measures. Where a need is identified they can give out larger items such as air fryers, electric blankets, oil radiators and more.

Dawn Williams, Partnership & Delivery Manager for the Green Doctor, says:

“Often, the people who need us the most are those with a language barrier. Many find it hard to get support or communicate with energy suppliers, so they are more likely to be overspending on their bills.

“During our home visits, we have a telephonic translation service available for any language and a video service for British Sign Language (BSL). It is always done by a real person that can help facilitate the communication between the Green Doctor and the resident, ensuring a smooth conversation and real help.

“People with translation needs usually use a family member or friend to support during the visit, but this provides an alternative if they have no one to assist. We understand how difficult getting the right support can be and we’re pleased to have this translation provision available so we can help more communities.”

Last year, the charity’s team of Green Doctors supported over 4,100 households to save a total of £730,000. By becoming more energy efficient, these households also saved a total of 1.5 million kilos of CO2, the equivalent of driving 4.5 million miles.

This service is available in the East Midlands to people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds, whether they own their home, rent, or a social housing tenant. All aspects of the service are free of charge as it is a fully funded charity programme.

To find out more and book a home visit, go to the Green Doctor website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/fivecounties/green-doctor

Rail Passengers Urged to Check Before Travelling as Strike Action Impacts EMR Services

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has warned passengers that services will be significantly reduced due to RMT Union strike action on Saturday 15 August.

Trains to and from London will operate on a limited timetable, with services starting after 7am and finishing before 7pm.

To help accommodate passengers, EMR has confirmed that First Class will be temporarily declassified on Intercity services during the strike action.

Passengers are being advised to travel only if essential and to check their entire journey, including first and last train times, before setting off.

For the latest travel information and timetable updates, visit:
👉https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/rail-strike

Source: East Midlands Railway (EMR)

Worksop Police Station Front Counter Closure Notice

Please be aware that the front counter at Worksop Police Station will be closed on Monday 17 August and Tuesday 18 August due to electrical works.

If you need to contact Nottinghamshire Police during this period, please:

📞Call 101, or
💬 Use the Live Chat service on the Nottinghamshire Police website, available between 7am and 10pm.

Credit: Nottinghamshire Police.

Funding Supports Young People's Wellbeing in Retford

Young people in Retford are being supported to make healthier choices thanks to a £500 Councillor Community Grant.

The funding from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors is being used to provide free healthy snacks, fresh fruit and juice for young people who attend a weekly after-school session at the Overflow Lounge, behind The Well on Hospital Road.

Around 30 young people currently take part each week, with sessions running every Wednesday during term time from 3.30pm to 6pm. Organisers hope to increase the offer and run sessions more often in the future.

Amy McCallum, Next Generation and Community Lead at The Well, said:

"We are incredibly grateful to the councillors for supporting The Overflow Lounge through this grant.

"The Overflow Lounge is all about creating a welcoming environment where young people can come together, build friendships and feel part of their community. Having access to healthy refreshments not only supports their wellbeing but also helps make the space feel safe, inclusive and inviting.

"On behalf of everyone at The Well, I'd like to thank the councillors for recognising the importance of investing in our young people. This support will make a real difference to the young people who visit us each week and helps ensure The Overflow Lounge continues to be a place where they can thrive."

Cllr Malachi Carroll, Mayor of Retford and Ward Member for East Retford West, speaking on behalf of the councillors who contributed to the grant, said:

"We are pleased to have supported The Overflow Lounge through our councillor grants to help provide healthy snacks, fresh fruit and juice for the young people who attend.

"As councillors, we recognise the important role that community organisations like The Well play in the lives of local young people. The Overflow Lounge offers a welcoming place where they can meet friends, feel supported and spend time in a positive environment after school.

"We hope this funding will help ensure that every young person who visits feels valued and included. We would like to thank Amy and the team at The Well for their continued commitment to supporting young people in Retford and for helping to strengthen our local community."

The councillors who contributed towards the project are Councillor Malachi Carroll and Councillor Harriet Digby, Ward Members for East Retford West; Councillor Dan Henderson and Councillor Susan Shaw, Ward Members for East Retford East; and Councillor David Challinor, Ward Member for East Retford North.

The Well is a community facility that is used throughout the week by a wide range of local groups and residents. The original church dates back to 1691 and, following redevelopment, the current building opened in 2009 and continues to serve the community today.

For more information about The Well, including how to hire its facilities or support its work, visit www.thewellretford.org.

Each Bassetlaw District councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants can support projects relating to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare and wider community benefit.

Clumber Park Visitor Update - Friday 14 August

If you're planning a visit to Clumber Park tomorrow, please be aware of a few temporary changes due to the very high temperatures expected.

📢 Friday 14 August updates:

🐕 Dog Walking Social cancelled
🐾 Please do not take dogs into the Glasshouse in the Walled Kitchen Garden
🍔 Limited hot food available across food outlets
🐶 Central Bark closes at 2:00pm
☕ Main Café kitchen closes at 3:00pm (drinks, cakes, bakes and ice cream will still be available 🍦)
🚲 Cycle Hire will be closed

Please take extra care in the heat, stay hydrated, and look after yourselves and your four-legged friends. 💧🌳

Source: Clumber Park, National Trust (NT) 🏡💚

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