News feed - This is Retford

Find out the real reason why historical Clumber House no longer stands

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

VISITORS to the National Trust's Clumber Park are being invited to step back in time later this month and take a tour around Clumber House.

This once grand mansion, the former home of the Dukes of Newcastle, was demolished in 1938, but thanks to a geophysical survey visitors can take an exclusive self-guided tour around what was the ground floor of Clumber House between 11am and 4pm on September 11 and 12.

Century-old photographs and guidebooks have also been trawled through and dusted off to give visitors the chance to take a tour they never imagined possible.

Last weekend hundreds of visitors turned up at Clumber to help with a geophysical survey of the mansion site and formal terraces.

These results have been used to help discover the exact location of the individual rooms of the house and will be on show throughout the weekend.

Trevor Pressley, visitor services manager at Clumber Park, said: "Thousands of visitors to Clumber each year comment that it's a shame the house no longer exists and say they would have liked to have a look around - well, now's their chance."

Many myths surround what actually happened to Clumber house, including that it was destroyed by fire or rebuilt in the Arizona Desert.

"Visitors will be able to discover exactly why Clumber House no longer stands today at this special event."

Exhibition of scrap metal menagerie goes on show at the Harley Gallery

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

THE Harley Gallery has become a new home for a menagerie of scrap metal animals; from flocks of delicate birds to immense, powerful crocodiles.

Helen Denerley: Mechanimals – Scrap metal sculpture and work on paper runs until October 17.

Lisa Gee, gallery director, said: 'We are delighted by the reactions to this exhibition.

"We've had a huge amount of visitors since 'Mechanimals' opened and it's a real pleasure to see how much people are enjoying the art work."

Helen Denerley makes her elegant creatures from scrap metal – a sculpture could be made from relics of the horse-drawn days of agriculture or discarded modern machinery.

The sculptures still have traces of the origin of the metal, for example parts which have been handmade by blacksmiths and used until they are worn out.

Helen's insightful and witty choices of material bring her sculptures to life, with garden shears becoming birds' tail feathers and bicycle chains being transformed into crocodile teeth.

The sculptures depend on the chance finding of the right piece of metal to make the animal form.

The charcoal drawings that will also be exhibited at the Harley Gallery combine an understanding of the animal form and the suggestion of each subject's character to create lively, luscious drawings.

The artist uses her drawings as a guide for making her sculptures, constructing the sculpture as a drawing in space, placing scrap and welding to achieve the same agile, animated qualities of her drawings.

Diggers scoop out the first soil to create wetland haven for birds and other wildlife

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

DIGGERS are starting to scoop out the first loads of soil to create a wetland haven for birds and wildlife at Beckingham Marshes.

Water voles, dragonflies and birds, such as lapwings and redshanks, are just some of the wildlife that will benefit from new meadows and more than 4km of shallow water ditches and pools being created.

The RSPB and Environment Agency (EA) project is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund; WREN, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

The diggers are expected to finish creating the ditches and pools by this October.

And RSPB wildlife warden Paul Bennett will be getting out into the community around Beckingham and Gainsborough informing people about the landscape, its wildlife and the wetland project.

Michael Copleston, RSPB manager at Beckingham Marshes, said: "It's so exciting seeing the first scoops of soil being lifted out and new ditches meandering across the landscape.

"Once the network of pools and ditches is complete we will be amazed how quickly wildlife makes the site home."

Peter Cox, managing director of WREN, said: "Through the Biodiversity Action Fund we're supporting projects that will enhance, restore and revive some of the UK's most precious habitats, providing a safe haven for British nature and wildlife.

"The team at Beckingham Marshes are now able to start moving earth to create valuable habitats.

"The work will have a really positive impact for many species of wildlife as well as the local community."

Brian Dunning, Natural England's land management adviser said: "We are really pleased to be able to use funding from our Environmental Stewardship scheme to support this wetland project, which will see 95 hectares of old grazing marsh restored.

"The Trent Valley is an important location for breeding and over- wintering birds and the creation of this wetland haven will be of great benefit."

Emma Sayer, Head Of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: "Over the past 60 years there has been a dramatic decline in grazing marsh and grassland habitats across the UK.

"With the support of organisations, such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, the RSPB will be able to restore a range of important habitats at Beckingham Marshes which in turn will help support scarce and declining wildfowl species.

"Alongside the conservation work, a programme of education and volunteering activities will give more people a chance to learn about their local landscape."

Sarah Fowler, Environment Agency Area Manager, said: "It is good to be able to work with the RSPB and other partners to deliver this wildlife haven.

"This is great news for biodiversity in this area and for the community who will soon benefit from having a thriving wildlife habitat on their doorstep."

Dog owners take the lead in show as entrants come from across the area

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

CLASSES ranging from pedigree to novelty were staged at this year's Scofton Dog Show.

The event was held at Osberton Mill on Sunday and attracted entrants from across the area.

As well as a fancy dress section and obstacle course, visitors were able to browse table-top stalls, refreshments and both charity and trade stalls.

Competition to find area's best scarecrow hots up ahead of weekend festival

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

MORE than 50 scarecrows are expected to appear all over Ordsall and south Retford during this weekend's second annual scarecrow festival.

Festival organisers say they are delighted so many people are taking part in the event that runs from 10am on Saturday, culminating in a community barbecue on Sunday evening.

The winner of the coveted 'Most Popular Scarecrow' competition will be announced at the barbecue and the golden pitchfork trophy will be presented to this year's winner.

Preparations for the festival have been under way since the Spring and organisers are pleased their hard work is coming together with support from the local community.

Scarecrow maps are being sold at Bookworm, Ordsall Post Office and the Gate Inn, Ordsall. The maps list where to spot scarecrows throughout the area and explain how to vote for your favourite.

Grant will be used to help transform parts of established nature reserve

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

AN established nature reserve cared for by Notts Wildlife Trust has been transformed thanks to a £12,748 grant.

Work at Clarborough Tunnel, near Retford, has included clearing of trees and shrubs to improve the range of habitats for wildlife and the installation of a new kissing gate and counter to help monitor the level of visits.

Access improvements have also included the creation of new stairways.

The grant came via the Landfill Communities Fund provided by WREN.

Speaking about the site, Notts Wildlife Trust's communications manager Erin McDaid said: "Clarborough Tunnel is one of our longest established sites, its been in our care for more than 40 years.

"It contains fragments of rare and important grassland habitat and is home to a wide range of wildflowers including pyramidal orchid, yellow-wort and spiny restharrow.

"The funding provided by WREN has made it possible for us to make the site more accessible to visitors and for us to monitor the level of visitors in the future to help us plan ongoing management and improvements to the grassland and woodland habitats of the nature reserve."

Speaking on behalf of WREN Cheryl Raynor, local grants manager, said: "It's great to provide funding for a project which helps the local community 1access the reserve.

"The gate counter will enable NWT to see how many visitors the site has to allow them to tailor the management of the site to ensure it remains a popular attraction for the future."

Second World War veteran Arthur, 90, set for Dutch tank mission

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

A RETFORD war veteran will take a poignant trip down memory lane when he journeys to the Netherlands to return a restored tank.

Arthur Hinitt, 90, will make his first visit to the country since the Second World War to return a faithfully-restored Sherman Tank to its last resting place – a plinth at the Dutch National Liberation Museum in Groesbeek.

Mr Hinitt and six fellow veterans of the D-Day landings will be guests at the ceremony, which commemorates the heroics of their regiment, the Sherwood Rangers, during Operation Market Garden which was an audacious attempt to seize river crossings and bridges in Holland and Germany from the Nazis.

About 86,000 paratroopers, air and ground units were involved in the surge, only for it to eventually fail.

Had it succeeded, experts believe the war could have ended a year earlier than it did. Mr Hinitt's trip will coincide with the 66th anniversary of the offensive.

Of Operation Market Garden, Mr Hinitt said: "The German army flooded the fields that surrounded the strategic Arnhem bridge meaning that it wasn't great tank country for chaps like myself.

"The Dutch people had seen their crops destroyed by the occupying forces and they were slowly starving to death. We shared our rations with them but there was only so much we could do.

"It will be an emotional experience to return the Sherman tank to Groesbeek and to see it sitting on the plinth at the museum where it belongs.

"I'm looking forward to meeting with the Dutch people once again as they make all war veterans feel so welcome. It'll be the first time that I've been back since the war so to be able to do so is quite something."

Mr Hinitt joined the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry in 1936 at the age of 16 and served his regiment until being 'demobbed' in 1946. This will be the very first time that he has returned to the Netherlands since the end of the Second World War.

Joining the war in September 1939, Mr Hinitt saw action during Operation Market Garden as a tank driver and survived skirmishes throughout North Africa and North West Europe.

He was among the first waves of British wading tanks to hit the D-Day beaches at Normandy in 1944 but his vehicle was hit by a shell and sunk before it made dry land. Soon after, he also managed to escape from another, seconds before it exploded during action in Belgium.

The 'Robin Hood' tank Mr Hinitt's group is returning was donated to the museum 25 years ago and had recently fallen into a state of disrepair following an episode of vandalism.

It will travel with the veterans, their spouses and carers, to the village of Groesbeek, two miles from the city of Nijmegen, where it will be unveiled by the Mayor of Nijmegen as a memorial to the Sherwood Rangers who fought so valiantly in Operation Market Garden.

Retford woman taking part in Great North Run will raise cash for liver disease charity

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

A RETFORD woman is stepping up her training this week as she makes final preparations for the Great North Run next weekend.

It will be the first half marathon for Liz Phillips who is aiming to raise £300 for Children's Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF).

The charity is one close to her heart as Liz's 17-year-old daughter, Jade, has auto-immune liver disease.

"We've had a lot of support and information from CLDF since Jade was diagnosed five years ago and it's helped us all to adjust to living with her condition," said Liz.

"Since then we've always supported CLDF because we'd like to feel that other families in the same situation would also benefit from their help.

"We're also keen to support their work in funding research into the causes and a cure for children's liver disease."

She added: "The Great North Run will certainly be a challenge but Jade's had plenty of challenges over the past five years and I'm very proud of how she's coped.

"If I can complete the course in a respectable time and raise some funds for CLDF in the process I'll be very pleased."

Catherine Arkley, chief executive of CLDF, added: "Liz is a tireless, passionate supporter for CLDF and has raised over £4,000 for us already.

"She also champions the work of CLDF and is keen to tell the world that children get liver disease and need the help of the public to make a difference.

"It is individual fundraising initiatives which provide us with 75 percent of our funding, enabling us to continue our work with families and medical professionals and funding vital research.

"So we're delighted that Liz has decided to do the Great North Run for us and wish her all the best for next weekend."

If you would like to sponsor Liz for the Great North Run visit www.justgiving.com/Elizabeth-Phillips1.

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org

Trains reduced to walking pace and traffic reduced to standstill as crossing breaks

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

EAST coast mainline trains had to slow to walking pace after a level crossing barrier snapped off in Grove Road, Retford.

The incident happened on Sunday, September 5 at about 5.30pm.

Drivers also had to be extra vigilant at Grove Road level crossing while Network Rail made it safe.

Notts Police confirmed officers were called to the scene at 5.40pm. It is not known how the barrier came to be broken off its fixtures.

Retford air cadets take decision to adopt and care for RAF war hero's graveside

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

THE grave of a Retford Battle of Britain hero has been adopted by the town's air cadets.

The move comes after the recent graveside service of commemoration at Sergeant Dennis Noble's resting place in Retford Cemetery.

Twenty-year-old pilot Sgt Noble joined the RAF, saw off a German air assault on his south coast base and was killed in action all within the same month - August, 1940.

Adopting the grave means the cadets will make sure it is clean and tidy, as part of the squadron's Care in the Community programme.

Retford ATC civilian committee's secretary Ann Tompkins spoke to Sgt Noble's relatives at the commemoration on August 29 and suggested the squadron would like to adopt the grave.

Flight Lieutenant David Cape told a squadron meeting that the group would be pleased to take on the responsibility.

Flt Lt Cape also told members he had invited the squadron's Worksop colleagues to parade with them at the Battle of Britain 70th anniversary on Sunday, September 26, starting in the town square.

It will be the first time in many years that both Bassetlaw squadrons have paraded together.

Council hopes new 48-hour benefits claim service will speed up rebate process

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

A NEW 48-hour benefits claim service has been launched by Bassetlaw District Council to help speed up the current rebate process.

There are 10,600 people who are claiming for Council tax and rent rebate and Bassetlaw District Council is urging people to move quickly in order to gain payments.

Delay with this process may often occur when customers are asked to bring in documentation, it may frequently be the case that people are unaware of the proof required.

Following a study of how to get customers to bring in types of proof, the Council has launched its 48 hour benefit claim service at the One Stop Shops in Retford and Worksop.

Under the new incentive, customers get to see a dedicated benefit officer who will guide the client through what information is needed and issue a 48-hour guarantee if the documentation is received promptly.

Subsequently the paperwork is completed within 48-hours and the payment will be granted at a much quicker rate.

As a result of the scheme many people have received their first payment within seven days.

Andy Burton, Head of Revenues and Customer Services, said: "People claiming benefits shouldn't delay.

"You can just pop into the One Stop Shop anytime during office hours to claim your form. No appointment is needed and home visits can be arranged if necessary.

"The change in the benefit claim process at the council responds to what customers have been telling us," said Mr Burton. "Claimants want their entitlements to be dealt with by a single person and to not have to go through handing in different forms on different days seeing different people. That was at the heart of delays previously and the 48-hour devoted service signals a change to all of that."

For further information contact the benefits team on 01777 713855, 019090533710, 01909 533287.

Plans for housing development on site of former school 'well received' by residents

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

PLANS for a housing development at the site of a former Retford school have been put on display at a public exhibition.

In a display at The Well last month, residents were able to peruse plans for 41 two to three-bedroomed homes at the site of the former St Giles School on North Road at their leisure.

Technical director at Stamford Homes Andy Cramer said: "We were encouraged by the feedback we received from residents at the exhibition.

"Many saw the merits of the scheme, and many recognised it represented an improvement on what is currently a derelict site.

"It is important to remember the scheme already has outline consent, which established not only the principle to develop, but also factors such as the access point.

"What we are now consulting on are the details of the scheme, which were generally well received by residents."

Consultation will end early this month, with the application due to be determined in November.

Of the properties on the site, a minimum of 30 per cent would be allocated as affordable housing, while the boundary hedge around the site's perimeter would be kept intact.

John Hayward, of North Road, said plans for the housing development had surprised him when he viewed them in full for the first time at the exhibition.

"The project itself looks very nice.

"I was surprised when I heard they wanted to get 40 dwellings onto the site, but looking at the plans it looks feasible and has a nice mix of properties," he said.

"Our concern is the amount of extra traffic it's going to generate on a road with a 40mph speed limit, which we expressed our concerns about.

"We need it to be a 30mph speed limit, especially with the extra traffic.

"It's nice to see the hedge being kept as well."

Another North Road resident at the exhibition, who asked not to be named, said he lives in a property directly opposite the site, and was reassured by the size of the proposed homes.

"This is the first time we've seen it.

"We're glad they're not as big as we thought they would be," he said.

"It seems like an awful lot of properties on a small amount of land.

"We would rather the school was left there obviously."

As well as a total of 350 residents, district councillors and members of Bassetlaw Council's planning committee have also been consulted, as well as Retford and District tenants and residents association, senior staff at the neighbouring ambulance station and Hallcroft School.

Anyone looking for further information can call the developer's freephone project line on 0800 2987040.

Allowances information reveals what Bassetlaw councillors were paid last year

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

ALLOWANCES paid to Bassetlaw councillors have been published.

The table shows all the money Bassetlaw District councillors received over a 12-month period from 2009 to this year and can be found on page 38 of this newspaper.

Last year the authority adopted a new scheme of allowances which was drawn up from recommendations in an Independent Remuneration Panel report.

The highest paid councillor, Council Leader Mike Quigley, received a total of £22,264.06 over the year, split into the £4,872 basic rate, £14,784 special responsibility allowance and £2,608.06 on travel, telephone and subsistence.

The lowest amount claimed by a member still on the authority was £4,998 by Worksop councillor Josie Potts.

The main features of the scheme are:

A 3.5% increase in the basic and special responsibility allowances paid to councillors and that all other allowances remain unaltered. This results in a new annual Basic Allowance of £4,872.

That the subsistence day rate of £25 net be paid to members for approved duties that require attendance outside district boundaries for a period greater than four hours.

Under the new scheme, the additional special responsibilities allowance for the Cabinet Chair increased from £13,479 in 2008 to £13,953 for 2009/2010.

"This is less than many other local councils and considerably less than an Elected Mayor's allowance or an MP's salary and expenses," said Cllr Quigley.

"The allowance scheme for 2010/2011 was cut at the council's AGM by 5%.

"The special responsibilities allowance for the Cabinet Chair covers not only the ex-officio work done on various council committees but also the work that has to be done on behalf of the council on various statutory and partnership committees.

"All of this work demands significant time and attendance at meetings in different parts of the district, other district councils and the county council as well.

"There are also occasional meetings with government officials in London. This is reflected in my travel and subsistence allowance. This is on top of the work undertaken as a ward member and, unlike MPs, my telephone number and address are a matter of public record," he added.

The total amount paid to councillors was £358,240.31.

Driver has narrow escape as thrown rock smashes windscreen on motorway

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

A MOTORIST was left shaken but unharmed after a large rock thrown from a bridge smashed his windscreen as he was driving up the A1 at Tuxford.

It happened at around 6.35pm on Wednesday, August 25, as a man drove his silver Mercedes Viano along the A1 between the Tuxford turn off and Markham Moor.

He was driving along the northbound carriageway when a large rock was thrown at his car and smashed the windscreen.

It is thought the rock came from the overhead bridge, which is just before the service station. The man managed to pull over safely and was not injured, but was very shaken by the incident.

Notts Police's Pc Andy Smith, who is investigating the incident, said: "Luckily, the driver was not hurt, but this sort of mindless behaviour could have had very serious repercussions.

"This could have resulted in a serious collision on a busy road, which could have proved fatal. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and I urge anyone who has any information about this incident to please come forward."

Witnesses should contact Pc Andy Smith on 0300 300 99 99, ext 807 7464.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mayor hangs on to position after calls for vote of no confidence 'fizzle out'

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

THE youngest Mayor in England will stay in the civic role in Retford following a meeting that originally called for him to consider his position or face a vote of no confidence.

Fellow East Retford Charter Trustee Mike Pugsley, seconded by Wendy Quigley, proposed Retford Mayor Ian Campbell consider his position after a Retford Times article last month.

In the piece, Mr Campbell, pictured in his Mayoral robes and chain, said he was pursuing Conservative Notts County Council Leader Kay Cutts for allegedly not shaking his hand, after learning he was gay, at an awards ceremony before he was elected councillor or nominated for Mayor.

The claims have been investigated by the Conservative Party and it found Cllr Cutts, who refuted the accusation, not to have acted in a homophobic way.

At a meeting of the Charter Trustees at Retford Town Hall this week, Mr Pugsley tabled his proposal, but added an amendment just before proceedings started that allowed "any other action members deem appropriate" to conclude matters, not solely a vote of no confidence.

Trustee Mrs Quigley, who originally nominated Mr Campbell for Mayor, said she thought he should not have pursued a political matter using the office of Mayor and asked him to apologise. Rules dictate that the Mayoral position is strictly non-political.

But Mr Campbell told the meeting: "There will be no apology from me.

"I did not know they (Retford Times ) would use that picture."

Mike Quigley added a letter from Mr Campbell to the Retford Times distancing himself from the article would also help "clear things up".

Trustee Graham Oxby proposed that a protocol with all local media should be looked into that would confirm newspapers would not publish pictures of the Mayor in his robes and chain if it was a political issue.

He also proposed the role of Mayor was "opened up" in future to allow non-elected people from Retford the chance to be nominated for office.

He said: "We all know people from Retford who deserve a chance of becoming Mayor – more so than many of us in this room."

It was decided an act of parliament would be needed if the plans were to progress and the meeting suggested the area's two MPs, John Mann and Patrick Mercer, be consulted.

A vote was taken to establish a protocol over Mayoral photographs with the local media, which was carried. After the meeting, which was also attended by a group of people in the public gallery, Mayor Campbell said he was surprised by the outcome.

He said: "I was fully expecting to see a vote of no confidence but it seemed to fizzle out quite quickly. I'm looking forward to putting this behind me.

"It was great to see that amount of public support there and I thank them for coming."

Mr Pugsley said he decided to amend the original proposal after it "appeared to pre-suppose a vote".

Police authority warns against closing Retford Magistrates' Court

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

MEMBERS of Notts Police Authority have warned closures of several magistrates courts, including Retford's, could 'adversely impact' justice in the area.

The authority has issued the warning after its community engagement and partnership committee discussed plans by the Ministry of Justice to close magistrates courts in Retford, Newark and Worksop.

A spokesman for the authority said: "The committee fully appreciates that cost savings across the public sector must be made, but the knock on effect of court closures on other organisations might outweigh any potential saving benefits.

"The committee identified a variety of issues that closing courts would have on victims and witnesses and how these may adversely impact both on justice for local people and community confidence in the local criminal justice system.

For more information on the authority's concerns, see next week's Retford Times.

Co-op gives cash boost to performing arts club

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

EFFORTS to renovate the headquarters of a Gainsborough performing arts group have received a funding boost.

The Performing Arts Club, St Johns, is one of three groups to share the Co-operative's donation of £4,500 from its Community Fund.

The club has received just over £1,700 to fund further renovation of its headquarters at the former St Johns Church, Gainsborough.

The performing arts group offers young people, aged from 9 to 18, dance, drama, singing, stagecraft and art activities.

The funding will help to pay for stage and lighting improvements to boost planned summer events for next year.

Secretary of the club Susan Craig said: "We are thrilled with the generous donation we have received from The Co-operative.

"Our aim is to promote the arts within the local community and encourage young people in the area to learn new skills and build on their talents.

"St Johns Church has been a treasured home for us since we started four years ago and the improvements will further build on what we can offer."

The Community Fund offers grants of between £100 and £2,000, with local Co-operative members' committees allocating awards based on a set of values and principles, such as social responsibility and caring for others.

About £200,000 is available annually to support charities and community groups in the region. Application forms are available online at www.co-operative.coop/membership/ Community-Fund or by calling 0161 8275879.

"The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and these Lincolnshire groups are deserving causes," said The Co-operative's regional secretary Paul Cranfield.

"Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award and we would certainly welcome their applications."

Bus firm says sorry for driver's slur

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

TRANSPORT firm Stagecoach has apologised after one of its drivers allegedly insulted a woman and her autistic child.

Full-time mum and carer Karen Cook was travelling from her home in Gainsborough to Scunthorpe when her son, Jayden Webster-Cook, became distressed.

Jayden, 7, suffers from autism, a condition which leaves him confused and frightened when he is in situations he is not familiar with. He also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

He began to feel stressed while travelling and pressed the bell to stop the bus "as a coping mechanism".

The driver of the bus is alleged to have branded him a "naughty boy" and to have said that his mother should "control him better".

Despite Jayden being stopped from pressing the bell by his mum, the driver is then alleged to have said "I had a good day until you got on the bus".

The alleged incident happened on the number 100 bus at about 12.30pm on August 12.

Stagecoach has now apologised, saying they had "spoken to the driver formally".

Miss Cook said: "It was a very distressing incident for both of us and I was just shocked the driver would speak to us like that.

"I wanted an apology for that kind of behaviour, but I also wanted an assurance that this wouldn't happen to anyone else."

Dad Jonathan Webster said: "I feel this is disgusting and completely unacceptable, although Stagecoach, to their credit, were helpful when we made a complaint."

Stagecoach East Midlands commercial director Dave Skepper said: "We are aware of the incident and we have spoken to the driver involved formally and we have issued an apology to the parents.

"We welcome people to travel with us and we provide a public service, including to people with disabilities.

"Our 100 service linking Lincoln, Gainsborough and Scunthorpe is a low-floor service to provide wheelchair access.

"We also provide training to our drivers on helping and assisting disabled passengers and that includes those with hearing impairments, people who are blind, people who may use a wheelchair and people with a mental disability."

If people experience difficulty in using Stagecoach services, they should call 0845 6050605.

Wildlife will dig this

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

DIGGERS are starting to scoop out the first loads of soil to create a wetland haven for birds and other wildlife at Beckingham Marshes, near Gainsborough.

The RSPB and Environment Agency (EA) project is being funded generously by the Heritage Lottery Fund, WREN, Natural England and the Environment Agency.

The diggers are expected to finish creating the ditches and pools by October.

And RSPB wildlife warden Paul Bennett will be getting out into the community around Beckingham and Gainsborough inspiring people about the landscape, its wildlife and the wetland project.

Michael Copleston, RSPB manager at Beckingham Marshes, said: "It's so exciting seeing the first scoops of soil being lifted out and new ditches meandering across the landscape.

"Once the network of pools and ditches is complete we will be amazed how quickly wildlife makes the site home."

"The team at Beckingham Marshes is now able to start moving earth to create valuable habitats. The work will have a really positive impact for many species of wildlife, as well as the local community."

Brian Dunning, Natural England's Land management adviser, said: "We are really pleased to be able to use funding from our Environmental Stewardship scheme to support this wetland project, which will see 95 hectares of old grazing marsh restored.

"The Trent Valley is an important location for breeding and over-wintering birds and the creation of this wetland haven will be of great benefit."

Emma Sayer, head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said: "Over the past 60 years there has been a dramatic decline in grazing marsh and grassland habitats across the UK.

"With the support of organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund, the RSPB will be able to restore a range of important habitats at Beckingham Marshes which in turn will help support scarce and declining wildfowl species.

"Alongside the conservation work, a programme of education and volunteering activities will give more people a chance to learn about their local landscape."

EA area manager Sarah Fowler said: "It is good to be able to work with the RSPB and other partners to deliver this wildlife haven at Beckingham Marshes. This is great news for biodiversity in this area and for the community who will soon benefit from having a thriving wildlife habitat on their doorstep."

Catch up with the latest news at www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/ guide/b/beckinghammarshes

Plenty to get your teeth into as Vampires Rock next up on theatre's calendar

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

SEPTEMBER is shaping up to be a busy month at Retford's Majestic Theatre.

On September 17, the country's only musical rock theatre spectacular Vampires Rock returns for another phenomenal tour.

With a twist of rock and a hint of comedy, jam-packed with the greatest anthems audiences know and love, it's guaranteed to get people on their feet.

Steve Steinman plays the supremely evil Bran Von Rockula, owner of the Live and Let Die club.

In search of a new bride, the Baron must convince the unsuspecting Pandora, who auditions for the new singing position, to cross over to the dark side and live for ever in Rock n Roll Hell.

Classic rock anthems in the performance include We Will Rock You, Bat Out of Hell, Highway to Hell and Since You've Been Gone.

Tickets are priced £20 from the Majestic box office on 01777 706866.

Mad About The Musicals returns to the Majestic on September 19.

The charity concert in aid of Bassetlaw Hospice returns with its award winning spectacular brand new 2010 show.

From the poignant Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again to the dramatic 'One Day More', Mad About's talented ensemble conjure stunning, high quality vocal and musical performances, which evoke the true spirit of the West End, transporting you on a whistle stop tour into the heart of London's theatre land, the show contains over 20 of your favourite musicals from composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Boublil and Schonberg.

Tickets are priced £16 and £15.

On September 24, T-Rextasy will take to the stage. The group are now officially recognised as the world's No.1 group dedicated to Marc Bolan of T-Rex.

With their uncanny doppelganger lead singer and lead guitarist, Danielz, T-Rextasy perform a powerful and mesmerising presentation of Marc Bolan's rock and pop anthems.

Now in its 17th year of touring, this sensational show will take you on a journey.

Tickets for the show are priced £16.50. One of the most successful and popular singers the UK has ever produced, Elkie Brooks will be appearing at the Majestic on September 25.

Now celebrating her 50th year in music, she is still proving to be one of the most powerful and versatile vocal talents of our generation. With numerous hit singles, million selling albums and awards, her annual tours are treat for fans old and new.

Performing some of her classic hits, blues, jazz and perhaps a song or two from her forthcoming album, an electric evening with Elkie is guaranteed to leave you begging for more.

Tickets are priced £20 from the box office on 01777 706866.

Singing schoolboy Tom plays key role in Mother Teresa celebrations in India

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

A 12-YEAR-OLD Misterton schoolboy has played a major role in global celebrations marking the centenary of the birth of a modern-day saint.

Tom Donaldson-Badger will return to his desk at the Trent Valley Academy in Gainsborough next week – after being mobbed by hundreds of worshippers in India.

The Roman Catholic boy, starting Year 8, will be settling for a quiet life in the wake of the amazing scenes in Calcutta, where he sang at a series of services honouring what would have been Mother Teresa's 100th birthday.

Son of entrepreneurs Philip and Christine Donaldson-Badger, of Heckdyke at Misterton, Tom is the youngest member of a family that runs businesses in both the UK and India.

The Donaldson-Badgers have been visiting the sub-continent on a regular basis for more than 20 years – and have forged very strong links with Mother Teresa's Sisters of Charity, which runs a major orphanage.

Young Tom's reputation as a church singer led to the Catholic Church in India's invitation to the family.

Mr Donaldson-Badger said: "What a wonderful day we had at the centenary celebrations for Mother Teresa.

"Tom's day started at 4.30am and we went down to the main Mother Teresa House for the 6am main Mass, attended by bishops, archbishop, cardinal and other church leaders.

"He also sang at the tomb of Mother Teresa at 10am – with pilgrims and faiths represented from all over the world.

"So many children were at the tomb, it was just incredible.

"He was surrounded by people wherever he went and the children just loved him.

"Tom's great mentor and inspiration is Sister Andrea, who was the personal doctor for Mother Teresa.

"She was one of the first sisters to join her all those years ago, is now in her mid-70s and still conducts clinics.

"Sister Andrea works on the streets even now. Her energy and faith is incredible a wonderful caring human being who's work goes unnoticed."

Tom described how the family were invited by Sister Andrea to attend a private birthday Mass.

"It was held at 3pm the same day for just for a few sisters and I sang three songs for them," he said.

"Then I just took off my jacket and tie and went to the orphanage and dispensary to play with my friends.

"But it was a truly superb and very tiring day which was an honour and privilege to witness and be part of."

Around Britain boat race crew retire after engine problems

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

ABOUT £4,000 will be going to two local charities after a trio of Retford boating enthusiasts competed in a voyage around Britain and Ireland.

Friends Malcolm Wilkinson, Christian Brash and William Moore endured violent seas, mechanical failures and injuries during the arduous task, only to have to pull out because of an engine failure towards the end of their voyage.

Sponsorship for the trip has raised more than £4,000, to be shared between Bassetlaw Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

The trio stepped aboard their Scorpion RIB boat named Scooby Doo – a light-weight, high-speed petrol-engined craft – to take part in the Great British RIB Rally in June.

And they had to put up with wild swells when they set off.

The team experienced force-six gales and five-metre waves as they ploughed through the surf past Portland, Falmouth, Baltimore, Kilrush and Burtonport.

But as Scooby Doo was making its way to Bangor, the boat's fortunes came to an abrupt end thanks to a suspected piston failure.

Luckily for the team a friendly competitor gave them a tow back to port.

An impressive list of sea life was sighted by the crew along the way, including minky whales, basking sharks and porpoises, one of which circled the Scooby Doo as it was stranded in the water.

And the occasional injury also hampered the crew.

"My left shoulder ached from holding the wheel, and I'd hit my left knee so hard it was like a football," said Christian.

"My right knee was also bruised from the jockey seats. Malcolm's back was just about OK and the only one in good shape was William – in much better shape than the youngsters!

"It's certainly been an experience that we've learnt lots from. It really was a challenge."

The team thanked all those who sponsored them – friends, business contacts and especially customers at the Whitehouses pub in London Road which donated £480.

Teenager works hard to pay for his charity trip to Kenya

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

AN ENTERPRISING Clarborough teenager has been putting in the hard yards so he can go to Kenya to help aid efforts.

Shane Storrs, 15, has not had the most relaxing summer holiday. Instead, he has hired himself out as a handy man and completed dozens of odd jobs around the village in a bid to raise the required £3,650 to get to the troubled African country.

Not only that, the Elizabethan High School student has just finished a gruelling cycle trek from Clarborough to Mablethorpe along the Lincolnshire coast and smashed his £200 target in the process.

"Instead of just asking people for money, I thought I'd offer to do any odd jobs anyone needed doing around Clarborough and Hayton," said Shane.

"I've had loads of different things to do – painting fences and gates, mowing lawns, watering plants and looking after a lot of animals for people going on holiday.

"And then we went on a bike ride to Mablethorpe. We made it in six-and-a-half hours which we were really pleased with."

Shane, joined by family member Chris Martin, rode more than 50 miles to the coastal town at the weekend.

The pair raised £600 – almost three times the target amount.

So far in total, Shane has secured around £2,800 which is still more than £800 short.

If the final sum is reached, the year-11 pupil will head out to Kenya with fellow students for four weeks to help raise the standard of living and education by working in community projects.

If you want to help Shane reach the milestone and make his dream of going to Kenya a reality, call him on 07527 736553.

Guides show their 'true colours' at camping weekend to celebrate centenary

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

GUIDES from Retford and across Notts celebrated 100 years of girlguiding in the county with a special camp at Walesby Scout Centre.

More than 1,000 guides from the entire county converged on the site over the bank holiday for a weekend of camping, socialising and guiding activities, including abseiling, knot-tying, canoeing, and raft building.

Assistant leader for Retford branch Alice Rodgers said the event was a chance for guides and brownies from the local groups to meet peers from further afield.

"Everyone's been loving it so far and I think it's nice to get Notts together," she said.

"The international events are brilliant, but sometimes it's nice to get everyone together.

"They don't often meet with the other guide units so it's great for meeting the others."

Activities ran from 10am to 2pm daily, while Monday saw teams take part in a It's A Knockout contest.

Among the guides at the camp, Victoria McKenzie, of Welham, had been specially selected to sing True Colours at the opening ceremony.

She was asked to perform the piece after impressing judges at a recent Guiding's Got Talent contest and getting through to the second round.

"I very much like it; there's lots of activities and it's been fun so far," Victoria, 13, said of the camp.

Leader of first Wheatley guides and county commissioner for Notts, Dee Miles said the event would see guides from across the area get a chance to meet others from neighbouring districts.

"It's almost the culmination of our centenary year, and this is an opportunity for us to live with and get to know each other," she said.

Council begins two-month consultation on county's waste issues

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:00:00 GMT

Waste in Notts and the issue of disposal will be the subject of a two-month county council consultation that begins tomorrow.

Faced with the issue of a dwindling amount of space for landfill, and a growing figure of four million tonnes of waste produced each year, Notts County Council has embarked on the major public consultation.

It comes ahead of a new waste core strategy, which will determine how the authority handles the problem over the next 20 years.

The council's head of planning services Neil Hunt, who is overseeing the consultation, hopes as many people as possible will take part in the consultation.

"We want to encourage a modern, efficient and well-run waste industry to meet Nottinghamshire's needs over the next 20 years, but we also have to get the balance right between the need for more waste facilities, the need to protect the quality of life of those living nearby and the need to protect the local landscape and wildlife," he said.

"This consultation will be the first stage in the creation of a joint waste core strategy by the county and city councils, so we need as many people as possible to send us their views on possible requirements in the future.

"We are asking people from commerce and industry, waste specialists, environmental groups, district and parish councils and the public in general to fill in a short questionnaire or send us their views."

Responses will help decide a preferred approach setting out types of waste management facilities and broad locations for them, with further public consultation to follow.

Residents and businesses will also be able to view four options for managing waste that vary their focus between recycling, energy recovery and reducing landfill, and vote for their preferred method.

A draft waste core strategy would be submitted to the Government and examined by an inspector.

If found sound, it will be later adopted. If not, the council will make changes before consulting on the revised document.

After the waste core strategy has been agreed, a separate consultation process will also be carried out to determine specific site locations for such facilities.

The majority of the county's waste – which is set to reach five million tonnes a year – is from commerce and industry, rather than households.

Much of the household waste in Notts is tackled by the city and county councils through encouraging recycling and reuse, but waste from business and industry is still a cause for concern.

Meanwhile, only three landfill sites catering for all of the aforementioned waste remain in the county, which are reaching their limits.

Consultation will run until October 29, and can be accessed from tomorrow by calling 08449 808080 and asking for a paper questionnaire, or visiting www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk