The Sherwood December 2017 by Chloe Bowers

December 2017

Rainworth Riders raised thousands for Carter Lee On 15th July 2017 Rainworth Riders did their annual bike ride to Skegness to raise money for Carter Lee and were joined by Peloton Cycling and some of Mark Carters friends. We had a Presentation Night on Saturday 18th November and presented Carter’s mum and dad, Jodi and Mark, with a staggering £6130.00. This figure was reached by the group cycling to Skegness, a raffle on the night and two guys being waxed. The majority of the money will be saved for when Carter requires his wheelchair and the remaining will be used to mark some of the items from his bucket list. A BIG thank you goes out to all the riders. The Venue for hosting the event. Alex Kyle, Jayne Alsop and Past Tense for the entertainment. Lee Rowland and Peter Wycherley for being waxed and especially all the people who attended and bought raffle tickets. Also the Rainworth Riders committee who without them this event would not happen every year.

News & Information Page 3 & 5 Blidworth Local News Page 11 Rainworth Local News Page 13 Edwinstowe, Bilsthorpe & Farnsfield Local News Page 15 Ravenshead Local News Page 17 What’s On Pages 21 & 23 Sport Page 40

Blidworth & District Historical & Heritage Society At our meeting on November 7th we had as guest speaker, Colin Hobday with his illustrated talk on 'Derbyshire Delights'. Colin is a keen rambler, cyclist and in his younger days he also enjoyed rock climbing; all within his much loved county of Derbyshire. We started our 'Derbyshire Delights' tour in Derby Cathedral with a photograph of the tomb of 'Bess of Hardwick Hall'. All of the photographs we were shown had

been taken by Colin and the next was of the Dolphin Inn, famous for organising ghost walks in the city. In fact Derby is reputed to have more ghosts than any other city. Next was the Padley Centre, named after Padley Hall at Grindleford. Here, in 1588, at the height of the persecutions of Catholics, two catholic priests were found hiding. (Continued on page 11)

News & Information Local Libaries Bilsthorpe Libary Libary 01623 Bilsthorpe 01623 870216 870216 Wednesday 9.30am Wednesday 9.30am -- 1.00pm 1.00pm Friday 1.30pm Friday 1.30pm -- 5.00pm 5.00pm Saturday 9.30am Saturday 9.30am -- 1.00pm 1.00pm Blidworth Libary Libary 01623 Blidworth 01623 793775 793775 Monday 9.00am 9.00am -- 12.30pm Monday 12.30pm Wednesday 2.00pm Wednesday 2.00pm -- 6.00pm 6.00pm Friday 9.00am -- 12.30pm Friday 9.00am 12.30pm Saturday 9.00am Saturday 9.00am -- 12.30pm 12.30pm Farnsfield Libary Libary 01623 Farnsfield 01623 883917 883917 Monday 9.00am -- 12.30pm Monday 9.00am 12.30pm Wednesday 9.00am 12.30pm Wednesday 9.00am - 12.30pm Friday 2.00pm Friday 2.00pm -- 6.00pm 6.00pm Saturday 9.00am Saturday 9.00am -- 1.00pm 1.00pm Rainworth Libary 01623 791038 Rainworth Libary 01623 791038 Tuesday 9.00am - 1.30pm Tuesday 9.00am - 1.30pm Friday 1.00pm - 5.00pm Friday 1.00pm - 5.00pm Ravenshead Libary 01623 794634 Ravenshead Libary 01623 Tuesday 9.00am - 12.30pm 1.30pm 794634 6.00pm Tuesday 9.00am - 12.30pm Thursday 9.00am - 12.30pm 1.30pm 1.30pm 6.00pm 6.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.30pm 1.30pm Thursday 9.00am - 12.30pm - 5.30pm 1.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm 6.00pm Friday 9.00am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am - 12.30pm

Local Contacts Rainworth Health Centre 01623 794293, Warsop Lane Dentist 01623 798611 AMG Surgery 01623 695461, 59 Mansfield Rd Ravenshead Surgery 01623 795461, 30 Longdale Ave Joseph Whitaker School 01623 792327

Late Night Chemists

Boots - St Peters Retail Park Station Street, Mansfield NG18 1BE 01623 653 926 Opening Times Mon - Sat 9:00 - 00:00

3 Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk Sainsburys Pharmacy Nottingham road, Mansfield NG18 1BW 01623 557144 Mon – Sat: 8:00 – 22:00 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00 Rosemary St Pharmacy Rosemary street Mansfield, Notts, NG19 6AB 01623 622413 Mon- Fri 7:30 – 22:00 Sat:8:0022:00 Sun 8:30-22:00

Useful Contacts Trussel Trust Food Bank 07716439740 Frank 0800776600 Shelter 08088004444

Orchard Pharmacy - Orchard Medical Practice, Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, Notts NG18 5GG - 01623 656586 Opening Times Mon - Fri 7:00 - 23:00 Sat 9:00 -23:00 Sun 10:00 - 16:00

Newark & Sherwood Homes 01623 860740

Asda Pharmacy, Priestic road, Sutton in Ashfield Notts NG17 2AH – 01623 516222. Opening times mon 8:00 – 23:00 Tue, Thur, Fri 7:00 – 23:00 Wed: 8:00 – 22:00 Sat: 7:00 – 22:00 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00

Mansfield District Council 01623 463463

N&S District Council 01636650000

Notts County Council 08449808080

Tree Poem Methodist The Lurcher Church Why are you weeping willow? I want to be strong and wide I want my branches to reach the sun My leaves to stand high in the sky But you’re beautiful and graceful Your stems flow like rivers and streams I hide under you when I’m scared You wrap yourself around me I feel safe But I want to be bold like a warrior Like the Oak with legends Of heroes hiding in their shell Standing firm defensive and protecting But I love your tenderness and sweetness You bow down with humility And offer a peaceful shroud On the angriest of days offering peace But I want to be bear fruit sweet and juicy Like the pink blossom cherry tree All I do is hang around weeping I want children to dance around me But you raise my spirits when I’m near you Your leaves fall like glistening gems Offering serenity and tranquillity That’s the fruit you give to me But I want to be like the palm tree Lining a golden sandy beach Everyone relaxing around me Forgotten all their worries and cares But you’d be lonely in winter When the holidaymakers say goodbye You’d be cold, blown by the harsh wind Of the sea as it too gets lonely and cries But I want to be tall and slim Like the pine tree and evergreen Be a symbol of celebration and joy Have tinsels and baubles hung on me No you’d be chopped down I wouldn’t see you You’d die in the heat of the home With each day you’d go brown and wither And without you I’d feel alone Please stop weeping willow Be happy with yourself as you are By loving yourself others will love you more I’m talking to me – course you are! © Diane Carter

Blidworth Services 10.30am (All age service on 3rd Sunday of month) Midweek Communion service 1t 11am on the third Tuesday of each month. Rainworth Services 10.30am (All age service on 1st Sunday of month) Sunday School - 10:30am Family Service - 10:30am (First Sunday of each month) 1st October at 10.30am - Harvest Festival Bilsthorpe Services 10.15am (All age service on 4th Sunday of month) Bible study group Thursday mornings. Community Cafe Mondays 9:30am 1:30pm. Edwinstowe Services 10:15am (Fourth Sunday of the month there is a lunch - all is welcome)

The Birmingham office is pleased to announce the recent sale of The Lurcher public house in Rainworth. The pub operates as a community local offering both food and drink to the residents of Rainworth and further afield. Matt Whiteley, Associate Director at James A Baker who handled the sale commented “Following a high level of interest in this pub, it is great news that a sale has completed. The new owners have considerable experience as operators and I have no doubt that a new food and drink menu will attract custom from the wider Mansfield and Nottingham regions; We at James A Baker wish them the best of success in their new venture.” James A Baker have sold several other public houses in the Nottinghamshire area, all for continued licensed use, including The Duke of Sussex, Sutton-In-Ashfield, The Fox, Kirton and The Devonshire Arms, Mansfield. For further information contact Matt Whiteley on 0121 2272311 or email matt@ jamesabaker.co.uk

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News & Information

New Council funding scheme to support work of local groups Voluntary and community groups in Nottinghamshire are being invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 from a new funding stream set up by the County Council to support grassroots projects throughout the area. The Local Improvement Scheme 2018-21 was launched yesterday, after councillors agreed to create a new, simpler way for local groups to access financial support for local schemes that contribute towards making Nottinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit. Groups can apply for the funding now at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/lis

The closing date for this round of funding is 8 January 2018. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their projects can deliver tangible, long term benefits for local communities by: •Focusing on helping people to help themselves through encouraging volunteering and involvement in local organisations and charities •Working in partnership to protect communities from crime and anti-social behaviour so people can be more confident about their safety •Promoting healthier lifestyle choices •Protecting and developing the local environment and our county's heritage Three year revenue funding of between £1,000 and £30,000 per year is available for running costs, alongside one-off capital scheme funding of between £1,000 and £50,000 per project. Further financial support for talented athletes and to commemorate significant events in Nottinghamshire will be made available at a later date. Councillor Kay Cutts, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "The County Council has a strong and proud track record of supporting community and voluntary groups in delivering valuable work - helping people to help themselves and enhance people's pride of place in Nottinghamshire as a great place to live, work, visit and relax. "The new Local Improvement Scheme brings together several previous funding schemes into one, allowing us to allocate funding in a more co-ordinated way, simplifying the process and reducing administration to ensure the maximum resource is available to make a real difference in our communities. "I am proud that we have been able to retain and prioritise our grant funding for local groups when many other local authorities have reduced or ended similar funding to make financial savings." Full Local Improvement Scheme eligibity criteria and details of how to apply are available on the website.

Three information events have also been arranged for organisations interested in applying for funding. The events are:

4 December (2-3.30pm) John Fretwell Complex, Sookholme Rd, Mansfield 5 December (2-3.30pm) Crossing Church & Centre, Newcastle St, Worksop 7 December (2-3.30pm) Assembley Rooms, County Hall, West Bridgford Anyone wishing to attend the information events must pre-book online at www. eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--nottingham/nottinghamshire-county-council (one place per organisation) Council funding case studies Revenue funding: Reach Learning Disability Reach Learning Disability was awarded £52,500 over three years (2015-2018) in County Council grant funding to deliver its Reach Out project in Mansfield, Newark and Southwell. The project supports adults with learning disabilities to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence through a wide variety of activities, helping them to integrate positively within their local communities and encouraging them to take-up learning and volunteering opportunities. To date, more than 200 services users have benefited from the scheme and 200 local volunteers have been recruited and trained to help deliver activities and learning. Julia Sandhu, Funding Director at Reach UK, said: "Reach started out as a very small, local group in Southwell and has now grown to a charity that reaches across the county and supports 200 people with learning disabilities each week. But our roots are still firmly planted in the communities in which we work. Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers live locally to our services and many have caring responsibilities. "The County Council funding has enabled us to deliver thousands of hours of extra support. This has made a huge difference in improving the quality of life for hundreds of adults with learning disabilities and their

families, as well as providing numerous new opportunities for volunteers to develop their skills. It is helping to change lives for the better." For more information about the amazing work of Reach, visit the website www. reachuk.org or watch the video at www. youtube.com/watch?v=EKKs7ME3nq4

Capital funding: Gedling Country Park Memorial Garden Nottinghamshire County Council awarded £18,425 in capital funding to the Friends of Gedling Country Park in April to create a permanent piece of art in the new memorial garden at Gedling Country Park. The group has been working with Gedling Borough Council to develop the memorial garden within the country park for a number of months and have already installed several large metal ‘rings’ to mark the entrance, which were previously used underground to maintain the stability of the mining tunnels. Gedling Colliery was the life-blood of the village and its surrounding areas for nearly a century, until it closed in 1991. The site stood derelict for over 20 years before being transformed into a country park in March 2015. The sculpture is expected to be installed before the end of the year. Terry Lock, Chair of the Friends of Gedling Country Park, the organisation which applied for the funding said: “The memorial garden is an important project for us and our volunteers have been working hard to ensure it will be a place where all visitors feel welcome. Without the funding from Nottinghamshire County Council, this project may not have been possible. “The local artist commissioned for the sculpture work which is currently taking shape at the Park visited local school such as Lambley Primary and Christ the King secondary in Arnold to talk to pupils about how this artwork should look. It has really captured the imagination of local people of all ages and helped them learn new skills. “It will be a real asset for the Country Park and leave a lasting legacy for the local children who have been involved in the project – something for them and their families to proudly reflect on.”

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House & Home

Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk

Newark and Sherwood’s innovative approach to meeting housing need has received national recognition this month after two leading figures secured spots on an industry list of ‘power hitters’. Cllr Roger Blaney, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Rebecca Rance, Newark and Sherwood Homes chief executive, were both selected by an expert panel to join 41 high-flyers on the list of ‘Who’s Who Local Authority Housing Development’ list compiled by Inside Housing. The exclusive list highlights the professionals driving forward the development of new homes across Britain and is intended to promote discussion of their achievements. Roger has acted as the political lead on the

nies to deliver more homes. This is a pivotal time, and we need to raise awareness of the issues and work with the government to find flexible and innovative solutions to ensure we deliver the homes our communities need.” In partnership with and on behalf of Newark and Sherwood District Council, Rebecca is currently overseeing the delivery of Newark and Sherwood largest development programme of affordable homes in over 30 years. This will deliver 335 homes in five years, including 60 apartments providing homes with extra care services at Gladstone House, For more information visit www.nshomes. co.uk

Newark and Sherwood held up as exemplary in delivering new homes council in developing and adopting its own local plan, which anticipates 14,800 new homes in the district by 2026. Speaking of the list, Roger said: “The role of local authorities and their housing companies in meeting housing need is significant and shouldn’t be overlooked. In both an enabling role and in direct delivery of homes, the council and Newark and Sherwood Homes put the needs of residents central to our ambition and drive. I am delighted that we have been recognised as visionaries in securing solutions to meet housing need.’ Rebecca said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this list, which really highlights the work taking place across the country and the efforts of councils and their housing compa-

Choosing and looking after your Poinsettia When I was a boy you could only buy Poinsettias in red but when I was 19 as a horticultural student I worked for the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food at their research station in Kirkham in Lancashire. I was involved in the variety trials of many new colours some of which are freely available in stores and garden centres to day. Many however did not make the retail market as they failed in one way or another in the trials. Most that failed reverted to the old red colouring and were rejected for not staying true to type. The Name Poinsettia comes from the name of the American ambassador to Mexico (Joel Roberts Poinsett 1825,) who brought the plant back to America where most of the hybridisation has been done to get the plant we know and love to day. Its Latin name is Euphorbia pulcherrima as it is a member of the Euphorbia family although it looks so very different. Pulcharrima means most beautiful and it certainly lives up to that name. Wein the UK know it as a Christmas plant but in many other parts of the world it is a cut flower and a plant for all seasons. The coloured parts of the flower are actually coloured leaves (bracts) and the real flowers are the tiny pips seen in the centre of the flower. When choosing a good poinsettia make sure that not too many of these pips are showing the red anthers and stamens or have fallen off altogether as this shows that the plant is an old one going past its best. Also make sure the plant has not been exposed to cold as they are very sensitive to this and the leaves fall off. If your plant has wilted check that it is dry before watering

as the cold can also make them wilt overnight. Over watering courses the veins on the bracts to burst and white sap oozes out which eventually goes black; this can also occur after rough handling so look out for this when buying. Keep the plant in a warm room and do not leave it on a cold windowsill when you close the curtains and only water when the compost in the pot is dry to the touch. Poinsettias are very sensitive to light and the natural shortening of the day as winter

approaches stimulates flowering, so if you have your poinsettia in a room with the light on all evening it will never flower again. Instead keep it in a spear bedroom after flowering, feed it with tomato food and let the shorting day lengths bring it back into flower. Making sure it is not a bedroom with a street lamp outside as exposure to very little light in the evening can postpone re-flowering. Enjoy your gardening

Brian Reece Chartered Horticulturalist

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Local News

9 Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk

Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum Bilsthorpe On Monday, 1st November, we had a Craft Stall, selling handmade toys and decorations etc. at Bilsthorpe “Flying High” Academy’s Firework Evening. Thank you to everyone who supported us and the fireworks were wonderful.

On Saturday, 11th November and Sunday, 12th, we had a very full weekend, with volunteers participating with display and sales’ stands at Newark “Vintage Tractor Show”, manning the Museum and attending our village’s Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade. A big thankyou to all concerned. Now that Summer is over, we have been busy tidying both the Memorial Garden and the garden at the entrance of Pit Lane. Special thanks to Member, Ron Chaplin, for the donation of red tulip bulbs and supporter, Aileen

Hutchings, who donated wallflower seeds, which have grown into lots of plants, so we are looking forward to a good show in the Spring.

Our 2018 calendars are now on sale, depicting “Past & Present” Bilsthorpe scenes. They are priced at £3 each or two for £5. They are available at the Museum shop on Sundays or Wednesdays from 11.00 am until 3.00 pm or ring 01623 – 870512. We have many other publications there, Bilsthorpe Colliery mugs and also lots of hand-crafted decorations and gifts for young and old. We were saddened to hear of the death of Mrs. Freda Smith. Freda was a great and generous supporter of our Museum and visited us on several occasions and she will be sorely missed.

Extended access for patient's to see a G.P. - At Abbey Medical Group The Abbey Medical Group are working in partnership with the Sherwood Medical Partnership based at Clipstone to deliver “ Extended Access ” on behalf of the Newark and Sherwood Clinical Commissioning Group As from Friday 1st December 2017 , it is planned that Extended Access will be available to all patients living and registered with a GP Practice within the “Sherwood area “ . The Sherwood Area of GP Practices are ; Abbey Medical Group Sherwood Medical Partnership Hill View Practice Rainworth Medical Centre Bilsthorpe Practice Middleton Lodge Major Oak

discretion of the host Practice.

So what is Extended Access and who is it available to ?

The guidance will be , One appointment –one issue only .

Extended Access will be available between 6.30 p.m and 8.00.p.m –Monday to Friday ( not bank holidays ) & Saturday Mornings 0800 to 10.15 a.m. at the following locations ; Each Monday / Tuesday – Abbey Medical Group , Blidworth Each Wednesday / Thursday – Sherwood Medical Partnership, Clipstone .

The appointment will result in acute prescribing only .

Friday evening will alternate each week between the two Practices and will be advertised at least 6 months in advance Saturday mornings will alternate in a similar manner and will also be advertised in advance . The service will allow access and a 15 minute appointment with either a GP , Nurse or a HCA during these times . There will always be a GP available and the Nurse / HCA provision will be at the

Patients can only book an Extended Access appointment via their own Practice . Patients must have consented to share their medical record . If they have not agreed to share then the clinical system for patient safety reasons will not allow an appointment to be made . Appointments will either be ‘book on the day ‘ or 48 hours in advance only . There will an upper limit of appointments available and when they are gone …they are gone . There will be a strict criteria in respect of the appointment type;

Repeat Prescription issues will not be considered at all. There will be no bloods samples taken. Options to remove this barrier are being reviewed . There will be no ECG’s undertaken . The Nursing Team / HCA appointments will include ear syringing ,minor wound care and blood pressure checks . The GP Partners at both AMG and SMP are committed to providing a high quality of safe care to all patients within the Sherwood Locality.

Garden Club Our Meeting on Wednesday, 18th October was a well-informed talk on “Bulbs” with Sue Stephenson, who spoke about the selection and purchase of bulbs for all seasons and their care. During the talk, she answered Members’ questions and, afterwards, there was an opportunity to purchase some bulbs. The raffle was then drawn, with the first prizewinner being Jean Manning. Our Meeting on Wednesday, 15th November was an illustrated talk by Jeff Bates on “Plants for Small Gardens”. As a garden designer, Jeff was able to suggest ways of creating interest in a limited space by using small trees and shrubs, containers and non-invasive perennials and climbing plants, with the emphasis on year-round colour with flowers, berries and attractive stems and bark etc. During the course of the evening, details were given out about supper evenings in December and January and forthcoming events in 2018. (We still have some seats left on our daytrip to Thriplow in Cambridgeshire for their “Daffodil Weekend”, which is a really good outing on Sunday, 18th March and also our Club Summer Holiday to North Wales from 24th – 3oth June. For further details or to book ring 01623 – 870810).

Can you help? Sometime during 30th June 1944, a Stirling bomber (four engines, like a Lancaster, but bigger) caught fire over the county. The crew had time to bail out and all were unharmed. The aircraft the crashed “near to Rufford Colliery”. I have details of the crew and the plane except for one major fact. Does anyone know where it came to earth with any precision? Do any of your readers remember father/grandfathers ever discussing this? Maybe there is a reader, who, as a child, had free wander around the local forests and remembers the commotion at the time? Maybe can point to the spot, or mark a map? Any leads appreciated! If you can help, please call Milan on 823084, leave a short message and your phone number and I’ll get back to you.

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Blidworth Local News Blidworth & District Historical & Heritage Society

Blidworth Parish Council The Parish Council would like to thank its parishioners for their support this year in a wide range of community events that we have been able to put on including the Summer Gala, Remembrance Service and Pensioners Christmas Party. The recent Christmas Fair and Light Switch on was a huge success. We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.

The very first Dale Lane 3 ways Garage from around 1955. Proprietor, Mechanic, Sales Manager & Fuel pump attendants, Mr. W E Dunn and Family. (Continued from page 1) They were taken to Derby where they were hanged, drawn and quartered. Colin then showed the World Heritage site that stretches from Derby to Matlock and contains the textile mills that helped propel the industrial revolution of Victorian times. Colin's talk took us all over the county; he showed us the peaks, the moors, the quaint villages and the large estates such as Chatsworth, the home of the Dukes of Devonshire that has been passed down through sixteen generation of the Cavendish family. He showed us the stone walls enclosing the fields of the county. These are still built skilfully just of grit stone with no mortar holding the stones together. There is the story of farmers in the past including a stone in the wall that could be slid out in order to hide their money. The evocative scenes Colin showed were a fantastic reminder of what a beautiful and interesting county we have just across the border of Nottinghamshire. Colin's talk was very well received by the thirty one members who attended. After the refreshment break, Chairman Alan showed some of the recently acquired photographs of Blidworth village. Most were pictures of groups of people, about to go on excursions, holiday or of sports teams - especially local cricket teams. Our audience recognised many of the faces that looked out to them, from the past. Many

thanks to all those people who gave us the photographs for our archive. If you have any that you could lend us to have copied please get in touch through our website. We would be very grateful. Finally the Chairman thanked Eric and Sheila Hall for all of the hard work they undertake on behalf of the Society. Our next three meeting details are as follows; •5th December - Christmas Meeting. •3rd January - Carol Lovejoy Edwards 'Mansfield & the Great War'. •7th February - Adrian Henstock - 'By the Sword Divided'. The meetings are in the Function Room of the Blidworth Welfare. Doors are open at 6.45 pm. Ample parking is available. New members are always welcome; just turn up on the night. There is a small charge on the door of £2 to cover refreshments. Our book, 'Blidworth and the First Word War' is into its second printing, has been updated and would make a great Christmas present. It can be purchased from 'Miss Victoria's Shabby Chic Furniture Shop' at 39 Mansfield Road, Blidworth, telephone 07712693966 at a cost of £10. www.blidworthhistoricalsociety.co.uk Email: blidworthhistory@virginmedia.com

Blidworth

Bards Poetry Club at Blidworth Bards at Blidworth meets every 3rd Saturday of the month at Blidworth library 10a.m. - 12 p.m. for poetry workshop, discussion, readings and a cuppa! Budding poets welcome. BLIDWORTH & RAVENSHEAD MEMORY GROUP Support for people living with dementia and their carers Meet to Chat - Have fun - Get advice and Support. First Wednesday of the month At Blidworth Library, New Lane, Blidworth, Notts NG21 0PW Next meeting Wednesday, 6th December 2017 2.30pm – 4.30pm Interested? Ring Jayne on 07971039832, Email bandrmemorygrp@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page: Memory Group (Blidworth &Ravenshead) for more information. OR just turn up on the day – see you there! If you would like to take part in a 1 hour Dementia Friends awareness session or would like to arrange a session for your club or group, please contact Jayne on 0797 1039832. For more information visit www. dementiafriends.org.uk PATHFINDERS Community Pop Up Centre, offers information and advice about cancer and cancer care & is able to offer people support with other long-term conditions and problems, as they now have a Community Adviser present at the centre. The Centre is held on the second Saturday of the month at Blidworth Library NG21 0PW from 10-12 noon. Want to know more ring Gilly 07816933429.

Share your news and photos with us

F you have any news and photographs of events in and around this area why not share them with other readers of the Sherwood?

Send us an electronic copy of photographs with a few details and we will try to publish them in a future edition. In each edition we devote pages to

news of achievements and success by individuals and groups in the area. Email chloe@news-journal.co.uk with your news and photographs or suggestions of items to be included.

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Rainworth Local News

13 Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk

Getting in the Christmas spirit at Sam’s Workplace Rainworth Well, what a busy time we’ve been having at Sam’s Workplace. We had a fantastic MacMillan Coffee Morning and raised a brilliant sum of £59.10. Thank you to everyone who supported us but a special thanks go to the guys we work with. A lot of them put so much hard work into their cakes and although they struggle with customer interactions, they put their hearts and soul into making this a success and we couldn’t be prouder of them.

We were extremely honoured and more than happy to provide the Remembrance Day buffet for the Rainworth & Blidworth Royal British Legion. We have been selling poppies in the shop as well as our Remembrance Day biscuits to help raise funds, as part of our commitment to being a cafe for the community. We are now looking for help from the local community. For the past 3 years we have provided an advent calendar for the homeless, giving much needed provisions to those who have lost their homes. However, whilst this is a very worthwhile cause, we now feel there are many organisations out there supporting the homeless - and whilst we will continue to support many causes as these throughout the year) but this year we would like to aid those in our community - in particular 2 families within the community. At Sam’s Workplace we are pledging to donate to one family a Christmas hamper with everything in for Christmas Day, and 2 small Christmas Eve bags; and for a second family one of our large Christmas Eve boxes BUT we need the community’s help …. please nominate a family or individual in your neighbourhood, someone who needs a helping hand this Christmas and the reasons why. You can private message us on Facebook,

drop us a note into the shop (37 Preston Road, Rainworth) or pop in and tell us. If anyone would like to donate anything towards the hampers (we’re hoping to include everything from stuffing to vegetables, gifts etc) - these will be on display in the shop and will be delivered on Friday 22nd December. Please, Rainworth, get nominating and donating!! Our nominations box is out and ready for you …..! ! Sam’s Workplace will continue to be open until 22 December, then we will close for a well deserved two week break! We will reopen on Monday 8th January 2018. In the meantime we have been really busy making our Christmas stock! Our Elf doors are proving to be really popular, and a bargain at only £4.50 - an excellent stocking filler. Also proving popular are our Christmas Eve bags and boxes... The bags contain: Santa lucky dip bag Reindeer hot chocolate Elf chocolate lollipop Hot chocolate stirrer Cookie for Santa! Carrot for Rudolph ….! what a bargain at only £5.00! Or upgrade to our Christmas Eve box which contains: Santa lucky dip bag Reindeer hot chocolate x2 Reindeer food Elf chocolate lollipop x2 Hot chocolate stirrer x2 Cookie for Santa, Carrot for Rudolph Candy cane x2

Snow man marshmallow Santa clause marshmallow and, if that wasn’t enough, a personalised Santa Clause treat plate - only £15.00. Plus we can personalise the Christmas Eve box on the front with the name of your choice.And to top it all off, we are expecting a visit from the man in the red suit on 22nd December from 12pm - 3pm. We just hope we’ve been good enough and not on Santa’s naughty list. Get your orders in quick! Tel: 01623 797240 or email samsworkplace@mail.com You can check out all our goods on our newly launched website www.samsworkplace.co.uk The website is still a work in progress so bear with us! or on our Ebay Shop. Our usual range of cakes, biscuits, hot drinks and sweets are still available - don’t be shy, come and see us at 37 Preston Road, Rainworth, NG21 0JR. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our loyal 2017 customers, and all new 2018 customers a very Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year from all of us at Sam’s Workplace.

Share your news and photos with us

F you have any news and photographs of events in and around this area why not share them with other readers of the Sherwood?

Send us an electronic copy of photographs with a few details and we will try to publish them in a future edition. In each edition we devote pages to

news of achievements and success by individuals and groups in the area. Email chloe@news-journal.co.uk with your news and photographs or suggestions of items to be included.

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Edwinstowe, Bilsthorpe, Farnsfield Local News Victorian Fairs - Farnsfield Local History Society Do you know where the expression "to take the gilt off the gingerbread" comes from? One of the foods served at Victorian Fairs was gingerbread, sometimes having been put into moulds and baked into fancy shapes so that the biscuite resembled the king and queen. Then they were painted with gilt. This was one of the many fascinating facts FARNSFIELD LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY were told by Dr. Ann Featherstone at our November meeting. She had some good pictures of Goose Fair when it was held in the Old Market Square until the Council House was built in the late 1920s and Ilkeston Fair. These were Charter Fairs, on the same dates each year and then there were Hiring Fairs held at places like Stratford-on-Avon where masters came to hire servants and labourers, farmhands.

Roundabouts were not introduced until the late 1800s, or early twentieth century. Before that there were amusements that we find distatseful nowadays such as Bostock and Wombwell's Menagerie that travelled around with 30 caged animals, freak shows exhibiting the tallest man, the ugliest woman, the fattest girl. Pay a penny to stare at them. We may complain about "Health and safety gone mad" but people regularly came to grief at the extremes provided at the Fair such as a "flying man" lying on a grooved tray on a slack rope. Then food could be bought from a "flying pieman". He did not have a stall but walked round selling his pies containing goodness only knows. Oysters were cheap and popular too. Perhaps Goose Fairs "Cock on a Stick" was one of the better options.

Scouts bag a lot of help 1st Farnsfield Scout Group is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. Tesco has recently launched its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000 to £1,000 being awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the award and shoppers are being invited to head along to vote. 1st Farnsfield is one of the groups on the shortlist. The groups ‘Better Prepared’ project looks to help support the group during their 75th year of Scouting in Farnsfield by increasing the amount of kit. Louise Wheatley, Parent Representative on the Groups Management Committee, said “My son is in Scouts and can’t wait for the special activities in the 75th anniversary year in 2018. I know the group has grown very quickly and this kit is much needed.” Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout November and December. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store. Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £36 million to nearly 8,000 projects. Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for November and December. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp

Christmas Reindeers

1st Farnsfield Scout Troop has been busy exploring their creative sides by making Christmas Reindeer out of small logs and sticks. The Scout Troop will be selling their reindeer to raise money for the charity Newman Holiday Trust. A charity which provides holidays for over 120 disabled children a year, around the UK. If you would like to support the cause, by purchasing a Reindeer, they are available via scouts@1stfarnsfield.org.uk. The older Scouts have worked hard, towards earning the prestigious Chief Scout Gold Award, the highest award in the age group, before some of them will be moving on to the Explorer unit in the New Year. Current Scout leader Diane Waller, who has gratefully volunteered her spare time and energy over the last several years, will be sadly missed as she is leaving the Scout Troop at the end of December. This will leave a vacancy in which has yet to be filled. The scout group are always looking for additional adults to support the adventure. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Group Scout Leader Chris Blockley, on 07779324341. Scouts meet every Monday night at Farnsfield Village Hall.

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Craig French & Russ Talbot aka Frenbot We raising money for The National Autistic Society with a charity football match. Tickets are Â£2.50 which includes a raffle ticket. Please email for more information. frenbotfootball@gmail.com We are not going back to our roots but simply raising money.

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Ravenshead Local News

Conor Lewis walks for the first time in two years at Portland College On Friday in Portland College, physiotherapy department, Conor, a second year learner walked by himself for the first time in two years. Conor became unable to walk in 2015 and joined the College last year and has been active in our sports department as a learner. With a black belt in judo, Conor is no stranger to sports and while on our sports course he has been introduced to several sports that he's been able to take part in such as Boccia, Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Rugby. While attending lessons, Conor also sees the physio department for sessions. His physio started off with small movements in an attempt to retrain the neurological pathways in his brain. The first exercises consisted of sitting down and attempting to tense the muscles in each leg but soon enough Conor began to try techniques that would lay the groundwork for moving his legs and feet, this included knocking a bottle back and forth with his feet, performing sit-to-stand exercises and lifting each leg, tensing and holding it in place. There were challenges at first, Conor would get headaches after exercises making it difficult for him to continue sometimes, even so, Conor still kept going. Eventually, Conor was introduced to a walker that would help him make a start with walking and during the Summer Conor borrowed the walker to use at home so he could continue to train himself in his own time. Finally, Conor has proven that his determination has paid off by showing that he is now able to walk without the aid of a walker. Conor described the experience as “Life-changing” and went on to say this: “It felt weird but in a good way. I’ve not done this in two years and it’s like seeing the world in a different way”. While the exertion from walking made Conor dizzy and slightly nauseous he was still determined to keep going, even to go as far as walking up to a classroom, knocking on the door and walking through to the surprise of staff and his peers. He thanked his friends and family for supporting him from the beginning all the way up to now and into the future. When asked about his plans for the future, Conor was unsure at first

but did mention how he would like to help people in the same way he’s been helped. In the meantime, Conor will continue to visit physio for regular sessions, increasing his confidence with walking and even practising walking while at home.

Share your news and photos with us

F you have any news and photographs of events in and around this area why not share them with other readers of the Sherwood?

Send us an electronic copy of photographs with a few details and we will try to publish them in a future edition. In each edition we devote pages to

news of achievements and success by individuals and groups in the area. Email chloe@news-journal.co.uk with your news and photographs or suggestions of items to be included.

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Caring in our Community

A wardrobe detox to support rescue dogs? Pass me the donation bag! Jerry Green Dog Rescue is excited to announce their plans to open a new non-charity shop in the North Lincolnshire region. The charity which rescues, cares for and rehomes up to 1000 dogs every year is looking to open the new and groovy shop to raise funds and awareness for the much needed rescue centres it operates across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. “The success of our new shop will rely on the donations we receive from our supporters” says Jacqueline Bell, CEO at Jerry Green Dog Rescue. “What better reason to give your wardrobe and cupboards a good detox and donate your unwanted items to a great cause.” Whether you have a mountain of clothing

sitting unused in your wardrobe or just a few items you haven’t worn in a while, bag it up and donate it to any Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre. Every donation will make a difference. “We will also have a number of volunteer opportunities coming up as part of our shop launch, from volunteering as a shop assistant to working in the sorting, steaming and pricing element of the shop there’s plenty to get involved in.” added Jacqueline. For any more information on Jerry Green Dog Rescue’s charity shop venture please give us a call on 01652 657820 or email

HUNDEREDS of Nottingham business professionals came together on the 16 November to raise money for local chosen charity Rainbows. Over 600 industry leaders danced, sang and celebrated at the thirteenth Nottingham Hot Property (NHP) event held at PRYZM, with the funds raised going towards helping vulnerable children across Nottinghamshire. Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People is the East Midlands’ only hospice that provides care and support for youngsters with life-limiting conditions. It is a place where children and their families can find care and support to help relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, support parents and siblings through their bereavements. Matt Winn, organisational giving fundraiser at Rainbows, said: “The event was absolutely fantastic and we are incredibly grateful to Nottingham Hot Property for choosing us as it’s charity of the year. Without essential funding such as this we

wouldn’t be able to offer such crucial care so to many young people.” Siobhan Goodacre, one of the NHP organisers, said: “This year’s event was absolutely incredible with all the acts stealing the show with their fantastic performances. The theme this year was ‘Top of the Notts’ and celebrated various artists from Blondie to Little Mix. They all really put in the time to rehearse and the show was a huge success as a result - we can’t thank all the performers enough for all their hard work. “Hot Property brings together so many local professionals for such amazing local charities which do such astounding work for disadvantaged children across the region and this year has been one of the best so far - the reaction we’ve had has been incredible.” Sponsors of Hot Property 2017 include Millward, Pulse Associates, Samclo Construction, Paragon Interiors, Couch Perry Wilkes, Roythornes Solicitors, Cleggs Solicitors, Faithful+Gould, CPMG and Browne Jacobson.

fundraising@jerrygreendogs.org.uk

Hot property sets Nottingham ablaze with red hot event

Vicky Gaskell, Browne Jacobson.

Share your news and photos with us

F you have any news and photographs of events in and around this area why not share them with other readers of the Sherwood?

Send us an electronic copy of photographs with a few details and we will try to publish them in a future edition. In each edition we devote pages to

news of achievements and success by individuals and groups in the area. Email chloe@news-journal.co.uk with your news and photographs or suggestions of items to be included.

What’s On Diary Dates for December 2017 Rainworth Miners’ Welfare

Mon: 8-10:30pm Sequence dancing in concert room to live music. Admission £2 plus cash bingo, card bingo & treasure chest (Lounge & Concert room) Tues: Pool League (Home Matches) evenings. Slimming World 5:30pm & 7:30pm Wed: 7:15-9:15pm Family bingo, children welcome with adults. Fri: Evening Cash bingo, card bingo & treasure chest, plus Domino knockout. (Lounge only) Sat: Family bingo in Lounge 8-10:30pm, children welcome with an adult. Sun: Evening ‘‘Quiz for cash’’ in Lounge bar & cash bingo. Card bingo & Treasure

The Venue

Royal British Legion - Rainworth, Blidworth & District branch meet at The Venue every first Thursday of the month - at 7:30pm and everyone is welcome. Wed: 2pm “ Eyes down” Bingo Snowball every week. Sun: 12pm to 2pm Sunday Carvery £6 Adults, £3 Children, £5 Snr Citizens. Friday 8th December - Live entertainment with Martin Gregory Saturday 9th December - Beautiful Sound (Beautiful South Tribute) Friday 29th December - Gazzas Disco NYE - Harmony Beat

Rainworth Village Hall

Mon: 10:00 - 11:00- Swing into shape 18:00 - 19:00 Kids Taekwondo 19:00 - 20:00 Taekwondo Tues:13:30 - 16:00 - Tea Dance (Ball Room) 18:00 - 19:00 - Yoga with Lynn 20:00 - 23:00 - Jive Junkies (Ball Room) Wed: 19:45 - 20:45 - Zumba (Ball Room) Thurs: 10:00 - 11:00 - Senior Stretch + Tone 12:00 - 16:00 - Over 50s club (Full at present, waiting list available) 18:00 - 19:00 - Taekwondo 19:30 - 20:30 Yogalates Fri: 18:00 - 19:00 Yoga 19:30 - 22:30 - Sequence Dance Sat: 10:00 - 12:00 Sewing Group, alternate saturdays Sun: 19:30 - 22:30- Sunday Sequence

Rainworth Petanque Club, The Old Pit Lane. During the winter, the times of each meeting are 12noon to 3pm. Everyone welcome - no experience needed. Come and enjoy a friendly afternoon.

Rainworth

At Rainworth Methodist Church there will be a Christmas Fayre on Satutrday 25th November 10am 12 noon. Lots of goodies or just call in for a coffee and a bacon cob. Everyone is very welcome.

Ravenshead

BLIDWORTH & RAVENSHEAD MEMORY GROUP Support for people living with dementia and their carers Meet to Chat Have fun - Get advice and Support First Wednesday of the month At Blidworth Library, New lane, Blidworth, Notts. NG21 0PW Interested? Ring Jayne on 07971039832, Email bandrmemorygrp@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page: Memory Group (Blidworth &Ravenshead) for more information. OR just turn up on the day – see you there!

Ravenshead Village Hall MONDAY Messy Play, Folk Dancing, Retro Step Aerobics, Fitness & Swing TUESDAY Pilates, Yoga, Mahjong, Fit Chair Based Exercise, Cribbage, Scrabble, Family History, Canasta WEDNESDAY Ladies Badminton, Theatre Group, Abbey Gates WI, Garden Group, Current Affairs, Photography THURSDAY Jo Jingles, Art Group, Badminton, Bridge, Zumba FRIDAY Licenced Bar Available in evenings Fun Chorus Choir, Knitting & Crochet Group, Beginners Tai Chi, Various Concerts etc. SATURDAY Licenced Bar Available in evenings A good day for Parties, Dances and all types of social gatherings SUNDAY A good day for Children’s Parties (Bouncy Castle Friendly) and all types of social gatherings For more information call: 01623 792148

Ravenshead

Ravenshead Flower Club - The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 27th FEBRUARY 2018, when Liz Cassell will be demonstrating “Out of Africa”, preceded by a short Annual General Meeting. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking members and visitors for their support during 2017 and look forward to an interesting and enjoyable programme in 2018.

Blidworth

Bilsthorpe

The Bilsthorpe over 50’s Club meet every Wednesday afternoon 1pm to 4pm at the Bilsthorpe Miners Welfare. Make new friends & enjoy music, games, bingo, dancing, quiz and refreshments, people welcome from Bilsthorpe, Mansfield, Rainworth and surrounding villages. For more information call 01623 871185 or just turn up on the day.

What’s On

Gary Barlow to play Sherwood Pines Gary Barlow has added an extra date as part of Forest Live, the summer concert series organised by the Forestry Commission, and will play Sherwood Pines Forest on Saturday, 23rd June. Gary Barlow is a British singer-songwriter and record producer who found worldwide fame as a member of British pop group Take That. Since forming in 1989, Take That have won eight BRIT awards, sold over 45 million records and over eight million concert tickets. Gary is one of Britain’s most successful songwriters, having written 14 Number One singles as well as being a six-time recipient of an Ivor Novello Award. Forest Live is a major live music series, managed by the Forestry Commission. Held annually in seven forest locations across the country, over 1.5 million people have attended a gig in the programme’s

17-year history. Gary said, “I’m really looking forward to these gigs. I’ve never played Forest Live before so I hope to see you there.”

Tickets (priced £47.50, plus £5.25 booking fee) for the Sherwood Pines gig go on sale Friday, 24th November. Call 03000 680400 or go to www.forestry. gov.uk/music

Museum exhibition looks at life of coal miners A major new free temporary exhibition at Mansfield Museum is proving popular. The Life Of A Coalminer, which will run until Saturday, 2nd June, is all about the world of the Nottinghamshire coal-field throughout the 20th Century. The exhibition attempts to capture not just the rigours and dangers of life at the coal-face but also something of the flavour of the closely-knit communities whose lives revolved around ‘Th’Pit. There is a chance to explore a typical day underground in a basic mock-up of life below the surface. There is also an opportunity, through hundreds of photographs, to look back at the vibrant social life of the pit villages, from galas and days out to sports clubs and coal queens. A major feature of the exhibition is the co-operation and enthusiastic involvement the museum received from several mining-focused heritage groups. The exhibition has been put together in partnership with

Bilsthorpe Heritage, Pleasley Pit Trust and Nottinghamshire Ex & Retired Miners’ Association.

For more information and opening times visit www.mansfield.gov.uk/museum

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Chefs

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Local News Dedication to community highlighted by top award 25

Mansfield Building Society has been recognised for its support and dedication to the community.

The Mortgage Finance Gazette awarded the society its prestigious highly commended award for community service at its 16th annual awards. The accolade recognised a momentous year as the society helped establish a Prince’s Trust team programme in Mansfield, raised more than £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, and increased its total Community Support Scheme donations to more than £150,000 since the scheme’s formation. The Mansfield began the year having chosen Macmillan as its charity partner, with the aim of raising £5,000 for the charity over 24 months. Staff soon rose to the challenge with a variety of fundraising activities, including scaling Mount Snowden, a branch-tobranch walk covering more than 20 miles and a 40-hour bikeathon in its Mansfield branch. All the money raised — £6,000 that is still being added to — by The Mansfield is being used to support those affected by cancer in the Mansfield, Ashfield and Chesterfield area. In 2017, the Society’s Charitable Trust awarded £10,000 to the Inspire and Achieve Foundation to help it establish the Prince’s Trust team programme in Mansfield. Along with the donation, staff at volunteered to work with the charity to help educate young disadvantaged adults to develop the skills necessary for them to progress into work or further education. The society awarded accreditation certificates to the schemes first phase of successful graduates in July with a further phase scheduled to pass out. Every year The Mansfield donates around £20,000 to various community groups and charities through its Community Support Scheme. This year, the scheme’s total donations will exceed £150,000 since it was established in 2008.

Pictured, from left, are Dale Twigger, Mansfield Building Society Marketing Manager; Joanne Atkin, Mortgage Finance Gazette Group Editor; Gev Lynott, Mansfield Building Society Chief Executive. Richard Crisp, commercial development executive at the society, said: “Mortgage Finance Gazette is a leading publication for the mortgage industry. “With the awards now in their 16th year, we are proud to receive the highly commended award in recognition of the contribution we make to support the local community. “As a regional building society, it’s great to be noticed on a national scale for the hard work and energy that all our staff put

into community projects and fundraising events. “The foundation of our community work is embedded in our mutual ethos, whether it’s our fundraising and community involvement, our personal approach to mortgage lending or the value we pay to our local and loyal savers. “We have been supporting our heartland community for over 147 years and we intend to carry on this tradition for at least 147 more.”

rainworth miners welfare social club ltd what’s on

christmas & new year 2017

please note: from friday 22nd december 2017 to sunday 7th january 2018 the bar will be open from 11:00am - 11:00pm... unless otherwise stated. excellent group ‘brotherhood’ 7:00pm -11:00pm admission free quiz, cash bingo & card bingo in lounge from 7.45pm

sunday

17th december

sequence dancing in concert room 8 -10:00pm cash bingo & card bingo in lounge from 7:45pm

monday

18th december

family bingo

wednesday

20th december

in concert room 6:30pm - approx 9:15pm

friday

7pm - 10pm admission £2 non members welcome cash bingo & card bingo in lounge from 7:45pm

wrestling

22nd december

‘’kick & rush’’ brillaint skiffle group 7:00pm - midnight admission free family bingo in lounge from 7:30pm

saturday

23rd december

christmas eve

bar open 11:00am - 11:00pm quiz, cash bingo & card bingo in lounge from 7:45pm

sunday 24th december

christmas day monday 25th december

boxing day

bar open 11:00am - 3:00pm & 7:00pm - 11:00pm popular group ‘’ glamatize’’ plus one other artiste disco 4:00pm - 9:30pm

tuesday 26th december

‘’christmas special’’ ‘’rock n roll’’ show group ‘’the fockers’’ featuring former showaddywaddy star malcolm allured plus one other artiste admission by ticket only £10 pp adults only!

saturday

30th december

two course carvery meal included

sit down 7:15pm for 7:30pm meal... finish 1:00am tickets can be obtained from the welfare tel: 01623 792495

new years eve sunday 31st december

bar open 11:00am - 01:00am

family disco 7:00pm - 11:30pm quiz, cash bingo & card bingo in lounge from 7:45pm

rainworth miners welfare social club ltd kirklington rd, rainworth, ng21 0jy

01623 792495

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Youth Zone

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R.E.AL.Education - British Chamber of Commerce National Finalists Following our success in the East Midlands Chamber 2017 business awards, R.E.A.L. Education has gone on to win a regional award from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). R.E.A.L Education, which re-engages children and young people with learning, has won the Education and Business Partnership award for the BCC East Midlands region. This award success now means we are finalists in the BCC national awards, the winners of which will be announced at a gala dinner at The Brewery, London, on 30 November. We have also been invited to attend the annual general meeting of East Midlands Chamber, at Horsley Lodge, Derby, on 2 November, to receive a certificate commemorating our regional success. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive at East Midlands Chamber, said: “Congratulations to R.E.A.L. Education for going on to achieve further success in the BCC’s regional awards. “The Chamber awards are the only business awards in the region delivered purely by business for business and are also the only awards which offer the winners the chance to share their stories on the nation-

al stage. “We wish them the best of luck as they go on to represent the East Midlands at the national awards.” Announcing the regional winners Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our judges are always impressed by the high standard of submissions. The finalists in the Chamber

Business Awards represent the best of this country’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and hard work. “The awards are the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate business achievements, to take stock of the outstanding performances of UK businesses over the past year and to encourage and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Good Ofsted rating for specialist college Portland College, which creates meaningful opportunities for young disabled people, has been rated good in an inspection report by Ofsted. College principal Dr Mark Dale said the report showed the college was making strong progress since it was last inspected in 2014. “The lead inspector praised many aspects of our work with learners, who feel safe and confident at college.” The inspector drew attention to the considerable work the college carries out in safeguarding, the Government’s PREVENT agenda — a nationwide anti-radicalisation programme —and promoting fundamental British values. Dr Dale added: “The college’s expertise in assessing the needs of learners with complex disabilities was highlighted. “The skill of staff in managing challenging behaviour, supporting the needs of learners and providing the majority of learning activities to a good or better standard were

all highlighted. “We are working hard to build on this success by encouraging more employers to give young disabled people the chance to show what they can achieve in the workplace.” Chairman of governors Tim Richmond OBE, said: “We have supported senior managers to invest in the training and development of our hard-working staff and the success of that approach is highlighted in the report.”

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Youth Zone

29 Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk

Knowledge sharing and employability skills at university centre Business leaders and academics gave an insight into job success, satisfaction and employability at West Nottinghamshire College’s University Centre last week. More than 100 higher education (HE) students took advantage of the experts’ advice on health and wellbeing in the workplace, making the most of effective research, influencing through emotional intelligence and how breaking out of your comfort zone can reap rewards. Guest speakers shared their knowledge at the college’s annual HE student conference, billed as an ‘employability skills development event’, on Wednesday (15 November) in the University Centre at the Derby Road campus in Mansfield. Speakers included Dr Robert Baker, senior lecturer and collaborative course leader at Sheffield Business School (part of Sheffield Hallam University). He delivered the ‘One Degree, Many Paths’ seminar. Dr Baker, who was previously a lecturer at West Nottinghamshire College, shared his expertise on thinking creatively to get the most out of a degree. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and succeeding was a subject discussed in depth by ex-student Abigayle Wetton. The team welcomed back ex-BA (Hons) in Business and Management student Abigayle, who is now working for the high-performance design and technology company McLaren Applied Technologies, part of McLaren Technology Group. Last year she stepped out of her own comfort zone when she decided to enter the innovation category of the Daily Telegraph’s UK STEM Awards 2016 while still at college, with her ground-breaking ideas to improve safety on tram networks. Not only did she win the category, her prize of a work placement at McLaren Applied Technologies led to a permanent job as an account executive within the public transport team after she impressed bosses during her week-long stint. Abi, who is now account executive within Applied Technologies at McLaren, said:

“It was a bit daunting at first beginning work at McLaren but the support there is great and they’ve helped me discover my strengths and confidence in my new role. It’s been a progressive thing and as it’s gone along I’ve taken on more responsibilities. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity. “It’s been great to share my experiences over the last 18 months, how I came from studying my degree at college to undertaking the role I am doing now at McLaren. I wanted to advise students on the things that I have learnt throughout this journey which they can take with them into their future careers. “There’s always a lot of pressure on students to think about what they need to be doing after Higher Education. It can be quite stressful. My advice is to put the hard work in and take up the opportunities that arise. Values like drive and determination are what employers like McLaren are looking for. With that, you will succeed” Representatives from the University of Derby, who some of the college courses are accredited with, spoke to students about resilience within learning, problem solving and making healthy choices while

managing change. Andrew Waby, HNC computing student, said: “The conference has been really informative. I’ve heard career and life experiences from many different people such as professors, doctors and industry professionals. “It’s great to hear about all their very different career pathways and how they’ve got to where they are today. It’s providing us with ideas about the many things you can go on to do after studying and gives us additional confidence too.” HE and international officer, Ana Smith said: “Our nine guest speakers highlighted to students why they were here in the first place and what their strengths are, as well as how to keep themselves resilient and engage in opportunities. They also pointed out the many paths that their careers can take them on – everything just came together in one holistic view for our students. “Guest speakers sat in each other’s sessions where possible and commented on the fact that each of their presentations just fit each other’s so well, and provided a very focused message. Students found the day informative, insightful and definitely motivational.”

Home & Garden

Feeding garden birds this Winter Winter is the season when many of us feed birds which visit our garden. If the weather is severe, this can be life saving for them. There is much scientific evidence that the provision of supplementary food can make a difference to wild birds. Research shows, for example, that it can help to increase overwinter survival rates and breeding success in a range of species. Never before has there been so much choice of bird food and feeders on the market and it can be quite bewildering to decide which to purchase. Suggested Foods: Peanuts: Buy good quality peanuts from a reputable source and avoid those which look mouldy. Remove any red plastic netting as birds can become entangled in this while feeding. Put the peanuts in a wire mesh feeder. Do not feed whole peanuts loose as they may choke smaller birds and young chicks. Straight Seed: Sunflower seeds are energy packed and black sunflower seeds are best as they are the most oil-rich. They also have thinner husks which makes it easier for the birds to get at the seed. Better still, but more expensive, are sunflower hearts. These enable the birds to feed more quickly without leaving any of the husks which can make a mess on the ground. Seed Mixes: Avoid cheap brands as they are likely to contain more cereal, which will attract pigeons. Check the wording

on mixed seed wrappings as not all seed is suitable for feeders. Other foods: Ground feeding birds will take mealworms, either live or dried. Suet pellets are also popular and can be purchased in a variety of ‘flavours’. Apples are enjoyed by Blackbirds and thrushes and grated cheese is a favourite of many birds. In short, the greater the variety of food you provide, the more different species you will

Photo; Jean Powley attract into your garden. And, remember, birds need a regular supply of clean water for drinking and bathing. Jean Powley Jean is a voluntary Ambassador for the British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) Garden BirdWatch scheme in Nottinghamshire. If you enjoy watching birds and other wildlife which visit your garden, Garden BirdWatch may be perfect for you .If you would like a free information pack about the scheme, contact Jean at jpbirds@outlook.com or visit www.bto.org/gbw

Belvoir Mansfield joins national award scheme recognising the best estate and letting agents in the UK about customer service, prepared to go that extra mile for their clients and keen to listen to feedback”.

Belvoir Mansfield, the Mansfield based agent has entered The ESTAS, the largest award scheme of its kind the UK residential property sector. The scheme recognises the best agents, brokers and conveyancers for customer service based on ratings from thousands of customers around the UK. The competition enables firms taking part to gain valuable transparent feedback from clients which enables them to improve their services for the future. The ESTAS Awards take place every May at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London when the country’s favourite property expert Phil Spencer announces the winners in front 1,000 of the UK’s top property professionals. Spencer says “I think it says a great deal about a firm who takes part in the ESTAS. They care about their reputation, they care

Michael Keywood, Director at Belvoir Mansfield said “We take our levels of customer service very seriously because we know clients have a choice. We have always been very proud of the personal service we provide and this is great way to demonstrate how good we really are.”

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‘One stop beauty shop’ launches in Nottingham NOTTINGHAM’S newest independent beauty destination, Kiki, opened its doors on the 18 November to much success thanks to funding from Enterprise Loans. Located on the top floor of intu Victoria Centre, Kiki offers everything from cosmetics, clothing and hair extensions to eyebrow threading, make-up tutorials and hair extension fitting, all at really affordable prices. Kiki has been set up by Nottingham-born entrepreneur Nikita Richards - who has been successfully running hair and beauty stalls in the Victoria Market for the past two years - after she spotted a gap in the market for a standalone ‘one stop shop’ for everything beauty. Nikita said: “I have always liked to fill gaps in the market and so I’ve continuously let customer sales dictate my stock which has kept people coming back time and time again. However, I was also finding that women were asking for my recommendations on where to get their nails or hair done, or the best salons for a makeover. “It made me think about the possibility of bringing all these goods and services under one roof in the centre of town, and thanks to First Enterprise my plan has become a reality. “I am still currently recruiting as I want

to find staff that represent all the women who shop in our store as we have a widely diverse customer base. We offer such extensive products and services, that not only do we need sales assistants but we require specialist beauticians as well.” Enterprise Loans provided a total of £50,000 in funding with £25,000 from its start-up loan fund and £25,000 via the ELEM funding stream. The loan helped the costs of setting up the business, refurbishing the unit, the purchase of stock and advertising. Victoria Copestake, loan fund advisor at First Enterprise, said: “We are thrilled to help Nikita with the funds she needed to set up Kiki – her business plan was extremely viable and well thought out. “Kiki is such a unique yet excitingly convenient shop as it brings together both products and services which is very unusual. I’m am confident that Nikita is going to do extremely well in her first standalone Kiki shop.” Kiki opened on Saturday 18 November and will be open for business during intu Victoria Centre’s regular trading hours. For more information on Enterprise Loans visit www.first-enterprise.co.uk or follow @1st_Enterprise on Twitter.

Local News

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Abbey Medical Group - December update As things change in health and care nationally, locally and within our GP surgeries, it becomes so important to involve patients and carers in improving our services. Who better to speak out for what is needed by patients than those who use the Practice? We are fortunate that our health team want to work with us to deliver the best possible care. Please come along to a PPG meeting to find out more. Next meeting Thursday, 11th January 2018 at 3pm at Blidworth Surgery. We also have a monthly Memory Group for people living with Dementia and their carers on the first Wednesday of the month at 2.30 in Blidworth Library. Next meeting

throughout the year focussing on a range of conditions and supporting people to improve their own health and wellbeing.

Wednesday, 6th December. Our members are also involved in discussions about the wider transformation plans that are being developed across Nottinghamshire. We run information sessions

Did you know you can register to book and cancel routine appointments and order repeat prescriptions on-line by taking your photo identification to the Reception desk? Want to know more? For an informal chat to find out how you can get involved contact: Kath on 01623 792388 or Gilly on 01623 797138 Rick Gooch, Practice Manager on 01623 795461 Visit www.blidworthandravensheadsurgery.co.uk

Care homes deserve a better press Farnsfield Local Debilitating Illness at any age can be isolating and, in the absence of family members or friends to help, a growing inability to cope with life’s simple tasks, can be hugely frustrating and ultimately unbearable. Whether this situation is brought on by dementia, stroke, a chronic condition, or simply by the increasing frailty brought about by old age, it can lead to a loss of dignity for the individual affected, and stress and guilt for a family who feel they are unable to cope or support a loved one as they would like to. Very often it is at this point that families start to consider full time care.. the sort of care provided by a care home. There has been a large amount of negative reporting relating to care homes. Let’s face it, the only Press they get is usually bad Press. This can lead to us all having a very prejudiced view as to what a care home is really like. I was probably as guilty as the next person in believing that care homes were to be avoided at all costs, and certainly not a place where I would wish to place my Mum. It was therefore with some trepidation that I was invited to look round Willow Tree House in Mansfield, the flagship home of MY Care, who operate thirteen homes across the East Midlands. It was a beautiful day and as I rounded the bend on the drive I was surprised by what I thought was a stunning new housing development, built around a lovely patch of green and the most beautiful willow tree. I thought I was at the wrong place! On ringing the bell I soon found out this was not the case, and was admitted to a home that was far from what I had expected. The entrance was just being decorated for Halloween and the atmosphere was positively social – In front of me was the hair dresser attending to a room full of clients. My pre-conceived notion and my previous experience of a care home flew right out of the window. My appointment was to see Martin FoxSmith, the Operations Director for MY Care, who also turned out to be my tour guide. I want to point out here that no-one other than Martin was expecting me, so noone was out to impress - the overriding atmosphere of friendliness and care was completely natural. I could hear the staff joking and I could see lady residents having

their nails painted. Neither did they know that it’s a subject close to my own heart, as I once helped my Mum place my Dad in a care home and knew that it had affected her deeply and caused considerable distress. I was blown away, which was evident to Martin, who said: ”I know what you’re thinking – no smell.” I hadn’t even considered that. I was totally taken aback by the wonderful atmosphere and the sounds of laughter within the home -, but there certainly was no odour, not even the overriding aroma of disinfectant. So much thought has gone into the design and furnishing, even down to how the chairs are placed, with zoned space throughout, little nooks for reading and spaces for residents to sit and chat with friends and family. The residents’ rooms are not in corridors but on streets, with a proper front door complete with a knocker. The staff go the extra mile to make it a proper ‘home space’ for residents, with an individual colour scheme and furnishings, not obviously institutionalised. Each room has access to a secure outside patio with a lovely table and chairs. It is like a hotel room, rather than one in a care home, just waiting for a new resident to add their own touch and make it home. However, the really exciting aspect of this lovely home had yet to reveal itself. What I had taken to be a ‘new home’ development is, in fact, their new project for ‘independent living’, to be launched in December. Still under construction, I’d be really surprised to find that the person responsible for the design hasn’t spent time in the US – it’s more reminiscent of condo living with its shared amenities, than assisted living. The idea behind these apartments is to provide residents with greater independence and privacy, but backed with all the care and support that a care home provides. Care homes are sometimes difficult places to visit and it was heart- breaking to see some of the residents in Willow Tree, but at the same time it was truly heart- warming that they weren’t hidden away and I could see them being nurtured by the caring staff. A truly innovative residence in more ways than one! Well done Willow Tree, I wish you’d have been around when my mum needed you. I think she would have been really content.

History Society PROGRAMME FOR 2018 Unless otherwise stated all meetings are held in the lower hall of the village centre at 7.30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month

10th January - GARETH DAVIES - The Archaeology of the Tram 14th February - ROWENA EDLIN-WHITE - Women's Suffrage in Nottingham 14th March - A.G.M. followed by BRIAN HOWES with - “All Shook Up” A nostalgic journey from the 1940s into the 50s and 60s with a “Dansette” record player and real records 11th April - PAUL MANN - Murders of the 19th Century in Winkburn and Fiskerton 9th May - RICHARD GAUNT - The Pentrich Rebellion of 1817 13th June - LILY ANN DAWES - A Cabinet of Curiosities -The Duchess of Portland and the Origins of the British Museum 11th July - Summer Social – Buffet and Quiz (Members only) 12th September - BILL TAYLOR - The Robin Hood Line – Nottm. To Worksop railway 10th October - PAULINE MARPLES - Mansfield in World War I (including Clipstone Camp) 14th November - CHRIS WEIR - The Nottinghamshire Heritage – a visual tour of churches, fields, farms, local personalities and architecture, country houses, castles, towns. 12th December - Christmas Lunch ( Members only)

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Health

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Are you worried about Foods to help you see good Christmas Stress? So here it is – that wonderful time of year when sleigh bells ring and the reindeers bring Santa to your door with sacks full of presents. Well that’s one way to think of Christmas but it can actually be a very stressful time of year. For some people Christmas is a mass of social gatherings when you may have to interact with family or friends you’d rather not be sharing your time with. There can also be a lot of pressure for people to buy the perfect gift and create the most perfect Christmas meal. Some people think Christmas can be as stressful as getting divorced or having their home broken into – but in order to not let the festive season get you down let’s have a serious look at how you can calm things down this Christmas. (1)Plan ahead and shop on-line. Make lots of lists for food, decorations and presents, and this includes writing all those Christmas cards early (2)Practise some deep breathing when you feel yourself getting stressed and make some time for exercise this will help increase the serotonin (feel good chemical) (3)Avoid too much alcohol and caffeine – both can be dehydrating and can ultimately

cause a low mood. Having said that – it is Christmas but try to drink an equal amount of water as you do alcohol – you’ll thank yourself on Boxing Day. (4)If you’re with lots of people on ‘the big day’ give yourself an escape route for 10 minutes. Maybe you can go into a room on your own and phone a friend or check on a neighbour. This will help you to feel less stressed and clear your mind. (5)Have fun, laugh and be merry! Rise above any tricky situations and if things don’t quite go as you have planned instead of worrying or being anxious, make them into fun memories that you can laugh about in years to come. Remember that Christmas is your holiday too – so don’t be tempted to put everyone first and forget about yourself – make sure there’s some time every day when you can take time for yourself and relax! We hope you have a very Happy and Stress Free Christmas! Clem and Margaret Turner Clinical Therapists – Sutton in Ashfield and Rosegarth Clinic in Mansfield 01623 556234 www.clemturner.co.uk

The patients voice This year has been a busy year, with many changes in respect of local healthcare provision, some services have been lost and now days every one of us is more and more responsible for managing their healthcare, and where possible keeping healthy and well. I want those of you that read this article to remember that I as `Patient Leader for the NHS in Newark & Sherwood and my colleagues at the Patient Participation Group (PPG) are there to give you advice, direction, information and support where possible. We do not deal with complaints about particular services, GP Practices etc. These have their own pathway to Tget an answer to your concerns. But we are dedicated to keeping you informed about how the NHS, might and can affect you, so track our articles in 2018. Please remember the PPG facilitate a `Memory Group’ each month for dementia patients and carers, on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4pm. And we now have the `Pathfinders’ Pop Up Centre on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am to 12noon. This group was originally set up for cancer patients and carers, to get, information, advice, direction and support, but now we offer this service to anyone with a long-term illness. If you have a problem with benefits, finances, housing, want support or just need to know where to go to sort a particular problem, we are here to help if we can. All of these groups are at the Blidworth Library, Postcode NG21 0PW Tel 01623 793775. You can also contact the

PPG on 797138 or 794388 I also want to remind you about our community project to get AED units, portable defibrillators sited in accessible public areas around Blidworth, Rainworth & Ravenshead. This project is named the Brian Hagen Connecting Communities Project, his memory, as Brian who was a founder member of the PPG recently lost his battle with cancer, and he felt passionate about this project. Currently we have funds to site 2 units, one in Blidworth and one in Ravenshead. But we need more. So to make this happen locally we are forming a project group that will need in the newyear. As we need volunteers to manage these units and fund-raisers. All volunteer will be trained for the role, and will work closely with the East Midland Ambulance Service and First Responders. Interested send me and e-mail gillyflower50@hotmail. com , marked Defibrillators. We have recently held a Quiz Night at Ravenshead Village Hall where we had nearly 100 people attend, and it was a great success. We will be having more. Then in early March 2018 we are holding a Swing Happy Christmas to you all, enjoy the festive season Band Evening to raise funds, more in the new-year. Happy Christ to you all & have a merry festive season remember keep warm, well and wise. Gilly Hagen `Patient Leader’

It's no secret that many of us take our sight for granted, despite the fact many of us would rate this as arguably our most important sense.

Perhaps it's down to the comparative lack of knowledge we have of all the potential things that can go wrong with our eyes. Sure, we all go to the opticians, millions are short and longsighted, but beyond this optical diagnoses are often something of mystery. Of course everyone would rather avoid getting a diagnosis at all, and in order to have the best chance of this it's important to know how we can help ourselves maintain the best possible condition. Naturally, a lot of this comes down to what food we're putting in our bodies, and whilst getting the balance right isn't hard, a lot of people still seem to be getting it wrong. With that in mind we've come up with four foods you should be buying for the sake of those beautiful peepers. Carrots Yeah, OK, you already knew this. Nevertheless, no list like this could possibly start with any other edible. Carrots are renowned as being good for your eyes, with many people growing up under the impression they would be blind at night if it wasn't for the great orange veg. Actually, that's not true, but thanks to beta carotene and antioxidants they are incredibly good for your vision, reducing the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Eggs Eggs are not particularly well known for their sight-improving qualities, but if you love them as much as we do it probably won't surprise you that there's another accolade to add to their already-impressive list. In the yolk you'll find lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which help reduce the chances of macular degeneration. Almonds Again this is all about macular degeneration, and this time it's because almonds contain a high level of Vitamin E. The same can be said for raw seeds, mustard greens, Swiss chard, kale, turnips and plaint oils, to name but only a handful. Sweet potatoes Like carrots, sweet potatoes are full of beta carotene, and we all know what that does, don't we?

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Food & Drink Christmas time as a Chef 39

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Waking up to the smell of the turkey on Christmas day was one of my favourite childhood memories. But the same can’t be said 30 years on cooking Turkey for over 200 people on Christmas day. My Mum would be straight in to the kitchen once all our presents were opened. My Nanna would be back upstairs taking her hair net out and getting ready to come back down stairs to do the vegetables, and Dad well he would be just going through all the draws looking some batteries. A lot of things went off in the back ground while I was busy playing on Astro Wars and my little sister would be busy playing with her My Little Pony. Things in the background still continue now but in a different way. A Chef’s Christmas would normally start around February. This would be the menu planning, menu costing and how many people we would love to cook for, always wanting to beat last year’s numbers. The Christmas trees and decorations within the hospitality trade will be up the middle of November. This would be the beginning of what is known in the trade as “Turkey & Tinsel” On a normal evening in the Banqueting

suite we would use in the region of 80-100 litres of Homemade Soup. There would then be a team of 4 Chefs plating around the 400 meals that needed going out within the 25minute mark. The only noise that could be heard would be me the Head Chef and the Operations manager encouraging each other to pick up the speed. By the time the last main course is cleared away, it would be time for the dessert’s to and find their way out to the guests. Lashings of Brandy Sauce over the Christmas puddings and you could always

A tailor-made chefs’ training programme has seen a year of hard work and creativity rewarded with a graduation gala dinner at West Nottinghamshire College’s fine dining restaurant.

The Chef of the Year award was presented to Andrew Sibley, whilst the Creative Chef award was won by Patrice Andrews – both from Center Parcs Woburn Forest.

guarantee that one would come back with the following question from the waiter “ Chef please can I have one with Vanilla Ice-Cream ?” Clean the kitchen down and a quick pint with the team and then tomorrow we would do it all again. Christmas is a wonderful time but in the eyes of a Chef it is simply “GROUNDHOG DAY!” Written by Craig French, Full Circle Catering.

Fruits of their labour pay off for chefs Eleven chefs, who are employed at Center Parcs’ five short break villages across the UK, served up a three-course extravaganza showcasing the culinary techniques they’ve learnt on the ‘Aspire Chef Development Programme’, which has been devised in partnership with the college. Over the past 12 months, chefs from Sherwood Forest, Elveden Forest, Longleat Forest, Whinfell Forest and Woburn Forest have attended training sessions in the college’s industry-standard kitchens, to finetune their skills and techniques such as slow-cooking, shallow-frying, roasting and boiling, as well as updating their knowledge of food hygiene and preparation. Training consisted of six, three-day workshops with the first programme running in 2015. It was so successful that Center Parcs chose to repeat it again the following year. On Wednesday, 15 November, a celebration marking course completion was held with a three-course dinner, with each chef preparing a dish for the menu which was enjoyed by college staff, Center Parcs’ staff and suppliers. After the meal, certificates of completion were presented by Center Parcs’ group executive chef James Haywood as well as two special awards.

Jessica Foster, from Mansfield Woodhouse, who works at the Sports Café at Sherwood Forest, said: “I’ve learnt lots of new skills on this programme and my confidence has soared. I can get quite nervous but I wanted to make sure everything was absolutely perfect. It’s very satisfying to see your dish go out. “Coming to work in the college kitchens was a great experience. It’s been really good to see other chefs on the course and we’ve been able to learn from each other.” Jessica cooked a main course of blade of beef with horseradish mash and honey roasted vegetables with a red wine jus. Andrew Sibley who works at Center Parcs Woburn Forest said of the Aspire Chef Development Programme: “I’ve enjoyed this project. Coming fresh into a catering environment this course has really helped me to learn how to work in a professional kitchen, how to use equipment safely and how to produce excellent tasting food. “I’ve had a complete career change having previously worked in a marketing role. I now work at Huck’s American Bar and Grill at Woburn Forest. “It’s been really nice to share ideas with other chefs and take ideas back to our own kitchens.”

Andrew’s dish was a chocolate delice – a mirror-glazed chocolate dome layered with chocolate cake, salted caramel and caramel crème brûlée, complete with chocolate mousse and gold leaf decoration. College hospitality specialist Ryan Goward said: “We are extremely proud of this group. Right from the start of their course they have pushed themselves to ensure that they built on their knowledge, skills and expertise. “Congratulations to everyone and I wish them the best of luck in their futures. I hope they go on to inspire another group of chefs from Center Parcs and continue to grow in their own professional development.” James Haywood, group executive chef at Center Parcs said: “I was absolutely astounded by the quality of the food throughout the evening. I’ve seen great presentation and I’ve tasted most of it too. “They’ve learnt about different foods, different flavours, classical techniques and they’ve learnt about how to prepare and cook it professionally.” Tracy Walker, training and welfare manager at Center Parcs said: “Center Parcs is proud to invest in its staff. We like to invest time, money and focus on giving them the skills and confidence they need. Their experience at work goes into giving guests a great experience and that is very important.”

Sport

40 Send your news and photos to chloe@news-journal.co.uk

RMW topping the form table In-form Rainworth Miners’ Welfare ended October at the head of the Northern Counties East League form table after a draw and four wins saw them drop just two points throughout the month. Indeed only a last gasp equaliser by Worksop Town prevented the Wrens from completing a 100 per cent record for the month. Victories over fellow form side Hemsworth 2-1 at home, Athersley Recreation3-1 away, Albion Sports 2-1 away, and Thackley 2-0 at home, completed the month, and manager Craig Denton’s demand to continue that run of good form into November brought a further 2-0 win at Parkgate – the first time since the club were promoted to the Evo-Stik League in 2009 that they have recorded five wins on the bounce. Furthermore, those last two results provided Denton’s men with their first clean sheets at the back this season, as the defence has taken on a look of steel. It was something of a disappointment, then, that the game scheduled for 11th November, at home to Hall Road Rangers, had to be postponed because of the Hullbased side’s continuing involvement in the FA Vase. At the time of writing Rainworth’s run of success was due to face its biggest test, an away match at Rudy Funk’s AFC Mansfield. Funk was manager at Rainworth for five seasons up to 2009, and in that time he led the club to three promotions which catapulted them from the Central Midlands League, at step 7 of the non-league pyramid, to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South at step 4. Rainworth enjoyed five seasons at that level before financial constraints forced a step back to their current level. Meanwhile, Denton’s men have been handed a tough away tie at old Evo-Stik rivals

Carlton Town in the Notts Senior Cup third round, and the Wrens’ boss said: “I’ve been told about the old rivalry between the two clubs. Given the level at which they are playing, they will be a good side with players who have the potential to hurt us if we let them. “But we will go there full of optimism, continue to do what we are good at, and give them a good game. I believe in the players we have at the club so am looking forward to it very much. Forthcoming matches during late November and December are: 18th November AFC Mansfield away; 25th November Barton Town home; 28th November Hall Road Rangers home; 2nd December Bottesford Town away; 6th December Carlton Town away (Notts Senior Cup round 3); 9th December Bridlington Town home; 16th

23rd December Harrogate Railway Athletic home. As always all support is welcome, this is your community club, so be proud of them.

December Handsworth Parramore away;

This one passes the wrong side of the post during Rainworth’s recent 2-0 victory over Thackley. Picture by Peter Craggs.

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