Tel: 01623 707017
February 2017
Sporting fundraiser
THE Armchair Club, which raises money to help sportsmen and women in the Mansfield area, is hosting its annual Question Of Sport-style quiz night on Monday, 6th March. Teams of sports enthusiasts are invited to take part in the fundraising event, based on the long-running BBC TV show. It will take place in the 1861 Suite at Mansfield Town Football Club. The trophy is currently held by the Andrew Saunders’ team, who have been crowned champions six times. To book a place, call 01623 706410. Tickets are £35 per person, with tables of eight, ten and 12 available. HEADTEACHER Tony Warsop and pupils jump for joy after receiving their Ofsted report.
Jumping for joy
THE Flying High Academy in Mansfield has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for its turnaround under new headteacher Tony Warsop and The Flying High Trust. The Ladybrook school, which went into special measures in 2012 when it was called Rosebrook Primary, was rated outstanding for effectiveness of leadership and management; personal development and welfare; and behaviour of pupils. It was said to be good in all other areas. The report noted: “Leaders’ incisive and skilful drive for excellence has been effective in securing significant improvements in teaching and learning. (Continued on page 10)
Hitting the road for big charity drive MANSFIELD Woodhouse couple Keith and Sylvia Johnson are gearing up for an annual driving event to again raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. For several years the couple have driven their 1993 Land Rover Discovery in the 600-mile Mac 4x4 UK Challenge, raising more than £10,000 for the cancer charity. The three-day event, from Thursday, 2nd to Sunday, 5th March, is a test of navigational skills, observation, on and off-road driving ability and endurance, by day and night, for a team of two people and one vehicle. The couple hope to raise around £2,000 through sponsorship — companies can advertise on their Land Rover Discovery and individuals can back the drive — and at their annual curry night at the Naaz Indian restaurant, Mansfield Woodhouse, hosted by Mansfield mayor Kate Allsop, on Monday, 27th February. To sponsor the couple and have graphics on their vehicle, or to book tickets for the curry night, contact Keith or Sylvia by emailing mac4x4@ johnsonhq.net or at www.johnsonhq.net
Autism hub Tonic for hospital launched A MONTHLY autism family drop-in hub has been launched in Kirkby, backed by Lottery funding. p See page 4.for full report..
Racing prize TICKETS to go racing at Southwell Racecourse in March are up for grabs in this month’s competition. p See page 2.
PICTURED are midwife Melanie Butcher, League of Friends trustees, Jo Disney-Spiers and Peter Marks.
THE maternity bereavement suite at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, has been given a £10,000 makeover thanks to a donation from the Mansfield and Sutton League of Friends. The suite was officially opened by the chairman of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Dr Peter Marks, and head of corporate affairs Shirley Clarke. The funding has enhanced home comforts in the dedicated room, providing parents who have suffered a stillbirth — or whose babies have survived for only a short time after birth — a private and less clinical area to grieve in and receive support. The money was raised from fundraising events, donations and profits from three community charity shops. Senior midwife Jo Disney-Spiers said: “Bereavement care is extremely (Continued on page 2)
PUPILS celebrate with guests at the opening of the new Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy building as Sheila Harrison cuts the ribbon with the help of Beau Cohen.
New era for academy
A KITE-FLYING event marked the launch of the new Leamington Primary and Nursery Academy in a stateof-the-art building in Sutton. Head Emma Hanson said: “It was wonderful to see so many families join the children to make and fly the kites, and also to celebrate with us as we begin a new journey.” The school, which has joined The Flying High Trust, asked kite expert Malcolm Goodman to help children build kites and teaching assistant Pam Morley created a kite cake.
Chairman of governors Diane Morphew said the kite theme was fitting a good reflection of how the school felt — “that it was time to fly and go forward.” A Leamington resident and a former pupil of the original 1954 Leamington school, Sheila Harrison, cut a ribbon to mark the opening of the new academy with one of the youngest children at the school, fouryear-old Beau Cohen. Sheila, (74), said: “It has been fantastic to be invited to cut the ribbon. I have very good memories of my (Continued on page 10)
Court judge praises dog
A POLICE dog was recognised by a crown court judge for his work in tracking down a suspect who fled from officers in Annesley Woodhouse. Akie, a three-and-a-half year-old German Shepherd, tracked the man for more than a mile along paths, woods and railway tracks before discovering him in a field following the chase. Judge Timothy Spencer QC awarded the dog a Crown Court commendation. Akie has been working for Nottinghamshire Police for about twoand-a-half years with his handler, Pc Mark Haywood, who said: “I’m so proud of Akie. He did fantastic work in tracking the man.” p See dog’s fundraising, page 18.
Support group
MANSFIELD friends Vicki Zurek and Kelly Morgan have set up Suicide Support Group, which aims to help those dealing with depression as well as families and friends who have lost someone to suicide. Meetings are held on Thursdays at the Friend’s Meeting House on Rosemary Street, Mansfield, from 10.30am to 11.30am.