Tel: 01623 707017
June 2017
Come join the parade FROM left, Bill Wilson, Al and Angie Gaconnier, and Ann Wilson.
Sisters together at last for first time AFTER nearly 20 years of searching, Kirkby resident Ann Wilson has finally met her sister, Angie Gaconnier. Ann, who was adopted at birth, first discovered she had a brother and a sister in 2000. Having found her brother, Eugene, who lives near Aylesbury, in 2004, Anne had been trying to find her sister ever since. Finally, with the help of Finder Monkey Tracing Service in Leeds, Ann first spoke to Angie, who moved to the USA in 1966, late last year. Then she recently travelled to Florida with her husband, Bill, to
meet Angie and her husband, Al, at their home. Ann said: “After hitting so many brick walls and spending hours and hours on internet searches over the years, I had begun to think we would never find her. “To hear that she had been found was unbelievable. “To actually see and speak to Angie and her husband, Al, was the icing on the cake — we all got on so well it was like we had known one another all our lives. “Even more strange was that some of Angie’s friends thought we even had some similar mannerisms and used some of the same phrases.”
Charity riders gearing up for hospice challenge CYCLISTS from Noble Foods at Bilsthorpe are tackling a 1,070mile charity ride across three countries in aid of the John Eastwood Hospice, Sutton, and Cancer Research. They aim to raise £20,000 from the event, which will start at the company’s largest feed mill at Belle Eau Park on 5th June and finish in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Friday 16th. The ride, which will climb 42,600 feet, will be tackled by Bob Lilliman, Richard Gartside, Tom Anderson, Jonty Hay, Lamberto Leoni, Elena Mallina, Tim Shetcliffe, Andrew Screech and, in the UK only, Geoff Garton, Brett Millar and Jon Allsopp. The hospice has close links to
the business as Sir John Eastwood was the founder of what is now Noble Foods. The riders said: “Both charities are very important and personal to us and support is greatly appreciated. “The hospice receives no NHS funding and is only able to continue from donations.” To donate go to mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/mansfieldtomonaco#. WQrovsgxYsU.twitter Last year staff from the company raised more than £23,000 for the hospice and a colleague diagnosed with terminal cancer by riding from the company’s southern-most feed mill, Clearwell, Gloucestershire, to its northernmost mill in Thornton, Scotland.
A COMMUNITY parade is being planned through Mansfield next summer. It could feature groups such as Guides, Scouts, sports clubs, WIs and any other community organisations wanting to take part. Those walking in the parade would wave flags and banners behind marching bands. Tractors, vintage vehicles, specialist motorbikes and emergency service vehicles could also feature. It is hoped charities would be able to collect money along the route. The parade, which is still in the early planning stages, could start at the Civic Centre or from the Chesterfield Road cricket pitch and last for around an hour. (Continued on page 2)
Festival results THE 94th Mansfield Music and Drama Festival attracted hundreds of young people. For all the results and photos from the festival’s annual winners’ concert, see pages 13-16.
Wembley reward PORTLAND College’s football team went to the FA Cup final at Wembley to collect the 2017 FA People’s Cup. They won the cup in the Adult Male Disability League after entering for the first time. Matt McAndrew, manager and member of staff at the college, said: “I don’t see seven people with disabilities out there, I see seven players.” The team, made up of current and former learners and staff who all have disabilities, started the competition at Long Eaton and then qualified for the finals in Birmingham.
In the final, Portland equalised in the last minute against Mill Hill to draw 3-3. Portland won the penalty shoot-out 3-1. Dave Winter, sports co-ordinator at the college, said: “Credit goes to the FA for giving everyone an opportunity to compete. “The highlight was seeing everyone come together.” The team was captain Shaun Lebeter, Sam Crowther, Ben Atkin, Adam Ashley, Zac Day, Chris Burton, James Horsley and Amir Haziza.
Champagne celebrations MEMBERS of Soroptimist International Mansfield and District celebrated the club’s diamond anniversary at a champagne and canape evening hosted by president Diane Milner and Anne Bull. The club, which was chartered in 1957, has focused its work on local, national and international causes for more than 60 years. Diane has chosen to support the Diamond Education Fund, which helps students to complete advanced
education, and Mansfield’s Fountaindale School during her year in office. Fundraising events will include a craft fair at Ravenshead Village Hall in July, a male voice choir concert in the autumn, a friendship evening in November, a quiz in January and a fashion show in March. The club, which has 40 members, always welcomes women with a little spare time to consider joining. Go to sigbi.org/mansfield for more information.
FULL COLLEGE OPEN EVENING
TUESDAY 4 JULY 5pm-7pm Derby Road, Mansfield, NG18 5BH
Let us know if you can make it: www.wnc.ac.uk/4july
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Dates and times are correct at time of print. Please see website for updated information.
Meet with college tutors. Speak to employers and our apprenticeship team. Apply for courses or apprenticeships on the night.