Category: Community

  • Retford caravan dealership raises smiles with new video to raise cancer awareness and launch charity fundraiser

    Retford caravan dealership raises smiles with new video to raise cancer awareness and launch charity fundraiser

    A Retford business is turning heads — and raising smiles — with a bold new campaign supporting Cancer Research UK.

    Award-winning caravan and motorhome dealership Grantham’s has launched a fundraising drive that combines humour, heart, and health awareness.

    Through the Work for Good platform, Grantham’s will donate 10% of all proceeds from caravan and motorhome habitation services directly to Cancer Research UK, helping fund life-saving research while encouraging people to look after their own health.

    The witty – yet powerful video has already captured attention online and can be seen HERE

    In the clip, a Grantham’s technician finishes explaining a customer’s completed caravan service before saying, “Other than that, I think that’s it — unless there’s anything else?” The customer then humorously drops their trousers, implying a “check down below,” to which the technician replies, “We just service caravans.”

    The light-hearted exchange ends with an impactful message: “You check your caravan… so why not check yourself?”

    The twist reminds viewers about the importance of regular health checks — especially for cancers that can go unnoticed until later stages.

    “If it encourages one person to get checked, it’s worth it,” said Mitch Brown, who is director of marketing at Grantham’s.

    “We wanted to do something that not only raises funds but starts conversations. The idea behind the video was to take something our customers are familiar with — a caravan service — and use it as a way to highlight the importance of looking after yourself, too.

    “Cancer affects so many people, and if our message encourages even one person to get checked, it’s worth it.”

    The fundraising campaign will run throughout the season, with donations made transparently via Work for Good, ensuring every contribution directly benefits Cancer Research UK.

    Customers booking a caravan or motorhome habitation service during this period will be directly supporting groundbreaking research and helping to make a difference in the fight against cancer.

  • Bassetlaw District Council say they are ‘leading the way’ with approach to tackling empty shop problem in Retford and Worksop

    Bassetlaw District Council say they are ‘leading the way’ with approach to tackling empty shop problem in Retford and Worksop

    A council say they are ‘leading the way’ their approach to tackling the problem of long-term empty shops as one of the early adopters of the High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers.

    Bassetlaw District Council council has been working with landlords, agents and businesses to understand the barriers to occupancy, the current retail and hospitality market and what drives investment into High Streets.

    This collaborative approach has already paid off with vacancy rates falling since high streets were designated in March. In Retford it’s dropped from 8.16% to 5.78% and from 11.48% to 9.84% in Harworth and Bircotes, while in Worksop it’s remained level at 19.20% with shops closed counterbalanced by new shops opening.

    Since work began on the HSRA, 23 shops across the district have been let or are currently under offer. In addition, several long-term vacant properties in Worksop have recently been brought back to the market.

    Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning and Place said: “We are encouraged by the positive outcomes of our HSRA approach, which prioritises building trust and transparency with landlords and agents before considering any formal action.”

    “By working closely with them, we’ve been able to address market challenges head-on, assist in quickly supporting prospective tenants with available properties and offer additional support with grants for fit outs incentivising businesses to invest in our high streets.”

    HSRA provides a new power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out commercial properties unoccupied continuously for 12 months or for at least 366 days within a 24-month period to new tenants, such as local businesses or community groups.

    “We’ve been able to address market challenges head-on” – Cllr Steve Scotthorne

    The council is viewing it as a last resort, only where all voluntary routes have been exhausted and has been giving wider support to 14 local authorities across the UK sharing best practice.

    The council has also been supporting specific types of businesses underrepresented on the high streets with shop fit out grants of up to £20k to take on empty premises, providing wrap around support to new businesses as well as supporting and retaining existing businesses. These fit out grants have been supported by £100k from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) from funding provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

    The council’s efforts have been praised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as an example of best practice for its work focused on relationship building rather than enforcement, aligning HSRA work with the Council’s wider town centre investment strategy including the introduction of shop fit out grants, business support and place marketing work through the ‘Discover’ campaigns.

    Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said:“By bringing landlords, businesses and communities together, Bassetlaw District Council is showing how High Street Rental Auction powers can transform towns.

    “This collaborative approach is delivering real results in bringing vacancy rates down and reopening shops that have sat unoccupied for far too long.

    “This is exactly the kind of proactive, partnership-driven work that’ll breathe new life into high streets across the country.”

    To find out about the HRSA designated areas visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/HSRA/ or for more information on support available to high street businesses visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/support-and-advice-for-businesses

  • Councillor funding boost for community sports sessions in Harworth and Bircoates

    Councillor funding boost for community sports sessions in Harworth and Bircoates

    Young people in Harworth and Bircotes will be able to access more community sport sessions thanks to a £700 grant from two Bassetlaw District Councillors.

    Active Communities CIC, which is based in the town, has provided inclusive and accessible sport, in addition to youth leadership programmes, across Bassetlaw for over two years.

    Ward councillors for Harworth and Bircotes, Cllr Lynne Schuller and Cllr Joe Horrocks, have used some of their Councillor Grant to support community sport sessions that will help to reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing through structured activities.

    Darren Huart, from Active Communities CIC, said: “We’d like to thank Cllr Schuller and Cllr Horrocks for their donation to Active Communities.

    “This much-needed funding will contribute to ongoing facility hire costs, helping us deliver vital sport and wellbeing sessions for low or no cost in our communities.”

    Throughout the year, Active Communities CIC deliver multi-sport sessions including football, cricket, basketball in addition to youth leadership and engagement programmes. So far, over 30 young people have earned qualifications through these sessions which have helped young people to gain employment.

    Cllr Schuller said: “In providing sporting chances for our children and young people we raise their aspirations and allow them to succeed. The CIC results show the benefits of their work with so many receiving additional qualifications and preparation for work. We thank Active Communities for their investment into our children and young people and will continue to support them to improve the health and lives of those they engage with.”

    For more information about Active Communities CIC visit: activecomms.co.uk

    Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small budget and has the discretion to award grants to activities that will benefit the community within their respective electoral ward areas. Councillors will consider grant applications for sports, culture and heritage, environment and sustainability, social welfare and community activities.

  • Egg-citing news as Ralphie the Rabbit plans visit to Worksop Bus Station to spread Easter cheer

    Egg-citing news as Ralphie the Rabbit plans visit to Worksop Bus Station to spread Easter cheer

    Stagecoach East Midlands will be bringing some extra Easter cheer during the holidays with a visit to Worksop Bus Station from Ralphie the Rabbit.

    Keep an eye out for Ralphie if you’re at the bus station on Wednesday, April 16 in the afternoon.

    Ralphie will be chaperoned by Stagecoach staff to hand out chocolate eggs to passengers.

    Matt Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We take great pride supporting the communities we serve, here at Stagecoach East Midlands. Our staff regularly raise money for local and national charities, and we often run schemes that allow us to give back to those in need. However, sometimes it’s just nice to get Ralphie out of his hutch and giving away some chocolate to the people using our local bus services!”

    If you’re looking for some Easter activities to do during these school holidays, check out the Great Days Out page on Stagecoach’s website, to find out where you could go on a bus – https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/east-midlands/family-days-out

  • Rampton group helping tackle loneliness in community receive funding boost from local councillor

    Rampton group helping tackle loneliness in community receive funding boost from local councillor

    A group in Rampton working to tackle social isolation and loneliness has received a funding boost from a local councillor.

    The Rampton Friendship Group has been running in the village for just over a year and meets once a month on a Wednesday.

    The group welcomes all residents of Rampton and Woodbeck to the meetings, with the aim of helping to restore a sense of community and wellbeing, as well as provide a warm space through the colder months.

    The £200 Councillor Community Grant from Cllr Simon Richardson, Ward Member for Rampton, will help to fund the hire of the village hall, as well as buy new board games and jigsaws, and provide refreshments.

    Secretary of Rampton Entertainment Group, Diana Flanagan, said: “We would like to thank Cllr Richardson for his donation towards the Friendship Group, which is a welcome hub for Rampton and Woodbeck residents.

    “They enjoy the games on offer and the opportunity to spend quality time with old friends and get to know new ones. It is a vehicle for tackling loneliness and vulnerability by creating a warm, welcoming and safe space to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Any donations to help sustain and develop the group go a long way.”

    Cllr Simon Richardson said:“Groups such as the Friendship Group do incredible work in the community, giving isolated and vulnerable people a place to turn to for help, support and to enjoy themselves. Donating this grant, I hope will go a long way in supporting the group and see it thrive.”

    To find out when the Friendship Group are meeting, visit: https://www.ramptonandwoodbeck-pc.gov.uk/local-events

    Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small budget and has the discretion to award grants to community activities that will benefit the community within their respective electoral ward areas.

    Councillors will consider grant applications for sports; culture and heritage; environment and sustainability; social welfare; and community activities.