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.
Shoppers in Bassetlaw are being encouraged to take advantage of free parking in the run-up to Christmas.
Visitors to Worksop and Retford will be able to enjoy extended free car parking in all Bassetlaw District Council Car Parks (including the Priory Centre in Worksop) in the weeks before Christmas and New Year.
Parking will be free after 1pm each day, an hour earlier than in previous years and a week earlier across the district.
PICTURED: Bassetlaw District Council offices in Worksop
Free parking will be available from Saturday, November 22 2025 until Monday, January 5, 2026.
The Council is running the scheme in a bid to attract more people into the town centres to support high street businesses.
Parking will be free from 1pm in council car parks for the Christmas Lights Switch on in Worksop on Saturday, November 22.
Cllr Alan Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Financial Services said: “We hope by extending our free parking offer will encourage more people to shop local and support traders and businesses in our town centres.
“It also means those attending the Christmas Lights ‘Switch On’ in Worksop later this month will also benefit from the free parking in our council owned car parks.”
A Retford-based paint firm has played a magical part in one of the world’s most anticipated TV shows.
Paintman Paint Ltd has supplied the paint used on the brand-new Hogwarts Express, which will feature in the upcoming Harry Potter HBO television series set for release next year.
The historic locomotive No. 6989 Wightwick Hall has been transformed to take on the iconic role of the Hogwarts Express – and the paint produced by Paintman Paint helped bring its instantly recognisable deep red finish back to life.
Beth Pensom, operations director at Paintman Paint, said: “We’ve been keeping this secret for quite some time, and we’re incredibly proud to finally share it. To know that our paint will be seen by millions of fans around the world is an unbelievable moment for a small company like ours. It means a great deal to our whole team.”
The cast of the new Harry Potter show being made by HBO (IMAGE: HBO)Paint Man Paints unit on Trinity Park in Retford
Wightwick Hall, a 1948 Great Western Railway locomotive, has been repainted ahead of filming and will appear in its new starring role when the highly anticipated Harry Potter series launches. Filming and production have been underway throughout 2024, with the series expected to air in 2026/7.
For Paintman Paint, which specialises in high-quality hand-mixed paints used for heritage vehicles, classic restorations and historic preservation, the project has been a milestone moment.
“Paintman Paint has always been about craftsmanship and heritage,” said Beth.
“The Hogwarts Express is a cultural icon, and to contribute to its appearance in this new chapter is something we’ll never forget.”
The company now hopes this achievement will shine a spotlight on the skills and talent found within local manufacturing.
A family has been left ‘distraught’ after their tortoise was stolen from its home in Beckingham.
The 35-year-old pet – named George – was taken from his home in Church Street, sometime between 25 October 25 and November 1.
George’s owner returned from holiday to find him missing, with his cage turned upside down.
Officers are now appealing to the public to help track him down.
Sergeant James Robinson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “George’s family are understandably distraught about losing their long-time pet.
“The victim had implemented various security measures to keep the tortoise safe, so to return home and find him missing was a big shock for them.
“Tortoises require specific care and knowledge to remain happy and healthy, and with hibernation time coming up, George’s family are understandably anxious to bring him home.”
If you have information that could be valuable to the investigation, please call 101 quoting occurrence 25000648550, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Retford bus operator, Stagecoach East Midlands, has announced that free travel will be available on all its bus services for serving military, cadets, and veterans on Remembrance Sunday, November 9, and Armistice Day, Tuesday, November 11.
The offer applies to any serving military or cadet in uniform, those with a military ID card, and veterans wearing medals or badges, attending remembrance services.
Matt Cranwell, managing director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our colleagues and customers and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people attend memorials.
“We have thousands of ex-forces colleagues working across our business, and our Veterans Network allows us to build on the work Stagecoach has led over many years to identify how else we can support those veterans already working for us and those that may want to come and join the Company.”
Stagecoach’s dedication to offering free travel for the Armed Forces is supported by its employee-led Veterans Network. This network was established to unite Stagecoach employees, giving them a platform to drive positive change, raise awareness, shape business decisions, and implement new initiatives that enhance the company.
Stagecoach has been a member of the Armed Forces Covenant since March 2015. The Covenant recognises the value of serving military, regular and reservists, veterans and military families across the country. The Company is also a Gold employee award holder, as part of The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, for its commitment to the armed forces community
Nottinghamshire Police has today (22) been removed from special measures by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, who said that the causes for concern it previously raised have now been ‘addressed and closed’.
The Force was told it had to make improvements in how the force investigates crime, delivers neighbourhood policing and activities to prevent crime and disorder, and to improve how it manages performance.
The force was placed under enhanced monitoring back in March 2024.
HM Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am pleased with the good progress that Nottinghamshire Police has made so far. While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.
“We are reassured by the plans the police force has in place to continue making improvements, particularly in relation to crime investigation, leadership, force management and neighbourhood policing. We will continue to assess its progress to make sure the people of Nottinghamshire are getting the service they deserve.”
Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper says: “This represents a significant step in the force’s ongoing improvement journey to better serve communities across Nottinghamshire.
“We took being placed in ‘engage’ very seriously and through Chief Constable Kate Meynell’s improvement plan, which she implemented and ensured we delivered against, we used this as an opportunity not only to deliver meaningful improvements that are embedded across our force, but to improve in all that we do.
“The changes we have made have improved the quality of service we provide to communities and victims of crime, and we are committed to maintaining this and identifying any further improvements we can make.
“We remain grateful to HMICFRS, the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office for their guidance and support throughout.”
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden added: “This is fantastic news for the public of Nottinghamshire. It is recognition that Nottinghamshire Police is successfully improving the service it provides, following the plan put in place by Chief Constable Kate Meynell and the focused delivery by the entire workforce.
“It is a milestone moment for the service, and we now have a platform to build from to improve even further.
“The next step is to keep up the pace and work toward Nottinghamshire Police becoming an outstanding force and supporting my Police and Crime Plan priorities –continuing to earn public trust and confidence by putting communities and victims first, strengtheningpartnership working and providing an effective and resilient policing service.”
Two of the causes for concern, relating to managing performance and governance, and neighbourhood policing and preventing crime, were closed by HMICFRS on 4 April 2025.
At this time, the inspectorate commended the force for the improvements it had made in these areas, which included ensuring neighbourhood police officers spend more time in their local community.
HMICFRS also reported being pleased with the progress Nottinghamshire Police had made in improving the management, supervision and effectiveness of its investigations, before closing this final cause for concern on 22 May.
On closing this, the inspectorate commented that it was pleased with the improvement in Nottinghamshire Police’s management of crime, including supervision of crime and oversight of performance.
Nottinghamshire Police has introduced several new systems to maintain this level of performance and high-quality investigations. These include the implementation of Quality Assurance Thematic Testing, to improve crime outcomes and victim satisfaction, and PowerBI, to manage performance.
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.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has declined to rule out any potential local coalition with Reform following the May 1 local elections in Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire County Council is holding an election Next Thursday, May 1, when county residents will have the chance to decide who they want representing them across divisions returning a total of 66 county councillors.
Mrs Badenoch paid a visited Excel Technology Group in Mansfield on Thursday (April 24) ahead of the vote.
The Conservative leader has previously ruled out any future national coalition between the Tories and Reform UK – the party seen as responsible for chipping away their support among right-leaning voters. Nationwide opinion polls currently place Reform ahead of the Conservatives in popularity.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Badenoch declined to rule out the possibility of the party forming any coalition with Reform in order to retain power at the council.
Instead she said local Conservative leaders need to do “what is right for their area” – not just what they think is needed to run a council.
Mrs Badenoch was joined by Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Sam Smith (Con) during the visit
She has previously ruled out any such power sharing deal for the national party.
Mrs Badenoch told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Party councillors need to do what is right for their area.
“Reform have fielded candidates all across the country.
“Most of them are paper candidates, they don’t necessarily come from the area.
“We take candidate selection very seriously.
“We make sure that they are people who are very skilled at what they’re going to be doing, because that is how we deliver better services for lower taxes.
“I’ve been talking to Sam [Smith], the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, about how hard they work to keep taxes down without cutting any services.
“Reform has no experience of running any single council, and this is why I’m reminding people that this is not an opinion poll.
“This is about who’s going to be running Adult Social Care, fixing your roads and so on and so forth.
“But as you would have seen historically, Conservatives have gone into coalition with Labour, for example.
“They’ve gone into coalition with Liberal Democrats because you don’t get to re-run a local government election.
“But Conservative councils will do what is right for their area, not just what they need to do in order to run a council.
“They will only support or be supported by people who want to help deliver a Conservative agenda.”
Mrs Badenoch said she is focused on delivering results to residents – but if the Conservatives don’t win, they will look into “alternative options”.
She also rejected a hardline stance against coalitions on a local level – indicating that they have happened in previous years.
The Tory leader said during today’s visit: “We are running to win the council.
“Talking about going into coalitions shows that it’s not really about the people, it’s just about who can win.
“This is not just about winning for us, it’s about the people who live here. It’s really important that they get the very best.
“Whenever you hear people talking about coalitions before an election, what they’re really talking about is stitch-ups.
“We’re not interested in stitch-ups – we’re interested in winning and running the council.
“If that doesn’t happen then we’ll look at alternative offers. We’ve gone in to coalitions with other parties before – with Independents, with Liberal Democrats, with Labour.
“We cannot be in a situation where bins aren’t being collected and services aren’t being delivered because no party has overall control.
“That is what happens at local government.
“What I’ve told our councillors is they need to look at who is going to deliver a Conservative agenda if they have not got one outright.
“And I trust them to make the best decisions for their local areas.
“But telling people to not go into a coalition if that’s the only option available to deliver services – that will not be right.
“We should stop playing politics with people’s lives, stop talking about stitch-ups and talk about how we’re going to make their lives better.”
Last December, the Labour Government announced an initiative to restructure local councils to promote a more efficient delivery of public services.
All nine Nottinghamshire councils have now developed three potential options, which have since been submitted to the Government for review.
That includes removing the current two-tier structure of local authorities in Nottinghamshire – which sees services split between lower and upper-tier councils.
Mrs Badenoch said local Government reorganisation is not a solution to improving services – but rather a “process”.
The key to a well-run council is having capable councillors in charge of delivering services, she said.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Local government reorganisation is not necessarily a solution – it’s just a process.
“It is always about the people. You can reorganise, but if you have bad people running a council, it will not make a difference.
“And that’s why it’s really important to look at who is standing.
“You only need to look at Birmingham, where rubbish is piling up in the streets and rats are running around – that’s what you get when you don’t pay attention to who’s going to be running local services.
“So the reorganisation is a side issue to the people and the quality of candidates that you have standing.”
A full list of all candidates standing in the May 2025 county council elections – including the names of people representing other political parties – can be found online.
